Now, let's add those numbers and letters back together.

Here's we know so far. Sets make pictures two ways, one is "i" and one is "p." "i", interlaced, you can think of as inexpensive. "p", progressive, you can think of as prettier and pricier.

Sets come in different screen resolutions. Your old TV is 480 lines of light top to bottom. TV sets now come in two new numbers, 720 lines of light top to bottom, and 1080 lines of light top to bottom. Those two numbers are HD.

Your old set is 480i. Any 480i TV sets being sold now (and they are, in the bargain bin) must have a warning label on them, advising you that they will not transition past February of 2009. The warning label looks like this.

You can buy a new 480 digital set, called 480p. A "p" picture is prettier than an "i" picture. A 480p set is called "enhanced TV" - it's new digital TV without the HD part. You will have to search for these 480p sets. And remember, they're digital, but not HDTV. They'll receive an HD picture, but reduce it down to a lower quality. Also, most of the enhanced definition sets are not widescreen.

The two new numbers to American TV are 720 and 1080. Both a 720 and a 1080 sets are digital AND HDTV. 720 only comes in 720p, 1080 comes in "i" or "p" -- "i" is inexpensive, and "p" is prettier and pricier.

Now, some extra information to help you out.

1080i is the current quality limit for TV channels. 1080p is often advertised as "full" or "true" HD. Actually, 720 and 1080 are both full and true HD. 1080p is actually better quality than you can receive from any TV channel. So why bother? 1080p is for Blu-Ray or HD-DVDs, and for serious video game enthusiasts. With 1080p, you won't see a difference with normal TV viewing, but you will when you view the new enhanced DVDs and enhanced game systems.

To review: your old TV is 480i. Any 480i TV sets being sold now (and they are, in the bargain bin) must have a warning label on them, advising you that they will not transition past February of 2009. Enhanced TV, digital TV without the HD part, is 480p - prettier picture. Digital TV with HD comes in 720p, 1080i or 1080p. 1080p is considered top of the line.

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For more information about ETV's Digital Television Services, contact:
Hap Griffin, Vice President, ETV Engineering
E-mail: Hap Griffin (hgriffin@scetv.org)
Office: (803) 737-3500