High-Definition Television (HDTV) Key Terms

Get with the program by understanding high-definition television (HDTV) key terms

By Brenda Lee, Writer/Editor Beeline Editing Services

Televisions, like so many other household appliances and electronics, have come a long way over the past decade or so, making high-definition television (HDTV) key terms more commonplace in everyday conversation. And although the stunning quality of high-definition video and the sleek, contemporary look of flat-panel TVs hanging on the wall are features few would argue against, understanding the new technology and terminology that comes with the HDTV revolution is more of a challenge. What follow are some high-definition television terms that will help you see the big picture as you navigate your way through the HDTV maze.

LCD or liquid crystal display

LCD is one of two terms you most likely hear in front of the word "TV" these days. LCD (liquid crystal display) screens have two transparent layers. One layer contains individual liquid crystals that either allow light to pass or block light to create images. Because LCD crystals don't produce their own light, a special light bulb makes the image created by the LCD visible.
Try: Learn more about LCD HDTVs and how they compare with the competition (plasma) by reading the article at LCD TV Buying Guide.

Plasma

Plasma is the other term you most likely hear in front of the word "TV" these days. Plasma uses thousands of pixel cells that emit electric pulses that cause the gases inside to glow and produce light. This light uses just the right balance of each cell's red, green or blue phosphors to display the correct combination of colors. A real close look at a plasma TV reveals the individual red, green and blue bars-and the black ribs that separate each one.
Try: Learn more about plasma HDTVs and how they compare to the competition (LCD) by reading the Plasma TV Buying Guide.

Aspect ratio

Aspect ratio is the ratio of width to height of a screen. Analog TV is primarily 4:3, meaning for every four units wide a TV is, it's three units high. For HDTV, however, the aspect ratio is 16:9, which means for every 16 units wide the TV is, it's nine units high.
Try: So why was HDTV designed to have a 16:9 aspect ratio, and how come you still have black bars on the screen when watching DVDs? Read on about the whats and whys of aspect ratios at Obsessable.

Resolution

The primary reason the picture on an HDTV looks so much sharper and crisper than it does on a regular TV is higher resolution. With digital TVs, resolution is measured in pixels; more pixels create a higher resolution. While traditional TVs have the equivalent of around 300,000 pixels, HDTVs today have up to six times more-up to one or two million! Resolution is normally expressed as a number followed by a letter, such as 1080p, 1080i, 720p or 720i.
Try: Resolution as it relates to HDTVs is explained in detail at The Best Plasma TV.

Contrast ratio

Contrast ratio-the difference between the white part of an image on the screen and the black part-is likely the single most important performance factor in determining how you perceive the image quality of your HDTV. The better the contrast ratio, the better the detail will look in dark pictures.
Try: Watch the short and very educational "Contrast Ratio Explained" video at Crutchfield. For an even more in-depth discussion that is sure to equip you with everything you ever wanted to know about contrast ratios—and much more—visit Practical Home Theater Guide.

HDMI

Rather than fiddling around with different-colored cords for different outputs and inputs on your home electronics equipment, you now can simply use the new, all-digital audio/video interface called HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface). HDMI delivers digital audio and video through a single cable, which not only makes cord control much easier but also provides a high-quality home theater experience.
Try: CNET offers an in-depth introduction to and description of HDMI and HDMI cables, including advice on which cable to buy and what to do if you run out of HMDI inputs on your HDTV.