What Is Integrated High Definition?

Integrated High Definition (HD) is a feature in television sets in which the screen has HD capability and the HD tuner is built in, and doesn't need a secondary component to receive high-definition pictures and audio.

History

HD technology was in the works for years but was held back by competing manufacturers. The FCC-mandated NTSC (National Television Systems Committee) and later the ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee) created the standard, and with improved technology including digital compression, HDTVs could be more easily mass produced.

Improvements

Standard-definition TVs offer 720 (horizontal) by 480 (vertical) lines of resolution on the screen at a given time. HDTVs have up to 1920 by 1080 lines, making for a sharper, more detailed picture. A higher frame rate of up to 25 frames per second adds to the improved picture.

Theater quality

Integrated HDTVs have a wider 16:9 aspect ratio, similar to that of movie theater screens--as opposed to the 4:3 aspect ratio of older SDTVs. And because HD signals are digital, they also offer Dolby 5.1 channel surround sound audio. This is an upgrade from the two-channel stereo audio of standard TVs.

Integrated HD vs. HD-Ready

Integrated HDTVs have the HD technology built in to the circuitry, so all that's needed to view programs in HD is to connect to a digital antenna or cable/satellite receiver. HD-ready TVs are capable of viewing HD programs but need a component with an HD tuner. HD-ready has largely become a dated concept; integrated HD has become the standard.

Computers

Many home computers and laptops have integrated HD technology as well, allowing the monitors to receive the same high-definition video for viewing.