The Resolution Game

There is a great deal of debate and confusion when it comes to resolution and HDTVs. With so many terms, such as “1080p True HD” and “1080p Full HD” being thrown around, it is easy to see why consumers are feeling so confused by their options and aren’t certain which type of television is best or which offers the most bang for the buck.

Although it is only natural to assume that more is better, 1080p isn’t necessarily going to get you any better quality than a 1080i or even a 720p. In fact, Consumer Reports has ranked some 720p HDTVs as having a better picture than some 1080p HDTVs, particularly when it came to black reproduction.

The bottom line is that you should trust your eyes when making a decision about which television you will purchase. If a 720p looks just fine to you or if the picture even looks better than a 1080p, don’t feel obligated to spend more on a 1080p in order to have the “top of the line” television. If you do, you just might be disappointed in your purchase.

If you still aren’t convinced, keep in mind that there are no broadcasters currently transmitting with a 1080p signal. Both NBC and CBS broadcast in 1080i and Fox and ABC still broadcast in 720p. Many satellite and cable stations also broadcast in 720p, including ESPN. HD Net, HBO, Voom, and others still broadcast in 1080i.

If you have a 1080p television and you are watching a channel that broadcasts in 1080i or 720p, the signal will just be converted to 1080p and displayed on your screen. The same is true if you have a 720p and you are watching a channel that broadcasts in 1080p – your signal will simply be converted to 720p before sending it to the screen. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about not being able to watch certain broadcasts because your resolution doesn’t match that which is being transmitted.