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720p vs. 480p (1 Viewer)

Erik_AND

Auditioning
Joined
Jan 15, 2006
Messages
10
I started my search for my first HD set last week, and ever since then I have been trying to learn more about home theater. I understand that few sets have 1080p, and that the majority receive 1080i, and that standard definition is 480i.

My question is, what is the diffrence between 720p and 480p? 480p is used in standard DVDs correct?
 

JeremyErwin

Senior HTF Member
Joined
Feb 11, 2001
Messages
3,218
480i (which is used on DVDs) has a resolution of 240 rows by 720 columns. Sequential frames are combined, either by the human eye or by a deinterlacing algorithm into a 480 row, 720 column picture.

720p has a resolution of 720 rows by 1280 columns. It is noninterlaced.

1080i has a resolution of 540 rows by 1920 columns. It is interlaced, and either a deinterlacer, or the human eye can reassemble it into a 1920x1080 image.
 

joseph westcott

Second Unit
Joined
Oct 24, 2005
Messages
355
1)480i is considered Standard Definition ATSC.

2)480p is considered Enhanced Definition and is usually in DVD format.

3)720p is High Definition using a native display resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels.

4)1080i is High Definition and using a native display resolution of 1920 x 1280 pixels and downscales for 1280 x 720 displays.

5)1080p is HD and uses the same display resolution as 1080i but is capable of accepting a 1080 progressive signal.

3,4, and 5 are all HD. 720p and 1080i signals are the most prevalent and readily available via satellitecable.

1080p is cutting edge and is pricedavailable accordingly.

Very basic explanation.

Here is a site link that might interest you.

http://www.projectorcentral.com/true_hdtv.htm

Hope this helps.
 

Bob McElfresh

Senior HTF Member
Joined
May 22, 1999
Messages
5,182
Hi Erik - Welcome to HTF! :)

Our Primer/FAQ also has a lot of good basic information about HDTV and equipment.

A common mistake for many people: They see a beautiful demo in the show-room, buy the TV and get it home. Then they plug in their old CATV coax (based on the 1940's television standard) and ... are un-impressed.

You need to find out a source of HD programming. If your CATV company offers HD programming - great. If not, consider one of the sat companies (DirectTV or Dish Network).

Being in Montana - you might be able to simply put up an antenna. (Try www.antennaweb.org to type in your address and see what stations are close to you). If you are lucky enough to get Over the Air (OTA) signals - be sure to buy a model of a HDTV with a built-in tuner.

Good luck and dont be afraid to ask questions here or in the Display Devices fourm.
 

Erik_AND

Auditioning
Joined
Jan 15, 2006
Messages
10
Yup, Iv found some great info in the few days that iv visited here, now I just need to go buy a multi-directional antenna!
 

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