How to understand the latest telly terminology

The latest TVs seem awash with code words and gibberish acronyms. But they don’t have to be baffling and you don’t need an Enigma machine to crack their secrets.

Follow our simple guide to avoid the most common telly confusions, and never get bamboozled again.

Step 1: 720? 1080i? 1080p? It’s a numbers game
Most TVs on sale now are HD models. That means they’re equipped to show off the better quality picture available through Blu-Ray discs, Sky HD, cable and, soon, Freeview. However, there are two types of high definition signal.

While standard definition, or regular TV, is made up of 480 horizontal lines, an HD picture is made up of either 720 or 1080 lines. 1080 provides the most impressive pictures, as there’s much more space to create detail in the images. TVs that support 1080 images are sometimes referred to as ‘full HD’. Look for that badge if you’re buying a new TV or any Hi-Def equipment.

You might also see TVs listed as being 1080i or 1080p. This tells you whether a screen’s picture is interlaced (i) or progressive (p) – that is, whether its lines are refreshed alternately (i), or all at once (p). Some sticklers claim that progressive updating is better, although in reality, both systems update faster than the human eye can recognise, so the difference is negligible. Either way the picture quality is stunning.

Step 2: HDMI know best!
HD TVs all come packing at least one HDMI socket. It’s the type of connection you’ll need to connect top-notch HD equipment to the screen. However, since almost all entertainment kit is moving towards HDMI connections, it’s unlikely that one will be enough for long (just like the frustration of not having enough scart sockets). Future-proof yourself by choosing a telly with as many HDMI sockets as possible. You’ll thank yourself when your set-top box, Hi-Def disc player and games console can all plug in at once.

Step 3: PVR / DVR
Adding a Personal Video Recorder or PVR (sometimes called a Digital Video Recorder, DVR or Digital TV box) to your TV will let you record programmes without clunky VHS tapes. Shows are recorded to a hard drive in perfect quality, and most PVRs can record more than one show at once.

Some TVs even have PVR functionality built in, but it’s more likely you’ll find it in a Sky, Freeview or Cable set-top box.

Step 4: VOD / IPTV
VOD stands for Video On Demand, while IPTV stands for Internet Protocol TV. They’re really the same thing, and are simply systems where you can choose to play a TV show at a time that suits you, without having to record it first. Currently, you’ll only get true VOD content by subscribing to cable, Tiscali TV or BT Vision. Sky will introduce its own on-demand system in the near future, but for Freeview, it’s a long way off.

Look for VOD availability if you’re keen on entertainment shows or re-playing programmes from the last seven days. It’s also good for movie fans, as you can start films at times to suit you. If you’re into sports, however, there’ll be little here to interest you.

Must have accessories
Blu-ray – If you’re really going to get the most out of your new TV, you’ll need to feed it the best quality signals. Those come in luscious HD from Blu-ray discs. Invest in a player, hook it up using HDMI and you’ll never look at a dowdy old DVD in the same way again.

HDMI cable – If your equipment has a HDMI socket, use it. Not only will it transport audio and video with one neat connection, but some anti-piracy systems actually lower the quality of the picture if you use anything else, so you won’t get the most out of your investment.

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