Really simple question

[W.bat]

Could somebody please basically explain what these numbers mean.

1080/25P.

Thanks from a full noob!

[Egg Born Son]

1080 = vertical resolution, a resolution 1080 pixels high or FULL HD to the layfolk (Bluray)
25 = frame rate, 25fps or PAL
P = progressive (as opposed to interlaced), progressive has the full image every frame whereas interlaced splits the image over two frames in alternate vertical lines like a venetian blind.

[W.bat]

Thanks Egg born, What part of WA you in. I'm in Marg's.

[Egg Born Son]

Margaret River? I'm 10 minutes out of Perth.

[W.bat]

Is progressive the better option. Sounds like it.

Is interlaced a problem?

[kylevant]

Is progressive the better option. Sounds like it.

Yes.

Is interlaced a problem?

I wouldn't say it's a problem, but if you'd have to choose then go progressive. Interlaced is skipping lines so you're effectively getting a lower resolution, and it isn't "cinematic".

[Egg Born Son]

The other issue of interlaced is a full frame is achieved in two passes with each pass 1/50th of a second (in PAL) apart, so movement (especially fast movement) can result in the skipped lines being slightly out of sync.