Introduction to HDTV

This chapter outlines the 1280x720 and 1920x1080 image formats for high-definition television (HDTV), and introduces the scanning parameters of the associated video systems such as 720p60 and 1080i30. The parameters for Y'C B C R color coding for HDTV differ from the parameters for Standard-definition television (SDTV). HDTV has a pixel rate of about 60 megapixels per second. Other parameters are similar or identical to SDTV standards. The chapter also presents details concerning scanning, sample rates, and interface levels of HDTV. It compares the aspect ratios between conventional television and HDTV with the help of pictorial diagrams based upon the difference in aspect ratio between 4:3 and 16:9. The comparison was made on the basis of equal height, equal width, equal diagonal, and equal area. In addition to the 1 Mpx (progressive) and 2 Mpx (interlaced) systems, several SDTV scanning systems and several additional frame rates and were included in the ultimate ATSC standards for U.S. digital television (DTV).