Native Resolution - Downscaling

[don]

I understand in theory that if use an input with a higher resolution than the display, the image will be downscaled to fit the native resolution.
(e.g. 1080i input will be downscaled to 480p for 480p native displays...)

However, why do i get a noticeable difference whenever i use a higher reso. (1080i/720p) over 480p when I'm using my XBOX 360 on my native 480p projector?

results:

1080i - stills looks great, 720p - better in-game performance...
480p setting - graphics somewhat degraded compared to 1080i and 720p...

ang nakakalito... diba everything is downscaled to 480p? why do i get better graphics on 1080i & 720p on my native 480p? It should be the same theoretically right?

recently i upgraded to a 720p native projector... now i don't know if i'm gonna set my Toshiba A3 to 1080i... any recommendations? Currently my pj is set to 720p also my HD DVD player.

[av_phile1]

Because a higher resolution input has more detail and color, downscaling it can yield better pictures than upscaling one with smaller resolution that already has diminished details.

[don]

thanks for the input av_phile, really appreciate it. can't w8 to try 1080p sources to my 720p  need to hunt for a bluray player

[antikryst]

go to the closest setting to your native res. i set my hd dvd watching to 720p on my 32" samsung.

you can also compare and let your eyes be the judge. the question here will be who is the better downscaler. the player or the tv?