HDTV and DTV Are Not The Same

There is a lot of confusion about digital television (DTV) and high-definition television (HDTV).  HDTV and DTV are not the same.  HDTV is a format of DTV.  The common formats of DTV are:

• Standard Definition Television (SDTV)
• Enhanced Definition Television (EDTV)
• High-Definition Television (HDTV)

Each format offers a different picture quality which differs depending on the resolution and the number of pixels.  HDTV has the highest resolution and picture quality.  It is displayed in one of three resolution formats:

1. 720p (progressive scan, 1,280 x 720)
2. 1080i (interlaced 1,920 x 1,080)
3. 1080p (progressive scan, 1,920 x 1,080)

Interlaced display scans only every other line per frame, while progressive display scans all horizontal lines per frame, resulting in a greater number of pixels, and thus a better picture quality. 

Source: Industry Canada