HDTV is an emerging technology that offers better picture and audio quality than regular television through a high quality digital signal. Today there are many HD standards and terms that are vying for acceptance in the market. The most common standards are 480i, 480p, 720i, 720p and 1080i. These are the terms you will encounter as you search for a new TV, satellite receiver, or cable box. The number indicates the number of lines from the top to bottom of the screen. The higher the number the sharper the picture in most cases.

What are the two major types of HDTV?

The two major types of HDTV are interlaced and progressive. The suffix will have either an “i or p” indicating interlaced or progressive (non-interlaced). Interlaced is two frames or pictures alternating to form the display viewed. The progressive is both frames shown at the same time sharpening the picture. Many broadcasters offer a combination of SD (Standard Digital) (480i) and HD (720p or 1080i). The nature channels like to use 1080i as it delivers the highest quality for slow-moving pictures. On the other hand, many sporting events are broadcast in 720p for the superior quality of high-speed pictures.

What equipment is needed to view HDTV at Wake Forest?

The TV you choose for watching HDTV must be HD-ready. Most of the larger projection, LCD and plasma televisions today have HDTV tuners built in. A standard LCD computer monitor can be used as a HDTV monitor, provided the receiver purchased has a VGA output. The HD television (with a receiver built in) or HDTV receiver needs are, an off-air HDTV tuner and an output compatible with the monitor you are using.

What programming is available in HD?