HDTV resolution

I''ll ask here because I know I'll get the right answer.

What's the vertical resolution for HDTV? 720? or 1024? Or something else? does it vary worldwide like NTSC versus PAL?

I gather the horizontal resolution varies depending on the tv being 16:9 or other aspect ratios.

It depends if the field is progressive or interlaced. If it's progressive it's 1280x720, if it's interlaced it is 1920x1080. They are both HDTV standards and both valid. When getting a HDTV, get one that can accept both inputs.

the difference is more drastig for NTSC regions who go from 480 up to 1080, PAL regions go from 576 to 1080, but the standard remains the same as far as I'm aware. The BBC will be running trials in 1080 next year.

Thank you.

How much better really would non-interlaced hdtv appear over PAL? I've seen PAL during my visits to the UK and was suitably impressed. (Isn't PAL about 450 effective lines?)

NTSC (240 or so effective lines) will see a big improvement with hdtv naturally, but would a PAL user really see any improvement on a smallish TV?

Phase Alernation Line mode I runs at 720x576. It's technically a 625 line system, but only 576 are used.

I like PAL better because of more DVDs out and higher quality...