We replaced an analog VCR with a Panasonic DMR-E80H for use with a 36"
Sony HDTV primarily for time shifting. The picture quality is much
better.
We are not sure whether to use Interlaced or Progressive scan.
Either option is available on both the TV and the DMR80.
The Panasonic manual (pg54) says "NTSC, the video signal
standard, has 480 interlaced scan lines, whereas the progressive
scanning uses twice the number of scan lines,......." We are not
technical people, but it seems that the more scan lines, the better.
However, the factory preset is Interlaced (aspect 4:3 & 480I).
The Sony TV manual (pg53) says that "Interlaced is recommended
for moving pictures, and the Progressive is for still images and
text."
We tried both settings and the Interlaced picture may have been
better, but our test was not comprehensive.
Thanks, Howard

howard miner wrote:

To properly view a progressive scan video you have to have
your dvd connected to your tv via component video cables not
plain video or s-video and likewise naturally set your tv
input selector to the component in.


Darrel

howard miner wrote:
This really depends on the quality of the analog output of your
Panasonic. Overall, you'll see fewer flickering artifacts on static
or slow-moving features that cover very few horizontal lines in
Progressive output mode on your Panasonic.
Also, you'll need to check if your Sony TV does a better job of
line doubling. If it's a WEGA, it will be quite good. My Sony
WEGA 40 does not do as good a job as my new Sony DVD player.
However, while checking out DVD players with progressive scan,
I noticed that some Denon units with Faroudja line doubling were
quite blurry away from the center.

When you compare your units, place your TV in Interlaced mode when
selecting the Interlaced output on your DMR80. Freeze some white
on black credits and watch the upper and lower edges of the text.
Then, switch to progressive mode on your DMR80. I'm guessing your new TV will
detect this because mine seems to.

Also, which DMR80 outputs are you using? Try to use at least s-video output
and preferably component output.