However, it's important to note:
* Early models were expensive and limited in availability.
* The transition from standard definition to high definition was gradual. It took years for HDTVs to become more affordable and widely adopted.
* The specific definition of "HDTV" has evolved over time. Initially, 720p was considered high definition, but today, 1080p is the standard, with 4K and even 8K becoming increasingly common.
Therefore, while the first HDTVs were available in 1998, it's more accurate to say that widespread adoption of HDTV technology began in the mid-2000s.