What is "high-definition television"

n. 1 (context uncountable English) Any or all of several formats of television system having a higher resolution than traditional ones 2 (context countable English) A television set that employs such a system

n. a television system that has more than the usual number of lines per frame so its pictures show more detail [syn: HDTV]

High-definition television (HDTV) is a television system providing an image resolution that is substantially higher than that of standard-definition television.

HDTV may be transmitted in various formats:

• 1080p: 1920×1080p: 2,073,600 pixels (~2.07 megapixels) per frame
• 1080i: 1920×1080i: 1,036,800 pixels (~1.04 MP) per field or 2,073,600 pixels (~2.07 MP) per frame
  • Some countries also use a non-standard CEA resolution, such as 1440×1080i: 777,600 pixels (~0.78 MP) per field or 1,555,200 pixels (~1.56 MP) per frame
• 720p: 1280×720p: 921,600 pixels (~0.92 MP) per frame

The letter "p" here stands for progressive scan, while "i" indicates interlaced.

When transmitted at two megapixels per frame, HDTV provides about five times as many pixels as SD (standard-definition television).