High Definition Vs Standard Definition
High definition is rapidly replacing standard definition when it comes to television broadcasts. HDTV takes advantage of new technology to deliver a sharper, clearer picture than with standard definition. The exact differences are more technical than that, but it pays to know at least the basics of what they are.
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Analog vs. Digital
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Standard definition TV relies on analog signals, which take up more space in the spectrum. Digital signals used by HDTV are much more compact, allowing the signal to carry much more information (and thus provide a clearer picture).
Pixel Lines
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Pixel lines are the streams of data running across your TV screen: the more lines on the screen, the sharper the picture. High definition allows for more pixel lines per screen.
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Numbers
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Standard definition television is limited to a certain number of lines per screen (usually about 480). High definition screens can support many more lines, denoted by resolution numbers (such as "720p" and "1080i").
Interlaced
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The little "i" after the resolution number refers to "interlaced." Interlaced TVs display only half the available pixels at any time: flickering back and forth to give the illusion of an integrated image (that's what causes the flicker on your TV).
Progressive
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If the set doesn't have an "i" after its resolution number, it will have a "p," which stands for "progressive." Progressive sets display all of the available pixels on their screens (and are thus clearer than interlaced sets).
HD Advantages
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HD sets are much more capable of presenting progressive signals at a higher resolution than standard televisions.
Standard Definition Advantages
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Standard definition is cheaper than high definition, and, as of this writing, not all shows are broadcast in HD. That means you could pay for an HD set and sometimes end up watching a standard definition show.
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