1080i vs 1080p vs hdmi vs component

[LIL L]

i have a jvc 32" hdtv with ipod dock. it has 3 hdmi with hdcp support and two component inputs with video signals from 480i to 1080i. some of my hd channels be i (1080i) and some be p (720p). i have a 1st generation 360 at 480i through components.

i want to buy the xbox hdmi converter for it so it can be in 1080p but its $90 dollars.

however,

the same company makes the xbox multi-console cable which has the option to be 1080i or 1080p but its hooked up though component cables, not hdmi. that is only $40 dollars.

i don't know the difference between 1080i or 1080p but i think 1080p is better. i always thought that hdmi was better than component.

which is better 1080p or 1080i, component or hdmi?

i'd rather have quality over price. which would be the better buy for quality.

[Jack.Sparrow]

1080p is better. Personal experience leads me to believe that HDMI is better.

However, you say the HDMI converter only converts to 1080p. Before you get that, make sure you TV supports it or most likely nothing will show up. If it supports 1080i, it does not mean it also supports 1080p.

[LIL L]

i looked at the manual and it it said that it did support 1080p for hdmi. here is the tv i got. i posted a picture of the specifications. the hdmi converter converts only to 1080p and the input to the tv is of course hdmi but the cheaper multi console cable converts to 1080p or 1080i but the input to the tv are components, thats whats so confusing. how is that possible? will hdmi 1080p be better than component 1080p?

[Jack.Sparrow]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAHpt-A2h5E may cast a bit more light on things :)

(I couldn't open the attached image, it's a problem on my end though)

Not entirely sure if there will be a difference between HDMI and component at the same resolution, but I would think that there would be, be it very minor.