Q: What is all the buzz about “full HD 1080p”?

A: In the early stage of the HDTV development, due to the broadcast bandwidth limitation, 720p and 1080i were the only available HDTV formats; anything lower than 720p (like 480p) was called EDTV (Enhanced Definition). Recently, with the HD-DVD, Blu-ray and PS3, the 1080p format is finally available for home. It’s the highest HDTV format for home entertainment; its picture is as smooth as 720p, yet has as much detail as 1080i. The term “Full HD 1080” was created by TV makers to distinguish this new format from 720p and 1080i; it refers to the 1080p picture.

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