What Do The Terms Full HD and HD Ready Mean?
The term "Full HD" is not to be confused with the term "HD Ready" which could indicate that the TV requires a Set Top Box to enable Digital TV viewing. The term "HD Ready" could also indicate that the TV is compatible with High Definition devices like Blu-ray Players and Gaming Consoles (PS3, Xbox 360 etc.).
Connecting a particular device to a HD TV doesn't necessarily mean that these devices will be displayed at their full potential as these TV's have varying resolutions like 1024 x 768, 1366 x 768 etc. However, some devices are capable of displaying a resolution of 1920 x 1080. The term Full HD refers to a resolution of 1920 x 1080p pixels, so for the device to be displayed at its full potential, it is best if the display also has a native Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution.
The "p" next to the resolution figure indicates a progressive resolution, which means that all the lines of pixels move together. When an "i" is placed next to resolution figure, that indicates an interlaced resolution, which basically means that every second line moves between alternating frames. It is common to omit the horizontal resolution when quoting resolution figures on specification listings, for example: 1920 x 1080p = 1080p, 1280 x 720p = 720p, 720 x 576i = 576i etc.
Now with most TV's using Freeview certification, the term "Freeview Ready" indicates that a High Definition Digital Tuner is actually built into the Television or device and it is ready to display HD Digital TV straight out of the box.
Free to air Digital TV currently offers a maximum resolution of 1080i on selected HD channels, which as mentioned above is an interlaced resolution so there would a small benefit gained when viewing these HD channels on a Full HD TV. The biggest benefit gained from having a Full HD TV is when using devices like Blu-ray Players and Full HD Gaming Consoles (PS3, XBox 360 etc.).
Please also note that to obtain the full potential of a Full HD TV, it is strongly recommended to use a HDMI Cable whenever possible. Please also refer to our What is HDMI? page for more information specifically relating to HDMI.
