What is Full HD?
1 Dec 08
Is there a difference between HD (High Definition) and Full HD?
And if there is a difference, is it significant?
High Definition (HD) Plasmas and LCDs have been around for sometime and have greatly improved the quality and clarity of the pictures we view. The resolution of a HD display may typcially be 1280 x 1080.
By comparison, a product promoting itself as Full HD offers a resolution of 1920 x 1080.
So what do these numbers mean?
The first number (1920) refers to the number of pixels across a screen, while the second number (1080) refers to the number of horizontal lines or pixels down a screen.
Essentially we are talking about the amount of picture information that is packed on to the screen, which can be delivered using either the interlaced (i) or progressive (p) scanning method. Now these terms 'interlaced' and 'progressive' are important to know, as they have become a real cause of contention within the AV industry.
In a progressive-scan display, the lines are refreshed one by one starting with the top line, followed by the second, third etc. The whole cycle repeats 60 times a second. With interlaced-scanning, every second line is scanned, starting with the top line, followed by the third, then the fifth line etc. until it reaches the bottom of the screen. Scanning then returns to the 2nd line, and continues to the 4th, 6th and so on.
By comprison the whole picture is refreshed only 30 times a second. The issue is around the definition of Full HD.
Manufacturers and TV networks are promoting their products as Full HD whether they use progressive or interlaced scanning methods.
Some believe that only progressive scanning can be called Full HD, while others believe it can be either progressive or interlaced,
The fact is, there is no official standard at the moment and different manufacturers, retailers and TV networks will try to sell you a different story.
As consumers, what you need to know is there are pros and cons for both types here is Australia. So if you are looking around. it is definitely worth getting sound, unbiased advice first.
While we are on the subject of HD, it is important to note that many Plasma's and LCD;s (both current and older models) specify a lower resolution, yet still promote themselves as accepting HD signals. This is true, they will accept the HD signal, however they will then down-convert the picture and display it at their native resolution. So the picture will not be as good as the newer Full HD products.
In simple terms, Full HD does offer superior picture quality. However with the absence of an official standard on progressive vs interlaced scanning and differences in opinions fyling around, make sure you speak to us first before making your next Plasma or LCD decision.
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