720p and 1080i differences

Fistandantilis

Senior member
Aug 29, 2004
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is 1080i and 720p the same thing, I got some freinds looking into HD TV's and I think they are confused but I aint sure, so I am trying to clarify some things for them.
thanks
 

n7

Elite Member
Jan 4, 2004
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I much prefer 1080i to 720p.

I don't watch content on a TV though; all my multimedia viewing is on either my LCD or projector.

But on a 2560x1600 display, no matter how you slice it, 1080i > 720p by far.
 

zinfamous

No Lifer
Jul 12, 2006
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Originally posted by: n7
I much prefer 1080i to 720p.

I don't watch content on a TV though; all my multimedia viewing is on either my LCD or projector.

But on a 2560x1600 display, no matter how you slice it, 1080i > 720p by far.

but if the content can't handle the display, then it isn't worth watching. and let's face it, movies aren't getting any better on average, so the majority of content that you will be watching will be older. 1080 *may be too much. Then again, 780 is all I really know, so take that with a grain of salt.
 
Jun 14, 2003
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i thought on most TV sets you can barely tell the difference between 1080p and 1080 i

but fwiw

720p = 1280x720, redraws all pixels at once.

1080i = 1920 x 540 ...... though it will draw the even set of 540 lines on one refresh and then the odd set on the next refresh. so at any one time its only processig 1920 lines across and 540 lines up. but you could say after 2 refreshes you've processed the same amount of info as 1080p (1920x1080) would in one refresh

id say on a big telly with a good refresh rate 1080i > 720p
 

JBT

Lifer
Nov 28, 2001
12,094
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I've got a 62" LCD rear projection and personally its pretty hard to tell the difference between the two... atleat on my set.
 

elkinm

Platinum Member
Jun 9, 2001
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720P and 1080i have the same raw number of pixels, which is why a 720P display can play 1080i content. But 1080i is intended for a 1080P capable display as it has the full resolution of 1080P, it will just take two passes with 1080i.

So 1080i on a 720P display is displaying at non native screen resolution which will degrade quality.

1080i stream on a 1080P display (1080i is much more common for broadcast then 1080P), 1080i will be better than 720P

It depends on what resolution your display can truly output. But the best test is to try both and to see which one you like better.

EDIT: TO answer your question, when purchasing a display, 720P and 1080i are the same as the display will be able to process the bandwidth for both. But a 720P display, (actually 768P I think), cannot display a true 1080i image, just handle the pixels, 720P should look better on this display.
A true 1080P display is needed for true 1080i and these would look best on a real 1080i display.
 

JonnyBlaze

Diamond Member
May 24, 2001
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Originally posted by: elkinm
720P and 1080i have the same raw number of pixels, which is why a 720P display can play 1080i content. But 1080i is intended for a 1080P capable display as it has the full resolution of 1080P, it will just take two passes with 1080i.

So 1080i on a 720P display is displaying at non native screen resolution which will degrade quality.

1080i stream on a 1080P display (1080i is much more common for broadcast then 1080P), 1080i will be better than 720P

It depends on what resolution your display can truly output. But the best test is to try both and to see which one you like better.

EDIT: TO answer your question, when purchasing a display, 720P and 1080i are the same as the display will be able to process the bandwidth for both. But a 720P display, (actually 768P I think), cannot display a true 1080i image, just handle the pixels, 720P should look better on this display.
A true 1080P display is needed for true 1080i and these would look best on a real 1080i display.

I don't think any of this information is correct. Just start with the math.


1920x540=1036800 pixels is the same as 1280x720=921600 pixels?



I prefer 1080i for movies and 720p for sports / fast paced things.







 

QuantumPion

Diamond Member
Jun 27, 2005
6,010
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I have a 1366x768 plasma and I find 1080i looks far better then 720p. While 720p is smoother and doesn't have motion artifacts, it is much blurrier. 1080i looks super sharp and clean.