how can one tell if a lcd tv accepts progressive scan signals from a progressive scan dvd player?

Answer 1

It is very simple

Connect the DVD player to the TV via Component cables.
Set the DVD player to progressive video out.

If you see a picture on your TV, it accepts progressive. If you see a black screen, it does not!

Answer 2

Only partially true.... look for the 720p capability...

1080i is not inferior to 720p. In fact, most 1080i TVs are also 720p capable, whereas the 720p TVs are not 1080i capable.

720p is full screen progressive scan in 1/30 second.
1080i is half screen scan in 1/60 second. That does not equate to 540p.

At any one moment, you have 720 lines on the screen at a slower speed or 540 lines on the screen at twice the speed. The human eye couldnt tell the difference anyway. It would all be a blur, which is a bad term to use when discussing TV resolutions. Since 1080i is drawing half the lines (the odd numbered ones) in the first sweep and then the other half (the even numbered ones) in the second sweep and interlacing the two, all in the same amount of time that the (P) values perform their single sweep, you should take average between 540 and 1080, which is 810... That is basically what your HUMAN EYE sees is 810p. It aint very scientific but it is generally a more accurate interpretation of what you are seeing. Technically, your Human Eye should not even be capable of noticing the difference, but 1080i is indeed and higher and faster resolution than 720p. The argument on this can and will go on forever. Or at least until 1080i technology is outdated and replaced. We are still a long ways off since broadcasters do not have the bandwidth capability to send 1080p signals yet.

Answer 3

If your HDTV setup includes 720p or 1080p it is progressive scan capable. If it is 1080i only, it is interlaced.

p = progressive
i = interlaced

720p is higher definition than 1080i (equivalent resolution would be 540)