What does "1080i" and "720p" refer to in terms of HDTV?

"1080i" and "720p" refer to specific types of screen resolutions in the context of HDTV. These designations provide information about the pixel resolution of the display, as well as how the image is rendered on the screen.

"1080i" stands for a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels, where "i" denotes interlaced scanning. In this format, the screen refreshes the even lines of pixels first, followed by the odd lines, which can lead to a smoother image for moving content but may exhibit some flicker and blur, particularly in fast-moving scenes.

"720p," on the other hand, indicates a resolution of 1280x720 pixels, with "p" standing for progressive scanning. In this format, the entire image is refreshed on each pass, offering a clearer and smoother image, especially for static images and slower movement.

Understanding these two resolutions is critical for anyone working with HDTV technology, as they directly affect the viewing quality and are fundamental to making informed decisions about video content and equipment compatibility.