Key Takeaways
- 1080p, also known as Full HD, offers an immersive visual experience with a resolution of 1920*1080 pixels.
- 1080i, short for 1920*1080 interlaced, is a high-definition format that has left its mark in visual media.
- 1080p provides a smoother and crisper image with no interlacing artefacts, while 1080i may have visible artefacts during fast-motion scenes.
What is 1080p?
1080p, or Full HD, has become the gold standard for high-definition content. It has a resolution of 1920*1080 pixels and offers an immersive visual experience that brings movies and TV shows to life.
The “p” in 1080p stands for progressive scan, which means that each video frame is displayed in its entirety. This results in a smooth and crisp image, free from the flickering or interlacing artefacts commonly associated with older display technologies.
One of the significant advantages of 1080p is its ability to show intricate details and vibrant colours. Furthermore, the availability of 1080p content has increased over the years. Streaming platforms, Blu-ray discs and video games also embrace this resolution.
In terms of gaming, 1080p provides a balance between visual fidelity and performance. Many consoles and gaming PCs support this resolution, thus allowing the user to enjoy smooth gameplay without compromising image quality.
What is 1080i?
1080i is a high-definition format that has left its mark in visual media. It is also short for 1920*1080 interlaced. While it shares the exact resolution of 1080p, there are some notable differences in how the images are displayed.
Unlike progressive scan, which displays each frame in its entirety, 1080i relies on interlacing. This means the image is split into two fields, with one area containing the odd-numbered lines and the other containing the even-numbered sequences. These fields are then displayed alternately, creating a sense of motion and producing a complete frame.
The “I” in 1080i stands for interlaced and this method was initially used to overcome technical limitations in broadcasting and signal transmission. Even though it does not offer the same level of visual clarity as progressive scan, it can still deliver excellent-quality images, especially when viewed on compatible displays.
However, some modern display devices like LCD and OLED TVs are primarily designed for progressive scan content. When viewing 1080i content on these displays, the interlaced nature of the video can result in visible artefacts, such as jagged edges or flickering, particularly during scenes with fast motion.
Difference Between 1080p and 1080i
- 1080p uses progressive scan, displaying each frame in its entirety, while 1080i relies on interlacing, displaying alternating fields.
- 1080p provides a smoother and crisper image with no interlacing artefacts, while 1080i may have visible artefacts during fast-motion scenes.
- Modern display devices more widely support 1080p, while 108-I is backwards-compatible with older standard-definition displays.
- 1080p is preferred for gaming due to its progressive scan, delivering smoother gameplay, while 1080i can still handle fast-paced content but may introduce motion blur.
- 1080p excels in displaying fast motion sequences with reduced motion blur, while 1080i relies on interlacing to mitigate motion artefacts.
Comparison Between 1080p and 1080i
| Parameters | 1080p | 1080i |
|---|---|---|
| Display method | Progressive scan method, i.e. displaying each frame in its entirety | Interlacing method, i.e. displaying alternative fields |
| Image clarity | Smoother and crisper image with no interlacing artefacts | Visible artefacts during fast-motion scenes |
| Compatibility | Supported by modern display devices | Backwards-compatible with older standard-definition displays |
| Gaming performance | Preferred for gaming and delivers smooth gameplay | Can handle fast-paced content but may introduce motion-blur |
| Motion handling | Fast motion sequences with reduced motion blur | Interlacing to mitigate motion artefacts |
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/4747425/?casa_token=A9J25V5B608AAAAA:ktQvFfruM-FmaoVEtKxh3UL3LSacnc2r_Ux-ciBXKMLbXaEEGWgluiPui6MTR_GOlBDmQmGE
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/7269677/
Last Updated : 14 October, 2023
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Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
