When a HDTV says native resolution of 720p but also says compatible with 1080i and 1080p, what does it mean?
Answer:
If it's a flat screen LCD TV, then look at it closely. The picture actually consists of a bunch of tiny little lights in a grid pattern,
"Native Resolution" of 720 means that the number of these little grid elements (vertically) is 720. (i.e. it's a grid of about 720x1280 pixels, or picture dots.) That's 720 horizontal lines of picture display.
"Compatible with 1080i/p" means it will take an incoming signal in 1080 (i - interlaced, or p- progressive scan)or 1080 lines of picture information and internally translate it electronically into a 720p (720 line) picture to show on the screen. Sort of like what happens when you view your 5-megapixel camera photos on a 1.5megapixel monitor. It loses some information or detail.
So you will be able to see the signal, but it won't be as sharp as if the TV did display 1080 lines of picture. Still 720 isn't bad. But, what's happening is - until now everything flat and affordable was 720 lines. The new (more expensive) generation of flat-screens are all coming out as 1080 lines of picture (1080x1900 pixels), so the dealers are discounting the less desirable 720's to get them out of the store.
The best comparison is to look at similar-sized TVs with a true 1080 input signal side-by-side. Also, consider what your HD source is. Some HD players and cable boxes only output HDMI (the square digital plug) and some only output component (the Red-green-Blue-black RCA plugs). Older TVs had an issue with the digital security on HDMI. Some players would not output HD on component because of concerns over piracy of HD signals. Make sure your pieces work.
My suggestion? If you can wait, save and get a 1080 native TV. The prices are coming down, and there's no sharper resolution on the horizon yet, so 1080 will be good for quite a few years. 720 is fine for the TV in the bedroom, but for your living room theatre, why not the best? Unles you plan to replace it in less than 5 years, that's the TV you'll be watching for quite a while.
It just can read the signals and convert them to 720. It's a way to fool people. Don't buy it
It is compatible only that it'll receive an HD signal. It will downgrade any 1080 signal to its "native" 720.
It just means that the resolution best for that model is 720p, but it is compatible with the other levels of resolution. Different cable companies have a resolution that is their main one, but it will work fine with a TV that is compatible with other resolutions. The same applies to satellite receivers, or over-the-air HD antennas, etc.
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