What is High Definition (HD) Video?

High Definition (HD) Video describes a video signal that has a significantly higher resolution and quality than traditional Standard Definition (SD) video. The result is a sharper, clearer, and more detailed image.

While the term originated in the television and film industries, it is now a crucial component of modern business collaboration. In general, the baseline for HD video is considered to be a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels (720p). The most common standard today is Full HD, which is 1920 x 1080 pixels (1080p). Higher resolutions, such as 4K and 8K, offer even greater levels of detail.

In the context of video conferencing and unified communications, a platform may be advertised as "HD capable," meaning it has the ability to transmit and receive video streams at 720p or 1080p. However, it is important to understand that the actual video quality experienced during a live call is dependent on several factors beyond the platform itself:

• Bandwidth: The final video quality is determined by the weakest link in the call. Every participant must have sufficient upload and download internet speeds to support a high-resolution video stream.
• Network Stability: A stable, consistent internet connection is required to avoid common issues like freezing, pixelation, and lag (jitter).
• Hardware: The quality of the participants' webcams and the resolution of their monitors also play a significant role in the perceived quality of the video.

Therefore, while a video conferencing service can support HD quality, the real-world experience may vary from one participant to another based on their individual internet connection and equipment.