When buying a TV or monitor for a computer, buyers often take into account the brand name, price, list of functions. They look at the color rendering parameters, the diagonal of the screen. However, don’t forget the resolution.
Today, many models of equipment are presented on the specialized market, and the most popular screens are equipped with a resolution of 1080 (HD format). At the same time, it is worth knowing that the technology has subspecies: 1080p and 1080i. The difference between 1080p and 1080i lies in the method of displaying the picture. The first refers to progressive solutions, the second to interlaced ones. Moreover, each has its own pros and cons.
1080p and 1080i: Which is better
If the user has prepared for the process of buying equipment, he probably wondered which resolution is better, 1080i or 1080p.
HD standard means parameters: 1920×1079 pixel in width and height, respectively. However, the subtypes of the standard differ in some respects.
The HD Ready program started in 2006. At that time, the certification was divided into two types. The first was the format with the designation “i” – it is based on analog standards, which by 2020 are practically coal from the market. The parameter with the designation “p” works in most modern models of monitors and TVs, therefore it is considered better than its predecessor.
1080p and 1080i: formats
1080i is an interlaced tele-scan format, according to which a method of scanning a picture is applied by dividing a frame into 2 equal parts and alternately displaying even and odd lines. Used in the implementation of digital TV broadcasting HDTV.
1080p is a progressive scan format, in which the picture is to be scanned at 100%, while the lines are reproduced in turn, both even and odd. Widely used in HDTV.
If we talk about an ordinary user, for example, a TV, then a 1080p image will be more acceptable, since it boasts:
- High detail;
- No negative impact on vision – when looking at a person’s eyes, they practically do not strain.
The organs of vision are not able to focus attention on heterogeneous half-frames. But in the case of 1080i, it will observe flickering, noticeable distortion, blur. The progressive tele-scan format does not have such problems.
Typically, TVs and monitors support both output standards. This means that the system of technology will process the format with the prefix “and” and by means of deinterlacing converts the frames into the required format. This technology is found in most modern LCD monitors and plasmas. Also, manufacturers are implementing a technology in which the image is smoothed. In other words, it minimizes the unpleasant effects of flickering and blurring.
Among the disadvantages of interlaced scanning are the limitations on the size of the font. So, she will not be able to demonstrate small characters, which does not allow using such a device instead of a monitor. The zoom option suffers. In the case of the progressive standard, this problem is solved in a few seconds, while the change in scale does not affect the original picture quality.
However, the 1080i format, despite a lot of shortcomings, remains in demand in various broadcast systems. The reason for this is that signal transmission does not require a wide channel bandwidth, which guarantees a wide frequency range.
difference between 1080p And 1080i resolution
After determining the technical parameters and performing a comparison, it is easy to understand if there is a difference between 1080i and 1080p.
It would seem that there are not so many differences; an ordinary user is unlikely to notice them while playing, watching videos, or working with documents. However, there are still some differences, and if you put forward special requirements for image quality, it is better to familiarize yourself with them before purchasing the device.
Update frequency
In both versions, it remains the same and fluctuates between indicators from 60 to 60 Hz, depending on the settings. In some cases, the “p” standard is capable of displaying a picture at 24 Hz. In this mode, the device is capable of playing video in certain formats.
Image formation
In the case of 1080i, the picture is formed by alternating lines output – a similar technology was previously used in outdated television and computer devices. However, this method had a significant drawback – it had a negative effect on vision, but today the harmful effect is minimized.
Differences between formats:
- 1080p outputs content at a refresh rate of 24 GHz for high quality display of many non-standard files.
- “P” updates the picture on the screen by 100%, and “i” takes 2 iterations to implement.
- The cost of devices with a resolution of 1080p is slightly higher than for equipment 1080i
1080p And 1080i: which should you choose?
According to the above material, we can assume that the 1080p standard has a lot of strengths:
- Frequent image updates;
- High level of clarity;
- The harm to human eyesight is minimized, therefore, the user can safely spend most of the day in front of the monitor, which is important for people working with computer equipment.
These advantages affect the cost of the product. A 1080p FullHD TV or monitor will cost 20-30% more.
Models that support one-measure picture display support many non-standard formats. Products that are 1080p can interface with 1080i. To do this, give the appropriate permission in the device settings. This possibility was implemented by the developer due to the possibility of arranging the layout of the frame into two, and the impossibility of doing the action in the opposite direction.
Advantages of 1080p:
- Detailed picture, absence of defects in the process of movement;
- There is no need for additional processing of the frame by the device system. In the case of “i”, the system additionally converts the image into the required format;
- Ease of scaling, display of small print without negative impact on the quality of the picture;
- No special bandwidth requirements.
Advantages of 1080i:
- Gadgets with this resolution are more affordable in terms of cost;
- Provides the ability to “reanimate” outdated video cards to display FullHD images.
Disdvantages of 1080i:
- Poor image quality, which is combined with shaking and flickering, which quickly tires the eyes, sometimes leading to persistent headaches;
- No anti-aliasing, which affects small fonts and high-quality images;
- The presence of artifacts in objects in motion. This option is definitely not suitable for gaming and watching videos with rich dynamics.
Check guide LG OLED C8 Optimal Settings.
Which TV / Monitor to Choose: 1080i or 1080p?
Finding a TV with good characters is not as easy as it might seem at first glance. While it is easy to decide on the design and functionality, the situation is different with the resolution. HD and FullHD are equally in demand, as “full” HD is considered to be nothing more than a marketing ploy.
If we talk about 1080i and 1080p formats, then in modern realities it is worth giving preference to the second option. It allows the gamer to play for hours without annoying headaches and eye strain. Allows you to watch your favorite movies and shows in high quality and enjoy the process.
For the undemanding user, a 1080i TV will have one drawback – flickering. As a result, there is a lack of clear lines, quick fatigue and a minimum of pleasure from the process. However, today manufacturers are striving to equip even budget equipment with a high-quality resolution.
