HDMI on 1080i

Is it really necessary to have Elite's HDMI on a 1080i TV? Or should I just stick with Premium and use component?0pius

I would like to know, too. My guess is that it won't make much of a difference, but I've never seen it. 

VGA cables and HDMI cables are really the same. You won't notice any difference. Bumping up from Component to VGA would be a good move in some people's eyes. I highly doubt you will notice any difference though.DarkRider23

 There is a difference, especially if you have a nice, big HDTV.

 For example, on my computer desk I have a 21" LCD via DVI (it's like HDMI, but it doesn't carry sound like HDMI does), and then I have a 17" LCD hooked up via VGA.  Bothing sitting next to each other, I notice that the VGA (i.e.-analogue connection like component) LCD doesn't give the best accuracy when it comes to the colors, and overall, it appears to be more washed out.  

I have a 40", so will the difference be noticed much?0pius

 Well, if your HDTV does have an HDMI input (sounds like it), then I would go with HDMI in your case.

 Not only will the visuals be better, but the sound is carried over HDMI was well, so that helps. :)

From my experience, I have a 32 inch LCD HDTV with component, HDMI, and VGA.

This is what its like for me:

VGA is my worst connection. The picture doesnt have the clarity or brightness of the component output, charcters have a lot of jaggies while tetxures in the environments look smother, colors look richer, but it doesnt help when the scrren looks dull because the clarity just sint there. No amount of adjusting fixes this on my set anyway.

Component looks nice and clear. Colors are good, clarity is good, but VGA sports deeper colors, but less clarity.

HDMI is the best. Crisp clean picture component or VGA cant touch. Colors that are rich, and the sound,(on my set anyway) is way better through HDMI.

I dont have a 1080p set, I only go up to 1080i and 720p. 720p is the best resolution, but it looks noticably better in either resoluition over HDMI. 

Now take into consideration the tv you have, as everyones seems different. Some people swear that VGA rocks, and so does component, but for my set HDMI gives the best clearest, cleanest possible picture. 

no, hdmi wont do anything for a 1080i tv, your component cables will be just fine. now if you have a 1080p tv then hdmi is almost a must have, I have a 60'' sony sxrd 1080p set that only does 1080p through hdmi. I have considered going elite, but I find little to no reason to get 1. the main benefit for a 1080i set over component will be the colors my be a little better, and your 360 will upconvert your dvd movies through hdmi or vga cables.