• making the switch
• introduction to HDTV
• high-def vs. analog
• HDTV resolution choices
• progressive vs. interlaced
• resolution tips
• widescreen vs. standard
• other benefits of HD
• tools needed for high-def
• questions?
• HDTV glossary
• Watch the HDTV Buying Guide

That is the widescreen format used in movie theater screens. It’s also the ratio HDTV
programs are broadcasted.

Have you ever watched a movie and noticed black bars on the top and bottom of the screen? That’s because the movie (the source) and the TV have different aspect ratios. The TV add the bars and might delete parts of the image to get it to fit on the screen.

The aspect ratio on standard TVs is 4:3. Most programming can be formatted to fit this ratio if you prefer more of a square shape; however, almost all new HDTVs are widescreen format.

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