I know how fixed pixel displays like lcd, plasma and dlp display images, but ive never really known how crts display images (if my hdtv crt is compatible with 540p/1080i signals, does it just cut the vertical lines from the gun in half when switched?) Anyways, if anyone has a good link to some info on this i like to read up on these things. Thanks.

A 1080i display "paints" the 1080 lines in two steps, first the 540 odd numbered lines, then the 540 even numbered lines. This is done so quickly that you don't notice (unless there is a lot of action on the screen).

There are really no vertical lines, but rather the CRT is capable of turning on and off very quickly as it "paints" the horizontal lines.

The only way to really measure this "resolution" is with a test pattern which will indicate whether the CRT has a horizontal resolution of 700, or 1000, or 1200, or perhaps 1500 lines (about the max for a consumer CRT)

See the digital Home FAQ (under help) "Resolution".

The "How stuff works" website probably has an explanation of the various technologies.