TV standards 1080i and 1080p: features and differences

The HD television standard, that is, 1080 resolution, promotes the display of high quality images and is now very popular. However, this resolution can have two values: 1080 “p” and “i”, what is their difference and which one is better?

1080i decomposition standard

The specified standard is designed to receive a digital TV signal on screens with an aspect ratio of 16×9. The screen height should be 1080 pixels and the width should be 1920 pixels. This format has the ability to broadcast video content in various formats, including Full HD. Monitors with this resolution have a refresh rate of 50 or 60 Hz. There is the possibility of self-configuration in the program settings of the TV. The image is formed during two stages. First, even lines appear on the screen (2, 4, 6, …), and then odd ones. Each field is flashed about 30 times in one second. Human vision cannot recognize the non-uniform display of half-frames due to the high dynamism.

This way of displaying a picture affects the quality of the image, and it turns out to be not very clear, in some cases it leads to the effect of flickering, shaking, blurring of the image. This feature is the main drawback of the TV, the decomposition standard of which is 1080i.

Of the positive qualities of equipment with a 1080i decomposition standard, one can note its low price. In addition, with this technology, there is a twofold reduction in the video data stream with a lighter circuitry solution. In reality, the format is 1920×540 pixels.

1080p decomposition standard

This standard has no differences in matrix resolution. However, in addition to the usual refresh rates, like the 1080i decomposition standard, there is also support for 24 Hz.

This is a progressive television scan format. With it, the image is completely scanned, and the rows are displayed in sequential order. 1080p is also used in HDTV.

For the user, watching TV in 1080p is considered the preferred option due to the higher quality and clarity of the image. Progressive scan does not have the disadvantages of 1080i. This technology is more complex, which affects the cost of TVs with this resolution.

What is the difference between 1080p and 1080i standards: differences, advantages and disadvantages

After studying the technical characteristics of the 1080i and 1080p standards, you can determine their main differences:

• the 1080i decomposition standard separates each frame and outputs them line by line in a similar way to analog TVs, while 1080p does this in sequential order without using frame breakdown;
• if you look closely, 1080p has a clearer picture, and the movement occurs without artifacts;
• the latest TVs carry out additional processing of the 1080i TV signal, as a result of which the picture is smoothed, and for a signal with the abbreviation “p” this is not required at all;
• 1080i has less bandwidth requirements than 1080p;
• 1080 “p” HD picture does not allow loss of quality during scaling, and texts using any font and size are much easier to read.

You can see the difference between these two standards by watching the following video (pay attention to the quality of the picture when moving): https://youtu.be/j29b7B6CSNM?t=2

Which is better – the main question

As a result of comparing the standards, it can be noted that 1080p has a significant advantage over 1080i: the picture is updated more frequently, its clarity will be at a higher level, which will relieve additional strain on the organs of vision. Such advantages will affect the cost of a TV with a similar resolution and picture display: it will be more expensive than 1080i standard equipment. TVs with single-cycle picture output support some non-standard video files. Equipment with the 1080p decomposition standard can also function in the presence of the 1080i standard. In this case, you only need to set this permission in the settings. The operation of the equipment according to two standards became possible because it is possible to perform the layout of one frame into two, but to act in reverse order (to add two frames read in turn, and not simultaneously) – no. In a technical sense, converting a half-frame to a whole frame is not possible.

Which is better 1080p or 1080i, interlaced or progressive:

https://youtu.be/QQcbkdopDEc

At the moment, not many over-the-air TV channels are broadcast in 1080p. However, in the near future this function will become widely available, the image of the broadcast channels will become of higher quality.

Progressive scanning (1080p) has a clear advantage in video games and programs used to work with video materials. When watching movies and TV shows, 1080i may be sufficient. Given the described strengths and weaknesses of both formats, the user will be able to choose the right TV.