whats better - a tv that has dvi and get up to 720p or a tv that only has component and can reach 1080i?

Answer 1

To answer your other question, DVI's advantage over component is that it will pipeline a digital signal with ABSOLUTELY no picture loss. Component will change it from digital, to analog (through the wires), back to digital, which actually degrades the picture slightly, especially if you're not using a very high quality set of cables.

For that reason alone, I'd go DVI. But that's just me.

Outside of that, the difference between 1080i and 720p is so slight that I truly believe that few experts could actually tell you which was which.

Answer 2

The answer is "it depends" on a number of factors, such as the signal source and the capabilities of your set. If you are watching non-action soaps then 1080i is probably better. If you are watching fast action sports or gaming, then 780p may be better. Most 720p hd sets can also display in 1080i format for hd. Component cables work just fine and you don't necessarily need hdmi cables as suggested by others. See the following web site which does a good job of explaining dvi/hdmi vs, component.
http://www.bluejeanscable.com/articles/dvihdmicomponent.htm
Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Component video only provides 480i. You need Blu-ray or a HD DVD player using HDMI to get the 1080i. You can get up-converting DVD players that will convert up to the near HD quality of 1080i. Also needs HDMI cable.

Answer 4

I don't know what "dvi" is but 1080i is surely better then 720p.

Answer 5

component cannot get 1080i

Answer 6

1080p is the best picture quality, but you have to have HD service in order for it to come out real good or HD dvd's with 1080p dvd player, with hdmi