Yes and no.

1. No, a 720p HDTV displays 1280×720 pixels, which is high-definition resolution but not as much as 1080i/p. It’s physically impossible for a 720p set to display a higher resolution since there aren’t enough pixels.

2. Yes, a 720p HDTV can receive 1080 content, so it will “show” 1080 video but it will only have 1280×720 resolution — still HD but not “full HD”. In short, the higher-res content is “squished” to 720.

Thanks for your comments. The statements you found are not conflicting in that the first is retrospective, the second prospective. That is, 720p and 1080i displays *will* produce great pictures, and can provide a less expensive entry into the HD world. 1080p displays, however, represent the best available technology. This means that they can accommodate a variety of sources and will likely have higher quality components and newer technologies. The second also presupposes a tighter integration among digital devices.

Obviously every situation is unique, but purchasing a display is an investment. It’s a decision that will determine whether your 700+ hours/yr of TV watching will be enjoyable, will be able to be compatible with and display the best picture from multiple sources, and possibly interact with other devices. With electronics it’s important to think about future as much as the present.

Hope this helps! I encourage you to read the other blogs and contact our customer service at 1-866-224-6171.

1.What’s the Difference Between 1080P…720p …Resolutions where it says, “There is nothing wrong with 720p and 1080i High Definition they both produce a terrific picture” and

2. this page, DLP, LCD, or Plasma: Choosing the right HDTV based on panel technology, size, and placement which says, “So as content continues to rush toward full-HD and viewing time increases, it’s absolutely critical to have TVs that natively display 1920 x 1080p, …”

Obviously I don’t want to spend the extra hundreds of dollars to get 1080p vs 720p is it is going to become obsolete in the next couple of years, but I am not a gamer, watch about 2 hrs of TV a day, an occasional DVD or VCR and don’t expect to be hooking up to my computer.
Any advice?

Kristin