Should I be using 720p or 1080i?

Question

I have a Samsung HL-R5067W television with a native resolution of 720p. However, it is capable of taking 1080i video and converting it. My HD TiVo and my HD DVD player can send a video signal at either 720p or 1080i. How do I get the best picture quality? Do I keep the players at 1080i and let the TV convert the signal, or do I set both of the players to send video at 720p so that it automatically matches the native resolution of the television? Or, does it really matter?

Answer 1

I doubt it makes a significant difference.

The only way to know for sure is to experiment and try the various options.  

But given you have a 720p HDTV, and recognizing that the TV must convert 1080i to 720p to display on screen, outputting 720p from the two external devices is most likely the best option.

I suggest this conclusion is supported by noting that a high proportion of 1080p HDTVs from Samsung didn't pass the latest round of deinterlacing test conducted by "Home Theater", and if they can't get it right on "premium" 1080p sets how good is it likely to be where it is less critical?