...than what you are replacing. At this point your choices are basically a 720p set or one of the forthcoming 1080p sets. Just find a set that you think is appealing and you can afford. Then just enjoy.
To reframe the other questions I've posed in this forum, since the answers I've gotten haven't been exactly what I was looking for:
I understand that HD sets will convert whatever signal they receive into their native resolution. There appears to be some disagreement over whether "upconverting" actually improves picture quality (e.g., whether a 480p signal on a 720p set really looks better than it would on a 480p set).
I am trying to decide between a 720p set and a 1080i set. I understand the conventional opinion that 720p is better for sports or anything with a lot of movement, and 1080i is better for everything else. But here's my other concern: some stations broadcast in 720p, and others broadcast in 1080i. Which will look better: a 720p feed on a 1080i set, or a 1080i feed on a 720p set?
Here's what I deduce: if the skepticism over "upconverting" is justified, then it follows that a 720p signal displayed on a 1080i set will appear at something like 720i quality. The picture will be limited to interlacing by the TV, and the resolution will be limited to 720 by the signal.
On the other hand, a 1080i signal displayed on a 720p set will look like 720p. The resolution will be limited to 720 by the TV, but the picture will be progressively scanned by the TV.
This to me suggests that a 720p set is the better way to go. Thoughts? Is my understanding of the facts here correct?

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