480/720/1080 - how do you know?

[NotSoEasy]

This question has been bugging me and finally have to ask.How does one know that the TV they have is using the proper resolution?
My TV does not support 720p ( Panasonic 47WX49 ) only 1080i, 480p, but is there some option to put it to what you want or does the TV pick the best for you?
Another reason I ask is, if something is in 720p, what is MY TV doing to that? Is it upscaling to 1080i or downscaling to 480p giving me not so good results.

Iv been thinking of getting a new TV because of the missing 720p plus many other features my TV doesnt have.I just wanted to know if there is a way I can tell what it is doing.Say I watch INHD that shows something 1080i but my TV shows me 480p instead for some reson.

[edDV]

This question has been bugging me and finally have to ask.How does one know that the TV they have is using the proper resolution?
My TV does not support 720p ( Panasonic 47WX49 ) only 1080i, 480p, but is there some option to put it to what you want or does the TV pick the best for you?
Another reason I ask is, if something is in 720p, what is MY TV doing to that? Is it upscaling to 1080i or downscaling to 480p giving me not so good results.

Iv been thinking of getting a new TV because of the missing 720p plus many other features my TV doesnt have.I just wanted to know if there is a way I can tell what it is doing.Say I watch INHD that shows something 1080i but my TV shows me 480p instead for some reson.

How are you are you getting your HDTV?

You probably have your DBS tuner or cable box set to 1080i. If not set the TV and tuner for 1080i 16:9. The tuner will convert any 720p to 1080i. You should have a setting for SD sources for 480i or 480p.

Connection to the tuner should be Y,Pb,Pr component.

Your HDTV accepts inputs in 1080i 480i or 480p (plus analog).

Screen resolution is 850 "lines of resolution" or about 1000 equivalent screen resolution. Vertical is scanned ~960 but probably effective vertical resolution is probably around 750.