Looking to buy a new HDTV? Wondering what all of these numbers mean – 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p? Here’s a quick guide to what all of these mean and which one would be best for you.

What do these numbers represent?

These numbers represent what the sharpness and resolution is of the display.

What do the letters represent?

“P” stands for progressive and “I” stands for interlaced (pixel arrangement).

HD standard:  480p

480p is usually known as an “Enhanced-Definition TV.” It receives 480p signals from different devices, such as progressive-scan DVD players. 480p televisions are the most popular nowadays and is considered on the lower-end.

If you are looking for better quality than your older TV, as well as the ability to watch true high-definition for a lower price, 480p TV’s are for you.

HD standard:  720p

720p is the next step up and sports a 1280 x 720 resolution display. 720p TV’s run at 60 frames per second and 55 million pixels per second.

Due to the higher frame rate, 720p is good for watching sports, action movies or anything with a lot of motion. It is a little more expensive than 420p, but if you’re going to be watching a lot of sports or movies, it’s worth it.

HD standard:  1080p

This is probably the most useful option for many people looking for an HDTV. It sports 60 frames per second with a 1920 x 1080 resolution display and 124 million pixels per second. 108op also has the ability to display any HD content without downconverting quality. 720p upconverts and 1080i downconverts.

1080p is probably the most convenient option, offering the best of the HD standards, and is compatible with any HD content.

HD standard:  1080i

1080i HDTV’s sport a 1920 x 1080 display with 30 frames per second and 62 million pixels per second. 1080i is good for details, which is good for images and movies.

1080i is also very similar to 1080p, with the only difference being how the pixels are arranged (interlaced vs. progressive).