If you need a better picture, you will have to use the HD signal at 720p or 1080i, and downconvert in either the H20 or in your TV, if it has downconversion capability. It will be no different from using a regular SD receiver and allowing your TV to deinterlace (assuming it can do this).
#Difference between 480i and 480p 480p#
SD is 480i, and will be de-interlaced to 480p either by the H20 or by your TV, because none of the DirecTV channels are 480p.
![difference between 480i and 480p difference between 480i and 480p](https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/H910cd4e8129646d1a6c82e8c032cb7cde/Portable-PS2-to-HDMI-480i-480p-576i-Audio-Video-Converter-Adapter-AV-HDMI-Cable-For-SONY.jpg)
If you get an H20 the only way you will get better resolution is to use the HD signals. Why did we purchase dvd players when we didn't have HD sets? It's the same concept. I appreciate your opinion, but to infer that attaining 480p is not worth the trouble, when compared to a true HD signal (720p or 1080i), I would have to disagree. I am first a broke med student and second a videophile. Therefore, I beleive that everyone on here would agree, that we all are trying to get the best possible picture at the lowest cost and would be inclined to purchase a set for only $50. The difference between 480p and 1080i may be substantial, but not as much as the transition between 480i and 480p. It's the difference between standard television and a DVD.
![difference between 480i and 480p difference between 480i and 480p](https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/ec142441-302c-4582-b593-9a566ff0f9a0.df126d36cb60e9078b3c129362607d8d.jpeg)
Hartford1000 - The difference, as you know, between 480i and 480p is astounding. I will keep the post updated for any other people inquiring with the same issue.
![difference between 480i and 480p difference between 480i and 480p](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41y6yunjtiL._AC_SY1000_.jpg)
I was amazed to see how many channels are now HD, which I thought was much lower, and why I was deterred from purchasing an HD set in the first place. It seems that I can find the box for about $50 on Craigslist or ebay. I think I will buy an HD20 and see if I can bypass the access fee, considering that I'm not going to use the HD transmission.