(I had to reSchedule the “How we made the Header Graphic” post till next week. Not done with the video tutorial)

The term high definition today refers to formats that have more resolution than standard definition (SD) video. In this context, when we discuss resolution its meant to describe how many scan lines (horizontal rows of picture information) make up the video image. As we looked at in an earlier section, the two main SD variations, NTSC and PAL, use 480 lines and 576 lines (respectively).

HD video today:

• There are two resolutions: 1080 or 720 scan lines.
• All HD video is widescreen using an aspect ratio of 16×9, also expressed as 1.78:1.
• Video is scanned either progressively or interlaced.
• There are multiple possible frame rates: 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 59.94 and 60.

Just some personal input…

NEVER buy interlaced. If you buy 720i, then it is the same as buying SD in progressive scan. Same thing as you scale up, just never buy interlaced. It would be better to just buy the next setting down in progressive scan. However, this is my opinion based on using TVs and screens with a computer input, or for playing Blue Ray discs. However, there is a very noticeable difference in progressive and interlaced when it comes to an image that is moving horizontally. It will look jagged where progressive will look smooth. So, for a better overall quality of the picture, always go with progressive.