I have heard that there are two HDTV formats -- 720p and 1080i. Is there a difference between these formats and can my television receive both these formats?
Regardless of the HDTV format being broadcast, all new HDTV receivers can receive both formats. New HDTV televisions will convert any received signal to a format that is compatible with your new display. The 720p format uses progressive scanning, which is just like your computer monitor. Progressive scan offers crystal clear images that virtually eliminates those scanning lines that are visible on most large screen televisions. ABC broadcasts all of its programming using the 720p format except in Dallas, where the ABC station broadcasts in 1080i. Many new flat panel displays use progressive scan.
The 1080i format uses interlace scanning just like today's analog televisions. Scanning lines are less visible on big screens due to the number of lines. Most currently available projection HDTV's use 1080i.
Not all that many games out there have 16x9 modes -- for a fairly comprehensive rundown, hop over to this list at the Home Theater Forum. A little over half of my XBox games have 16x9 modes (I use a 4x3 Sony VVega KV-36FS12, which can do the 16x9 squeeze). I took some comparison shots of some of those games in 4x3/16x9 modes, if anyone's bored.
The only 1080i game on the market, as far as I know, is "Dragon's Lair 3D". "Tony Hawk Pro-Skater 4", "NBA2K3", "Dragon's Lair 3D", and "Street Hoops" all have 720p modes.
Actually, the past four MST3K DVDs have not had this feature. The last to do this were "The Wild, Wild World Of Batwoman" and "The Beginning Of The End", which were released in March 2001.
"I can only wonder why hasn't HDTV replaced plain vanilla TV."
I'd imagine that it's a chicken and egg problem. Content providers aren't willing to make the switch outright until there are more people willing to plunk down the cash to join the HD elite. Consumers are reluctant on a wide scale to invest because there isn't much compelling content, and prices are offputtingly high. Bear in mind that the vast majority of people in this country watch television on 27" televisions that at most ran them, what, $350? These folks are likely to buy one television and keep it for years and years. Convincing tens of millions of people to reinvest in even a $2,000 television when actually getting an HD signal requires far more than just plugging in a coax cable doesn't seem realistic for the time being.
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Doesn't ABC, which airs Alias, only broadcast its HD content in 720p?
Not all that many games out there have 16x9 modes -- for a fairly comprehensive rundown, hop over to this list at the Home Theater Forum. A little over half of my XBox games have 16x9 modes (I use a 4x3 Sony VVega KV-36FS12, which can do the 16x9 squeeze). I took some comparison shots of some of those games in 4x3/16x9 modes, if anyone's bored. The only 1080i game on the market, as far as I know, is "Dragon's Lair 3D". "Tony Hawk Pro-Skater 4", "NBA2K3", "Dragon's Lair 3D", and "Street Hoops" all have 720p modes.
My guess: because Halo wasn't released in 2002.
"Street Hoops" is 720p, and the upcoming "Dragon's Lair 3-D" supports 1080i.
Actually, the past four MST3K DVDs have not had this feature. The last to do this were "The Wild, Wild World Of Batwoman" and "The Beginning Of The End", which were released in March 2001.
"I can only wonder why hasn't HDTV replaced plain vanilla TV." I'd imagine that it's a chicken and egg problem. Content providers aren't willing to make the switch outright until there are more people willing to plunk down the cash to join the HD elite. Consumers are reluctant on a wide scale to invest because there isn't much compelling content, and prices are offputtingly high. Bear in mind that the vast majority of people in this country watch television on 27" televisions that at most ran them, what, $350? These folks are likely to buy one television and keep it for years and years. Convincing tens of millions of people to reinvest in even a $2,000 television when actually getting an HD signal requires far more than just plugging in a coax cable doesn't seem realistic for the time being.
"I bought a sweet 36" Sony Wega KV-36FV16 plus a progressive scan DVD player. HD rocks!"
Unless something has changed, only the XBR Wega models offer hi-def, and I don't think a 36FV16 supports 480p input.
-Adam, who has a 36FS12...
The article says no regular aliens or monstrous creatures. Does this just means we'll be treated to a "monster of the week"?