720p is the shorthand name for a category of video modes. The p stands for progressive scan, i.e. non-interlaced, the 720 for a vertical resolution of 720 lines, usually with a horizontal resolution of 1280 pixels and an aspect ratio of 16:9; that is high-definition television. If not implied by context, the frame rate (in this case equal to the field rate ) in hertz is given after the letter. The five frame rates in common use are 24, 25, 30, 50 and 60 Hz. In general, traditional PAL and SECAM countries (Europe, Australia, much of Asia, Africa and South America) are or will be using 720p25 and 720p50, former NTSC countries (North America, Japan) are using 720p24 (for movies), 720p30 and 720p60. Sometimes only the higher frame rates of 50 and 60 Hz are considered real HDTV. All variants can be transported by both major digital television formats, ATSC and DVB.

Many U.S. broadcasters use 720p60 as their primary high-definition format; others use the 1080i standard. Fox Broadcasting Company uses the tagline "the nation's finest high-definition standard" in advertising its 720p programming. The main tradeoff between the two is that 720p generally provides a smoother picture because the whole screen is refreshed at once, while 1080i provides a sharper, more detailed picture (though the difference may be imperceptible to the viewer). 720p is also used by ABC and ESPN because the smoother image is desirable for fast-action sports telecasts.