TV 1080P resolution


I bought a Sharp LCD 42" top of the line TV 4 years ago. At that time, the TV was the most technologically up to date model and cost close to $2000.00. The company, Sharp, categorized this TV as "Full 1080P capability." The store where I bought the TV also told me that this TV was fully 1080P capable and that even though, at that time, there were no 1080P broadcasts, by buying this 1080P set now, I would be ready when 1080P came into vogue. I am a DirecTV customer (live in a area where there is no cable). DirectTV offers Pay-Per View movies in 1080P resolution. Why won't my TV recognize their 1080P signal? Sharp says it's DirecTV's fault. DirecTV says it is Sharp's fault since the TV is NOT 1080P capable regardless of what claims they (Sharp) may be making in this regard.

I had DirecTV install a new receiver since Sharp said that had to be the problem (my DirecTV receiver was not 1080P capable). This made no difference. My TV still will not interface with their 1080P signal.

Any ideas here?
frepec
At 42in its not really noticable anyway, plus there is video compression/upsampled signals so while I can understand your concern your not really missing anything.

Can anyone explain the circumstances / medium / content where 1080p would be noticably better than 1080i?

The fact that HDMI does anything noticably better than component video (above and beyond an audio signal) is news to me.

And yes, I know that all this information and more is available on www.avsforum.com but I would rather hear it from you.
On very karge projection rigs 120in and up you can start to see the benefit of the added pixels but anything in the ballpark of your average display of 40-60in its just bragging rights, the human eye simply cant resolve the micro pixels, but there will always be those who cant come to grips with that. Face it, HDMI benefits grandmas hooking wires up and Hollywood studios and nothing more.
The benefits of 1080 P occur with relation to screen size and viewing distance.
And keep in mind that 1080 is 1080, whether it is interlaced or progressive. You will not see any differences unless you have a very large screen (> 80") or sit *very* close...Do not sweat this insignificant specification.

-RW-