What is HD?
HD—or High Definition refers to resolutions above 480p—720p (standard HD) or 1080p (Full HD)—used for streaming videos over the internet. Full HD resolution has twice as many pixels per frame (1920×1080) as compared to standard HD video resolution (1280x720). While 720p is ideal for streaming on YouTube and other internet-based platforms, 1080p HD is best suited for higher-quality videos.
HD Pros:
- HD is associated with superior color production; it includes vivid colors and an extensive range of hues that do not give the bleeding effect around the edges.
- HD resolutions are known for their faster frame and lesser image pixelation, ensuring smoother video motion and providing greater clarity, sharpness, and definition.
- HD is best suited for large screens, such as HDTV, movie theater screens, 16:9 display monitors, etc.
HD Cons:
- HD videos demand high-speed, stable internet connection. If you don't have the required bandwidth, it will cause unexpected dropouts and lags in streaming.
- HD also required greater storage—as much as 4× more than SD.
- You also need more processing power to stream HD videos, which can lead to quick battery drainage.
HD Use-cases:
- 1080p is used for HD broadcasts in laptops, PC monitors, Blu-ray players, Xbox/PlayStation games, and more.
- Some budget-priced TV screens and desktop computer displays use 720p resolutions due to lower processing power requirements.