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what is the difference betwen an ED and an HD T.V? Also.... (1 Viewer)

todd stone

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Dec 1, 2000
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here are two types of Plasma tv's out, and ED and an HD...I know HD is probably better, but how much worse would ED be, any idea? they are about 1K cheaper for a 42 inch

any guidance is appreciated
 

RAF

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Jul 3, 1997
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Here's what Rodolfo La Maestra, who deals with these things, has to say about EDTV vs. HDTV:

EDTV: Enhanced Digital Television. Not a DTV format standard as originally
established. The term was created by the CEA a couple of years ago to help
consumers in the transition to DTV. When the CEA created the term there were
a number of 4:3 TV sets that manufacturers called HDTVs but only showed 810i
lines of a 16:9 1080i image (25% less in the vertical resolution), those TVs
chose that design to maintain the rectangular wide-screen geometry of the HD
image within the 4:3 frame of the TV, the remaining 270 lines (1080i minus
810i) of the TV set were used to scan top/bottom black bars instead of using
them for the actual incoming image (also known as letterbox).


The EDTV category was placed by the CEA between the originally approved SDTV and HDTV standards, but instead of putting those 4:3 sets on that EDTV
category the CEA did the following: a) the 480p SDTV-only sets were promoted
to the EDTV level, and b) the 810i (non-HDTV) 4:3 sets were promoted to the
group of fully capable HDTV sets (720p or 1080i).


With time, a number of 4:3 sets were designed to adjust their scanning
raster so they could show all the 1080i lines of incoming signal closer
together, all within the displayed 16:9 image, in those TVs the black bars
are dead space, the TV is not using resolution lines for the black bars (as
opposed to the 810i style). It is recommended to verify how a 4:3 TV
handles 16:9 images before the purchase.
In other words, while better than a standard TV, ED is not HD. If you want to learn more about this topic in detail, there is a link to Rudolfo's comprehensive 95 page report on Digital TV (click on HD Vision Report) here. There is a wealth of information that should answer a lot of questions.

Hope this helps.
 

DaveGTP

Senior HTF Member
Joined
Jul 24, 2002
Messages
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Todd, if you are considering an enhanced-def Plasma, see the AVSforum plasma FAQ: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...hreadid=167397

In particular, the link EDTV proliferation may interest you. The short version: ED plasmas will downconvert HD to the plasma's native resolution. Many people find that past 8 feet or so, they are unable to tell the distance between the two (at least in regards to the Panasonic 42” ED models, which are regarded as one of the top models for PQ). For the 2k or so, they settle with it. Not everybody, but quite a few. Personally that is my plan, I don't care about HDTV, I am interested in progressive for DVDs and video games, new and oldschool.

Also, the ED plasmas have less upscaling to do, so standard def sources like cable, VCR, etc actually tend to look better (less upscaling artifacts). So, it depends on your viewing habits and likes (like anything HT related :) )

The Panny 42" TH-42PWD6UY can be found for about $2800 now, they are coming close to affordability.
 

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