The first public broadcast of high-definition video in the United States occurred July 23, 1996. However, HD did not gain large-scale public awareness for several more years. The differences between standard and HD video are stunning.
720p
The first HD format allowed for 720 lines of horizontal and 1280 lines of vertical resolution and featured progressive-scan technology. 720 progressive, or 720p, HD is ideal for fast-action filming and sports.
1080i
The second HD format provided an even higher resolution of 1080 by 1920 and used interlaced-scanning technology. The format of 1080 interlaced, or 1080i, is preferred for over-the-air HD broadcasts and satellite or cable TV.
1080p
The latest HD technology as of 2009 is 1080 progressive, or 1080p. Like 1080i, 1080p features 1080 by 1920 lines of resolution. However, 1080p combines the high resolution of 1080i HD with the smoother image of 720p. This format is generally used on optical-disk media such as Blu-ray and video games.
Benefits
HD video offers significant increases in detail, color saturation and overall picture quality versus standard-definition video. This technology has been widely adapted by the film, gaming and medical industries.
Technology
To view HD video, you must have an HD display. The two most popular HD display types use plasma matrix or liquid crystal technology.
Expert Insight
HD is not new to the film industry. Before HD video was available to consumers, many movies were captured using HD technology, then downgraded to standard-definition DVD format for distribution.
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