VERY basic question re "native"

[cesna151]

I am shopping for a new tv. Countless posts on the forum refer to a sets "native" format/resolution/output. Looking at a spec sheet from a manufacturer, I've yet to see that term used, but I do see "format displayed", "broadcast format displayed", and "broadcast format supported".

1. when people refer to "native" are they referring to one of the three formats above?-which one?

2. what is the difference between the three format specs?

Thanks in advance!

 

[abboudc]

Native for a TV is the resolution of the TV. You'll see this as XX lines of vertical resolution, or they'll just come out and say 720p or 1080i. Some TV's are even 768p.

Things that are not broadcast in the native resolution are upscaled or downscaled to that resolution when displayed. Generally, the higher the native resolution, the better.

"format displayed" is what your tv actually shows.

"broadcast format displayed" and "broadcast format supported" mean the TV can take the input signal in those formats and display it. Some amount of upscaling/resizing may occur, but shouldn't be very noticeable (if at all).