How 720p and 1080p Are Similar and Different
Although 4K gets all the buzz these days as
the ultimate high-resolution video format available, 720p and 1080p are
actually both high definition video display formats. In
addition, the other
characteristic 1080p and 720p share in common are that they are progressive
display formats (that is where the "p" comes from). However, this is
where the similarity between 720p and 1080p ends.
720p is 1,280 pixels displayed across the
screen horizontally and 720 pixels down the screen vertically. This arrangement
yields 720 horizontal lines on the screen, which are, in turn, displayed
progressively, or each line displayed following another.
1080p represents 1,920 pixels displayed across
the screen horizontally and 1,080 pixels down the screen vertically. This
arrangement yields 1,080 horizontal lines on the screen, which are, in turn,
displayed progressively, or each line of pixels displayed following another. In
other words, all lines are displayed progressively, providing a very detailed
high definition video image.
The main difference between 720p and 1080p
lies in the number of pixels that make up a 720p image and 1080p image. For
720p the number of pixels that make up the image is about 1 million (equivalent
to 1 megapixel in a digital still camera) and about 2 million pixels for 1080p.
This means that a 1080p image has the
potential to display a lot more detail than a 720p image.
However, how does this all translate to what
you actually see on a TV screen? Shouldn't it be easy to see the difference
between a 720p and 1080p TV? Not necessarily.
Besides pixel density of 1080p vs 720p, there
are also the factors of screen size and seating distance from the screen to
take into consideration.
Should I Buy a 720p TV?
In answering this question, it must be noted
that the large majority of LCD, Plasma, and OLED TVs are 1080p TVs (also, there
is a growing number of 4K Ultra HD TVs now available). In fact, lower prices
for 4K Ultra HD TVs are putting, even more, pressure on the availability of
720p TVs, as it is forcing the decrease in 1080p offerings in larger screen
sizes, which, in turn, pushes 1080p down into smaller screen sizes that have
been 720p territory.
This state of affairs means that the price
difference between 720p and 1080p TVs is so narrow now, that manufacturers are
finding it very cost effective to increase the number of 1080p offerings in
smaller screen sizes.
However, there are still some inexpensive TVs
that are classified as 720p TVs, but mostly in screen sizes below 39-inches.
Also, it must be pointed out that most TVs
that are now labeled as 720p TVs actually have a native pixel resolution of
1366x768, which is technically 768p. However, they are usually advertised as
720p TVs. Don't let this throw you off, these sets will all accept incoming
720p, 1080i, and 1080p resolution signals. The TV will process and scale any
incoming resolution to its native 1366x768 pixel display resolution.
720p, TV Broadcasts, and Cable/Satellite
Television broadcasters and cable/satellite
providers send out their programming in several resolutions. For example, ABC
and FOX (which includes their cable channels, such as ESPN, ABC Family, etc...)
use 720p, while most other providers, such as PBS, NBC, CBS, CW, TNT, and most
premium services, such as HBO, use 1080i. In addition, there are some cable and
satellite feeds that are sent in 1080p. If you have a recent model 720p TV, you
will be able to access this content. The TV will scale the input signal
according to its own native pixel resolution.
Blu-ray and 720p
Yes, you can use a Blu-ray Disc player on a
720p TV.
All Blu-ray disc players can be set to output
480p/720p/1080i/or 1080p via HDMI output connection.
Also, when connected via HDMI, most Blu-ray
Disc players automatically detect the native resolution of the TV they are
connected to and will set the output resolution accordingly. In addition,
Blu-ray Disc players also provide the ability to set the output resolution
manually if you so desire.
Final Take
In the final analysis, the proof is in the
actual viewing - how the image looks to you in the real world with your
specific HDTV. You may find that a specific 720p TV can actually look better
than a specific 1080p TV. This is because what you see on the screen is the
result of many factors, with the resolution being just one. Other factors to
take into consideration are motion response, color processing, contrast,
brightness, and background video, and video scaling. Not all HDTVs and video
processors are created equal.
Of course, the quality of the source signal
also plays a big part. The TV's video processor can only do so much for
compensating for poor quality source signals, especially when you are looking a
VHS or analog cable signal. Let your eyes be your guide.
*lifewire*
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