Picture Resolution: The resolution of the picture determines how crisp and clear the images are. The highest resolution 1080i (the i stands for interlaced) is the format displayed on High Definition televisions or HDTV's. Even the lowest resolution (480i) or Standard Definition TV (SDTV), produces better pictures than today's analog signals. 480i is comparable to what today's digital satellite systems and DVD players can deliver. Resolution is determined by the number of picture elements (pixels) across the screen, and the number of rows or lines of pixels down the screen. The higher the number, the clearer the picture.

The Screen Format: This element determines the shape of the picture, either square or more of a long rectangle. Specifically 4:3 or 16:9.

The Display Scan Format: The display scan format determines how the image is put, or scanned onto the screen. Two scanning methods, Interlaced or Progressive, are used.