What is 1080p?
This number refers to the vertical width of the display measured in fixed pixels. Of course the more pixels the better however one must also consider the signal being delivered to the display. Currently, 1080p native content is more rare than the mina bird. Even the H-D DVD's everyone is excited about will initially 'not' meet this standard. When the signal and display resolution does not match, a video scaler then comes into play. This piece of hardware up-converts the signal to match the native resolution of the monitor. Now, it is the quality of the scaler that will be the determining factor on true picture quality. A dedicated scaler outside the display will work much better and efficiently than an on-board scaler. Those looking for a true-cinema experience should look for the 1080p as well as a high-end dedicated scaler.

Is 1080i Enough?
More content is now delivered in this 'high definition ' signal. Over the past few years, more TV and projector displays have also become available. However, true content at this resolution is still rare. More major networks and local broadcasts are now delivered in this native signal format. In this resolution, quality is again in control by the original resolution of the content. The best picture comes from digitized film or content shot with a High Definition camera. H-D DVD's and Blue Ray DVD's will eventually be aiming at this resolution. As the standards and players emerge into the market, Advanced Home Theater Systems will keep you up to date.

Is 720p High Def?
The first standard to be considered high definition is 720 lines of a progressively scanning video signal. Also this signal introduces the 'wide-screen' format. When looking for a projector or television, keep this lowest resolution in mind. Also remember the blacks and darks of a picture will not be as 'rich' as one of the higher resolution displays. One may also notice a flicker in the picture, as this is the nature of the progressive scan signal. Each 'frame' of the picture is separated into even and odd fields, and then displayed consecutively. This separation of lines or fields is what differentiates this resolution from the nearest cousin of '1080' signals.

Who Remembers 480?
This resolution came into play with the introduction of digital displays and progressive scan DVD players. Computer monitors are the best example of this format. Information sent to this display is digital not analog. Many call this format 'Enhanced Definition' TV. These televisions were produced while the high definition standards were not established. They offer a superior picture to the interlaced version yet do not measure up to today's advanced standard.

The Old Original
One would be amazed at the poor quality and low resolution of a 'single' frame in this format. Further reducing the quality is the interlacing of the image. It is the persistence of vision within the human brain that makes this format acceptable to the viewing audience. This is the original format that was introduced television into our homes. Broadcasters will soon phase out this analog signal in 2008. People using televisions in this format will need to purchase an antenna and decoder to view the signal.