Understanding How 1080p HD TVs Work

As the types of Full HD TVs increase on the market, its easy to become confused with the different specifications. While there are many 1080p HD TVs but they are not all the same despite supporting the same native resolution. In fact, there are some older HDTV with 1080p resolution that doesn’t accept 1080p sources. There are different types of 1080p as well that are used, the Blu-ray disc introduced recently uses the famous 1080p/24. There is also 1080p/60 format.

The additional numbers 24/60 refer to a frame rate. Video speed is measured by frames because every video is made up of frames that create the moving picture or perception of moving pictures. It is sometimes referred to as illusion of movement. The standard of video frame speed is 24 frames which is used for most theatrical productions while other videos are shot at 30 frames. You can notice the difference when you watch a movie and compare it to a home made video. For 1080p, because the screen resolution is about 2 times that of a standard TV or video recording, the frame rate is doubled to accommodate the extra details. Most 1080p HD TVs sold today can support at least 60 frames per second when playing back content via an HDMI connected source.

While they may support the 1080p/60 sourced content, it is not every 1080p HD TV that supports 1080p/24 without most HD media players like Blu-ray players can support 1080p/24 playback and will set the HDMI connection to respond accordingly. Because optical media like Blu-ray and digital HD preserve the format in its encoded source, the delivered images will be smooth enough to watch without any flicker. Its only when you look closely that you will probably notice a slight difference, that the images will not look like those that may be viewed in a movie theatre.

For a HDTV to display a 1080p HD resolution, it needs to have an auto screen refresh rate of at least 60 Hz. The screen refresh rate, 60Hz is similar to the 60 frames used by most 1080p HD TVs so a HD TV with a 60Hz refresh rate can support the 1080p/60 resolution. Its only HD TVs that have higher refresh rates like 120Hz or 240Hz that are multiples of 24, that may have noticeable differences when playing back 1080p/24 content.

The battle for which 1080p HD TV is the best may be around but the real benefits will depend on how much money you are willing to invest. Most 1080p HD TVs are fine for viewing content that is up scaled from say a computer or media connection player but others may not be.