1080i or 1080p (Native Mode)?

[whataboutbob]

I recently switched to the HD format and was told last month that Eastlink did not offer 1080p programming although they were capable of it. Now it seems that some of their channels are sent in 1080p resolution but they were unable to tell me how many. At any rate I was advised to leave my HD receiver at 1080i and not switch it to "native mode" which would allow my TV to receive a 1080p signal if it received one. I was told the picture quality would be lower if I switched it to native mode and was advised to leave it at 1080i. This doesn't make sense to me. Am I missing something?

[57]

There are no broacast channels that send 1080P. There is only 720P or 1080i broadcast. Here's the FAQ on that topic - some VOD is now available with some providers in 1080p.

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=76129

Here are the FAQs on Native Format and Upconversion. The comment makes little sense to me either, although the impact of a single output format is usually pretty minor with newer equipment:

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=73528 Native Display

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=87543 On Upconversion

[Dr.Dave]

One disadvantage of using native mode with an HDMI connection is that whenever you change the channel between 720P and 1080i the TV may take several seconds to renegotiate the HDMI protocol.