What is better, 1080p (progressive) or 1080i (interlaced)?

Answer 1

Generally, the 1080p TV will be better. Even if the source is not 1080p (broadcast TV, cable or satellite HD) a 1080p set will usually present a better picture. The set converts the 1080i picture to 1080p, so all the lines of the picture are on the screen at the same time. However, stay away from 1080p sets that are "off brand" or seemlngly low-priced. Conversion to 1080p can be done poorly, and the result can be worse than 1080i (540 lines alternately displayed), It is true that the new high def DVD players will output 1080p, but many "1080p" sets can display 1080p but not accept that as an input. If you are planning on using the TV for high def DVD or video games, make sure it will accept 1080p input. Actual pixel counts for the formats are:

720p: 1280 x 720 = 921,600 pixels
1080p: 1920 x 1080 = 2,073,600 pixels

Note that a 1080p set will also convert 720p to 1080p, but the picture you see will not have any more resolution than what was in the original 720p source.

Answer 2

Currently there are no stations transmitting 1080p, that is something coming in the future. Depending upon what city you live in, you may have local transmission of both 1080i and 720p from different station. Both 720p and 1080i have the capability of being 60 fsp (frames per second), however if the transmitter is not 60 fps, you will only get 30. All HD DVD are 1080P and will look superior to 1080i. This is because a progressive signal looks better than an interlaced one. One thing to keep in mind, the larger the display area, the more pixels you need to have displayed. Keep in mind, 99% of all sets say they accept 1080, however if there native resolution is not 1080, they are downconverting the signal to fit the native resolution.

FYI...720 display approx. 1.5 meg pixels (1366x768)
1080 display approx. 2.5 meg pixels (1900x1080)

Answer 3

1080p hands down. Even 720p is better than 1080i. 1080i has 30 frames per second where as 720p has 60 frames per second

Answer 4

1080 p is clearer, it shows all the lines at the same time instead everyone other line such as interlaced. You won't notice unless you really have a bigscreen or if you pause.