The Truth About 720p vs. 1080p for Digital Poster Frames
The LCD monitors we sell for digital signage applications come in both 720p and 1080p native resolutions (meaning the fixed resolution size of the screen). Our 32" monitors are set at 720p and the 40" & 52" monitors are set at 1080p. Does using a 32" 720p monitor for your digital poster frames skimp on detail?
720p Content versus 1080p Content
Actual 1080p content can only come from HD movie DVDs such as Blu-ray discs. Even HDTV broadcasts only stream in at 720p to 1080i (with 1080i scaled down to monitors with 720p resolution). For the foreseeable future, HDTV will not be broadcast in 1080p due to the increased bandwidth required (as well as other issues). However for digital poster frames, which includes live TV, slideshows, menu boards and news tickers, 720p can handle the job. 720p content will look the same whether it's shown on a 1080p monitor or 720p monitor, not just because of the native resolution of the LCD monitor but also the resolution of the content itself.
Applications
What is the ultimate application of digital poster frames? Since the majority of end users will not be screening Blu-ray movies, the answer is basically everything else. This includes Live TV, pre-formatted sign channels (news, sports, weather), digital poster frames, slideshows, video clips, restaurant menus, the list goes on and on.
monitors for their digital poster frames
applications, unless they plan to screen
Blu-ray video. (Video seen above is
on our 52" LCD monitor.)
1080p monitors (32" LCD shown above) whether
used for:
Screen Size and Viewing Distance
The relation between monitor size and how far the audience is viewing is another telling point. Most monitors installed for digital media are smaller than 50" and they are usually displayed in such a way that viewers will never be close enough to tell the difference between 720p and 1080p resolution. With most digital poster frame applications installed in waiting areas, banks, hotels, bars & restaurants, schools, and retail establishments, the difference in resolution is negligible.