HDTV or High Definition Television is the latest and greatest in television programming. I'm sure you have heard about HDTV but do you know exactly what it is? Do you know why you should want it or do you just assume it must be good? By reading this article, you will gain some information to help you determine if you really need HDTV.

High definition delivers exceptional sound and picture quality as close to life as anything that has ever been seen before. Standard definition TV programming has a maximum of 480 lines of visible detail. High Definition programming has up to 1080 visible lines of detail. This makes for a far crisper and more lifelike picture.

There are two main types of HD. You have 1080i and 720p. With 1080i you have more lines of resolution but your TV draws the image in two passes. With the 720p you have less lines of resolution but your tv draws the image in one pass. This means that 1080i will have the better picture but 720p will have a smoother more realistic image. Most networks have gone for the better image clarity of the 1080i but a few have opted for the smoother picture of 720p. Unless you are a serious technology nut however, you probably could not tell the difference.

As far as programming goes, viewers are somewhat limited. Networks are producing more and more programming in HDTV all of the time but most programs are still unavailable. Networks like Discovery, ESPN, HBO and more have dedicated HD channels available. These channels are normally not included in regular cable or satellite programming packages so expect to pay a premium for them. In the future, you can expect all programming to roll out in the HD format. Its starting to get there but it is a slow process.

Hopefully this article has given you a little information on HDTV. Deciding to buy HD programming or buy an HDTV can be a difficult decision. Is it worth the price? Only you can make that decision.