So, what exactly is HDTV and how does this affect my decision to purchase a flatscreen TV?

HDTV is the acronym for High Definition Televion. Like a cinema screen, an HDTV screen has an aspect ratio of 16:9, also known as widescreen format. But the main reason you may be interested in an HDTV Television is because of its superior screen resolution. There are 3 varieties at the moment: 720p, 1080i, and 1080p.

The p represents “progressive” and the i signifies “interlaced” which are the types of scan the television uses to display the picture. Each number corresponds to the number of lines within the signal.

Why are these lines important?

Well, it all comes down to the quality of the image. The more lines within an HDTV television the greater the crispness and quality of the projected image. You’ll be able to see greater detail, crispness and colour, improving the overall television viewing experience.

HD resolution content can only be displayed on HDTVs. Some digital TVs however can display HD content but at a lower resolution. Older televisions, or those that are analog or possess only standard digital capabilities, will not be able to display High Definition content due to inferior technology.