High Definition technology is one of the most radical advances in TV since the introduction of color TV in the 1960s. Anyone who has experienced true HD resolution is startled and few can turn back to Standard Definition again. Watching a football game will never be the same.

HD, laid out
High Definition is an image resolution of 720p, 1080i or 1080p on your HDTV. The figures represent the number of pixel lines on the TV screen. The high number of lines produces a far crisper picture and richer colors compared to Standard Definition viewing.

The i and p after the numbers indicate how the screen image is updated: interlaced or progressive. In short, a progressive update produces a smoother and sharper image, particularly when viewing fast action programs such as football games or action movies.

Reaching High Definition
The most common misconception among consumers is that attaining HD resolution with DVDs requires a HDTV and only a HDTV.  The reality is that the quality of the image depends on more than just your TV set.

First of all, the quality of your DVD player is crucial to the image you receive.   With a standard DVD player, it only transfers standard definition video signal to the HDTV which has high definition resolution panel. Because the two signals’ resolutions don’t match, a common occurrence, you lose performance.  For example, if your DVD player runs at 480p but your TV’s native resolution is 1080p, it doesn’t matter: you’re stuck at 480p.

To get the most out of your home-viewing experience, you have to own an upscaling DVD player like the Helios H4000.  An upscaling DVD player matches the signal of your DVD player with the native resolution of your HDTV.  The aforementioned 480p DVD, then, will now play at the desired 1080p on your 1080p HDTV.  The HDMI transfers the audio signal in the same way, producing enhanced sound quality as well.  The end result?  Crisper, clearer images and sound.