HD Ready

Introduction

HD Ready is a term and logo you will have become accustomed to, if you have begun the search for a new television set.

Articles

• Examination of high definition television displays
• A look at the continuing price reductions for HD sets
• A guide to HDMI cables and setup
• How personal computers and HD fit together

Introduction cont...

So what's the big deal? and why must you buy a TV with HD.

HD is short for 'High Definition', and is a new form of visual technology for televisions.

The quality of a TV's picture relies on the number of lines that a TV can use. More lines means more pixels (plasma and LCD screens are made up of millions of tiny dots called pixels), which in turn means more detail and a more realistic picture. The resolution of a screen is the gage by which the quality and detail can usually be decided. The more lines and pixels a screen can support the higher the resolution level can be.

There are a selection of HD video modes,

- 720p - 1280x720 - progressive scan at 50 and 60Hz - 720 lines

- 1080i - 1920x1080 - interlaced at 50 and 60Hz - 1080 lines

- 1080p - 1920x1080 - progressive scan at 24,50 and 60Hz - 1080 lines

In 2007 1080i and 1080p are the highest-resolution formats available. They total around 2, 073, 600 pixels and are used by BSkyB for their HD broadcasting channels.

A standard transmission is 480i, and enhanced at 480p. Now that HD is readily available on most new modern, you can find a cheap price at many retailers.

HD requirements

For a television set to meet the minimal requirements required to be HD ready it must have,

• 720 lines
• YPbPr analogue component connection
• DVI or HDMI interface
• Support for HDCP copy protection

For TV's to display a 1080i or 1080p HD logo they must meet a higher standard. Displayport is a new interface standard which may also be used by LCD screens.

DVI and HDMI

DVI was developed by the "Digital Display Working Group", and produces a high speed connection between digital appliances. This means you can hook up a personal computer to a television set. It's alot faster than the red blue green YPbPr analogue signal. DVI was the first cable interface used by digital televisions.

HDMI came along later and has superseded DVI. The term stands for "High-Definition Multimedia Interface", and basically does the exact same job as DVI. The difference is that it sends both a video and audio signal, whereas DVI can only send a video signal. So with HDMI you require less cables, can still connect to a PC, and is rated as the basic video quality yet seen.

HDMI has the support of the MPAA, and if you have the choice you should pick a HDMI connection over a DVI. Ideally pick a TV which has both.

If you have just purchased a new Playstation 3 console with a HD Ready television you will need to buy a separate HDMI cable. Sony do not include one free with the console, it will cost around £20. Without it you can only display games at a standard resolution via a scart cable. Also check here for a list of stands you can buy for a new TV.

Sky HD

Sky have been the first UK broadcaster to offer a HD service. In 2007 they launched two movies channels, sky one and sky sports with a HD signal. It is still expensive, but expect Sky to expand the service and lower the price in coming years. When more and more viewers own a HD ready television and desire to watch their favourite shows, films, and football games in breath taking quality.

Privacy Policy

The information contained within this site is general in nature, and may not be applicable to all HD Ready tvs. We can also not guarantee the accuracy of the information.