1080p

Glossary

What is 1080p or Full HD?

1080p, also known as Full HD or FHD, is a high-definition video resolution. It has a resolution of 1920 pixels wide by 1080 pixels high, resulting in an approximate total of 2.1 megapixels per frame. The "1080" represents the vertical resolution, or the number of horizontal lines on the screen.

The "p" in 1080p stands for progressive scan. This means that each frame of the video is drawn completely, line by line, from top to bottom. This method differs from 1080i, which uses an interlaced scan where the image is drawn in two passes, displaying alternating lines in each pass. Progressive scan is now the standard for most displays and video content, including streaming services like YouTube and Netflix.

Try Imagekit's Video API to deliver videos at 1080p or for adaptive bitrate streaming that automatically adapts the video resolution to the viewer's network speed.

Some Examples of Applications of 1080p Video Resolution

  • Streaming and Video on Demand (VOD): 1080p is the most widely used resolution for online streaming and VOD services. It provides an excellent balance of high quality and manageable file sizes, making it the standard "good quality" option for platforms like YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu.

  • Live Events and Esports: For live broadcasts of sports, concerts, or gaming, 1080p at 50 or 60 frames per second (fps) is an ideal choice. It offers superb motion clarity without the high bandwidth demands of 4K, ensuring a smooth, high-quality viewing experience for viewers.

  • Video Production and Deliverables: 1080p is a standard resolution for video cameras, capture cards, and professional production equipment. Many films are shot at 24p (24 frames per second) in 1080p for a cinematic look, and this remains a standard format for physical media, such as Blu-ray discs.

  • Adaptive Bitrate (ABR) Streaming: 1080p serves as the leading "top tier" in adaptive bitrate streaming. This technology delivers different video quality levels (e.g., 360p, 480p, 720p, 1080p) to viewers based on their internet connection speed. This ensures a consistent streaming experience by automatically adjusting the quality to prevent buffering.

Advantages and Limitations of 1080p

Advantages of 1080p Video Resolution

  • Excellent Visual Quality: 1080p offers a significant jump in quality over lower resolutions like 720p and 480p, with roughly 2.25 times the pixels of 720p. This results in sharp, clear text and crisp edges on most devices, including phones, laptops, and TVs.

  • Smooth Motion: The progressive scan of 1080p, especially at high frame rates (50 or 60 fps), reduces motion blur and eliminates the visual artifacts found in interlaced video (1080i), making it ideal for fast-moving content.

  • Broad Compatibility: 1080p is a global standard, supported by virtually every piece of modern equipment, including cameras, streaming services, and displays. Displays are often marketed now as Full HD or 1080p, demonstrating the popularity of this resolution.

Limitations of 1080p Video Resolution

  • Less Detail Than 4K: While great, 1080p can't match the detail or life-like experiences of 4K (2160p). On large screens, fine textures and intricate details are noticeably sharper in 4K.

  • Higher Bandwidth Needs: Compared to lower resolutions like 720p or 480p, 1080p requires more internet bandwidth and processing power to stream. This can be a challenge on slow or congested networks and for low-powered devices.

  • Production Transport: In professional video production, transporting uncompressed 1080p video at high frame rates (50/60 fps) requires specialized connections, such as 3G-SDI, which is more advanced than older formats.

1080p vs Other Video Resolutions

  • 720p (1280x720 at 16:9 ratio): 1080p offers a significant improvement in detail and clarity, containing 2.25 times the pixels of 720p. This makes it ideal for showing charts, text, and other fine details.

  • 1440p (2560x1440 at 16:9 ratio): Often used for computer monitors and gaming, 1440p provides an outstanding balance between the sharp detail of 4K and the lower bandwidth of 1080p.

  • 4K / UHD (3840x2160 at 16:9 ratio): With four times the pixels of 1080p, 4K delivers exceptional detail and a premium viewing experience, but requires significantly more bandwidth, storage, and processing power.

Conclusion

1080p remains the gold standard for high-definition video. It strikes a perfect balance, providing a sharp, clear image on most screens while remaining efficient enough for reliable streaming across a wide range of devices and network conditions.

While higher resolutions, such as 4K, offer superior detail, 1080p is the crucial "workhorse" format for content creators. To ensure the broadest possible audience reach and playback stability, it's essential to include a 1080p rendition in your adaptive streaming setup, allowing viewers to receive the best quality their connection can support automatically.