Does it make sense to buy a 1080 TV when 1080 signals aren't broadcast?

Answer 1

1080 signals are being broadcast right now in the 1080i format. The "i" stands for interlaced and it means that on each scan of the screen (50 or 60 times each second) half the image is updated. The image is made up of 1080 lines so the first scan will show all the odd numbers, the next will show all the even numbered lines. This repeats continuously so we see a full image 25 or 30 times each second. North America uses a 60 hertz field rate and Europe uses 50 hertz. The other 1080 standard is 1080p. The "progressive" scanning means that a full frame is shown instead of half the frame. The result is twice the data and effectively, twice the frame rate. It is this 1080p standard that broadcasters are not supporting and won't for some years to come. Note that most televisions will handle 1080p signals from computers, Bluray players, PS3s etc. So, don't avoid buying a 1080 television. It is the ideal resolution to watch HD content and one day, 1080p will become more common than it is at present.