Vancouver: Most PC monitors that are CRT based (old tube type) accept and display any of a multitude of HD resolutions, some even as high as 1080P. As long as it is progressive, the monitor is typically good with it. So, 480p and 720p will work on many computer monitors. 1080i may work on some as well... As long as you have an RGBHV or 15-pin connector from your system to the monitor you are good to go.
Likewise, a plasma is a fixed pixel 'monitor'. Often 853x480 or 1365x768 resolution which you can hook your PC up to directly and will look optimal using the exact resolution of your plasma.
Most people consider this the order by which images look better (from good to best):
480i (SDTV - Standard Definition TV - or your normal old tube type TV)
480p (EDTV - Enhanced Definition TV - what is stored on commerical DVDs)
1080i (HDTV - High Definition TV - One of the two established HDTV formats with the 'official' HDTV name - Any ATSC television can display this, though not necessarily native)
720p (HDTV - Just like above - only better)
1080i and 720p are the two HD standards and X-Box is able to output both of those resolutions and it is supposed to look awesome compared to anything else they do. If I were you it may be worth picking up at least one game that puts out 720p to look at.
