6 major differences between 1080i and 1080p
When choosing a TV or monitor in a store, you can come across the display type of “1080i” or “1080p”. The resolutions of these matrices are the same, but the image quality is different. And the difference lies primarily in the type of development. It is this parameter that distinguishes 1080i from 1080p.
1080i interlace format
Before understanding the differences between progressive and interlaced scanning, you need to understand what scanning is all about.
Scanning - a way to display the image on the screen. It can be progressive, interlaced and progressive. The first option is currently almost not used, but it can still be found in old CRT monitors or low-cost LED panels.
With progressive scanning, the first line of pixels is displayed first, then the second, then the third, and so on. It happens very quickly, so the human eye is not able to notice such a drawing. But you can see it if you look at the CRT monitor through the smartphone’s camera (oblique stripes will “run” on the screen) or even try to take a picture of it (part of the image on the monitor will be completely invisible, as if it is turned off).
Progressive scan remained a relic of the past, but before the final disappearance managed to "evolve" into a more modern standard 1080i. It also displays the image sequentially. However, even lines are displayed first, then odd lines, then even lines again, and so on.
Changing lanes occurs so quickly that the human eye is not able to notice it. The frame rate is about 30 frames of each type per second (or 60 frames in general). The use of the 1080i standard is due to the fact that when the first such monitors appeared, the video cards were for the most part not able to easily transfer a huge amount of data - and the Full HD video stream has a very high bitrate. And I had to go to the trick. Each clock (1/60 second) video card transmits half of the data needed to display Full HD-pictures.
For 2019, the 1080i format may seem outdated. Nevertheless, it is still present in the market, as it has a couple of important advantages.
1080i format advantages
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Monitors and televisions that support it are much cheaper than compatible with 1080p;
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It allows the old and “weak” video cards to “pull out” the full resolution of Full HD.
Disadvantages of 1080i format
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"Flicker", which in some people can cause increased eye fatigue and even headaches;
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The lack of anti-aliasing, which is especially noticeable on fonts and highly detailed images;
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The appearance of artifacts in moving objects, which are most pronounced in games or in very dynamic scenes in movies.
Should I buy a monitor or a 1080i TV in 2019?
Only if you have a very limited budget. or a very old computer. In other cases, it is better to look at 1080p.
1080p progressive format
The 1080p format uses the so-called “progressive scan”. The entire image is displayed on the matrix in one cycle, and not line by line, as in its predecessor.This allows you to get rid of flicker, as well as increase or decrease the frequency of updating the image.
So, if the “i” standard has a fixed refresh rate of 50 or 60 Hz depending on the region, then “p” supports a decrease or increase in the frame rate in the range from 24 Hz to 120 Hz. This is especially useful for gamers who use game monitors. The frame rate above 60 Hz allows you to make movements smoother, and also to display objects that instantly appear in the field of view.
But the main advantage of this standard is a high degree of smoothing. Texts are read easier and more enjoyable regardless of the selected font and size. Images with many small details look clearer. The movements of objects on the screen seem smoother, and also artifacts disappear at a high speed of movement.
Thus, 1080p per head outperforms its competitor. However, it also has drawbacks, and first of all it is the demands on the interface and the high cost of the equipment. 1080p, especially with a high frame rate, needs a high-speed connection to the video card. And therefore, it can be connected to a computer only with interfaces DVI-D DL, DVI-I DL, HDMI or DisplayPort. The bandwidth of DVI-I SL or DVI-D SL may simply not be enough.
Virtues
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Excellent anti-aliasing, increased image detail, no artifacts with the rapid movement of objects;
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Reducing the load on the eyes, the absence of "flicker."
disadvantages
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The high price of compatible equipment - televisions, monitors and video cards (compared to 1080i);
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Requires high performance interface.
Should I buy a monitor or a 1080p TV in 2019?
Yes, this format is the most modern and pleasant to use.. Especially, if we are talking about a TV or a display for the "creative specialist." Of course, the price of “p” monitors is higher than that of “i”, however, these costs will be fully justified.
Conclusion
Summing up, we can distinguish the following difference between 1080i and 1080p:
|
Parameter |
1080i |
1080p |
|
Font anti-aliasing quality |
Low |
High |
|
The level of detail of small objects |
Low |
Tall |
|
The appearance of artifacts with the rapid movement of objects on the screen |
there is |
Not |
|
"Flicker effect" resulting in eye fatigue |
there is |
Not |
|
Compatible with older monitors |
there is |
Not |
|
Comparative price |
Low |
High |
It is worth noting that 1080p monitors and TVs can, if necessary, work in 1080i mode. So if your provider of digital television uses exactly the outdated standard for interlaced scanning, then you can safely take a device with the support of a more modern standard. Switching from “i” to “p” - for example, when using a media player or a game console - you will experience improved image quality.
