If you‘re shopping for a new TV, you may be wondering if 1080p sets still exist, or if 4K has completely taken over. I‘m Loring, a home theater enthusiast. Let‘s take a detailed look at where 1080p stands in 2024 and whether it‘s still a smart buy depending on your needs.
First, a quick refresher – 1080p refers to a display resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. This gives a total pixel count of around 2 million (1920 multiplied by 1080). The "p" stands for progressive scan, which means the image is displayed by drawing all lines sequentially from top to bottom.
This contrasts with 1080i resolution which uses interlaced scanning – drawing alternating lines first, then filling the gaps. Progressive scanning became the standard for 1080p TVs as it eliminates artifacts from interlacing.
A Brief History of 1080p
Back in the early and mid 2000s, 720p HD televisions first gained popularity as an upgrade from standard definition 480p sets. But by the late 2000s, 1080p emerged as the new high-definition standard allowing larger screen sizes without visible pixels.
According to the Consumer Technology Association, the percentage of households with 1080p TVs skyrocketed from just 7% in 2009 to over 60% by 2012. Blu-ray‘s rise contributed greatly to 1080p‘s growth, as the format‘s technical specs perfectly matched Full HD resolution.
The introduction of 1080p TVs also coincided with the "Blu-ray vs HD-DVD" war for dominance of the high-def disc format. Blu-ray‘s support for pristine 1080p content ultimately helped it win out. The PlayStation 3 console saw strong sales partially thanks to its built-in Blu-ray player, further propelling 1080p into the mainstream.
1080p TVs Today – Still Widely Available
Walk into any Best Buy or Target and you‘ll notice smaller, budget-friendly TV models are predominantly 1080p sets. This includes most 32" to 40" screen sizes from trusted brands like TCL, Vizio, Hisense and others. Larger TVs have largely moved to 4K, but 1080p remains adequate for compact living room or bedroom sets.
There are a few reasons 1080p persists in smaller TV sizes:
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Lower Cost – A 32" 1080p TV can easily be found for under $200, hundreds less than a 4K equivalent. This matters for buyers on tight budgets.
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Easier Streaming – A 1080p signal requires about 3 Mbps, easily handled even on slower broadband connections. Streaming 4K requires minimum speeds of 25 Mbps.
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Viewing Distance – Sitting 8 to 10 feet from a 32" screen, the resolution difference is less noticeable from typical seating positions.
Of course, with 4K TV prices now starting around $300 for name brands, the cost gap has narrowed. But solid 1080p bargains are still widely available if you don‘t need the latest tech.
When Does 1080p Still Make Sense in 2024?
While 4K brings tangible improvements on larger screens, a 1080p TV can still be a smart purchase today in certain home and budget situations:
- Bedroom TVs under 40" viewed from bed
- Kitchen or garage TVs where you‘re farther away
- Kids‘ rooms – less concern about max resolution
- Budget buyers without need for newest tech
- Slow internet speeds inadequate for 4K streaming
The smaller the screen and further the seating position, the less discernible 4K‘s resolution boost becomes. Many also just don‘t notice or care about 4K‘s pixel jump in casual TV watching from the couch. If your priority is getting an affordable TV from a trusted brand that will suit your needs for years, 1080p is still a great choice today.
It‘s Not All About Resolution
Here‘s an important tip – don‘t assume 4K is automatically better than 1080p. While higher resolution provides an advantage, other factors like contrast ratio, color gamut, and peak brightness have as much or more impact on overall picture quality.
A 1080p TV properly calibrated with excellent black levels and vivid HDR colors can look better than a cheap 4K set with poor contrast and dull images. So it pays to understand what makes for a quality picture beyond just resolution. Manufacturers even use terms like "4K UHD" to acknowledge resolution alone doesn‘t guarantee quality.
Many 1080p TVs also now include High Dynamic Range (HDR) support for bolder colors and contrast. So don‘t underestimate a good 1080p television even in 2024!
When to Consider Upgrading from 1080p
If you have a 1080p TV that‘s still working well, I‘d recommend keeping it until you notice problems with the image. But here are some signs it may be time to upgrade:
- Screen sizes over 50 inches
- Moving seating within 6 feet of the TV
- Viewing high quality 4K Blu-rays and streams
- Using Xbox Series X, PS5 or latest gaming consoles
Larger screens at closer distances will best showcase 4K‘s extra detail. The latest movies and shows streamed in true 4K HDR from services like Netflix and Amazon Prime will also stand out. And gaming in 4K is stunning. While not mandatory, these are scenarios where 4K sets shine.
Of course, don‘t feel pressure to upgrade from 1080p until you feel you‘re missing out. Enjoy it until you’re ready!
The Future of 1080p TVs
There’s no question 4K has gone fully mainstream – it now accounts for over 80% of new TV sales. Eventually as production shifts more toward 4K panels, 1080p sets will fade out of the market.
But with prices already so low, don‘t expect 1080p to disappear completely anytime soon. There will likely still be 32" and 40" 1080p TV options 5 years from now. Though 8K televisions may eventually take over the high-end.
For now, enjoy whichever resolution meets your budget and needs! And don‘t worry about "future-proofing" – buy a TV you‘re happy with today without worrying about the latest tech specs.
The Bottom Line – 1080p Remains a Great Budget Option
While 4K resolution has become the new standard even among budget TVs, trusted 1080p HD televisions aren‘t going away just yet. The resolution still looks fantastic for smaller 32 to 40 inch screens, secondary rooms, and anyone seeking good value. As long as you understand 1080p‘s limitations on very large screens and at close viewing distances, it‘s a perfectly valid choice in 2024.
So don‘t feel like you need to jump to 4K, especially if money is tight. Focus instead on finding a TV from a reputable brand with good reviews and the right features and connectivity for your needs. With the right settings, a quality 1080p television can still deliver many years of awesome HD viewing!
Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m always happy to share my home theater tips and experience.
