One fine morning you wake up and decide to upgrade your old monitor. So, you start looking for the best monitors on your favorite online shopping platform only to be baffled by something. Although you are familiar with 1080p, monitors with 1080i resolution have caught your attention. Feeling confused, the first thing that will come to your mind is: What is the difference between 1080p and 1080i? Next, you will think about which one is better in 1080p vs 1080i.
When you are looking to buy the best monitor, most of the options available come with a resolution of 1080p. Still, it is good to know the difference between 1080p and 1080i. That way, you can make an informed decision on whether to buy a monitor with 1080p resolution or 1080i resolution.
So, which is better: 1080p or 1080i? Typically, a display with 1080p resolution will offer you the best picture in terms of quality compared to monitors with 1080i. But in reality, it is almost impossible for an average user to spot the difference between 1080p and 1080i.
Let's learn more about them in this post.
1080p vs 1080i: What do they mean?
To begin with, both 1080p and 1080i are considered high-definition video signals. They are characterized by 1920x1080 resolution. However, the resolutions can be displayed in either progressive (1080p) or interlaced (1080i) resolutions.
In progressive display resolution, the 1080-resolution lines are scanned in progression. So, when the lines are scanned in sequence, they provide the most vivid and detailed images. In short, viewers can enjoy high-definition images or videos thanks to 1080p display resolution.
In interlaced display resolution, the 1080-resolution lines are scanned alternatively on fields that consist of 540 lines each. Besides, 1080i is the standard resolution adopted by satellite, cable, and TV broadcasts.
The interlaced display screen exhibits a single picture two times. This screen mode is popular in older TVs that come with cathode-ray tubes. There was a delay in pixels that are displayed on the top of the screen compared to the previous pixels that are displayed on the bottom of the screen.
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| Image courtesy: av-workshop.com |
1080p resolution, on the other hand, displays the whole picture at the same time. Each field exhibits the image to a complete picture. The 1080p resolution is common in most modern-day TVs and monitors.
1080p vs 1080i: Understanding the differences
The main difference between 1080p and 1080i is how the image is displayed. Let’s understand them in detail.
1. In terms of resolution
Both progressive display (1080p) and interlaced display (1080i) comes with a 16:9 aspect ratio that results in 1920X1080 resolution. Both 1080p and 1080i have the same vertical resolution.
1080p resolution scans the vertical lines into an image by scanning them in consecutive passes that result in sharp images. Digital TVs and flat panel monitors use progressive resolution.1080i resolution scans the vertical lines into images by scanning the odd lines first followed by the even lines. As a result, it creates a uniform picture.
2. In terms of fields and frames
1080p resolution is a progressive scan or frame-based video that deals with frames. So, the 1080p display will have a frame rate expressed in frames per second.
1080i resolution is an interlaced video or field-based video that deals in fields. Hence, the 1080i display will have a field rate expressed in fields per second.
Precisely, a field will have half of the frame lines. They can be either odd or even lines. If a field contains even lines, the other one will have odd lines.
3. In terms of picture quality
When it comes to 1080p vs 1080i resolutions, the undisputed champion is the progressive 1080p display. 1080p resolution offers superior pixel resolution along with profound image quality.
However, this is not the same with 1080i resolution. Still, the differences are visible on certain occasions. A 1080p display resolution gives you more vivid and realistic images compared to 1080i.
4. In terms of motion detection
The way how the pixels tend to refresh is considered important when it comes to detecting motions in quick succession. For example, a sports game or an action sequence is best viewed in a 1080p resolution display.
If the same content is viewed on a 1080i resolution display, you will experience screen tearing. It means the interlaced image appears to be blurry during a fast-moving sequence.
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| Image courtesy: av-workshop.com |
1080p vs 1080i: Comparison
1 080p vs
1080i: Which one is best?
Both 1080p and 1080i resolutions come with good image quality. However, 1080p is better for bigger screens and gaming. But, there are situations where it doesn’t matter if you choose 1080p or not. If you do not watch fast-paced sequences or use the screen for gaming, 1080i could be fine.
Although chances are rare in today’s world of entertainment. If you are looking to buy the best monitor for the sake of having an amazing display, choose 1080p. Still, choosing between 1080p and 1080i is not an important decision. Moreover, you will rarely find displays with 1080i and that helps you narrow down your choices.
If you are looking for a 1080p or 1080i monitor, we have some great collections for you to choose from. The first one is the Acer 21.5-inch 1080pUltra-Slim monitor. Some of the special features include an anti-glare screen, 4 milliseconds response time, and zero frame design. The second one is the LG 1080p IPS monitor with a 22-inch display.
The screen is flicker-free, borderless, and comes with AMD Freesync. The third one is the Acer 21.5-inch VA panel with LED backlit. Some of the features include a 100Hz refresh rate, frameless display, blue light filter, and flicker-free. All three monitors have 1080p resolution and come at an affordable price.
Now, let’s check out the 1080i variants. The first one is the Lenovo Q-Series 24-inch IPSmonitor. Some of the features include smart display customization, AMD FreeSync, and a 75Hz refresh rate. The second one is the Lenovo L-Series 27-inch IPSmonitor. Some of the features include tilt swivel pivot height adjustment, AMD FreeSync, and low blue light technology.
1080p vs 1080i: Conclusion
When it is about 1080p vs 1080i, the two display methods are almost identical. The only difference is how the lines are being scanned. In 1080p, the display lines are arranged one after another. Whereas, in the 1080i display, the lines are arranged alternatively between two fields.
The 1080i display method has almost become non-existing today. Hence, you won’t find them in modern projectors, monitors, or even televisions. Despite the differences, it is important to understand the technical aspects of 1080p and 1080i before buying new display devices.
1080p vs 1080i: FAQs
1. Is 1080p the best resolution available?
No, 1080p is not the best resolution available. An image with 1080p resolution will have 1920 pixels arranged horizontally and 1080 pixels arranged vertically. Upon multiplying these numbers, you will find over 2 million pixels in the image. If you take a look at a 4K image, it will have a 3840X2160 resolution. So, when you multiply these numbers, you will get more than 8 million pixels in the 4K image. More pixels results in higher resolution. Hence, you get a crispy, sharp picture. These days, you can even find 8K displays. However, 1080p resolution is relevant even in 2023. Whatever resolution you choose, it should be based on your budget and needs.
2. What makes the 1080i display look fuzzy?
The pixel lines in the frame fail to line up when the video progresses. This is what makes the 1080i resolution appear fuzzy. This issue is referred to as screen tearing. It is common when you have moving objects in the videos. Whereas, you do not have to face a similar issue with a progressive display (1080p).
3. Can you convert 1080i to 1080p?
You can convert 1080i to 1080p by using a video editor. Upload the 1080i video content to the converter and export the same video into a 1080p video format. You can find most video editors with a setting that allows you to export the video into 1080p resolution.
4. Is it necessary to convert 1080i to 1080p?
Typically, you do not need to convert a video with
1080i resolution to 1080p. That’s because both of them have the same
resolution. The only difference is that 1080i has interlaced frames whereas
1080p has progressive frames. Besides, 1080i may have a lower picture quality.
In reality, the difference isn’t visible always. If the video contains
fast-paced motions, you can notice the disturbances in 1080i resolution.
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