1080i vs 720p Query

[Stuart Smith]

Wondering if someone with a slightly better handle on the technical stuff than me could answer this.

I've just obtained a rather nice 42" Toshiba LCD that has a native resolution of 1920x1080 but doesn't actually support 1080p, instead only going to up to 1080i.

Given the native 1080 resolution, however, is it better to have stuff like the 360 and the PS3 set to go up to 1080i if possible, or just leave it at 720p?

[CMcK]

Should be better at 1080i on the consoles but try 720p as well and see which you prefer.
If you hook up the PS3 via HDMI it should automatically select the best resolution your TV can support anyway.

[in5ane]

My friend has that TV, and it's designed for optimal viewing at 1080i, hence the resolution. You should use that mode.

1080p and 1080i are the same resolution by the way.

[Sane]

Sligtly off topic, but I never understood 1080i native screens. I mean aren't LCD displays progressive by nature? So why can't a screen like this with 1920x1080 resolution handle 1080p?

[Profit]

Because you need more bandwidth in the circuitry to handle a 1080p signal.