Are there different types of HD formats?
Yes. There are two high-definition formats widely used by broadcasters – 720p and 1080i. The number – 720 or 1080 – refers to the number of vertical lines that make up each picture frame, while the letter describes how those lines are displayed on screen. The ‘p’ stands for progressive, meaning that all of the lines are shown in one go. 1080i means the lines are interlaced half the lines are shown, followed by the other half every fiftieth of a second. Which type is best? It depends on the type of material being displayed. Both offer jawdropping levels of detail, but progressive pictures are better for displaying fast-moving action, so 720p is preferable for sport. 1080i isn’t as smooth, but it’s better for material that requires a little more attention to detail, such as wildlife documentaries and arts programmes. It’s down to the broadcaster to decide which format is appropriate. How do I get high-definition? There are two main ways: via satellite or cable, though you will need to su
