SD and HD Explained
Standard Definition (SD)
- 16:9 widescreen pictures
- Improved picture quality - similar to DVD quality
- MPEG digital stereo sound - similar to CD quality
- Some Standard Definition programs are enhanced with Dolby Pro Logic surround sound
- Standard Definition broadcasts are transmitted at all times - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Additional channels and multi-camera views are broadcast in Standard Definition
SD Picture Resolution SD picture resolution is: - 576i (576 horizontal lines interlaced)
High Definition (HD)
- 16:9 widescreen pictures
- HD picture resolution - highest available picture quality (when viewed on an HD display)
- MPEG digital stereo sound and, on selected programs, Dolby Digital sound
- Some broadcasters are currently transmitting a number of High Definition programs
- In August 2002 the Government announced it will seek to change each broadcaster's HD obligation to an annualised requirement of 1040 hours. These obligations will commence from 1 July 2003 for mainland capital cities, and effectively not before 2005 in other areas. Programs transmitted in HD will also be simultaneously broadcast in SD.
- An HD-DR will also receive SD broadcasts, to enable the HD viewer to receive SD digital transmissions when HD broadcasts are not being transmitted
HD Picture Resolution HD picture resolution may be one or more of the following:
- 576p (576 horizontal lines progressive)
- 720p (720 horizontal lines progressive)
- 1080i (1080 horizontal lines interlaced)
