What's the diff between hdtv and sdtv, is it that much different? Also is 1080p that much better then 1080i?
Answer:
If you are really looking for a good technical answer, I'd check the source link below for a GREAT forum with HDTV vs. SDTV and 1080P vs. 1080i debates, photos, reviews, etc.
I have a Sony 32" (720p/1080i) CRT, Sharp 32" Aquos LCD (720p/1080i), Panasonic 27" SDTV (480i), and Panasonic 50" Plasma (1080p), and the simple answer is.. it REALLY depends on your video source.
Poor cable signal means those ugly pixels look really bad on HDTVs (even with "upconversion" to 1080i), ok on SDTV. Go with the 720p DVD player or 1080i cable signal, and HD is incredible. Go one more step to 1080p, and it's a more modest improvement. Satellite HD.. maybe don't go there, due to higher signal compression (saves bandwidth).
Don't waste too much money on cables (component vs. DVI vs. HDMI in order of cost/relative improvement) unless you're planning on mounting the beauty on a wall or sit really close. However, you can score big points with the spouse if you've got just two cables dangling (Power and HDMI cable for both HD video AND audio). Also makes installation and troubleshooting quick and easy...
p.s. I initially went with the $100 HDMI "name brands" and have to say I can't see any difference with a certain $20 computer brand, other than cable color (dark gray).
Here is the quick quick answer...
SDTV vs. HDTV
SD = 640x480 think monitor resolution
HD = 1920x1080 this is widescreen
SD = 0.3 Mega pixels
HD = 2.07 Mega pixels
its noticably better
1080i vs 1080p
1080i = 2.07 Mega pixels
1080p = 2.07 Mega pizels
the difference between them is a matter of personal opinion. I have seen it go either way. In fact before 1080p there were people that sided with 720p instead of 1080i.
Technically speaking there is no difference.
To add to the cable comment... I bought the $100 cable first becausae there was no $20 option at the time. So I found one on ebay and returned the other with no change in quality. The key is that the signal is digital. It doesn't need shielding or noise suppression because the data is digitally encoded. It's a sham. Never buy a super duper digital signal cable.
There is a noticeable difference between SDTV and HDTV and it’s much more than simply screen resolution.
Unfortunately, when it comes to broadcasters you also may not be getting what you’d expect, particularly when it comes to HDTV. [1][2]
Also, as you may know all broadcasters are required to discontinue all analog broadcasting as of 2009 February 18. However, this does not mean that everyone must be using HDTV displays if they wish to watch (digital) television programming. There are 30 allowed compression formats in the ATSC DTV Standard from which broadcasters may choose, of which only 7 are considered high definition; broadcasters are not obligated to utilize HD come 2009 February 18. Until and unless there is a widespread consumer groundswell demanding broadcast HD content you can be assured that broadcasters will utilize the most conservative, cost effective approach.
To compound the problem not all display manufacturers are producing true HD compliant displays. [3][4]
At the present time the only displays or display technologies that appeal to me are 3-chip LCoS displays (such as Sony’s SXRD and JVC’s HD-ILA,) triluminous LED backlit LCDs, and plasma displays based on Pioneer’s new waffle-like, deep cell pixel structure design, such as their Elite PRO-FHD1 or PDP-5000EX. Otherwise, I am eagerly awaiting a few new display technologies such as OLED and SED (in spite of Canon’s recent legal setbacks,) which should have a major impact in the consumer electronics marketplace if all goes well.
I highly recommend that consumers wait at least 6 to 12 months before making any substantial HD video purchases. By that time hopefully dramatically better display technologies and better video processing chips will become available, along with better evaluation tools [5] to assist consumers in making an informed purchasing decision.
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