HDTV 720P VS 1080P

HDTV 720P VS 1080P

HDTVs come with two different resolution ratings: 720p & 1080p, with 1080p claiming to have the sharpest picture, and best resolution of the two. Both types of resolution have an anamorphic, wide-screen 16:9 aspect ratio. 720p gives you a resolution of 1280x720 pixels(p). The 1080p has 1920x1080 pixels.

These ratings are just a label however, many 720p HDTV's often have 1366×768 pixels, some only have 1024x768 pixels. This means that in the HDTV world, you have to investigate carefully before deciding the label matches what the TV is actually capable of. Manufacturers will make these changes for a number of reasons, because of manufacturing costs. The reason this is considered acceptable is because 720p, and 1080p are considered the two standards for HD. As long as the TV is HD, and not a 1080p, electronics companies can rate the television at 720p, even if the pixel count is less, because they are "720p capable". You may get larger pixel count, or smaller (you get what you pay for). 1080p HDTVs of decent quality will cost more, because they can display every single pixel of a 1920×1080p video image. All else being equal, a 1080p TV will be sharper, but when people are watching it, this may not be noticeable at all times.

A computer monitor typically has excellent resolution for modern web browsing, graphic and text display requirements. Text, graphics and images will look much different between higher and lower resolutions available to them, but this is not the case with video. Video content loses its resolution abilities with the motion that occurs on the screen, more so on LCDs than plasmas, but there are other factors when considering video quality: Contrast Ratio, Black Level, Color Accuracy & Saturation, followed by resolution (pixels).

Also consider the viewing distance. To benefit from 1080p, you need to be close to the screen, or have a BIG screen. For instance, if you have a 50 inch, 1080p HDTV, and step 8 feet back from it, it will not look any better than a 720p HDTV.A 1080p HDTV will always be the best option if it's contrast ratio, black level, and color accuracy are equal to, or better than a comparable 720p TV. The viewer also needs to sit closer to the TV, and watch 1080p capable content, such as Blu-Ray movies. Most satellite, or cable HD movie channels have 1080p capability also.

If you don't plan on watching 1080p capable content, a 720p TV will be as pleasurable for you as the 1080p TV. Only the most discerning of viewers are ever able to detect any real difference, when subjected to test, after test, in various environments. In some cases, a very good 720p model will actually look a lot better than 1080p models. As mentioned; it all depends on the Contrast Ratio, Black Level, Color Accuracy & Saturation, and resolution. Also mentioned above was how you get what you pay for; lower end models, of each of the two different quality options, will skimp on the picture variables to make their HD TVs cheaper...and thus more desirable to uninformed customers. Now you have been informed!