HDTVs that are classified as 1080p are widely considered to be the best in terms of high definition resolution, making them a popular purchase. The 1080p refers to 1,080 lines of resolution that are scanned progressively. Televisions that can display a 1080p image are classified as 1080p televisions. This is true of both televisions that display the image via a direct input and those that use the internal processing of the television.
However, according to Robert Silva at about.com, not all televisions that have 1080p processing will accept a 1080p input source. According to Silva, "In order to take advantage of 1080p upscaling output from a DVD player, the HDTV must have both 1080p native display capability and be able to accept a 1080p signal from an external source." A user manual should tell you whether or not your television could accept 1080p from an external source.A number of 2005 1080p televisions do not accept a 1080p input, including Samsung, JVC, Toshiba, Sony, and Mitsubishi rear-projection sets. Instead of accepting a 1080p source, the HDTV upconverts 720p and 1080i sources to 1080p.
Yet another problem with 1080p HDTVs involves the format of 1080p an HDTV will accept. Traditionally, HDTVs accept a signal classified as 1080p/60, which means that the signal is displayed at 60 frames per second. New discs, such as Blu-Ray Discs and HD-DVDs are using a 1080p/24 format, meaning that the image is transferred at a rate of 24 frames per second. HDTVs must have the ability to display 1080p resolution at 24 frames per second in order to display this image.
Some television manufacturers may be guilty of false advertising if they cannot display the images they claim to be able to accept. If you purchased an HDTV that cannot accept all 1080 images, contact a lawyer to discuss your options.