Eric, note that all present DVDs are 480i. If the TV has a "native resolution" such as 720p, then the 480i from the DVD has to be deinterlaced(i.e. from i to p)and scaled up(from 480 to 720)so that the picture can be shown properly on the 720p TV. This doesn't mean that it's actually 720 quality, but it can be displayed on the set. So, you're always seeing things at 720p on that TV, although it's not the full resolution if it's been scaled up from 480. The TV set itself deinterlaces and scales up if something else hasn't done those processes(e.g. a player, some receivers or a separate scaler). The only question would be if one of those did a visibly better job of it than the TV itself, and no blanket answer can be given, because it varies.
