720p vs 1080p vs 1080i
720p vs 1080p is a huge question. At your local electronics store on each TV or Monitor you will see either 720p or 1080p, these are the display’s resolutions. All HDTVs will be in these high resolutions. Anything less and you’ll be talking standard CRT TV’s, and last time I looked they are not making them anymore.
720p vs 1080p – What is a display resolution?
Basically put, it’s the amount of pixels on your TV or Monitor that go across the screen and down. The total of all pixels is the total resolution of your display. Typically speaking the higher the resolution, the better picture quality. A lot of people ask about 720p vs 1080p in relation to LCD vs LED. What we are talking about here is resolution of the display, whereas LCD vs LED is mostly referring to the backlighting of a TV or Monitor to show pictures on the display. They are actually two very different things.
What does the P stand for in 720p vs 1080p?
Before we get into that, it’s important to note, as of a couple of years ago, there were actually three main resolutions for HDTVs. 720p, 1080p, and 1080i. I’m constantly checking on new and outdated resolutions, and as far as I know, they are not making resolutions in 1080i anymore. However they are still out there, and you should know the difference.
The P stands for Progressive (At the same time) and the I stands for Interlaced (alternate switching). When it comes to 720p vs 1080p both of these resolutions will act the same. Meaning they will display all the pixels at once. Whereas if the display is 1080i or interlaced it means that it will show all the odd pixels across and down at the same time, and then it will display all the even pixels at the same time. It interchanges odd-even-odd-even at such a fast rate that your eyes usually can’t tell the difference and it seems like one united picture. And this works… on smaller screens, but when you start getting 42 inches and higher people started reporting jagged and fuzzy edges. Blurriness at times. The screen is just too big to keep alternating all the pixels and the result ended up being distorted at times. So the manufactures started relying on the Progressive resolution technology where all the pixels show at once which eliminated all the errors and oddities that interlaced resolution offered.
What does 720 and 1080 mean?
These number have to do with the pixels in the TV or Monitor. If you see 1080p on a TV at the store or online, what actually being said is the TV or Monitor has 1920 pixels going horizontal (across) your screen, and has 1080 pixels going vertical (down) your screen.
If you see 720p what’s actually being said is the TV or Monitor has 1280 pixels going across (horizontal) and 720 pixels going down (vertical). These two numbers represent High Definition. If you see 720p and 1080p, even 1080i you can be sure the monitor or TV will display in HD.
720p vs 1080p – which is better?
This depends on the actual size of the TV, and what you want to use the TV or Monitor for. When you’re talking about HDTVs 720p vs 1080p and the screen size is 37 inches and lower, you will NOT be able to tell the difference between the two resolutions. That’s a great thing to remember! Because there are 37 inch TVs out there with 1080p resolution. Save yourself some money and go with the 720p. You’ll be very happy.
If the TV or Monitor is 42 inches and higher you will be able to tell the difference between 720p vs 1080p. The screen is large enough where the extra pixels of the 1080p resolution will and can make a dramatic difference in picture quality.
720p vs 1080p – Hmm… I’m still undecided.
Here’s a few interesting things for you to think about. As of right now there are no TV stations, cable or otherwise that can broadcast in full 1080p. They broadcast in HD, but at 720p. So if you own a 1080p TV or monitor you still will not get 1080p picture quality simply because it’s not being offered at that resolution.
Where 1080p really shines is in Video games such as the Xbox360, PS3, Nintendo Wii. These game consoles offer all of their games in 1080p resolution and to any game fanatic it’s a must have. Also local stations and cable TV may not be broadcasting in 1080p, but streaming movies can. If you have Apple TV, Amazon Prime, the Roku, or any other streaming device there’s a good chance you’ll see it in 1080p. Check with the supplier to be absolutely sure. The other place 1080p shines, is your Blu-ray player. All Blu-rays come standard in 1080 resolution!
Conclusion.
When talking about 720p vs 1080p you are really talking about pixels on the display. TV or Monitor doesn’t matter. You won’t find new devices anymore using the interlaced resolution, so what’s left is the superior technology of progressive resolutions. Both 720 and 1080 display in the same way.
What you have to decide, is what are you going to do with the TV or Monitor. If you want it for gaming, streaming, and playing your blu-ray disks and you want a big TV over 42 inches, definitely go with 1080p. However if you want all that stuff and the TV is 37inches or less, you won’t see the difference in 1080p, so go with 720p.
If you just want to buy a TV to watch TV and not so concerned about gaming, or blu-rays and you want it 42 inches or larger, then go with 720p and save some cash. If you want a 37 inch display or smaller and you just want to watch TV, and nothing more, than definitely go with 720p. Just a side note. Resolution is just one part of the technology, be sure to read about the Refresh Rate to get the full picture. It’s pretty important.
Another quick note. There are many times when a large TV or Monitor at 1080p is at the same price or lower than the same size TV or Monitor at 720p. You just have to look. Because in the world of resolutions, 720p vs 1080p, if you can get a 1080p resolution display I would highly recommend it.
