Do I really need HDMI with only 720p native rez?

I just got a new 42 inch samsung plasma TV which supports 720p and upscales to 1080i, I have been doing some reading on HDMI vs composite and have found conflicting views on both. Some say there is no difference, others say there is a difference between night and day and so on. Now I have heard that HDMI helps you get the most out of your TV espically when in 1080p, but I have heard that with 720p it really doesn't make a big deal. So whats the deal, do I need HDMI with my TV set up or what?

Also on a side note, I have a older 360 without HDMI, should I consider buying one with HDMI for my set up, or is it just a waste of money at this point?

I hope you meant component and not composite.

component = HDTV resolution capable

composite = SDTV only

The difference between HDMI and composite is the difference between HDTV and SDTV.

The improvement of HDMI over component is more of a gray area. It is very setup dependent. I don't suppose you can borrow a 360 with HDMI and try it out on your TV? That would be the easiest way to test the HDMI vs. component video performance on your setup.

I just got a new 42 inch samsung plasma TV which supports 720p and upscales to 1080i, I have been doing some reading on HDMI vs composite and have found conflicting views on both. Some say there is no difference, others say there is a difference between night and day and so on. Now I have heard that HDMI helps you get the most out of your TV espically when in 1080p, but I have heard that with 720p it really doesn't make a big deal. So whats the deal, do I need HDMI with my TV set up or what?

Also on a side note, I have a older 360 without HDMI, should I consider buying one with HDMI for my set up, or is it just a waste of money at this point?

miguel_69692003

why not, hdmi looks much clearer than analog compoment cables plus the audio comes in the same cable.

I would upgrade you old 360 too, because the new ones have hdmi and run much cooler, saves on energy cost, PLUS they make a lot LESS noise!

With a digital panel it would be preferred to use hdmi. Since your TV is digital it's best to feed it a digital signal instead of having the console convert a digital singal to analog and sending it through the component cables and having the tv convert the signal again back to digital. Users like myself that have tube hdtv's will be fine just using component cables.

Not sure I would buy another console for the hdmi though.