If you're not much of a "techie" you might start to feel as if you're getting lost in the whirlwind of latest products that are continually being released as technological innovation is constantly changing and improving these days. The progress in tv display quality with the switch to digital tv signals is one huge technology switch that's getting its way into virtually every house. Likely you realized that most of the models label themselves as "high-definition" if you have lately considered buying a brand new television. How does it rival the standard definition that a lot of of us are very much accustomed to and simply what does it really mean?

On its most basic level the difference concerning the two kinds of definition is dependant on the pixel count of the screen. Pixels refer to the tiny squares that comprise a picture; in fact, when you get really near to the television you can really see them. The amount of pixels in each direction, vertical and horizontal, determines the quality or definition of the picture. The resolution of your display screen will determine whether your tv can actually manage high definition programming or only regular definition programming.

Standard definition programming requires a screen resolution of 704 x 480, or 740 verticals lines across 480 horizontal lines. This brings about the standard for all tv programmes prior to the coming of hd which is a display that could handle the 4:3 screen size. A television requires a screen with a resolution of at least "720p" or "1080i" to have full benefit of high-definition. Both of these standards refer to whether the signal is scanned gradually or uses intertwined scan lines. Most tv models will list this type of information prominently on the unit, so that you can make sure that you are getting a tv set that could manage the kind of programming you need to see.

Technical lingo apart the biggest distinctions between standard definition and high definition are the image quality and the audio quality. It'll be instantly noticeable that there is a remarkable difference in the quality of the images if you have been viewing a standard definition television set in your own home and you compare it to several high-definition models at most electronic outlets. Sound quality increases also with high definition programming, although much may be done to boost sound quality from any signal with the aid of the appropriate audio components. The sound from hi-def programming playing on a high-definition television will sound substantially better even through tv speakers.

You'll see that there is an alternative to buy a Freeview HD receiver should you be deciding on switching to Freeview. You will need HD programming if you already own an HD television, or you are considering of purchasing one in the near future, and you really want to make the most of your TV. The Freeview HD receiver is a good, cost-effective way to bring HD programming into your dwelling for the whole family to savor.