Is it better to set my 'digital set top box' screen format to 1080i or 720p?

The real answer is whichever looks best to you. But the most likely answer is to set the box for 720p. TV comes in both 720p and 1080i, so one or the other is going to have to get converted. Setting the box to 720p means at least 720p programs will get passed through without conversion. Setting the box at 1080i means 720p programs get converted to 1080i in the box and then back to 720p in your TV. Generally, the fewer conversion steps, the better.

It really doesnt even matter. Even if certain channels broadcast in 1080i, your tv is only capable of receiving 720p. So your tv will automatically adjust down the resolution to 720.

EDIT: btw, C.W. above me doesnt know what they are talking about. the "p" means progressive. which means each column of pixles displays one after the other. The "i" means interlaced, which basically means the tv will switch every other column of pixles and then go back and do the other set of every other. There is really only a minescule difference between 1080i and 1080p, with 1080p being the highest current resolution (and is not broadcast over air btw - 1080i is broadcast). Most people cant even see a difference on the largest of tvs. The difference between 720 and 1080, indifferent of i or p, is the quantity of pixels possible. Basically, the smaller the pixles, the sharper and crisper the image looks. This is becasue you can see smaller and smaller details with an increased pixel count. So...ANY 1080 tv has a better resolution than any 720 tv. That being said, you have to have at least a 40" tv in order for the human eye to be able to distinguish the difference between 720 and 1080. so take it for what you will.

yes 1080p is ideal. That refers to the amount of lines of resolution you can see at one time. The more lines means more visual clarity and a sharper picture. 720p means 720 lines at once, progressive scan. 1080i means 1080 lines interlaced. You see 540 lines at once then less then a mili second later another 540 lines which equals a total of 1080 lines. This happens so fast the human eye can't see. I personally think 1080i is visually more impressive than 720p. I wish I had a 1080p TV, the picture quality is amazing. I was at circuitcity a few months ago just savoring the 47 inch 1080p sony Bravia. The picture was by far better than any other TV there, was like 3D just popped out at me!

The resolution is only going to be as good as the TV will allow. I would set it to 720p. If anything, using 1080i might end up converting the signal over to a 720i, which you obviously don't want.

All the I's are sort of laces, lines if you will, the best possible is 1080p right?

there's tehe following

480i 480p

720i 720p

1080i 1080p

if the best is 1080 i say go for 720p just my opinion because there is not laces lines, i was told also those lines pretty much mean it's not real screen so if it's i then about half the screen is fake lines

Might as well set it to 720p, thats what you are seeing anyway as the TV can only display that high.

720p would be the best answer, but in some places, cable is only available in 420p, so anything above that would be a waste.

720p is better than 1080i..

any Progressive scan (P) is better than Interlaced (i)

1080P is what you want tho, its the best.

if you don't have 1080p then use the 720p.

peace!

Whatever you think looks best. And if you can't tell then it doesn't matter.