High Definition TV – Which Hardware?
The standards of multimedia equipment which is adapted to receiving High Definition TV signals is outlined by the European Information and Communications Technology Industry Association – EICTA. They can be defined amongst others in the scope of: definition, type of connector and tuner.
Televisions and equipment serving the reception of the HD signal must possess sufficient resolution. The minimum value is 1280x720, which means 921,600 pixels. This threshold sufficient resolution of the HD standard is defined as HD Ready. To be fully satisfied with the wide, panoramic picture depends on buying a receiver which is equipped with HD full information. This quality is characterised by a resolution of 1920x1080, where the number of pixels in comparison to HD Ready is almost six times higher (2,073,600). At the same time, the parameters provide another choice between interlaced (interlaced-i) and progressive scan (progressive scan-p) resolution. As we wrote already in the preceding article, the second of the possibilities can ensure the high quality of the picture displayed, on account of the elimination of flickers in the image thanks to the system of simultaneous frame display. Another argument, speaking on behalf of a receiver with progressive scan format, is the fact that Blu Ray disc players are adapted to it.
A second vital requirement alongside the High Definition signal receiver is the type of connector used. In this scope three possible choices of connection elements exist – analogue connectors, DVI (Digital Visual Interface) and HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface). The first of these is outdated technology, the other two meet the requirements of HD, however with HDMI connectors having the advantage. It ensures an uncompressed digital sound and image signal, which guarantees a lack of distortion. High Definition Multimedia Interface is furthermore adapted to and used with players equipped with blue laser (HD DVD and Blu Ray). It therefore ensures compatibility with peripheral equipment and widens the possibilities connected with the receiving of HD signal.
The next condition connected with the standard of equipment for High Definition is the digital tuner. To buy a receiver without in-built tuner does not ensure the possibility of watching high definition television. Televisions without tuners are defined as HD Ready. In the United States, where the standard of HDTV is higher, legal regulations have been introduced prohibiting the sale of receivers, the diagonal of which is less than 36 inches, without in-built tuners. In the future this will effect all televisions, regardless of size.
The best possible reception of high definition television requires a widescreen plasma television. In shops we have two types of receivers to choose from: plasma and LCD. To the disadvantage of the former is the fact that plasma televisions, with diagonals of more than 42 inches, can technologically attain a resolution of only 1024x728, which in a disadvantageous way influences the receiving of the HD signal. However, the problem with LCD televisions is, unfortunately, their high price. Projectors could be an alternative to TV receivers. In order to fully enjoy the high picture quality, a minimum required resolution of 1280x720 must be accomplished.
A PC equipped with a DVB card or graphics card with DVI video output can also serve as an HD signal receptor. It is also essential that the computer’s hard disc has high capacity, as the data stream transmitted by HD is very large. A one hour program requires approximately 10Gb.
Together with the development and ever greater universality of high definition television, manufacturers of multimedia equipment are attempting to adapt their products to the defined requirements. A number of players, recorders and cameras, with functions and possibilities which match the HD signal, are appearing on the market,. The newest games consoles – PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 – are also prepared to the new standard.
On the Polish market there is a large choice of equipment, which is good. Possibly the most significant problem is the fact that no Polish-language television is broadcast to the HD standard. It is worth noting that this type of trial was made by Television Canal+, who have broadcast selected films in high definition. However, enthusiasts of audiovisual experiences have an expensive hobby.