Short for Enhanced Definition Television, EDTV is a
common name for a particular subset of the DTV (Digital Television)
standards, but is considered to be
specifically a part of the HDTV format. EDTV offers advancements over
SDTV, but not near the quality and performance of HDTV. On a large display
screen, EDTV only simulates HDTV viewing quality. EDTV operates
as 480p (where 480 represents the vertical resolution and p
represents progressive scan). To take advantage of the 480p standard, you
must use a video source that outputs that signal (i.e. a DVD player) and the
display must be able to read the 480p input signal. EDTV also offers the
benefits of Dolby digital surround sound.
* EDTV Minimum Performance Attributes:
Receiver: Receives ATSC terrestrial digital transmissions and decodes
all ATSC Table 3 video formats
Display Scanning Format: Has active vertical scanning lines of 480
progressive (480p) or higher
Aspect Ratio: None Specified
Audio: Receives and reproduces, and/or outputs Dolby Digital audio
Plasma TV Buying Guide We've all heard certain plasma displays described as "enhanced" definition displays. "Enhanced" certainly makes these plasma TVs sound good … desirable even. Lucky for us there's more to this than just clever marketing. Enhanced-definition (or ED) plasma TVs are actually better than conventional, tube-type TVs -- not just slimmer and wider.
