HDTV viewing-mode labels describe a video signal’s vertical line count and how those lines are scanned. In 720p, “720” indicates the approximate active vertical line count and “p” means progressive scanning; in 1080i, “1080” indicates the line count and “i” means interlaced scanning. HDTV is conventionally associated with a 16:9 widescreen picture.
What does HDTV mean?
HDTV, or high-definition television, refers to a family of television formats with higher resolution than conventional television. The Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) defines it this way: “High-definition television has a resolution of approximately twice that of conventional television in both the horizontal (H) and vertical (V) dimensions and a picture aspect ratio (HxV) of 16:9.” ATSC glossary
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The familiar labels 720p, 1080i, and 1080p describe a format’s vertical line count and scanning method. They do not, by themselves, tell you everything about the source or how a particular television will display it.
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| Label | Line count | Scan method |
|---|---|---|
| 720p | 720 lines | Progressive: the complete frame, including even and odd lines, is displayed at once. |
| 1080i | 1080 lines | Interlaced: the image is divided into fields that carry alternate horizontal lines. |
| 1080p | 1080 lines | Progressive: the complete frame is displayed at once. |
The US International Trade Commission identifies 720p and 1080i among qualifying HDTV display formats. USITC, “Certain Digital Televisions and Components Thereof” Sony lists 480p, 720p, and 1080p as examples of progressive video. Sony: “What is the difference between interlaced and progressive scan video?”
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How does progressive scanning differ from interlaced scanning?
Progressive scan (“p”)
Progressive scanning displays a complete frame at once, with its even and odd scan lines together. The “p” in 720p or 1080p identifies this scanning method; it is not a frame-rate figure.
Interlaced scan (“i”)
Interlaced scanning divides an image into fields containing alternate horizontal lines. Spain’s government digital-television information explains that the “i” in 1080i means interlaced and describes successive fields carrying alternate lines. TelevisionDigital: “Alta Definición” Therefore, 1080i means a 1080-line interlaced format, not 1080 complete progressive frames per second.
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Is 1080p better than 1080i or 720p?
The labels alone do not establish which picture will look better on a particular screen. They identify line count and scan method, but perceived quality can also depend on the source, motion, encoding, and the display’s processing. The format definitions do not support a universal rule that 1080i or 720p always looks better, or that a higher line count alone decides the result.
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For a meaningful comparison, check the actual signal being sent by the broadcaster, cable or satellite box, streaming device, or other source, and confirm that the television supports and processes that format. Where cadence matters, compare the frame or field cadence specified for that particular signal rather than inferring it from “p” or “i” alone.
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What to check when you see an HDTV mode label
- Line count: In these common labels, 720 and 1080 refer to the approximate active vertical line count.
- Scan method: “p” means progressive; “i” means interlaced.
- Signal source: The format available depends on what the source device or service is actually sending.
- Display support: Check the television’s supported input formats and processing rather than assuming every device handles every mode in the same way.
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