Which is better: 1080i or 1080p? And what is the difference between them?

Often when buying a new TV or monitor for a personal computer, the question arises: "Which is better - 1080i or 1080p?" It would seem that the resolution is 1920 pixels wide and 1080 pixels high, and that's it. This is the HD standard - it displays an image in high quality. But not everything is so simple. It turns out that there are two ways to output the image. The first one is interlaced. The second one is progressive. It is on the comparison of their strengths and weaknesses that it will be concluded that it is better: 1080i or 1080p.

Brief background

The certification program called HD Ready was officially launched in Western Europe in early 2005. Even then it was conditionally divided into two types. The first of these is the one that comes with the "and" index. It is tied to analog standards, which are almost completely replaced by digital technologies. The second one (with the index "p") is maximally focused on supporting the latter. Already only on the basis of this we can conclude that it's better - 1080i or 1080p.

Standard 1080i

Let's describe the technical characteristics of each of the standards, which will give a reasoned answer to the question about what is better: 1080i or 1080p. Let's start with the first one. This is one of the possible options for displaying an image with a resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels. In this case, such a device reproduces video in the Full Full -Di format. The frequency of updating the picture on this screen can be 50 or 60 Hz. It is set by software settings. The picture is formed in two bars. In the first stage, even lines are displayed, and then odd lines. The human eye does not notice this. But the image itself is not very high quality. You can say, even blurry. The cost of such a TV or monitor will be lower. The main advantage in this case is a reduced stream of video data: with this technology it is reduced by 2 times. Accordingly, and the circuit-technical solutions are simplified, which affects the lower cost of the device.

Standard 1080p

To determine what is better to choose - 1080i or 1080p, - we will understand the characteristics of the second standard. The resolution of the matrix in this case is similar - 1920х1080. In addition to update frequencies (50 and 60 Hz), there is still support - 24Hz. But the image is displayed in one bar. Therefore, the picture is much better. But the price in this case will be higher.

Compare

Having found out technical features and comparing them, it is possible to decide what will be more correct to purchase, the TV set of one of the two standards: 1080i? 1080p? The difference between these formats seems to be not essential. The resolution of the image is the same - 1920 pixels in width and 1080 in height. The frequency of updating the picture in both cases is identical. It can be 50 or 60 Hz, depending on the software settings. In addition, the standard 1080p displays an image output at a frequency of 24 Hz. It is designed to play movies in certain formats. The key difference is how the image is formed. In the format with the index "and" the picture is obtained by gradual output of lines. A similar principle was used on older analog TVs and monitors. Previously, this method of withdrawal had a very negative impact on the person's vision. Now, due to more modern technologies, such influence is minimized. But all the same, the real resolution, which is processed per clock, is reduced. The actual video format is as follows: 1920 at 540. But 1080r updates the whole image. That is, you get a "real" resolution of 1920 by 1080. In fact, this is a full-fledged Full HD. This is the main features of the formats 1080i, 1080p. The differences between them are as follows:

• The standard with the index "p" supports the output of video at a frequency of 24 Hz. This allows you to view some non-standard files in the proper quality.
• The same "p" index for one cycle completely updates the image on the screen. A 1080i for the same operation will have to spend two iterations.

Do not forget about the cost of the device. In the case of 1080p, it will be higher by 10-20 percent.

What's better

Now let's sum up and determine what is better: 1080i or 1080p? Of course, the second price will be higher in any case, but from the position of quality it will be better. The picture is clear, it is often updated, a smaller load on the eyesight - these are the advantages that predetermine this choice. And full support for non-standard video files, too, will not be superfluous. We also do not forget that 1080p can work in the mode with "and". To do this, just adjust the program settings of the device. But in the opposite direction this can not be done. Still, it is technically impossible to convert a half-frame into a whole frame. Namely, in this case, an image is formed. And one more important nuance. So far, 1080p has not received much distribution in broadcasting programs, but behind it is the future. It is the matter of time. Soon, most of the television channels will broadcast in this format. Then it will be possible to fully experience all its advantages. The images in the air signal and on the TV screen will be in the same format, and you can believe the picture quality will be really the best.

Summary

Within the framework of this material, an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the two main standards of image formation on a monitor or TV screen was conducted. Knowing these nuances, it will be easy to make a choice between hd 1080p or hd 1080i. But at the same time we do not forget about the cost, which in this issue plays not the most recent role. In any case, the recommendations in this article will allow you to choose exactly the device that best suits your needs.