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What Is High Definition Television?
What does 720p and 1080i mean?
Scan type comes in two versions:
Progressive Scan (denoted by the “p”)- This method shows each line of pixels consecutively from top-to-bottom and left-to-right. With 720 lines and 1,280 pixels in each line, this process must be done extremely fast and it a primary factor for why Progressive Scan televisions are generally more expensive.
Interlaced Scan (denoted by the “i”)- This method shows each line of pixels on the screen in two sets: 540 odd lines and 540 even lines for a total of 1080 lines. If each line were numbered, it would flash between odd and even numbered lines. This, alternating “back and forth”flashing, occurs as such a fast rate, the human eye will not notice it.
Both formats are considered HD; however some people believe progressive is the better of the two.
What does 16:9 aspect ratio mean?
Aspect ratio refers to the shape of the screen. 16:9 aspect ratio means the screen is shaped like a rectangle or “widescreen.” This shape is similar to a movie screen and means the viewer can see more of the action than with a standard analog TV.
HDTV from DISH Network provides high resolution widescreen High Definition programming, integrated with Dolby Digital 5.1channel surround sound that helps make your television viewing experience come to life. High Definition is a high-resolution digital broadcast format for programming. It has a six times sharper picture than standard definition broadcasts, which results in a more exciting viewing experience with lifelike colors and richer sounds.
DISH Network broadcasts all HD programs in widescreen (16:9) format. Unlike standard format (4:3), which causes some images to appear squeezed in the middle or cut off along the sides of the screen, widescreen HD broadcasts reproduce screen images as they were originally meant to be seen.
The 16:9 aspect ratio refers to the shape of the screen. 16:9 means that the screen is shaped like a rectangle or “widescreen.” This shape is similar to a movie screen and means that the viewer can see more than with a standard analog TV. HDTV’s use a method of scanning called “progressive” scan to produce a flicker-free image, making text easier to read and fast-motion video appear smoother than televisions that use interlaced scanning.;
Interlaced scanning refreshes pixels in alternations; first the odd lines, then the even lines; showing only ½ of the screens picture elements at any given moment.
DISH Network offers the most high definition programming anywhere with 39 channels and over 300 hours of HD content every day. DISH Network offers programming for everyone in the family- sports, movies, news & lifestyle, family and entertainment.
To view high definition you must have an HD Television, HD receiving equipment such as a FREE DISH Network HD antenna and receiver.
- 15 VOOM channels
- Discovery HD
- TNT HD
- ESPNHD
- ESPN2HD
- HDNet
- HDNetMovies
- HGTV HD
- NFL Network HD
- National Geographic Channel HD
- Food Network HD
- Showtime HD
- HD
- Starz HD
- Universal HD
- DISH HD PPV
DISH Network also has local channels in HD in select markets which includes ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC and more.
Read How to get started with HDTV in our Satellite HD Education Portal.
HDTV Equipment Satellite Education Portal
To get High definition television programming, you need the right kind of equipment.
HDTV
You’ll need to purchase either an integrated HDTV or a TV that is “HD Ready”. Many of the newer TV’s are integrated HDTVs, but not all. An integrated set has the HDTV tuner built in so no additional HDTV tuners are needed to connect to HD programming. An HD Ready TV simply has the capability to accept HD programming with the aid of an HD converter or receiver. HDTVs come in many sizes, resolutions, and qualities. It is worth spending some time reading HDTV reviews to learn about the available features that can improve your experience such as LCD HDTV or DPL HDTV. Locate an HDTV review that specifically addresses the features you are interested in (try looking for targeted DPL or LCD HDTV reviews if those are what you want); pay attention to the HDTV ratings that compare the value of the features.
HDTV Converter or DISH Network HDTV Receiver
If your set isn’t integrated, you’ll need some sort of HDTV converter box to receive HD signal. Here you have many choices and the help of knowledgeable pros can really help you sort through them.
HDTV Antenna
HDTV antennas can also pick up HDTV broadcast programming, allowing you to access high def TV without the expense of a cable or satellite service provider, but channels will be limited. You’ll have the choice of an indoor or outdoor HDTV antenna; the best HDTV antenna choice for you will depend on your house’s location and what obstructions exist that might block your HDTV outdoor antenna.
HDTV Service
HDTV does not deliver high-definition without HD service. The TV in itself does not automatically pick up the programming without either an HDTV antenna or paid cable or DISH Network HD. However, like the equipment, there are big differences between the services, so you will definitely want to explore DISH HD network satellite TV, TV cable options, and read reviews of DISH Network HD satellite service vs. DirecTV so that you can get the most HD programming for the lowest monthly cost.
What are the DISH Network Display Resolutions?
720p 1080i and 1080p are display resolutions. A Standard Definition Analog Television has a maximum display resolution of 480i. The display resolutions are divided into two scan type versions.
Progressive Scan, which is indicated by a P works by showing each line of pixels consecutively from top-to-bottom and left-to-right. With 720 lines and 1,280 pixels in each line, this scanning process is executed extremely fast. Progressive Scan televisions are generally more expensive, but provide better pictures. The new Blue-Ray and HD DVD players are capable of 1080p.
The I related to display resolutions means Interlaced Scan. This process displays each line of pixels on the screen in two sets: 540 odd lines and 540 even lines for a total of 1080 lines. Basically, the television is alternating the display of every-other line.
Progressive Scan and Interlaced Scan formats are considered HD, but very few programs are broadcast in progressive scan due to the bandwidth required.
