Difference Between 1080i and 1080p
by matt on February 28, 2007Q: What is the difference between 1080i and 1080p?
A: The i in 1080i stands for interlaced and the p in the 1080p stands for progressive-scan. The interlaced format draws the odd numbered lines on your screen first, i.e. 1, 3, 5, etc and then it draws the even number lines i.e. 2, 4, 6, etc., while the progressive-scan format draws all the lines at the same time.
You might think this is a big difference but the interlaced format does the drawing of both really fast, within 1/30th of a second, so it should not be something that is easily noticeable. Also currently there are no 1080p HDTV signals as everyone that broadcasts in HD does so in either 720p or 1080i.
If you want the latest and greatest then you will want to get the 1080p but realize you will probably pay about $1,000.00 more for the 1080p than you will for the 1080i.
This answer was excellent! It was clear, concise and easy to understand.
THANKS!!
Mark Kemple says: on February 28, 2007 at 2:58 pm
I am happy you found the answer useful.
matt says: on February 28, 2007 at 3:13 pm
That was statement made in Feb 07, has that changed? It’s now late May 07.
Michael says: on May 28, 2007 at 2:07 pm
Yes this is still true that no one broadcasts in 1080p. It will be true for a while too because 1080p requires too much data for it to happen as of yet.
matt says: on May 28, 2007 at 2:12 pm