KP-51WS520. Native 720p?

[Utnayan]

After getting my new set under warranty, I was looking through the web sites and Sony information packets. Everywhere it states that it will actually display 720p. To test this, I did the following:

I used my Xbox and a 720p game, which would always default back to 480p on my old WS500. Color me a little surprised when all of a sudden I was able to see 720p games in actual high definition. What I would like to know is if anyone has firm concrete information on what is happening. Either way, I am happier than hell.

1> Is it upconverting in the set to 1080i?

2> Is it actually showing a native 720p picture? (Didn't think this model would)

My line doubler isn't playing a role in this, and when I turn off 720p in the dash with specific 720p games, I can notice the difference when it displays the game back in 480p. (I have been used to playing this games in 480p for a long time. Namely World Series 2k3 and NBA 2k3)

I cannot find any concrete information though. Sony says it supports the resolution, without saying it upconverts, but better judgement tells me it shouldn't and is now upconverting it to 1080i at the set and not the Xbox or set top.

[57U]

This CRT-based RPTV will convert the incoming 720P signals to 1080i. All consumer CRT-based HDTVs have a native resolution of 1080i. None of them display 720P natively.

[jungg]

Hi,

Forgive the question, as I'm a newbie to HDTV. But what exactly do you mean that "no RPTV displays 720P natively"? Are you saying their is no true 720 progressive mode and everything is upconverted to 1080 interlace so action events will still be jerky or is 720p downconverted to 540p which is then interlaced and played back in 1080i mode thereby smoothing out action events? I don't think this TV handles 540p so it's probably the former?!?

[57U]

But what exactly do you mean that "no RPTV displays 720P natively"?
That's not what I said at all!!! I said no CRT-based TVs (either direct view or RPTV) can display 720P natively.

If they "accept" 720P the signal is converted to 1080i. If they don't accept 720P, the STB does the conversion and is sent to the TV as 1080i.

Most of this is pretty well irrelevant.

See the FAQ on Types of HDTV.