Full HD
Full HD, often abbreviated as FHD, is a display resolution standard with 1920 horizontal pixels and 1080 vertical pixels
What is Full HD?
Full HD Streaming Quality
1. FEATURE OVERVIEW
Full HD (FHD) is a display resolution standard that delivers 1920 x 1080 pixels, providing significantly sharper and more detailed images than standard HD (1280 x 720). When streaming services offer Full HD, they're delivering content at this higher resolution with enhanced bitrates and encoding quality that makes movies, TV shows, and live sports appear crisp and clear on your screen.
Full HD streaming uses adaptive bitrate technology, which automatically adjusts the video quality based on your internet connection speed to maintain smooth playback. This means you get the best possible 1080p quality your connection can handle without buffering interruptions.
2. WHAT YOU NEED
Internet Connection: A stable broadband connection of at least 5-8 Mbps is recommended for consistent Full HD streaming, though some services may work with lower speeds.
Compatible Device: Most modern devices support Full HD playback, including:
- Smart TVs (2010 and newer)
- Streaming devices (Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV)
- Gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox)
- Computers and mobile devices
- Tablets and smartphones
Subscription Requirements: Full HD availability varies by service tier:
- Some services include it in basic plans
- Others require standard or premium subscriptions
- Free services may offer limited Full HD content
Display: To see the full benefit, you'll need a Full HD (1080p) or higher resolution screen.
3. REAL-WORLD EXAMPLES
Netflix delivers excellent Full HD quality across its vast library - from original series like "Stranger Things" and "The Crown" to licensed movies, all streamed at crisp 1080p with high bitrates for smooth motion and sharp detail.
Disney+ showcases Full HD particularly well with visually stunning content like Marvel movies ("Avengers" series), Pixar animations ("Toy Story," "Finding Nemo"), and Star Wars content where the enhanced detail brings special effects to life.
Sports streaming on services like DAZN benefits enormously from Full HD, making it easier to follow fast-paced action in boxing matches, football games, and motorsports where every detail matters.
YouTube offers millions of videos in Full HD, from professional music videos and movie trailers to high-quality creator content, though availability depends on what resolution creators upload.
4. HOW WE SCORE THIS FEATURE
Our scoring methodology evaluates Full HD implementation across several key factors:
Technical Quality (Primary Factor): Services scoring 8-9/10 like Netflix, Disney+, and Discovery+ demonstrate superior encoding, high bitrates, and consistent 1080p delivery with minimal compression artifacts.
Content Library Coverage: Higher scores go to services where the majority of content is available in Full HD. Netflix Premium and Disney+ score highly because their entire catalogs support Full HD where source material allows.
Streaming Reliability: Consistent performance during peak hours and across different devices influences scoring. Premium services typically score 8-9/10, while free services like BBC iPlayer and Pluto TV score 5-6/10 due to variable quality during high-traffic periods.
Infrastructure Quality: Services using robust CDNs (Content Delivery Networks) like Amazon Prime Video's platform score higher. Add-on services through Prime Video often score 8/10 because they leverage Amazon's superior streaming infrastructure.
Service Tier Impact: Free and ad-supported tiers typically score 5-7/10, while premium tiers score 8-9/10 due to better resource allocation and fewer quality compromises.
5. WHY IT MATTERS
Full HD streaming significantly enhances your viewing experience by providing:
Visual Clarity: The 2.25x increase in pixels over standard HD makes text sharper, faces more detailed, and action sequences easier to follow. This is particularly noticeable on screens 32 inches and larger.
Content Appreciation: Movies and shows with stunning cinematography, detailed costumes, or intricate special effects truly shine in Full HD. Documentary content benefits from the enhanced detail for nature scenes and historical footage.
Sports and Action: Fast-moving content like sports, action movies, and gaming streams are much more enjoyable when you can clearly see every detail of the action.
Future-Proofing: While 4K is becoming more common, Full HD remains the sweet spot for most users, offering excellent quality without the bandwidth demands of higher resolutions.
Considerations: Full HD does require more bandwidth than standard definition, and the quality improvement is most noticeable on larger screens. Users with data caps or slower internet connections may need to balance quality with data usage. Additionally, the actual viewing experience depends heavily on the service's technical implementation - a well-encoded Full HD stream will always look better than a poorly compressed one.
Service Plans Offering Full HD
BBC iPlayer
The BBC's free streaming service featuring live TV and on-demand content from all BBC channels.
Standard
Free access to all BBC iPlayer content including live TV, catch-up programmes, and exclusive online content. Requires valid UK TV licence (£169.50 annually) for legal use.
5
5 is the brand name of video-on-demand services offered by Channel 5 Broadcasting Limited, operator of TV channel 5, in the United Kingdom.
Channel 5 Standard
5 is the official on-demand and catch-up streaming platform for Channel 5 and its sister channels. It allows you to watch a range of Channel 5 programming online, either live or on catch-up.
ITVX
ITV's free streaming service with premium subscription option. Features original dramas, reality TV, documentaries, and live streaming. Premium tier includes ad-free viewing and BritBox content.
ITVX Standard
ITVX is the streaming service from ITV
Pluto TV
Pluto TV is an American free ad-supported streaming television service owned and operated by the Paramount Streaming division of Paramount Global.
Pluto TV
Free access to 250+ live TV channels and thousands of on-demand movies and TV shows with ads. No subscription required.
Discovery+
Discovery+ is the UK streaming home for real-life entertainment, documentaries, reality, true crime, and premium live sports by TNT Sports.
Discovery+ Free
Get access to a selection of Discovery+ content for free, including content from channels like Quest, Really, Quest Red, HGTV, Food Network and DMAX.
Discovery Plus Entertainment
Entertainment only (Discovery, TLC, Quest, Really, etc.), on-demand and live, no sports.
Discovery+ TNT Sports
Includes TNT Sports only (live football, rugby, tennis, motorsport, etc.) using up to 4 devices at a time.
Discovery Plus TNT Sports Entertainment
Stream everything included with the Entertainment and TNT Sports plans.
U
Drama and entertainment streaming service featuring various content.
U Free
Ad-supported streaming, On-demand content, Multi-device access, Catch-up TV
Channel 4
Channel 4’s free streaming service (formelry All 4/4oD) offers live TV, catch-up, box sets, and exclusive content. Channel 4+ upgrade removes ads and adds downloads.
Channel 4
Ad-supported, live and on-demand streaming. No offline downloads.
Channel 4+
Ad-free on most on-demand content, offline downloads, early access to some shows. Does not include live TV ad-free.
YouTube
The world's largest video platform with user-generated content, music videos, live streams, and premium subscription options including YouTube Premium and YouTube Music.
YouTube
Ad-supported streaming with limited features. Access to most YouTube content with advertisements.
Youtube Student
Ad-free YouTube experience with background play, offline downloads, and YouTube Music Premium included. Eligible students only. Annual verification required.
Youtube Premium Lite
Ad-free YouTube experience on most videos. Does not include ad-free Youtube Music, Offline Downloads or Background Play
Youtube Premium
Ad-free YouTube experience with background play, offline downloads, and YouTube Music Premium included.
YouTube Family
Up to 6 family members with individual accounts, ad-free viewing, and YouTube Music Premium for everyone.
S4C Clic
S4C Clic is the on-demand streaming service for S4C, the Welsh public service broadcaster
S4C Clic Free Account
Free access to S4C content (registration and TV license required)
Tubi
Free ad-supported streaming service offering movies, TV shows, and original content with no subscription required
Tubi Free
Ad-supported content, Full-length movies, TV shows, Live TV, No subscription required
Plex
A streaming platform that allows users to organize and stream their personal media libraries, plus access to 50,000+ free movies and TV shows with ad-supported content
Plex Free
Personal media streaming, 50,000+ free titles, Ad-supported content, Basic mobile sync
Plex Pass
Ad-free experience, Premium features, Mobile sync, Hardware transcoding, Live TV & DVR, Premium music features
BFI Player
Stream award-winning cinema from the UK & around the world, hand-picked by the British Film Institute. Curated indie film collection featuring the greatest global cinema on demand.
BFI Player Free/Rental
Free access to select BFI films. Also provides a rental service
BFI Player Subscription
Unlimited streaming, Curated collections, Archive content, Ad-free viewing
Netflix
The world's leading streaming entertainment service with a vast library of original content and licensed movies and TV shows.
Netflix Standard with ads
Full HD (1080p) streaming on 2 devices simultaneously with limited ads. Some content may not be available due to licensing restrictions.
Netflix Standard
Full HD (1080p) streaming on 2 devices simultaneously with ad-free viewing and offline downloads
Netflix Premium
4K Ultra HD streaming on 4 devices simultaneously with HDR, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos audio, and ad-free viewing
Disney+
The home of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content.
Disney+ Standard with Ads
Standard with Ads is the entry-level subscription tier for Disney+, offering ad-supported streaming of its content library at a lower price point than the ad-free options. It allows for streaming on up to two devices simultaneously and offers video quality up to 1080p Full HD with 5.1 and stereo audio. However, it does not allow for downloading content and includes ads during playback.
Disney+ Standard
Disney+ ad-free with full HD (1080p) resolution and enjoy immersive 5.1 surround sound where available.
Disney+ Premium
Disney Plus Premium adds 4K HDR video and Dolby Atmos audio where available, as well as offline downloads, no ads and up to 4 simultaneous streams.
Amazon Prime Video
Included with Amazon Prime membership, featuring original series, movies, and exclusive content.
Paramount Basic Prime Video Add-on
Add-onParamount+ Basic add-on on Prime Video. Allows the consumption of content through the Prime Video UX. Note it does not allow separate consumption of the native Paramount+ app.
Requires base plan
Crime+Investigation Play
Add-onCrime+Investigation Play is the ultimate destination for true crime. Stream your favourite true crime shows like Murdertown, Crimes That Shook Britain, The First 48 and more.
Requires base plan
StudioCanal Presents
Add-onStudio Canal
Requires base plan
MGM+ Add-on
Add-onAccess to MGM+ (formerly Lionsgate+ and Starzplay) originals and movies, including Outlander, Power, BMF, and more.
Paramount Standard Prime Video Add-on
Add-onAdds Paramount+ Standard content to Prime Video
Requires base plan
Apple TV
Add-onApple TV
Requires base plan
Prime Video
Full Amazon Prime membership including Prime Video streaming with limited ads on movies and TV shows, plus free delivery, Prime Music, Prime Reading, Amazon Photos storage, and exclusive member deals. 4K and HDR available on supported content and devices.
Mubi
Add-onMubi
Requires base plan
Paramount+
Paramount+ offers a wide range of movies, exclusive originals, hit series, and family content. Now with three subscription tiers in the UK: Basic (with ads), Standard, and Premium.
Paramount+ Basic (with Ads)
Full HD, ad-supported, 1 device at a time, full content library.
Paramount Standard
Full HD, ad-free, 2 devices at a time, downloads.
Paramount+ Premium
4K UHD, HDR10, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, ad-free, 4 devices at a time, downloads.
Crunchyroll
The world's largest anime streaming service with simulcast and simuldub content from Japan.
Crunchyroll Fan
Ad-free anime streaming with access to simulcasts, offline viewing on mobile devices, and premium member-only content
Crunchyroll Mega Fan
Premium tier with ad-free anime streaming, offline viewing on up to 6 devices, exclusive member discounts on Crunchyroll Store, priority customer support, and access to new episodes one hour after Japan broadcast
Crime+Investigation Play
True crime streaming service featuring documentaries, series, and investigative content.
Crime+Investigation Standard
Crime+Investigation Play
Hayu
Hayu is a reality TV-focused streaming service from NBCUniversal, offering 300+ shows and 10,000+ episodes, including The Real Housewives, Below Deck, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, and more. Most shows are available the same day as the US, ad-free, with downloads.
Hayu Standard
Standard
Arrow Video
Curated streaming service specializing in genre cinema, arthouse films, and cult classics from around the world.
Arrow Standard
Full access to Arrow Player's library of cult, horror, and arthouse films with HD streaming and exclusive content
Acorn TV
A premium streaming service specializing in British and international television content, featuring award-winning mysteries, period dramas, comedies, and documentaries from the UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Known for exclusive premieres and commercial-free viewing.
Acorn TV Standard
A standard Acorn TV subscription includes unlimited and ad-free viewing of Acorn TV's full catalogue of shows on up to 4 devices.
Shudder
Horror, thriller, and supernatural streaming service with exclusive originals and curated genre content.
Shudder Standard
Full access to Shudder's complete library of horror, thriller, and supernatural content with ad-free streaming, available on all supported devices
NOW
NOW is Sky’s contract-free streaming service in the UK, offering flexible monthly memberships for Entertainment, Cinema, Sports, and Hayu. Boosts add-ons are available for improved audio and video, ad-free, and extra streams.
NOW Boost Add-on
Add-onThe NOW Boost Add-on adds Full HD (1080p) and Dolby 5.1 surround sound on select content, removes adverts on on-demand content and allows 2 devices to stream at once.
NOW Ultra Boost Add-on
Add-onThe NOW Ultra Boost Add-on adds Ultra HD (4K) and Dolby Atmos support for select content, allows 3 simultaneour streams, and removes adverts for on-demand content.
Mubi
Curated streaming service specializing in independent, classic, and arthouse cinema. Features a rotating selection of 30 hand-picked films with new additions daily.
Mubi Standard
Access to curated selection of 30 films with new additions daily. High-quality streaming with no advertisements.
hoichoi
Bengali streaming platform featuring original web series, films, and TV shows from Bengal and Bangladesh.
Hoichoi
Access to Hoichoi's complete library of Bengali web series, movies, original content, and films with HD streaming quality
GuideDoc
Documentary streaming platform featuring award-winning documentaries and factual content from around the world.
GuideDoc Standard
Guidedoc standard
Apple TV+
Apple's premium streaming service featuring high-quality original content and exclusive shows.
Apple TV+
4K HDR streaming with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
DAZN
DAZN is a British over-the-top sports streaming and entertainment platform.
NFL Season Pro
Watch the entire season
NFL Season Pro Ultimate
Watch the entire season with access to NFL Game Pass
DAZN
Full access to DAZN's sports content including live boxing matches, MMA events, football highlights, documentaries, and exclusive original programming. Includes major boxing promotions and UFC Fight Pass content.
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About Audio/Video Quality
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