Watching old “classic” movies is one of my favourite pastimes on a rainy day, but have you ever wondered why the picture is so grainy? Well, it comes down to the picture resolution. Just like computer monitors or digital photos, the resolution of the image is so important in terms of picture quality.
There’s Something About Pixels
The resolution of a projector simply equates to the amount of pixels available to create the image. This can be shown with either one or two numbers.
The two-number resolution refers to the amount of pixels in each horizontal row and vertical column. For example, a resolution of 1920x1080 means there is 1,920 pixels in each horizontal row and 1080 in each vertical column.
Alternately, the projector resolution may be referred to in a single number, such as 720p or 1080p. This is simply referring to the number of pixels per column. It is safe to say, the larger the number, the more pixels available to create the image, giving better quality pictures.
On older devices, you may find the resolution listed as 720i or 1080i. Is 1080i the same as 1080p? What do the letters stand for anyway?
These letters refer to how the video is processed, interlaced or progressive.
The interlaced format, depicted by the “I”, was developed in the 1950’s. This video image displays alternate horizontal rows when making up the image. So, first all the even numbered rows will be shown, then the odd numbered rows. When these alternate rows are shown quickly enough, up to 30 times per second, human vision allows us to see the whole moving image.
While this was an amazing feat of technology in the earlier days of TV, interlaced video just does not hold up to the fast moving action scenes we all love to watch in modern films.
Progressive video, represented by the “p”, is made up of continuously displayed frames that contain all of the horizontal rows that make up the image. Because of this, images appear smoother and fast moving sequences appear sharper, more like looking through a window than watching the image on a screen.
Most current model home theatre projectors are Full HD 1080p, which is ideally suited to 16:9 format screens commonly available.
Now that Full HD 1080p projectors are available at such incredible prices, why wouldn’t you go for it!
