Just How Good is the High Definition Picture, Really?


Defined Tag: High Definition Picture.

Unless you have been completely oblivious to technology over the past decade, you know about all of the buzz around high definition. Essentially, high definition is the term for a much higher quality picture and sound that you can now have right in your home. Think of it as currently the closest thing to actually being in the jungle while you are watching Rambo or flying an X-Wing while you are watching Star Wars. The high definition picture is really something you have to see to believe--it’s that good.

There are several versions of a high definition picture that you should be aware of before you head off to the store to buy the first item branded “high definition�. Each of these versions differs in the amount of clarity in the picture--and price. The high end high definition televisions carry a significantly higher price tag than the lower end high definition televisions do.

The best high definition picture quality you can buy is what is known as 1080p. This is the cream of the crop of high definition devices, as it gives viewers the most realistic and lifelike picture. If you are interested in the nomenclature, 1080p means 1080 pixels of resolution displayed in progressive scan mode.

Throughout the years, there have been some discussion over which of the lower two high definition resolutions look the best. 1080i or 720p. 1080i uses interlaced scanning, but has more pixels. On the other hand, 720p uses the higher quality progressive scan but has less pixels. Because of the progressively scanning nature of 720p, the quality of the 720p picture is higher in rapid action scenes while the quality of the 1080i high definition picture is higher during more inactive scenes. In other words, the jury is still out on which high definition picture is better, but if you want the best, then 1080p should be your only choice.