480p

480p is a standard definition video resolution that provides a balance between quality and bandwidth usage. While it doesn't offer the same level of detail as higher resolution formats, it is still widely used in many situations due to its lower resource requirements.

Defining video resolution

Video resolution refers to the number of distinct pixels that can be displayed in each dimension on a display device. It’s usually quoted as width x height, with the units being pixels. For instance, a resolution of 1920x1080 means the screen is made up of 1920 pixels horizontally and 1080 pixels vertically.

Resolution is one of the key aspects that determine the quality of a video. Higher resolution means more pixels, which results in better detail and clarity. However, higher resolution videos also require more bandwidth and storage space.

What is 480p?

480p is a resolution that is commonly used in digital video. The number '480' represents the vertical resolution, meaning there are 480 vertical lines on the screen. The 'p' stands for progressive scan, which means that each video frame is displayed in full, with all lines being displayed at once.

This is in contrast to interlaced video, represented by an 'i', where each video frame is split into two fields, with one field containing all the odd lines and the other containing all the even lines. Interlaced video was commonly used in older television systems, but progressive scan has become the standard due to its superior image quality.

480p compared to other resolutions

480p is considered a standard definition resolution. It’s lower than high definition (HD) resolutions such as 720p and 1080p, and much lower than 4K resolution. As a result, 480p videos will not appear as sharp or detailed on a large screen compared to higher resolution videos.

However, 480p has the advantage of requiring less bandwidth and storage space. This makes it a popular choice for streaming video on the internet, especially in situations where network bandwidth is limited. It’s also commonly used in DVD video.

How to determine if a video is 480p

Most video players and streaming platforms will display the resolution of the video somewhere on the screen. This is usually found in the video settings or information menu. If the resolution is listed as 480p, then you are watching a 480p video.

It's also worth noting that the quality of a 480p video can vary depending on the quality of the source material and the encoding process. A well-encoded 480p video can look better than a poorly encoded higher resolution video.