Understanding 1080p Resolution: A Comprehensive Guide

Cecilia Hwung
5 min readMay 15, 2023

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Are you confused about what 1080p resolution really means? Do you wonder how it compares to other resolutions like 1920 x 1080 or 720p? In this meticulously crafted guide, we’ll demystify 1080p resolution, explain its significance, and answer common questions. Whether you wish to grasp technical aspects or acquire knowledge on how to modify the resolution settings on your computer, we have you covered.

1. Understanding 1080p Resolution: Everything You Need to Know

The Basics of 1080p

The term “1080” in 1080p refers to the number of vertical pixels displayed on a screen. It signifies the resolution of 1920 x 1080, where 1920 represents the horizontal pixels, and 1080 represents the vertical pixels. The “p” in 1080p stands for progressive scanning, which is a method of displaying and refreshing images on a screen in a sequential and continuous manner. This means that each frame of the video or image is displayed one after another, creating a smooth and fluid viewing experience. This is in contrast to interlaced scanning, denoted by 1080i, where the image is divided into two sets of lines that are displayed alternately, resulting in a slightly different visual experience.

1080p resolution
1080p resolution

While 4K and 2160p are technically the same in terms of resolution, the term “4K” specifically refers to the number of pixels displayed horizontally. In the case of 4K, it represents approximately 4000 pixels horizontally. This resolution offers a significantly higher level of detail and sharpness compared to 1080p.

Different 1080p Resolutions: Various Aspect Ratios

The term 1080p encompasses a range of resolutions that feature different aspect ratios that finds application in various devices, including computer monitors, mobile screens, and televisions. It also plays a crucial role in media distribution, digital film, and post-production processes. At the forefront of the 1080p resolutions is the well-known 1920 x 1080 resolution, which represents the width and height of the display in a 16:9 aspect ratio, which has become synonymous with high-definition visuals and has gained popularity among consumers and professionals alike.

However, as we said before, the term “1080p” primarily denotes the vertical lines or pixel count, while the horizontal pixels can vary based on specific use cases and requirements. As a result, a range of 1080p resolutions with different aspect ratios has been established to cater to diverse needs.

Different aspect ratios of 1080p

HD VS 1080p: Which Is Superior

1080p falls under the HD display/video resolution standard. While HD (HD-1) refers to 720p, 1080p is often referred to as FHD (Full HD or HD-2). Technically speaking, 1080p offers a slight advantage over HD. Similarly, UHD (Ultra HD) includes both 4K (UHD-1) and 8K (UHD-2). Keep in mind that 4K has replaced 1080p as the premier resolution standard.

Beyond 1080p Resolution: Higher Resolutions Explored

Although 1080p used to be synonymous with the highest quality, it has now been surpassed by resolutions like 2.7K, 4K, 5K, and 8K. These outstanding resolutions offer even greater visual clarity and detail.

HDMI 1080p Resolution and 60FPS 1080p

HDMI, an acronym for High-Definition Multimedia Interface, serves as a vital cable for connecting HDTVs and other HD devices. Its purpose is to facilitate the transmission of both high-definition video (including videos in 1080p resolution) and high-quality audio.

In the context of video resolution, 1920x1080 1080p signifies that each frame comprises a remarkable 2,073,600 pixels. The acronym “FPS” represents frames per second, indicating the number of frames or images displayed in a video within a one-second interval. A video recorded at 60 fps contains 60 frames per second, resulting in a total of 36,000 frames for a 10-minute video without compression. Essentially, a 60fps 1080p video captures 60 images per second at the 1080p resolution, ensuring exceptional visual fluidity and detail.

How to Get 1080p Resolution on Your PC

To check whether a video is in 1080p resolution or not, simply right-click on the video and select Properties. Then, go to the Details tab, and under Video, you can find the Frame Width and Frame Height information.

And If you want to set your PC to display in 1080p resolution: right-click on any part of the desktop, choose Display settings, select Display, navigate to Scale and Layout, then click on Resolution, and finally, choose the recommended option of 1920 x 1080. By following these steps, you can ensure that your PC is set to the optimal 1080p resolution for an enhanced viewing experience.

2. Best 1080p Monitors and TVs

Top 1080p Monitors for Gaming

If you’re a gaming enthusiast, here are some highly recommended 1080p monitors that deliver excellent performance and visuals:

  • Acer Nitro XV273X
  • BenQ Zowie XL2540
  • Acer Nitro VG240Y
  • ViewSonic XG2402
  • LG 27GL650F
  • Asus VG278Q

Top 1080p HDTVs

If you prefer enjoying media on a TV screen, here are some top picks for 1080p HDTVs:

  • Samsung UN50M5300
  • TCL 49S405 4K Roku Smart TV
  • LG 49LK5700PUA
  • Sony W650D
  • Vizio D48f-F0

3. Upscale/Downscale 1080p Resolution

When working with 1080p videos, you have the option to upscale or downscale the resolution according to your needs. If the original footage was shot in 1080p, it is possible to upscale it to 4K resolution. On the other hand, you can also downscale 1080p to lower resolutions like 720p or 480p if required. To do that, you need video converter software like VideoProc Converter:

VideoProc Converter
VideoProc Converter

Free download VideoProc Converter to Convert 1080p to 4K:

Step 1: Download and launch VideoProc, then choose “Video”.

Step 2: Click +Video to load your 1080p video.

Step 3: Options -> Format -> Video Codec Options -> Resolution -> Select 3840x2160 (4K) directly or Custom the resolution yourself.

Convert 1080p to 4K in VideoProc Converter
Convert 1080p to 4K in VideoProc Converter

Step 4: Press Done and RUN.

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Cecilia Hwung

Tech writer on AI, hardware, and software. I share reviews, trends, and tips. Visit me at videoproc.com for the latest in multimedia.