A high-definition (HD) stream is video at 720p (1280 × 720 pixels) or 1080p (1920 × 1080 pixels), often called “Full HD.” HD needs far less bandwidth than 4K, which makes it the most common quality for live TV streaming. As a reference point, Netflix recommends at least 3 Mbps for HD (720p) on its own service.
720p vs. 1080p
- 720p: about 0.9 million pixels per frame. Still common for live channels, especially fast-moving sports at 60 frames per second.
- 1080p: about 2.1 million pixels, more than twice as many. Sharper on larger screens.
- 1080i: an interlaced format used by some broadcasters; players convert it for modern progressive displays.
Resolution isn't everything
Two streams with the same resolution can look very different. Bitrate (how much data per second the stream uses) and the codec (how efficiently it's compressed) matter just as much. A low-bitrate 1080p stream can look worse than a generous 720p one, especially in fast motion or dark scenes.
What you need for HD
- A steady internet connection with headroom above the stream's bitrate, multiplied by the number of screens watching at once.
- Any modern TV, streaming device, phone or computer. HD playback is universally supported.
- Ethernet or strong 5 GHz Wi-Fi for the steadiest picture.
Why HD can look soft on a 4K TV
A 4K TV has four times as many pixels as 1080p, so it upscales HD video to fill the screen. Upscaling quality varies by TV and streaming device, and sitting close to a large screen makes softness more visible. If the picture looks noticeably blurrier than usual, your stream may have dropped to a lower quality level; see why is my streaming quality so bad?.
Considering an upgrade? Read what you need for 4K IPTV.