What are 'i' and 'p' in camcorder resolution specification?

[cadu]

Hi,

What are 'i' and 'p' in camcorder resolution specification?

I am comparing some models and some of them just have 'i' (1920 x 1080i pixels) while others just 'p' (1280 x 720p pixels).

Thanks,
Cadu

 

[Bill Bruner]

Hi,

What are 'i' and 'p' in camcorder resolution specification?

I am comparing some models and some of them just have 'i' (1920 x 1080i pixels) while others just 'p' (1280 x 720p pixels).

Thanks,
Cadu

Hi Cadu - simplest explanation is that "i" is interlaced and "p" is progressive. Here is the best explanation that I have seen.

In general, progressive scans provide twice the information at a given resolution and frame rate. In other words, 1080/60p is better than 1080/60i (where 1080 is the number or lines of vertical resolution, and 60 is the frame rate in frames per second).

Hope this is helpful,

Bill
Hybrid Camera Revolution

 

[cadu]

Thanks Bill. I understood clearly!!!
Other related issue has appeared. I would appreciate further help:
Considering some camcorders just provides "i" footage, could I render a video as "p" based on that "i" raw footage?
I mean, since a video editing software (e.g. Vegas) make available render as "i" or "p", I am confuse if I record as "i" I should render just as "i", or when rendering I could exchange "i" or "p" as my wish (without to cause harm to video quality)...
Best,
Cadu

 

[Bob++]

Generally speaking you can't convert "i" to "p" but you can do it the other way round. (If you make DVD's that is what you get anyway.)

I have a cam that shoots in both modes and rarely use the "p" setting. I have looked at the finished result on my HD TV and can hardly see any difference - it only seems to show when there is fast movement.

I don't think you should get too hung up in the progressive vs interlaced debate - there are more important attributes for a cam - notably the quality of the lense and the size of the sensors.

 

[Bill Bruner]

cadu - I agree with Bob - unless you are shooting fast moving action, interlaced is fine for most purposes.

Cheers,

Bill

 

[Chelters]

Thanks Bill. I understood clearly!!!
Other related issue has appeared. I would appreciate further help:
Considering some camcorders just provides "i" footage, could I render a video as "p" based on that "i" raw footage?
I mean, since a video editing software (e.g. Vegas) make available render as "i" or "p", I am confuse if I record as "i" I should render just as "i", or when rendering I could exchange "i" or "p" as my wish (without to cause harm to video quality)...
Best,
Cadu

Cadu, make sure your project properties (press ALT+ENTER) are set correct for the incoming video, also notice on the video tab of that dialog, the "de-interlace method", set to "blend" should be good but try the "Interpolate" in case that gives you better results.
When you come to render the project, use a "p" variant.
Another Bill, lots of us about

 

[Bob++]

Chelters,

When you come to render the project, use a "p" variant.

Could you explain what purpose there would be in rendering an interlaced vid into a progressive format?

 

[Chelters]

Chelters,
Could you explain what purpose there would be in rendering an interlaced vid into a progressive format?

Because that is what Cadu asked
"Considering some camcorders just provides "i" footage, could I render a video as "p" based on that "i" raw footage? "

And of course it would be better for computer use and probably LCD TV as they are progressive displays.

 

[Bob++]

Hmmm.. OH I accept that you are much better informed than me and yes that was the question. I do find that people often don't ask the right questions though.

Is it really better? Why? I ask because I make all my video interlaced because progressive doesn't look any better on my HD 3D TV.