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It is all an issue of Image Resolution

There are currently a number of different HDTV formats as adopted by the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC), based on 720p, 1080i, and 1080p - using refresh rates that vary between 24 Hz and 60 Hz.

The main difference between these HDTV formats is one of image resolution.

The 720p is on the lower-end of the scale with an image resolution of 1280 pixels by 720 lines. The other two formats both support 1920 pixels by 1080 lines. In other words, both support the same image resolution but there is a significant difference in the way the 1080i (interlaced) and the 1080p (progressive) formats build up the image.

Surely, image resolution in fixed-pixel displays is a very HOT topic with many HDTV buyers. For many, the obvious choice is to opt for the latest 1080p HDTV - also referred to as ultra-HD or full-HD by some manufacturers ...but there is a price to pay to get the latest in HDTV technology.

On the other hand, the way the 1080i and the 720p formats build up the image may render the lower resolution 720p format more suitable to display certain image content.

In other words, do not simply jump to conclusions as to which HD format is best. As we will see in this article, each of these different HDTV formats has got its strengths and weaknesses.

1080i: Up to a few years ago, this was considered as the reference standard in HDTV. Nearly all first-generation HDTVs were rear-projection sets that supported this standard.

This format boasts a picture resolution of 1920 pixels by 1080 horizontal lines that are painted on the screen in two interlaced halves (hence the 'i' in the '1080i' format) - by first painting all 540 even-numbered lines on the screen (also referred to as the even-field), and then proceed with the painting of the odd-numbered lines (odd-field). These two fields together form a single frame of 1080 lines.

In the process, the screen is painted 60 times per second (50 times in a PAL signal) - each time painting only half of the lines per frame, with the entire screen being painted in two passes 30 times every second.

Because of the way the interlaced process paints the screen, all picture information contained in adjacent odd and even lines in an interlaced image is 1/60th of a second out-of-synch with the next or previous line. This difference between the two halves of the picture would show up in what are referred to as 'interlaced artifact'. This in itself will impact on the type of image content that is best displayed on an interlaced display.

720p and 1080p HDTV: In contrast, in all progressive-scan formats - 480p (EDTV), and 720p and the 1080p HDTV displays - all scanning lines in a single frame are displayed sequentially in a single pass. This means that a progressive scan image is complete in itself. This also explains why progressive images look better when objects in the pictures are in motion.

The Bottom Line

The 1080i format is more widely supported by manufacturers and broadcasters; broadcasters however would normally broadcast only in either 720p or 1080i but not both. This should not be much of an issue in that any HDTV set you buy should be able to display pictures in any HDTV format by up-converting or down-converting to its native format, i.e. the one in which it's designed to produce a picture.

Theoretically, from a pixel-count perspective, 1080i supports better spatial resolution than a 720p HDTV. In theory, 1080i supports a pixel count of over 2 million pixels as against the 0.92 million pixels supported by 720p HDTV, but due to limitations associated with interlacing, the actual difference in effective resolution between 720p and 1080i is almost negligible. What's more, a 720p display is capable of a better flicker-free picture when it comes to fast moving action movie scenes and sports.

The situation with 1080p HDTV is totally different than that of 1080i. 1080p supports the full 1920 x 1080 pixels (2.07 million pixels) while at the same time, enjoys the added benefit that all 1080 lines are displayed in a single pass.

In other words, 1080p HDTV combines the superior resolution of the 1080 format with the smooth stable image of a progressive scan format.

N.B: It is worth mentioning here that interlaced formats aren't really an option in fixed-pixel displays (DLP and LCD rear-projection as well as plasma and LCD flat-panel). This also explains why display manufacturers are shifting away from the 1080i and instead moving directly from 720p to 1080p HDTV.

And What about 1080p HDTV Sets?

Surely, 1080p HDTV represents the latest developments in HD Television technology. A few of these sets have already started to hit the market.

Not surprisingly, there is a premium one has to pay to get the latest and best in the HDTV world. 1080p HDTV sets do not come cheap but the price gap between a 720p and a 1080p has already fallen below the $500 mark from an average of $1,000 to $2,000 a year ago.

Should you opt for a 1080p HDTV Set, and are these sets worth the extra expense?

Well, there is no straight answer here. It all depends on what are your requirements, yet there are a few facts you should know before making any decision:

• Surely, these sets are capable of producing spectacular results with ultra sharp images. But whether you will be able to see the difference in image quality between a 720p display and a 1080i signal displayed on a 1080p HDTV display depends on your TV viewing distance and screen size, more than on the screen native resolution. (It is not the scope of this article to discuss the TV viewing distance but more info in this respect is available at our site at http://www.practical-home-theater-guide.com/Tv-viewing-distance.html)

• In reality, it would be very difficult to detect any difference in image detail between 720p and 1080i/p HDTV material on the smaller sets from 10-feet away. Sit closer and feed your 1080p HDTV set with a good quality HD source, and you will start to see the difference.

• Further more, with most of today HD broadcasts, you will be hard pressed to see a difference in picture quality when you compare the image on current 720p sets versus the latest 1080p HDTV models. Surely, if you are thinking of going really big, then the extra image resolution would make the difference. But keep in mind that at present, true 1080p HDTV material is almost non-existent. What's more, none of the major networks has announced 1080p broadcasts - and it is unlikely that they will make such a move in the near future considering the bandwidth requirements.

Nevertheless, one cannot but remark that the whole equation in favor of 1080p HDTV sets has started to change. There are a number of factors that are pointing towards the latest in HDTV - and it is not just the marginal difference in price between 720p and 1080p HDTV sets. In particular, there is the advent of high definition movie players; these will be taking a dominate role in the distribution of off-air HDTV content. It is true that present day first generation HD-DVD do not output in 1080p but first generation Blu-ray will offer it, so HD-DVD will surely have to follow suit at some point in the near future. Meanwhile, 1080p is quickly becoming the new de-facto gold standard for HDTVs, and while - ironically - most pre-2006 1080p HDTV sets did not support a 1080p connection, 1080p inputs are set to become among the basic common supported features in nearly all 2006 HDTVs.

(c) 2004/2005 www.practical-home-theater-guide.com. All rights reserved.

Andrew Ghigo A Telecoms/Electronics engineer by profession, with specialization in digital switching and telecoms fraud management systems.

Editor and publisher of http://www.practical-home-theater-guide.com - a site dedicated to all home theater enthusiasts with the scope of serving as a comprehensive home theater guide to home theater systems, product reviews and home theater design.

This article is an excerpt from a series of guides appearing under the Rear Projection TV Reviews section of the site.

More sharp-edged the Kompaktvan from Korea arises, without letting with it outwardly dynamics miss. Within the tail range the designers squinted even briefly to the X3 of BMW. The front portion carries the new family face, as it also the Kia Ceed ziert. Connoisseurs of the first model row must once briefly swallow however only: Kia requires 3000 euro for the new one well and gladly more. But the Kia Carens does not remain only concerning the price an attractive alternative to the established competition. Motorizing

Since in this country each second sold car meanwhile a Diesel is, Kia offers also with a turbo-Diesel inclusive particle filters to the Carens. It has - like the Benziner - scarcely two litres capacity. 103 KW /140 HP strong self fuzes heavy Carens comes with that 4.55 meters is well by right enough and - depending upon equipment - up to 1,8 tons. The engine pleases not only by amazingly good passages, but also by good insulation, which provides for a pleasant noise level in the interior. With high travel speed the wind noises are louder than the well totally enclosed engine. Sufficient acceleration

After more easily starting weakness the car with quick propulsion convinces. The sixth course takes up its work already from 75 km/h to 80 km/h complainless. The longest transmission translation offers still amazingly much to acceleration reserves, so that the driver comes only rarely seriously into the embarrassment to have to reset again a course. To consumption

Driving report: Kia Carens 2,0 CRD: Not only concerning the price attractively

Kia indicates an average consumption of 6,1 litres, a value while reserved handling as the Carens not at all in the realm of the Fantasie belonged. Is from 5,5 to scarcely 11 litres with full power on the motorway in practice everything in it. Chassis & Ferdersatz

The chassis is laid out taut and passes transverse joints and rough roadway unevenness on particularly at higher speeds gladly rather undamped to the driver. That is partially the standard Hankook tires owed, which might not be first choice and also with relatively loud unreeling noises on itself to make attentive.

The renouncement of an all too soft feather/spring work benefits the Carens however finally, because it offers itself owing to its good equipment and the temperful engine for long motorway stages with high speed formally. But the power steering might be however calmly more directly laid out. It works somewhat spongelike. Everything clearly, Mr. Kapitn

The job of the driver is comfortable. Only the active head restraints manage somewhat too far and prevent in the otherwise comfortable seats the shoulder conclusion. The control elements do not give mysteries up. Plate-large rear view mirrors grant good view on following traffic. Since Kia shifted the emergency brake into the floor space (Mercedes lets greet), offers the center console much place for all kinds of things up to the 0,7-Liter-Flasche. Finished to the loading

With 440 litres the trunk volume for a vehicle of this size does not precipitate particularly impressing. But the leg liberty is more than generous in the rear and has genuine upper class format. The reservoir can be increased on 1650 litres. Turning the rear seat down goes very easy from the hand. Better one can hardly make it. Develops an even loading area, which takes up if necessary also articles of up to two m. With the Fnfsitzer are in addition sumptuously dimensioned shelves under the baggage compartment floor. Against 615 euro the Carens can be rigged to the seven-seater. The series package

To the standard in the ex version tested by us among other things leather steering wheel, one CD/MP3-Radio, six loudspeakers, climatic mechanism, Rckfahrsenoren and dawn activation of the headlights belongs. Optionally Kia offers still another comfort package with seats in partial leather equipment and seat heating in front as well as to electrically adjustable driver's seat. At the latest then finally a comfortable travel sedan becomes from the family transporter. A radio navigation system stands for 411 euro surcharge in the list, for 2051 euro gives it also a navigation system with Multimedia function. To the entrance

The well equipped ex version with place for 5 is with 23,855 euro a consider-worth offer. The competition requires equipped models for according to clearly more. The entrance into the Carens world begins already with 18,935 euro for the Benziner in the basic version. Technical data Kia Carens X lengthens broad x height: 4,55m x 1,82m x 1,72m

Unloaded weight, additional load: depending upon equipment 1631-1741 kg (7-Sitzer: 20 kg more), 524 - 414 kg (- 20 kg)

Engine: 2,0-Liter-CRDI max. achievement: 103 KW/140 HP with 4000 rpm max. torque: 305 Nm with 1800 rpm consumption NEFZ on the average: 6.1 litres of Diesel CO2-Emission: 163 g/km acceleration 0 to 100 km/h: 11.0 seconds of maximum speed: 187 km/h

Turning circle: 10.8 meters trunk: 440 litres up to 1650 litres

Base price: 23,855 euro (ex)

ar/Jens Riedel

Automotive Talks Blog

Looking for somewhere to go this summer? Have you thought about going to somewhere where there's a nice sandy beach, where the summer sun just beats down on your head and where the jewel toned waters will cool you down? If you've been thinking beach Cancun is the way for you to go then. There's no place quite like Cancun and it's the perfect spot for you to get away from all your troubles.

Since you want the beach Cancun really should be the only place you need to look. Yes, there are other beaches in Mexico and yes there are other beaches elsewhere as well, but why spend all that money on getting to these places when you know in your heart of hearts that Cancun is the place for you to be. There's no place like home as the famous line goes and there's also no place like the beach Cancun is famous for, for spending your vacation.

If you go in the height of summer though be prepared to pay the price for that as you will have to find a spot for you to camp out in with great difficulty. Being one of the places for Americans to go along with a few other choice destinations of course, you'll find that the beach Cancun is famous for is fully loaded, even overloaded, with tourists and locals alike.

Some days it will be all you can do to get a finger in much less your beach towel and your whole body! On these days if you don't mind forgoing the beach you can go sightseeing around Cancun and avail yourself of its hospitality. There are many things you can do while in Cancun, although most of these things do tend to center around the beach Cancun also boasts of other attractions but these might not be to your taste.

You could of course always go on a tour of Cancun, or maybe even on a tour which will take you further afield. These can be just as fun ways to spend your time in Cancun as any. However since the beach is what you came for, the beach Cancun is famous for is what you should get. So if you can brave the press of people it's very easy to wriggle your way around people and find the perfect spot for you to dump your beach towel on, and then you can be away swimming in the cool waters of the sea.

Bowe provides free information on Cancun. Go and visit his site to Get information on Cancun resorts, vacation packages and much, much more.

L-Arginine has been a favorite of bodybuilders for many years, but is also being taken by many for its general health benefits and the fact that it is one of the best supplements to boost sex drive naturally and is nicknamed natures Viagra

Lets look at its health benefits in more detail

L-Arginine is what is called a semi-essential amino acid.

Our bodies cannot make it naturally, and we have to get it from our diets. L-Arginine is found in founds such as oily fish, nuts, seeds, raisins and chocolate.

You can also buy it in tablet form, either alone or in combination with other proteins.

What Does L-Arginine Do?

Lets look at its general affect on the body first and how it can boost sex drive as well

Many studies now prove that L-Arginine is useful in basic bodily functions, such as the secretion of hormones, boosting the immune system, and is a great anti-oxidant (helping the body remove free radicals and toxins) from the body.

L-Arginine is partially responsible for the production of nitric oxide in our body, which is a vasodilator (helps veins expand or dilate).

L- Arginine & the Blood

Understanding this quality, doctors often use L-Arginine for cardiovascular ailments (high blood pressure, angina, and so on). Also, the same principle of vasodilation to help treat erectile dysfunction and even infertility as you need nitric oxide to create an erection

Other studies indicate that L-Arginine taken as a dietary supplement can aid in lowering the levels of bad cholesterol, regulating our normal salt levels, and even assisting in the metabolism of fats.

A Bodybuilders Discovery?

Physical culturists and body builders are very fond of L-Arginine for their own reasons.

It aids in the synthesis of proteins, and thus body mass

As its a vasodilator it will aid in the rapid growth of muscle

Its role in nitrogen retention also aids muscle growth

Its immune system boosting keeps the bodybuilder more healthy

Bodybuilders regularly add large amounts of L-Arginine in their dietary supplementation.

Is it Possible to Get Plentiful L-Arginine Naturally?

The answer is yes. If you eat plenty of raw seeds and nuts (such as pistachio, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds (or their products, such as tahini), organic and natural raisins, you can add grams of usable L-Arginine to your diet.

The old Arabic sexual manual,

The Perfumed Garden, was referring to foods with high L- Arginine thousands of years ago to increase sexual potential potency.

The sages that wrote that work did not have the luxury or aid of modern chemistry, but nevertheless they had a great power of observation.

Certain foods produced certain effects and getting more Nitric oxide from L-Arginine has been medically proven to help make sex drive

The fact is Nitric oxide insufficiency can stop the penis from becoming erect.

Nitric oxide is critical to the erection process as impulses from the brain and nerves cause the release of nitric oxide.

This causes the muscles of the penis to relax and blood flows into the spongy tissue of the penis to create an erection.

Nitric Oxide declines with age and many men who are getting older do not need to take Ciallis, Viagra or other prescription drugs they simply need to increase their production of nitric oxide and get an increase of nitric oxide and L- Arginine does this.

A study published in 1994 showed an 80 percent improvement in the erectile function of men given 2.8 grams of argentine a day after just two weeks.

Dosages of up to 3 grams are taken by many people now to aid with all the above and can be taken without prescription.

All men getting older may like to consider this supplement for their all round health and sexual well being.

MORE FREE INFO

On all aspects of health and more on mens health visit our website for a huge resource of articles, features and downloads and at http://www.net-planet.org/index.html