High-definition video

For high-definition video in broadcasting, seeHigh-definition television. For other uses, seeHigh-definition. For other uses, seeHD.


High-definition videoisvideoof higherresolutionand quality than standard-definition. While there is no standardized meaning forhigh-definition, generally any video image with considerably more than 480 horizontal lines (North America) or576 horizontal lines (Europe) is considered high-definition. 480 scan lines is generally the minimum even though the majority of systems greatly exceed that. Images of standard resolution captured at rates faster than normal (60 frames/second North America, 50 fps Europe), by ahigh-speed cameramay be considered high-definition in some contexts. Some television series shot on high-definition video are made to look as if they have been shot onfilm, a technique which is often known as filmizing.

History

The first electronic scanning format,405 lines, was the first "high definition" television system, since the mechanical systems it replaced had far fewer. From 1939, Europe and the US tried 605 and 441 linesuntil, in 1941, the FCC mandated 525 for the US. In wartime France, René Barthélemy tested higher resolutions, up to 1,042.In late 1949, official French transmissions finally began with 819. In 1984, however, this standard was abandoned for 625-line color on theTF1 network.The first electronic scanning format,405 lines, was the first "high definition" television system, since the mechanical systems it replaced had far fewer. From 1939, Europe and the US tried 605 and441 linesuntil, in 1941, theFCCmandated 525 for the US. In wartime France, René Barthélemy tested higher resolutions, up to 1,042.In late 1949, official French transmissions finally began with819. In 1984, however, this standard was abandoned for 625-line color on theTF1network.

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1980s

1990s

2000s

Size comparison