resolution concerns

I did read up on the FAQ some what but I wasn't able to find out all I wished to know, so I would appreciate some help...

First off, does the PS3 give you full control over your resolutions similar to how a PC does?  I have two displays I can currently use a PS3 on. 

1) 20" 4:3 LCD PC/TV Monitor(max resolution is 1280 x 1024). I am woried I'll be looking at the dreaded black bars.  So, I'm wondering if 720p can be viewed in a 4:3 ratio.

My other option is...

2) 26" widescreen CRT HDTV only capable of 480i/480p/525p and 1080i.

I prefer the image quality of the LCD because it can do progressive.  Is anyone playing in a 1080i resolution?  Are you happy with it?

The PS3 does give you control of what resolution you want. You can choose from 1080i, 1080p, and 720p. You can also use the default modes as well. And yes you can set if you want it to display widescreen or not.

Thank you.

So 720p can be viewed in full screen 4:3 with out the black bars?

Thank you.

So 720p can be viewed in full screen 4:3 with out the black bars?

Terami

That depends entirely on how your TV converts the signal. It may just stretch it out, but hopefully it won't. I actually play on a 1680X1050 LCD screen, and it runs best at 1080i. I'd recommend playing in 1080i with the CRT just because you'll end up having less conversion and a crisper image. The black-levels should be better as well.

I do believe so.

Thank you.

So 720p can be viewed in full screen 4:3 with out the black bars?

Terami

720p is a widescreen resolution, so you cannot view it in 4:3 without the black bars.