HD TV companies are now promoting 1080p TV's. Can the HD signal from the TV networks provide 1080p quality?

There are performance considerations that are equally important to – and in many cases more important than – the resolution of a display. For example, the MAJORITY of HD displays are unable to meet many of the essential video performance criteria necessary to achieve high quality, true 1080-line high definition video [1][2][3]. For a reasonably thorough evaluation of a display or projector’s video performance some of the most important criteria are (in no particular order):

  • Video bandwidth;

  • Pixel response time;

  • Pixel defects;

  • Gamma and gray-scale accuracy;

  • Color gamut and accuracy;

  • Black level;

  • Peak brightness level;

  • Video signal quantization level (8-, 10-, 12-bit or higher);

  • Motion artifacts (temporal and spatial);

  • Image (re)scaling (including decimation and pixel re-mapping);

  • De-interlacing;

  • Video noise;

  • Screen uniformity and color purity;

  • Film cadence detection - accuracy and precision of 3:2 pulldown (aka, inverse telecine - IVTC) processing when viewing 24fps film content, which has been encoded as 29.97 Hz, 30 Hz, 59.94 Hz, or 60 Hz video on DVDs.

All of the aforementioned performance criteria, and more, can be readily evaluated with the proper diagnostic tools [4][5][6] before purchasing a display or projector. While you may not notice video artifacts initially, over time – and depending on the quality of the HD source material – you WILL begin to notice flaws that may be present in your display to the point where they could become a significant distraction. Hence, it is always best to thoroughly evaluate displays or projectors before purchasing.

With respect to broadcast digital video content (including HD,) I predict that you won't see much of an increase in HD programming in the near future because there isn't a strong consumer demand at the present time. It will be slow-going but eventually HD content will become the norm, perhaps even 1080p broadcasts.

The prospects for the direct broadcast satellite (DBS) industry looks a bit better however, largely as a result of DBS’ comparative lack of bandwidth constraints and the rapid adoption of new compression standards such as H.264/MPEG-4 AVC or VC-1 (SMPTE 421M.) Also, under the ATSC Digital Television Standards [7][8] popular Direct-to-Home satellite broadcasters such as EchoStar Satellite (DISH Network) and Liberty Media/DIRECTV Group currently have the option of broadcasting HD content using a full 1080 lines of video progressively scanned at 23.976 Hz, 24 Hz, 29.97 Hz, 30 Hz, 59.94 Hz, or 60 Hz. Once both companies have completely switched over to H.264 or VC-1 I sincerely hope that they will provide subscribers an opportunity to receive and view 1080p video, particularly film content, in its native progressive scan format. (Note: unlike satellite broadcasters the ATSC Digital Television Standard does not currently offer cable and over-the-air broadcasters the option of using 1080/59.94p or 1080/60p video transmissions.)

No, to the best of my knowlege, there are no cable or satellite companies that provide a 1080p signal. The best they do is 1080i. If you want the best looking picture, go with satellite, Directv would be my first choice on that. I would buy a 1080p tv through if you are in the market for a new tv at the moment.

I think until know there's 720p and 1080i. But don't know maybe someday we will have 1080p broadcast. But nothing wrong to prepare, full HD TV is the best.

Blueray theoretically can, but I don't think any broadcasts are available yet. They're working on it, though.