Why HD TV may not look good

Note the article was written in 2011. Described problem is not observed on the latest TVs, no matter size or price.

The number, size and shape of full HD TV pixels

The number, size and shape of pixels on Full HD screen optimised for maximum resolution 1920x1080. Ideally, incoming sources should match the display’s native resolution. Upscaling splits source pixels unevenly. Standard definition is 720×576. 1920/720 = 2.66 is not even. That is why standard definition DVD, Foxtel, Digital Free to Air may not look good on a Full HD screen.

The advantage of Full HD screens is obvious when watching 1920x1080 only, like Blu-Ray. Not all Blu-Ray movies and players are 1920x1080.

Furthermore, in some areas, like here at Mona Vale Sydney Northern Beaches no digital free to air broadcasts in true Full HD were received as of 2011. The maximum free to air resolution here is 1440x1080 on Gem and One HD.

HD TV resolutions in Sydney in 2011
TV channelresolution
7720×576SD
9
10
Gem1440×1080HD
One HD
SBS HD1280×720Standard HD
Go!704×576low def
ABC2720×576SD
11

Now look at the cheap HD screen with 1440×1080 pixels and upscaling from a regular 720x576 definition. 1440/720 is an even number. That is why the 1440 screen is better for viewing DVD, Free to Air SD or HD, Foxtel standard or Foxtel HD.

In 2022 most channels, but not all, are accessible in HD. HD channels are on numbers 20 for ABC, 30 for SBS, 70 for seven, 90 for Nine and 1 is HD Ten channel. Secondary channels such as 22, 23, 72 may not be in HD still.

Ironiclay, most people do not see the difference between High Definition and Standard. You should have a 20/20 vision and sit close enough to tv to enjoy HD and especially 4K resolution fully.

To fix pixel problem on full HD screens

To fix definition issues on full HD TV screens you can turn on all noise and mpeg filters to max and reduce sharpness. Some Full HD TV models do have a good up scaling technique.

25 May 11 Tags: how to fixAudio Visual