720p or 1080i?

Question

I've recently purchased a new HDTV television that supports 720p and 1080i (but not 1080p, unfortunately).

At any rate, which is better (720p or 1080i), or does it not make a difference?

Answer 1

Yes there is a difference. I have noticed that on certain programs one is better than the other. 1080I seems to be a little bit more grainy but again, it depends if its a film based movie or straight digital. Film based I would recommend the 720p. There is a difference but it depends on what you personally like better. Wait a few years then 1080p will be better but for now its just simulated. If your using comcast, hit the power button and then press the menu and it will bring you into the service menu where you can switch between the 2.

Answer 2

Ok its supports 720P and 1080i but not 1080P.
I think you need to revise you statement.

Here is why.

TVs today support all major resolutions. Some TVs made last year that claimed to be 1080p could not take a 1080p signal except though a firewire port or computer connector.

I think what you mean is that you have a tv with a native resolution of 1024x720 or something close to that.

That tv will support all resolution but only display a 720p image.

Now 720 or 1080. Theoretically 1080 is better it is more information.

A 1080p tv is great on one condition. You give it a 1080 signal.

Now size becomes an issue 1080p is great if you have a tv that is over 55 inches. Its very difficult to see the difference between a 50 720 tv and a 50 1080 tv unless you sit 5 feet away.

Now it can get confusing. ( if your not already condused)

most HD Tv stations broadcast their signal in 1080i. I think only 2 channels do 720p.

So your TV is going to down rez the image coming in if it is 1080i
I have directv and their is a little button on front to select what resolution I want

My TV is 720 so if i set my sat box to 720 it will receive everything at 720p but that is because my sat box is down rezing all 1080i signals and uprezing all 480i signals.

I feel my TV does a better job at up or downrezing then my Sat box so I leave it on 1080i so that my tv can do the work. If I'm watching a standard channel I might change the resolution to 480 again so that my tv can do the work.

Ultimately I wish my sat box had a native setting because that would output what ever is coming in.

To me 1080p is just hype until you get above 55inches. 45inch for LCDs. If your tv is below that It wouldn't make a difference.

Answer 3

720p is higher resolution than 1080i. 1080i is 540 lines put up twice with the second picture at a slight offset. while your 720p has put up two separate images each having 720 lines of information. Yes there is new 1080p displays available, but beware that they are not making this avalable with the use of vibrating mirrors. I'd wait to see what the new technology down the road has to offer before I bought into a 1080p reciever.

Answer 4

Depends on what your watching 720p for high motion and 1080i for better picture resolution.

Sports 720p

Porn movies 1080i LOL

Answer 5

720P is great for non-action based shows, but 1080i is best for action.....plus it has 360 more lines of detail.

Use the 720 for dvd movies, and soap operas....football too....but racing calls for 1080i