I just installed a new dvr and i need to know which format to use for the best picture, 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i

Video Output Settings Adjust the system's video output settings. Select the best output settings for the TV in use.
1.
Check the resolution supported by your TV.
Resolution (video mode) varies depending on the TV type. For details, refer to the instructions supplied with the TV.
2.
Select (Settings) > (Display Settings).
3.
Select [Video Output Settings].
4.
Select the connector type on your TV.
Resolution (video mode) varies depending on the type of connector used.
Input connector on the TV Supported video modes (NTSC region) *1 Supported video modes (PAL region) *1 HDMI 1080p / 1080i / 720p / 480p 1080p / 1080i / 720p / 576p Component / D-Terminal *2 1080p / 1080i / 720p / 480p / 480i 1080p / 1080i / 720p / 576p / 576i Composite / S Video *3 480i 576i AV MULTI / SCART *4 480p / 480i 576p / 576i *1 The video mode options vary depending on the region where the PS3™ system was purchased. In North America, Asia and other NTSC regions, 480i video mode is displayed as [Standard (NTSC)]. In Europe and other PAL regions, 576i video mode is displayed as [Standard (PAL)]. For details, refer to the instructions supplied with the product.
*2 D-terminal is a connector type used mainly in Japan. The resolutions supported by D1-D5 are as follows:
D5: 1080p / 720p / 1080i / 480p / 480i
D4: 1080i / 720p / 480p / 480i
D3: 1080i / 480p / 480i
D2: 480p / 480i
D1: 480i
*3 Composite is the connector used to connect the AV cable that is supplied with the PS3™ system. S VIDEO is a format mainly used in Japan.
*4 AV MULTI is a format mainly used in Japan. SCART is a format mainly used in Europe. If [AV MULTI / SCART] is selected, the screen allowing you to select the type of output signal will be displayed.
5.
Change video output settings.
Change the resolution for the video output. Depending on the connector type selected in step 4, this screen may not be displayed.
6.
Set the resolution.
Select all resolutions supported by the TV in use. Video will automatically be output at the highest resolution possible for the content you are playing from among the selected resolutions.*
* The video resolution is selected in order of priority as follows: 1080p > 1080i > 720p > 480p/576p > Standard (NTSC:480i/PAL:576i).

If [Composite / S Video] is selected in step 4, the screen for selecting resolutions will not be displayed.
If [HDMI] is selected, you can also select to automatically adjust the resolution (the HDMI device must be turned on). In this case, the screen for selecting resolutions will not be displayed.
7.
Set the TV type.
Select the type of TV in use. Set when only SD resolution (NTSC:480p / 480i, PAL: 576p / 576i) is to be output such as when [Composite / S Video] or [AV MULTI / SCART] is selected in step 4.
8.
Check your settings.
Confirm that the image displayed is at the correct resolution for the TV. You can go back to a previous screen and revise the settings by pressing the button.
9.
Save your settings.
The video output settings are saved on the PS3™ system. You can continue on to set audio output settings. For details on audio output, see (Settings) > (Sound Settings) > [Audio Output Settings] in this guide.



Source: http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/settings/videooutput.html

Hello

Your TV will display all High Definition signals as 1080i True HDTV™ and all standard definition signals will be displayed as 480p.

Component Inputs 1-2
YPbPr(480i/480p/1080i)
These inputs can be used for the connection of A/V equipment with component video outputs, such as a DVD player or external HDTV receiver. Please see Appendix B for signal compatibility.
Input DTV (480i/480p/1080i)
This input is used to connect an external DTV receiver, and can be configured for YPrPb and RGB plus H&V signal types.

As a special feature, you have the ability to adjust the red and blue light beams in reference to the fixed green light beam. This process is called convergence. There are two separate memories for convergence. One, for SD 480i/480p signals; the other for HD 1080i signals. SD convergence should be adjusted while watching an SD source and HD convergence should be adjusted while watching an HD source.

Wide Expand: Enlarges the picture, cropping some of the image on both sides. This Expand format is useful to remove or reduce black side bars on HD broadcasts of 4:3 images with black bars. Available for analog 1080i, digital SD 16:9 and digital HD signals.

InputDTV
This input is compatible with most standard DTV and satellite receivers with component video (YPbPr) outputs. Compatible DTV signals are SDTV 480i/480p, and HDTV 1080i. All other DTV signals, such as 720p, need to be converted by the DTV receiver to one of the compatible signal types. Please check the DTV receiver specifications before connecting.
This input is compatible with some DTV receivers using RGB with "separate H and V sync". Compatible DTV signals are SDTV 480i, 480p, and HDTV 1080i. All other DTV signals, such as 720p, need to be converted by the DTV receiver to one of the compatible signal types. Industry standards for DTV RGB signals (systems, synchronization, timing, and signal strengths) are not currently established. These inputs will not be compatible with all DTV receivers that offer RGB, HV outputs. RGB, HV signals with less than 5 cables are not compatible.
If your DTV receiver offers both DTV component video signals and DTV RGB, HV signals, we suggest you use the DTV component video signals. Check the DTV receiver specifications before connecting.
Ok.

Adjust the system's video output settings. Select the best output settings for the TV in use.

1. Check the resolution supported by your TV.
Resolution (video mode) varies depending on the TV type. For details, refer to the instructions supplied with the TV.

2. Select (Display Settings) under (Settings) in the home menu.

3. Select [Video Output Settings].

4. Select the connector type on your TV.
Resolution (video mode) varies depending on the type of connector used.

Input connector on the TV Supported video modes (NTSC region) *1 Supported video modes (PAL region) *1
HDMI 1080p / 1080i / 720p / 480p 1080p / 1080i / 720p / 576p
Component / D-Terminal *2 1080p / 1080i / 720p / 480p / 480i 1080p / 1080i / 720p / 576p / 576i
Composite / S Video *3 480i 576i
AV MULTI / SCART *4 480p / 480i 576p / 576i
*1 The video mode options vary depending on the region where the PS3™ system was purchased. In North America, Asia and other NTSC regions, 480i video mode is displayed as [Standard (NTSC)]. In Europe and other PAL regions, 576i video mode is displayed as [Standard (PAL)]. For details, refer to the instructions supplied with the product.

*2 D-terminal is a connector type used mainly in Japan. The resolutions supported by D1-D5 are as follows:
D5: 1080p / 720p / 1080i / 480p / 480i
D4: 1080i / 720p / 480p / 480i
D3: 1080i / 480p / 480i
D2: 480p / 480i
D1: 480i

*3 Composite is the connector used to connect the AV cable that is supplied with the PS3™ system. S VIDEO is a format mainly used in Japan.

*4 AV MULTI is a format mainly used in Japan. SCART is a format mainly used in Europe. If [AV MULTI / SCART] is selected, the screen allowing you to select the type of output signal will be displayed.


5. Change video output settings.
Change the resolution for the video output. Depending on the connector type selected in step 4, this screen may not be displayed.

6. Set the resolution.
Select all resolutions supported by the TV in use. Video will automatically be output at the highest resolution possible for the content you are playing from among the selected resolutions.*
* The video resolution is selected in order of priority as follows: 1080p > 1080i > 720p > 480p/576p > Standard (NTSC:480i/PAL:576i).
If [Composite / S Video] is selected in step 4, the screen for selecting resolutions will not be displayed.
If [HDMI] is selected, you can also select to automatically adjust the resolution (the HDMI device must be turned on). In this case, the screen for selecting resolutions will not be displayed.

7. Set the TV type.
Select the type of TV in use. Set when only SD resolution (NTSC:480p / 480i, PAL: 576p / 576i) is to be output such as when [Composite / S Video] or [AV MULTI / SCART] is selected in step 4.

8. Check your settings.
Confirm that the image displayed is at the correct resolution for the TV. You can go back to a previous screen and revise the settings by pressing the button.

9. Save your settings.
The video output settings are saved on the PS3™ system. You can continue on to set audio output settings. For details on audio output, see (Settings) > (Sound Settings) > [Audio Output Settings] in this guide.

The TV has a automatic scalier chip installed so it depends on the input signal that you are using. For example you are using a HDMI connection with a xbox 360 and you set the display setting to 720P then the TV will display it in 720P. If you set it to 480P then it will display it in 480P.

The Auto setting does exactly what it sounds like. It detects what the native signal is coming in e.g.(480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p) and auomatically sets the box to the optimum setting. P=Progressive scan. I-interlaced. Progressive is much better than interlaced. 720p actually has more clarity than 1080i. Basically 1080i=520p! So I would set it at 720p if possible. But automatic is the easiest with the least amount of configuration. If you set it for 720p, then odds are you will have to set yout tv to 720p also.

HDTV capable: Yes (up to EDTV, 480p)

Hi Scan 1080™: Enables you to receive the 1080i, 720p, 480p and 480i digital TV formats. By using the VIDEO 5/6 IN jacks, you can connect a DTV (digital television) receiver to view DTV programs. q DRC ™ Multi-Function: Unlike conventional line doublers, the DRC feature doubles vertical and horizontal lines, resulting in four times the density for quality sources such as DVD, Satellite and Digital camcorder. q CineMotion™: Using the 2-3 Pull-Down technology, the CineMotion feature allows you to obtain a smooth picture movement when playing back movies or other video sources on film. q Twin View™: Using Multi-Image Driver (MID-X), Twin View allows you to watch two programs side by side with the ability to zoom in one picture and listen to selected window. You can watch pictures from two different sources (1080i, 720p, 480p or 480i) simultaneously. q 16:9 Enhancement: Vertical Compression technology that maximizes picture resolution on “anamorphic” or “enhanced for wide screen” sources, including selected DVDs. q Steady Sound™: Equalizes volume levels so there is consistent output between programs and commercials. q Parental Control: V-Chip technology allows parents to block unsuitable programming for younger viewers. q Component Video Inputs: Offers the best video quality for DVD (480p, 480i) and Digital Set-top box (1080i, 720p, 480p, 480i) connections. q S-VIDEO Inputs: Provides a high-quality image for connected equipment. q Favorite Channel Preview: Preview up to eight favorite channels

DVDs are 480p
HD-DVD or Blu-Ray DVD is 720p or 1080i or 1080p

you cannot increase resolution, if you want to play a 480p/i video on a 1080p/i or 720p screen, you are merely stretching the picture.

If there is any kind of box that tells you it can convert 480i/p to 1080p/i or 720p(high definition) it is simply stretching the picture.

you can convert 1080p/i or 720p(high definition) to 480i/p as you are taking out information from the video to make it smaller.

If you are using the component inputs it will select 1080i automatically IF that is what it is being sent. Make sure your device (cable/satellite receiver) is set to 1080i. The TV recognizes 480i, 480p(progressive scan DVD player) and 1080i. It DOES NOT recognize 720p. Since it has no HDMI or DVI input it can't do HD DVD or "upconvert" DVD but it does very nicely with 480p/progressive scan.

try switching the resolution settings on the DVD player and/or the TV. I have had a similar problem and there was a manual switch i missed.