720p
Typically a high-definition image format with a resolution of 1280×720, a 16:9 aspect ratio, and progressive scan, commonly used in broadcasts at 50, 59.94, or 60 frames per second.
Explanation
720p is a high-definition format that displays the image line by line with 720 valid vertical pixels; a standard 16:9 image is typically 1280×720. `p` indicates that a complete progressive frame is stored at each point in time; the frame rate must still be specified separately.
Television broadcasts often use 720p50 or 720p59.94/60 to capture sports and fast-moving action with higher temporal sampling. Compared to 1080i, 720p has lower spatial sampling per frame but avoids the interlaced field merging issue; The actual sharpness of both formats depends on motion, bitrate, encoding, and display processing; it cannot be determined by comparing only the numbers 720 and 1080.
The Blu-ray specification also allows for several 720p modes, while online video may use frame rates such as 720p24, 25, or 30. Encoded footage may also have non-square pixel structures, such as 960×720, and be displayed in 16:9; media tools should report both the stored dimensions and the display aspect ratio. “HD” may encompass both the 720p and 1080 series across different services. 720p describes only resolution and scanning mode; it does not specify SDR/HDR, color gamut, bit depth, or compression format. Upscaling a low-resolution image to 1280×720 can produce a compliant output size, but it will not create details that do not exist in the source.