HDTV Forum

is 1080i resolution still the recommended option

Pretty much. Most of the content available is either in that format or broadcast in that format provided you are on cable or satellite. While the big nationals may be evenly split for over the air service, independent locals tend to choose 1080i for DTV.

If you are into sports one could argue that selecting 720p is better. Problem is so few actually own a true 720p display and buying one for the last few years has gone from difficult to impossible. Those that are labeled 720p are sold as lower tier, low priced beginner or casual viewing HDTV product. Nobody makes a high performance one piece native 720p display anymore. Today, native 720p is only available from a front projector and like their 720p one piece cousins, priced less than the 1080p alternative.

It certainly looks like 720p is dead as a high performance HD format and 1080p rules the roost.

FAQ: 720p versus 1080i
viewtopic.php?t=11191

FAQ: 720p versus 1080p
viewtopic.php?t=11190

Don't ABC and ESPN still broadcast everything in 720p?

Yes - and Fox. That's why Richard said the big national networks were split 50/50 (1080i vs. 720p). However, his 720p references were for the display resolutions which are mostly 1366x768 or something other than 1280x720.