I'm very confused....Is 720p better picture than 1080i...and how do you get 1080p?

Question

My TV sais it is capable of 1080p (maximum resolution) but when watching HD channels, I press the status and it sais 1080i

Answer 1

Here's a breakdown of resolutions that will hopefully help you out, and also what is being broadcast in each.

There are numerous resolutions to Digital Programming, starting with 480p, then 720p, then 1080i and 1080p resolutions.

480p resolutions are standard broadcasts that will have a maximum resolution of 480p (same as a progressive scan DVD player). This is what you see when watching a digital channel and there are black bars on the side.

720p is the next step in the scale and is what is broadcast by many networks currently as it is the most universally accepted resolutions of TVs out there today. CBS does a lot of 720p for sporting events.

1080i comes next, and in many cases doesn't look as good as 720p, but is considered a higher resolution. This is what 80% of broadcasters are using for over the air, and through cable/satellite broadcasts.

1080p is the new buzz of the industry and very few sets on the market are even capable of it, only a few DLP TVs, and some LCD sets - the highest resolution plasma on the market is a 42" 1080i resolution set from Hitachi. Currently there are no broadcasts being done in 1080p and it will probably be a while before this actually happens over the air. The only way to get 1080p currently is through the brand new High Def Disc players - Blu-Ray and HD-DVD, though the first HD-DVD players that came out do not support it, only the newer models just released from Toshiba. Blu-Ray players will support and have many titles in 1080p.

I hope that this answered your question. You've made a good investment if your set is in fact a 1080p set and not a Virtual 1080p television.

If you have any other questions don't hesitate to email me through my profile, or check out my blog below for similar posts.

Answer 2

1080i is a higher resolution picture, because it has 1080 horizontal scan lines (1080 lines of pixels). However, the "i" indicates that it is interlaced, meaning only half of the lines are refreshed at any one time.

720p is lower resolution, but all of the lines are refreshed at the same time. Making it more suitable for fast paced TV like sports, which is why ESPN broadcasts in 720p.

The problem you are asking about, is most likely due to the maximum output of your DVR. 1080p is the latest and greatest, and while your TV may be capable of displaying it, this doesn't mean that your DVR or set top box will be capable of sending it.

I hope that helps to explain.

Answer 3

I am new to this myself and in the process of learning these features. p = progressive all lines are scanned one after another.
i = interlace the odd lines are scanned then the even lines. i is older technology used in standard tv.

1080p is 1080 lines scanned progressively and is the the latest technology, but is not yet the normal stream used by broadcasters.

If you have DISH I know that the transmission is 1080i. Most broadcasters will transmit this version later they will go to 1080p.

I would assume that 720p vs 1080i is close to the same as 720 line in progressive mode and 1080 lines interlaced is 280 lines difference.

Answer 4

1080 i is good to who cares

Answer 5

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