Clearer Resolution from 720p or 1080I ? OPINIONS ?

Generally, given common screen size/viewing distance and available program material, a 720p picture will be marginally if at all differentiable from a 1080i image, same screensize/viewing distance-program material. At closer viewing distances, a 720p display often will appear crisper and more detailed than a 1080i image, and since we're talking about viewing, appearnace is just about all that matters.

Now, native or upconverted, 1080p blows 'em both away.

Nobody sends 1080p signals - commercially, anyhow.

Some HD-DVD material, and some BlueRay material is available - not much yet, and before going for hardware I recommend you wait for the BlueRay/HD-DVD format battle to sort itself out - give it a year or so.

Some display devices are capable of upconverting lower-resolution program material to 1080p - even standard (480p) DVD or satellite TV material really snaps up when upconverted, and 720p or 1080i material upconverted to 1080;p is stunning.

I recently bought a 32" 720p hi-def set for my spare room. It is plenty clear to me. In fact, I find it really strange to see every facial blemish on the actors. I was told that for the smaller sets, that will be used in a small room, 720p is more than enough clarity.

It was interesting. I had rented an old TV series on Blockbuster. On the 720 set, you could see some of the distortions in the background. The DVD looked old. Last night we watched the second disc in the series on our 50" "regular" TV, which was a good one for its time, as it had 900 lines. It actually looked much better on the older set, as it "covered a multitude of sins".

When I get my 60" set, for the living room, it will be a 1080i.

BluRay vs HD-DVD