Our world is quickly changing thanks to the wonderful digital technologies of our day. As a result, many gadgets and equipment in today’s technologically advanced society have been greatly improved, such as the television. Imagine the first TV having a short, thick, and surface-intensive display. The good news is that modern TVs are lighter and feature more attractive displays. Additionally, the HD resolutions of 1080p and 1080i on contemporary televisions provide good sound and image quality. So here in this post, we will describe 1080p vs 1080i and their differences.
If you don’t know about these so, what are you thinking? Let’s hover over to know about this technology and its differences.
What is 1080p?
Also known as Full HD (full high definition) WUXGA and BT.709. Primarily it is a set of high-definition video (HDTV) 1080p is a stenography mode that denotes a display with 1080 lines of resolution, similarly known as 1080 lines of pixels. Moreover, the (p) indicates the progressive scan.
However, all displays have 1920 pixels diagonally and 1080 pixels up and down, typically inscribed as 1920 x 1080. Though 1080p indicates a display/content features a ratio of 16:9 that signifies 4k (2073600) pixels. All these details include different broadcasting standards that generate a 1080p resolution image.
Nowadays, many PC monitors, gaming laptops, digital cameras, smartphones, projectors, and televisions are available in 1080p. Also, internet content like YouTube, Netflix TV shows, and movies can capture and come in 1080p resolution.
What is 1080i?
It is the most frequently used HDTV display format where the screen’s frame resolution and scan type are distributed equally. However, 1080i signifies 1080 lines of resolution scanned in subsequent pitches consisting of 540 lines.
Moreover, in 1080i, the (i) is generally denoted as interlaced. This indicates that only odd lines and even lines of each frame are drawn interchangeably. So, it means that only half the number of actual images are used to make a video.
1080 interlace scan pattern was planned to enhance the older scanning method. That showed an image with a single line of pixels. Each line was below the earlier one till the whole screen was filled. So, the interlace scanning (1080i) scans and then display the odd numbers of line within 1/30 seconds by the even number lines, which are likely in opening that left from the previous scan.
Comparison Chart of 1080i VS 1080p
Below I describe the contrast between both resolutions that indicate their difference. So, let’s jump in to dive in to know the specifications and their details.
Comparison Chart
| Specs | 1080p | 1080i |
| Year | 2004 | 1990 |
| Display Technology | progressive | interlaced |
| Resolution | 1920×1080 (2M pixels) | 1920×1080 (2M pixels when multiplied) |
| Supported device | PC monitors, smartphones, projectors, and cameras | Mostly used in cable broadcast, satellites, and high-quality video format |
| Screen ratio | 1920×1080 = 16:9 ratio | 1920×540 = 16:9 ratio |
| Refresh rate | 60 per sec | 30 per sec |
Invented History: 1080p VS 1080i
Charles Poynton originated 1080i in 1990. While 1080p was updated in 2004, gradually replacing the old 1080i system but 1080i is still in use. However, 1080p is a little expensive, so replacing the older 1080i system will take time. TV converters and cable boxes change 1080i to 1080p resolution 4K, so there is no rush to eradicate the 1080i system.
1080p VS 1080i Which is Better Display Technology?
1080i denotes 1080 lines of resolutions scanned in substitute fields consisting of 540 lines each. Meanwhile, 1080p denotes 1080 lines of resolution scanned serial vise that provide the detailed high definition video image (Full HD).
1080i VS 1080p Resolution
Both have 1920×1080 (2073600) pixel resolution but keep in mind that 1080i and 1080p are not the same things, but both claim the same resolution. The interlaced scan displayed the image by producing odd and even pixels in a row blinkingly. But you can’t be able to see because TV does this swiftly.
Meanwhile, the progressive scan displayed the image by scanning every row of pixels progressively, which could equate to being more technologically advanced.
Supported Devices of 1080 Progressive and 1080 Interlaced Scan
1080p contains a high-definition (HD) quality video format and is the most extensively used format. Many electronics hire this format, like gaming laptops, smartphones, and televisions broadcasting Blu-ray discs, projectors, and cameras. However, for high-quality video format, 1080i format is used in cable broadcast, HD channels, and satellite outlets.
Pixels Ratio Difference of 1080i VS 1080p
The ratio of a screen describes its pixels width and height, though, the ratio of 1080i technology is 16:9. It has 540 vertical lines that are underlying 1920 horizontal lines that design HD quality display. The 1080p ratio of an image is 16:9 (1920×1080), with 1080 vertical and 1920 horizontal lines of pixels.
Refresh Rate of Progressive and Interlaced TV
1080 progressive displays all the pixels at once in a frame which multiple the frame rate to form a video. So, the frame rate of the 1080p function is 30 frames per second on television. Meanwhile, 1080 interlace displays half of the pixel lines in every frame, which increases the refresh rate. So the interlace has 60 fields per second for television.
So, What Are You Thinking? 1080i VS 1080p Which is Best
In terms of picture quality, both display formats are pretty much matching. But both (interlace and progressive) formats have plus and minus points.
1080p is a good option for you if you are looking for better picture quality. But the video takes more place because all pixels need to be broadcasted for a particular time. However, if you are a game lover who wants to play on larger screens, a progressive format is the option.
Though if you are not a game lover and don’t want bigger screens, then interlace is a satisfactory choice. So it is best for broadcasting cause it takes less space due to the transmission line in a single field.
End Note
1080p (progressive) is a full high definition pixel display with 1920×1080 pixels resolution with a ratio of 16:9. This scan was introduced in 2004 for television production and is now supported by many TV broadcasts monitors, smartphones, and many other devices.
1080i (interlace) is also a high-definition pixels display with 1920×540 pixels resolution with a ratio of 16:9. This scan was introduced in 1990 that is used for satellites, cable broadcasts, and HD channels.
Ultimately, we recommend that our audience select the one that meets your need. So let us know in the comment section what you think which option is better and why. Correspondingly, if you have any questions about this guide, don’t shillyshally to ask us. We are always here to reply to you.