Many users may be confused whether to select 1080i or 720p on their HDTV receivers in order to achieve the best high-definition pictures.

The identifier of quality is the "i" and the "p" in the resolution, "i" standing for Interlaced and "p" standing for Progressive.

Interlaced technology has already been in use for many years, and is used for Standard Definition broadcasts, where half the resolution is virtual, meaning that the picture in split into 2 fields: 1 line with the resolution and 1 line
that is blank, these 2 fields interchange at such a rate faster than the human eye can see - that you see 1 frame.

This means you never have the full resolution available to you in "i" mode. You can particularly notice this on football games where the ball moves at such a speed there is not the full resolution to show the smooth and fast movement of the ball - leaving a ghosting movement or "interlaced artifacts".

Choosing "Progressive" video resolution means that the full image is available to you, with no artificial lines or artifacting. When you watch a film at the cinema or watch a Blue Ray Disc this will be "Progressive". Plus most High-Definition monitors and TVs are progressive.

In comparison because of artificial lines 1080i offers 540 lines resolution at one time, where as 720p offers 720 lines with no tricks.

Currently broadcasters are only offering 1080i or 720p HDTV broadcasts. So when you see x1080 in the video properties on your set-top box this refers to Interlaced resolution.

By Simon Docker