If you’re shopping for a new TV or monitor, you’ll likely come across the terms 1080i and 1080p. These numbers refer to the resolution of the image that the device can display, but they’re not the same thing. In fact, there are some significant differences between 1080i and 1080p that you should be aware of before making a purchase.

What is 1080i?

The “i” in 1080i stands for interlaced, which means that the screen is divided into fields, and the image is displayed by alternating between odd and even numbered lines. This process happens very quickly, so it appears to the human eye as though the image is displayed all at once. However, because the lines are separated, the image can appear slightly blurry or jagged during motion. 1080i resolutions are typically found on older or budget-friendly TVs, but they can still look great for movies or TV shows.

What is 1080p?

The “p” in 1080p stands for progressive, which means that the entire image is displayed at once, without splitting the lines into fields. This results in a much sharper and smoother image, especially during motion. For this reason, 1080p is considered the more desirable resolution for most types of content, including video games and streaming services.