What is the difference between full HD and HD?

Maybe it's terminology for something that I already know, but I'd like to know the difference. I'm looking at a few new Samsung Plasma TV's and Samsung has added on a few features that are cloaked in these deceptive marketing terms, particularly with how a plasma handles black levels. Anywho, let me know. Thanks.

For those wondering I'm between the Samsung PN51D550 and the Samsung PN51D450.

hdtv television samsung

asked Oct 23 '11 at 16:54

thisismcgregor
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5 Answers:

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2	After looking at the two monitors, one is 720P and the other is 1080p Hd can be in two resolutions, 1920x1080 or 1280x720. I am guessing full HD means 1080P answered Oct 23 '11 at 17:17 kevin ♦♦ 35.7k●160●317●590

I was quickly googling your question over here. And came up with something very similar to what you are asking take a look at this link it may answer your question. I know computer wise I get the same general questions but questioned slightly different. But this may answer your question here easier. http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070619071920AAFnIcY

answered Oct 23 '11 at 17:06

Compucore
2.4k●11●19●25

Most manufacturers like to use the terms HD Ready (720p) Full 1080 (1080i) Full HD (1080p).

That is all :P

answered Oct 23 '11 at 17:18

Louis
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1080p is the best in quality so far because these monitors can display up to 1,920x1,080 pixels

1080i is the older version of 1080p because even though it boasts an identical 1,920x1,080 resolution as the 1080p, it conveys the images in an interlaced format. In a tube-based television, otherwise known as a CRT, 1080i sources get "painted" on the screen sequentially: the odd-numbered lines of resolution appear on your screen first, followed by the even-numbered lines--all within 1/30 of a second.

You may be asking yourself at this point what the p in 1080p stands for, well it means "Progressive-scan" format which convey all of the lines of resolution sequentially in a single pass, which makes for a smoother, cleaner image as compared to the interlaced version.

HD Ready (720p) is the also sometimes called half HD because they provide approximately half the resolution as that of the 1080p.

In my opinion, the diff between 720p and 1080p is barely noticeable for TV sizes of 32" and below. To fully feel and enjoy the benefits of 1080p you need a TV of about 50" or above

(Oct 24 '11 at 01:00) timonline

Ah. I was afraid it was 720p and 1080i. I think honestly it's pretty deceptive to call 720p HD at this point. Thanks for the answers folks.

answered Oct 23 '11 at 17:20

thisismcgregor
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I agree, manufacturers throw around words like "HD Ready" which will confuse most consumers because they will hear HD and think they are getting the best quality

(Oct 24 '11 at 00:49) timonline

While I am unsure perhaps on some of the "features", looking at the Technical Specs of both reveal that the first you describe, the PN51D550 has a "full" HD resolution of 1920x1080 while the PN51D450 is only 1360 x 768 native resolution often described as "HD Ready" so full HD content would be scaled down.

While the difference may not be visible to many users, it is something to consider if you are able to tell such a difference.

answered Oct 23 '11 at 17:21

EnvoyOfTheEnd
1.2k●1●8●21

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