1080p
1080p is a video resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels displayed with progressive scan, also known as Full HD. The number refers to 1,080 rows of pixels, and the p means every row is drawn in each frame. Shown in a 16:9 widescreen frame, 1080p is the default HD setting for most streaming services, TVs and online video.
Why it matters
1080p is the quality most viewers expect as normal HD, so it is usually the top rung that matters most. Delivering it well keeps video looking professional on laptops and phones. Since many viewers watch at 1080p, its bitrate choice has a big effect on total delivery cost. Because so many minutes are watched at 1080p, FastPix's rate of $0.000679 per minute watched lets you forecast most of a delivery bill from watch time alone.
How it works
- Each frame has 1920 pixels across and 1080 rows down.
- Progressive scan draws every row in each frame, so motion looks clean.
- Streaming services encode a 1080p version as the top or near-top rung of their ladder.
- Players drop to 720p or lower when the connection cannot keep up.
What is the difference between 1080p and 1080i?
1080p draws every row of each frame at once, while 1080i draws odd and even rows in alternating passes. Both have 1920 x 1080 pixels, but 1080p shows cleaner motion, especially in sports. 1080i is mainly found in older TV broadcasts, and online video uses 1080p.
Is 1080p good enough for streaming?
Yes, 1080p is good enough for most streaming. It looks sharp on phones, tablets and laptops, and on many TVs at normal viewing distance. It also uses far less data than 4K. Services usually reserve 4K for premium plans and large screens, with 1080p as the main HD level.
What bitrate should I use for 1080p?
For 1080p, about 8 Mbps at 24 to 30 fps and 12 Mbps at 50 or 60 fps is a common upload target, based on YouTube's guidance. For streaming delivery with modern codecs, lower bitrates often look fine. Fast motion needs more data, while slides or talking heads need less. For sports and other high-motion titles, FastPix Pro encoding costs $0.026719 per minute at 1080p, while the rest of the library stays on Standard encoding.
Where it's used
For most video platforms, creator apps and short video apps, 1080p is the standard top quality, sharp on phones and laptops, with lower levels used when connections weaken.
By the numbers
- YouTube recommends 8 Mbps for 1080p SDR uploads at 24 to 30 fps and 12 Mbps at 48 to 60 fps. (YouTube recommended upload encoding settings)
