What's the optimal setting?

[daitauha]

I have a Motorola 5100 STB from Adelphia. I think, by default, it outputs to the component connections in 1080i. Is this the optimal setting if I have a Sharp LC-32GA5U? I think the Sharp TV supports 720p natively. Would I get a better picture quality if I set the Motorola STB to output in 720p instead?

Thanks.

[57U]

Not necessarily. Lots of HDTVs provide a better picture when fed 1080i, but feel free to experiment to see which is better.

I can't remember if the Motorolas have a "passthrough" or "native" mode which would allow 1080i and 720P to pass directly to the TV. If it does, try that too...

[oman321]

No passthrough on MOTO, not since last I checked anyways. You gotta pick one, try both see which one you like best.

[57U]

Just Checked - The Native format is 768P, so all signals are converted. Most channels are 1080i, I'd think that would be the "better" setting, otherwise the 1080i channels would undergo two conversions, instead of the 720P channels.

[daitauha]

Thank you for everyone's response and help. I tried both 720p and 1080i and 1080i looks better. In 720p, the picture looks like it's stretched vertically.