HD vs Full HD: difference, which one is better

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TV is an integral part of any home, and choosing it is not easy. Comparing HD vs Full HD will make it clear how to choose the best fit and what to look out for.

hd vs full hd
hd vs full hd

HD format with a resolution parameter of 1280 × 720 pixels. It is this quality that is used in all digital TVs. In fact, this is any resolution higher than the standard (720 × 576).

It is widely used in video surveillance, for home viewing, in summer cottages.

Pros:

  • small price;
  • does not require a high speed Internet connection when watching movies online;
  • the price corresponds to the quality;
  • just right for gamers.

Cons:

  • on TVs with a large diagonal, the image quality will not be clear enough;
  • the technical solution is gradually losing its relevance.

Full HD (Full HD) is a resolution that reproduces formats from 720 × 1280 to 1920 × 1080. The technology was developed and applied in 2007.

By increasing the pixel density, the detail of the picture has increased, which made it possible to examine even small objects in the image. And the increase in the number of pixels allows you to give a detailed, clear picture.

Many people see Full HD as a kind of HD upgrade and not a full-fledged stand-alone format. 

Pros:

  • high image quality;
  • brightness and color saturation;
  • technical characteristics are better than in previously released devices;
  • on large diagonals, the quality will not be lost (as in the case of HD), but will remain at a decent level;

Cons:

  • high price;
  • requires high internet speed when viewing content online.

Full HD range of applications is diverse: computer displays, smartphones, TVs, video surveillance, etc. The development of this format became a kind of technical revolution and quickly swept the world.

Comparison of devices takes place according to several parameters:

  •  Resolution.
  •  Screen aspect ratio.
  •  Scan.
  •  Matrix type.
  •  Screen shape.
  •  Price.
  •  Purpose of appointment.

A visual comparison of the resolution of both options:

  • FormatPermission
  • HD1280 × 720
  • Full HD1920 × 1080

The table shows that the second option has a higher resolution.

The TV screen uses points of light – pixels to create an image. They are located horizontally and vertically. The number of these pixels is displayed as the screen resolution. One of the most important selection criteria is the clarity and amount of information that the device can display.

For example, if you take two TVs (HD and Full HD) with equal diagonal, the picture on the second will be much clearer than the one obtained from the first. The smaller the pixel size of the screen, the better the quality. That is, the resolution affects the quality of the displayed image. And Full HD has been found to be better.

This is the horizontal width of the screen relative to its vertical height.

The standard aspect ratio is 16: 9 (widescreen) typical for Full HD. This is the most common solution at the moment, great for watching movies. Football is no less convenient to watch: you can look at the whole field.

For HD format, the smaller the sides, the better – this way the quality will remain at a decent level. Therefore, a ratio of 4: 3 (or also 16: 9) is often used.

Different people like TVs of different formats: someone prefers smaller, and someone more.

In the store, move a little away from the TV you like, about the distance to the sofa and imagine that it is already at home. This will tell you if it’s comfortable to watch.

For lovers of large screens, Full HD is the winner at this point, and for connoisseurs of compactness, HD is more suitable.

Frame scanning can be progressive and interlaced.

  1. Progressive scan. A method by which the transmission of moving images of the line of each frame is displayed in turn. This method has a number of advantages: it allows you to show the full dynamics of fast scenes without loss of quality, fuzziness and visual distortion. Accordingly, you do not need to apply video anti-aliasing (due to which the distortions appear). The frame is not split into two fields, which means it can be saved as a photograph. This type of scan is used in modern monitors and on the most advanced plasma screens.
  2. Interlaced scanning. Here, each frame is divided into two fields, made up of lines selected one after one. It eliminates the redundancy of the frame rate. Used in most TVs, including those with HD quality.

Progressive scanning displays an image on the screen immediately, and not sequentially in even and odd lines (as interlaced does), which means that this view is more perfect and of high quality.

Full HD uses progressive scan, while HD uses interlaced. Based on this fact and the definitions above, we understand that in comparison with sweeps, Full HD is still in the lead.

Matrix – a set of transparent electrodes located vertically and horizontally. It is formed by pixels that are formed by liquid crystals.

The matrix is ​​important because it is responsible for the image quality. In modern TVs, matrices can be:

  •  liquid crystal;
  •  plasma.

In simple terms, liquid crystal matrices are better and more modern due to the following advantages:

  •  excellent contrast and brightness;
  •  increased energy saving.

The disadvantages of this type of matrix include the high price.

But plasma matrices are not bad either:

  •  larger viewing angle;
  •  the image is clear and rich.

The downside can be considered the fact that they are not released smaller than a diagonal of 32 inches.

Any of the matrices can be installed in Full HD TVs, which opens up the possibility of a wide choice. And in HD, a budget matrix – TN is often installed.

TN is an old type of liquid crystal matrix. The following advantages are highlighted:

  •  quick response;
  •  frame refresh rate – 240 Hz.

Of the minuses, only a modest viewing angle and not such a good color rendition.

Comparing both options for this parameter, you can understand that Full HD is better, since its matrix produces the best quality.

The screen can be flat or curved. For ordinary home viewing, it is better to stop at the first option, since you can look at it from any side at any angle, while the picture will not be distorted.

As for the curved one, you need to look at it, sitting directly opposite. If viewed from the side, the image will be distorted.

Due to the fact that HD TVs are a bit of the past, they are only flat, otherwise the image will be of poor quality.

But Full HD on both curved and flat screens will look good. Comparing both options, we understand that Full HD is more versatile, which is a plus.

Cost is often an important aspect when choosing any product. Having understood the advantages and disadvantages of both options, we can consider in detail and compare their price.

Due to the fact that models that support Full HD resolution are more modern and high-quality, their cost is much higher than HD-quality TVs.

But this does not mean that a relatively inexpensive option cannot be found on the market. For example, BBK brand models are the best solution if the budget is within 20,000 rubles. They have wide functionality and Full HD support.

If you are looking for a small HD TV, consider the compact TCL models you can pick up options in the region of 7,500 rubles.

Some of the best brands of TVs are Samsung, Sony (Japanese quality), and LG. The simplest and most inexpensive models of these brands are worthy of attention with a minimal budget.

In the matter of cost, we must pay tribute to the HD format, since it is still cheaper. But if the price does not play a special role, but only quality and relevance are important, take a closer look at the Full HD options.

When choosing a technique, do not forget about the purpose of its purpose. It is better to choose a TV depending on how and where it will be used.

For a living room or bedroom, it makes sense to purchase a device with a large screen, especially if the size of the room allows you to set the TV at a decent distance. The comfortable position of the screen starts from two meters – so long-term viewing will not harm the eyes. In this case, Full HD is more suitable.

And to watch TV during household chores in the kitchen or a short stay in the country, it is logical to give preference to the HD format. People often turn on the kitchen TV for the background, so they don’t pay much attention to the quality of the display.

Other important selection factors:

  • Update frequency. A parameter showing how many times per second the picture is updated. The standard frequency is 60 Hz. If the value is lower, it may result in a blurred image. Better to look closely at devices with a frequency of 120 Hz and above.
  • Contrast. A high contrast ratio brings out more tints and shadows on the screen, thereby dramatically increasing detail. As you can see from the above advantages of devices with support for Full HD resolution, they have a better contrast parameter. But before making a final decision, visually test the brightness, contrast and other capabilities of this or that device.
  • Number of ports. You may need them to connect a game console or speakers. Take a close look at their number and think if this is enough. Better to take the TV, which has at least four of them.

In terms of technical characteristics, Full HD really wins and is the best, more modern option. Due to this, it will be in demand on the market for a long time. You can safely choose it if you buy it for playing a console, value relevance, and like a bigger size.

But HD is good in its own way: ideal for destinations such as a kitchen or summer cottage, it makes it possible to enjoy very well, time-tested quality at a low cost. It can be used as the main TV in your home if you are limited to watching federal channels. And for the second, additional TV, this is an excellent option.

Summing up, it is important to know that it will not work to improve the resolution after buying a TV – this is a basic technical characteristic, so it is better to initially analyze all of the above and choose a device in which you will be confident.