I cannot tell a difference between 720p or 1080i.

>If you have an option for outputting the source resolution all the time (480i being deinterlaced to 480p since HDMI doesn't support 480i), then HD sources would go to the display at either 720p or 1080i depending on the channel and recording.<
I beleive I can set the box to output at a lower resolution (480p), there might even be an option called native. I understand what you are trying to do but don't understand how this would work. I don't understand how the video processor in the Sony will be able to make the picture better if it is recieving a lower grade signal. I am gussing here that the cable box is recieving a (720p) down the wire and will have to downgrade the signal to (480P) which the Sony will then try to upgrade. I must be missing something.

thanks Bob