Is 720p the highest resolution possible for progressive scan video formats?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the resolution capabilities of video formats, specifically questioning whether 720p is the highest resolution possible for progressive scan video formats. Participants explore the definitions and relationships between video resolutions and formats, as well as the specifications of a particular DVD player.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants clarify that 720p is a resolution, while formats like mp4 and avi can support various resolutions, including 720p and 1080p.
  • There is a question about whether "CD-R/RW" is considered a video format, with some arguing it refers to a physical type of CD rather than a video format.
  • One participant suggests that the DVD player's ability to upscale to 1080p implies it cannot handle actual 1080p inputs and lacks support for Blu-ray discs.
  • A participant speculates that the codec may or may not support certain resolutions.
  • Another participant expresses a newfound understanding of the term 720p, noting it refers to the number of non-interlaced vertical lines and the implications of widescreen aspect ratios.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the distinction between resolution and video formats, but there remains uncertainty regarding the classification of "CD-R/RW" and the implications of the DVD player's specifications. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the highest resolution possible for progressive scan video formats.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the definitions of video formats and resolutions, as well as the specific capabilities of the DVD player mentioned. The relationship between codecs and supported resolutions is also not fully resolved.

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TL;DR
Is there a defined relation between various video formats such as *.mp4, *avi and the "signal format" 720p?
For a DVD player, the amazon website https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZZMB571/?tag=pfamazon01-20 has the notes:

  • Supports full HD 1080p upscaling - plays almost any format DVD, AVI, CD, CD-R/RW, DVD-R/RW, DVD R/RW, Vc1, MPEG1, MPEG-2. Does not support Blu-ray discs.
  • Built-in USB port: playback your video, picture and music from USB flash drive. Note: the HDMI DVD player can only support USB 2.0 Flash drive up to 16 Gb and plays video files up to 720p via USB

Do the definitions of various video formats such as *.mp4, *.avi allow them to specify a "signal format", such as "720p"
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/720p) ?
 
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720p is a resolution. mp4 and avi are video formats. A mp4 video can have different resolutions, like 480p, 720p or 1080p. Same for avi and other formats. Don't confuse resolution with formats.

The DVD player says that it supports up to 1080p resolution and can play DVD, AVI, CD, CD-R/RW, DVD-R/RW, DVD R/RW, Vc1, MPEG1, MPEG-2 format videos.
 
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Wrichik Basu said:
The DVD player says that it supports up to 1080p resolution and can play DVD, AVI, CD, CD-R/RW, DVD-R/RW, DVD R/RW, Vc1, MPEG1, MPEG-2 format videos.

Is "CD-R/RW" a video format? I think of things like "CD-R/RW" as specifying a physical type of CD.
 
Stephen Tashi said:
Is "CD-R/RW" a video format? I think of things like "CD-R/RW" as specifying a physical type of CD.
You are right; they have just listed the type of CD/DVD that the player can handle along with the video formats. The player has a USB port, and that is why they have listed the video formats along with the type of CD/DVD.
 
Wrichik Basu said:
The DVD player says that it supports up to 1080p resolution and can play DVD, AVI, CD, CD-R/RW, DVD-R/RW, DVD R/RW, Vc1, MPEG1, MPEG-2 format videos.
That video player description states that it can upscale to 1080p, which implies that it can't handle actual 1080p inputs, and can't play blu-ray discs. There's no mention of 4k (2160p) media, so apparently it's an older player.
 
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At a guess, the codec may or may not be written to support some resolutions.
 
Stephen Tashi said:
Summary:: Is there a defined relation between various video formats such as *.mp4, *avi and the "signal format" 720p?

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/720p) ?
Interesting. I'd always assumed that the number represented the number of horizontal pixels per line, but apparently it's the number of non-interlaced vertical lines. Learn something new at the PF every single day... :smile:

The number 720 stands for the 720 horizontal scan lines of image display resolution (also known as 720 pixels of vertical resolution).[1] The p stands for progressive scan, i.e. non-interlaced. When broadcast at 60.00 frames/s[note 1] frames per second, 720p features the highest temporal resolution possible under the ATSC and DVB standards. The term assumes a widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9, thus implying a resolution of 1280×720 px (0.9 megapixels).
 
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