You have frame rate and it is expressed in frames per second.ġ080i is a field-based or interlaced or interleaved video where you are dealing with fields. fieldsġ080p is a frame-based or progressive-scan video where you are dealing with frames. It is not true that 1080i has a lower vertical resolution than 1080p. Resolutionīoth 1080p and 1080i have 1080 horizontal lines of vertical resolution which with a widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9 results in a resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels (2.1 megapixels). Some of the information presented below is adapted from my answer to Interlacing on a computer monitor but is rewritten to strictly stick to the subject of the difference between 1080p and 1080i. The question is specifically: What is the difference between 1080p and 1080i? so I will start by outlining the main similarities and differences, I’ll add some tips on how to choose the best format and then I will proceed to explain the problems that I found here.

I see a range of problems in the answers and comments here (even in some highly-voted answers that provide otherwise very good information) that span from minor deficiencies that need explanation to some serious inaccuracies, so I think that some clarification is needed. SuperUser contributor Rsp goes into great detail explaining the differences between 1080p, 1080i, and when one is preferable over the other.

1080p on 720p monitor