1080i v 1080p

[Mark.]

OK so I've researched the differences, but can they actually be told apart by the layman?

Went to Richer Sounds to get a new 5.1 AV set up, but heard a very nice Roksan/Tanoy Hi-Fi combo which made me think perhaps I ought to have 2 distinct separate systems. This in mind I felt I'd rather spend extra on the Hi-Fi and a bit less on the AV.

So I started looking round at cheap 5.1 "Home Cinema's" and found this...
http://www.panasonic.co.uk/html/en_GB/Products/Hom...

...which seemed to fit the bill. But then Richer Sounds sent me one of those VIP emails offering this...

http://www.uk.onkyo.com/en/products/ht-s3405-35475...

Just over half the price. Now the Onkyo has all the features I need but is only 1080i (and the amp is quite large too), but would I notice?

It's going to be paired with a Panasonic 50" G20 and a Panasonic BD80 Blue Ray.

[PJ S]

Assuming you understand the visual difference between the two resolutions, then if you'd read the text below the specs, you'd have seen the amp is capable of handling 3D video, as well as regular Full HD.
1080i is the highest resolution over analog Component, which is where your confusion stems from.
So if the Onkyo floats your boat, you'll still be able to view your BR movies at 1080p - whether you see the difference over 720p depends on your viewing distance from the screen.

[Mark.]

Ah-ha! I didn't appreciate that part.

Screen size v seating distance is good to notice I think so as long as I can watch Blu-Ray at 1080p then I'm happy. No 3D TV so that's not relevant currently, but future proof I suppose.

[BlueMR2]

Just buy an a/v amp with preouts and send the front signal to your higher quality stereo amp with the center and surrounds as well as the decoding being done by the a/v amp.