What has picture quality: 720p or 1080i? Why?

Answer 1

This may seem like a simple question to answer, but in fact it is not possible to make a general statement. There have been advocates for both formats, and that is why you find some networks (ABC, FOX) going with 720p while others (NBC,CBS) selected 1080i. The 1080 picture has twice as many pixels as the 720, so it should display better resolution. In fact, that is the case if the picture is not moving. The problem comes in with moving objects in the picture. Since the interlaced picture shows only 540 lines at a time (every 1/60th of a second), an moving object can "leave" half the lines behind from one field to the next. That means the edges of moving object have only 540 lines, poorer than 720. This is called an interlacing artifact. Therefore, for sports, 720 is preferred, but for other more static program material, 1080i is preferred. I guess ABC and Fox wanted the sports programming to look its best.

NOTE: this whole issue is becoming moot as the newest TV sets can display 1080i as 1080p (by "de-interlacing"). This can be done quite well in the better sets, and makes 1080i (as source material) the best choice for a 1080p set (1080p source is even better, but it is not a broadcast format at present).

Answer 2

I (interlaced) and P (Progressive), Progressive Scan is better as it "creates" a new image instead of piecing two images together like Interlaced.720p is much better, 1080i is better for pictures or still images, 720p is good for moving things, just like games. watch a fast moving sport on both you will see the difference....

Answer 3

well it is kinda obscure how it works 1080i is a high definition signalwhich just means you get 1080 pixals of resolution and that is the i series now with the p series it is a better quality of signal i personally think 780p is the rivalof 1080 i its all relative to what you lioke

Answer 4

1080 i is used for HD tuners, and i feel it is a much better picture on my tv, then the 720p