Can you explain to me the difference between a 720p and 1080p on the HD tv's?

Question

On the new HD TV's what's the difference between 720p and 1080p

Answer 1

With respect to video the numbers 1080 and 720 represent the vertical resolution in LINES per picture height (L/PH) or TV LINES per picture height (TVL/PH) for the two most common high-definition (HD) video formats. Ideally a 1080p display should provide a 50% increase in vertical detail over a 720p display and double the amount of overall spatial detail, all things being equal. (It is important to note that most movies are not framed in a 16:9 (1.77:1) aspect ratio therefore, along with other resolution limiting factors, the actual vertical resolution of the visible video image will often be less than the full vertical resolution of the active picture height of the display screen.)



When referring to 1080p or 720p, etc., the “p” is used to distinguish a progressively scanned (aka, non-interlaced) video image process from an interlaced video image process. Progressive scanning or progressive scan video is the process of displaying (or capturing) video images by scanning ALL of the horizontal scan lines, from top to bottom, within a single pass for each and every FRAME of video without subdividing each frame into two individual, lower bandwidth, sequential video FIELDS. Progressive scan video is consistently superior to interlaced video and should always be given preference if image quality is paramount.



Furthermore, for a given display size a 1920×1080 display will allow you to sit approximately 35% closer than a 1280×720 display. Conversely for a given optimum viewing distance you will be able to use a 1920×1080 display that is approximately 50% larger (diagonally) than a 1280×720 display. For example, with all the other factors being equal, at a nominal distance of 8 feet (96 inches) the optimum display sizes are approximately 41 inches for a 1280×720 display and 63 inches for a 1920×1080 display.



If a person wishes to achieve the most immersive viewing experience¹ the recommended field of view (FOV) between the viewer(s) and the active picture area of the display should be approximately between 30 and 40 degrees. The only HD display resolution capable of meeting such a requirement—without exposing most viewers to discernable picture structure when seated at the proper viewing distance—are displays that reproduce a full 1920×1080p or higher video image.



Virtually all high-definition digital video produced for home use, especially content that originates from film, is encoded, processed and mastered as 1080p/24 digital video for each of the two competing high-definition video optical disc formats. As a general rule of thumb for most—if not all—high-definition source material that is encoded as 1080p/24 the less video processing the better providing your display (and HD video source) can properly handle this HD video format. (The number 24 as written above refers to the video frame rate, aka the vertical refresh rate on a display, in frames per second, which must be specifically supported by the display in order for a viewer to benefit from this HD video format.)

 

Answer 2

This is the simplest way I can explain it. With 1080p, you get 1080 lines of " progressive" video rendering. With 720p, it's 720 lines.

Now, with straight High Definition , you get from 720p to 1080i ( here, the i means " interlacing" video rendering.)

With what they call FULL HD, you get 1080p, which is found only on Blu-ray Disc & HD-DVD players & most TVs are NOT equipped to receive it. If you look at a TV with a range from 720p to 1080i, and then one with 1080p, you could hardly tell the difference. Besides, most TV programs & movies are NOT even made in 1080p, so I would say 720p-1080i is the way to go. 1080p is a come on by the retailer, because they say FULL-HD-1080p ! That means nothing for the ordinary consumer, like you & i

I hope this helps.

Answer 3

Bottom line, 1080P has more detail. But, unless you're talking about a big set> 42", you can't see the difference unless you're right up close to the set. I have read reviews of sets where a 720 had a better picture that the 1080! In the end, what counts if the TV looks good to you when receiving the kind of signals you plan to feed it.

Answer 4

720p shows images that are 1280x720. 1080p shows images that are 1920x1080. If you have two 42" TVs, one 1080p and one 720p, the picture on the 1080p TV will be much finer, though at 42 inches, the difference wouldn't be noticeable from the couch.

Answer 5

For watching broadcast or cable/satellite television, there won't be any difference, asnone of these sources produce 1080p. The only current 1080p source material is on BluRay discs. Even then, the differences will be minimal. Enjoy your 1080i set. There's no need to upgrade unless it fails or you decide you want a bigger one.

Answer 6

the 1080p has twice as many pixals then a 720 and much better resolution. go with the 1080p ...NOT 1080 compatable. The 1080p is the top of the line as far as resolution goes.

Answer 7

He Explained Throughly!! (Dude, you Copy Cat!)



720p is 1280W x 720H.

1080p is 1920W x 1080H.



1080p means you have 1,080 Lines Verticle!! Thats Alot more than 480 you get with a Normal TV!! :)



1080p is Better!! Higher Resolution!! Highest Standard!! :D



You will See the Difference from 5-10Ft away, unless your blind!!

Answer 8

No I've done it so many times before....I'll let you find it with the "search for answers" button located near the top of the first page.....



You'll get 50+ answers about the difference between 720 and 1080....



But you should know the answer anyways...1080 is MORE than 720....