Dont get the whole "Resolution" thing

[Electone]

I was wandering through Cosco last night looking at Plasmas, LCD's and DLP's. Each TV has its native resolution (eg. 1280 x 768, 1280 x 720, etc). Then, there is the display properties (eg. 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i). None of the tv's on display had the second number at 1080. They were all either 768 or 720.

If a tv's native resolution is say 1280 x 720, does that mean that the maximum it can display is 720p? If you feed that tv a 1080i signal, will it be downconverted to 720p?

I'm confused.

 

[jcPanny]

HDTV resolution

If a tv's native resolution is say 1280 x 720, does that mean that the maximum it can display is 720p? If you feed that tv a 1080i signal, will it be downconverted to 720p?

Yes, and Yes. All HDTVs whether Plasma, LDC, DLP projection, etc. have a fixed number of pixels. Most models are 720P and some of the new more expensive models are 1080P. The TV generally performs best when fed its native resolution, however, they can all convert any incomming signal (480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, etc.) to their native resolution.
Check out some of the AH primers on HDTV for more info.

Costco has some good deals and a great return policy.

 

[nibhaz]

If a tv's native resolution is say 1280 x 720, does that mean that the maximum it can display is 720p? If you feed that tv a 1080i signal, will it be downconverted to 720p?

I'm confused.

Yep, you got it. Regardless of the resolution of the input signal the display will always convert it to its native resolution. What really matter is how well that conversion process is done and the amount of difference in resolution between the original signal and the native resolution of the display. Less conversion is usually better, so depending on what material you will most often be feeding the display should help determine which resolution is right for you.

 

[Electone]

Thanks, guys.