Can the human eye see the difference between 1080p and 1080i?

I know that the highest resolution stuff out there is 1080p, and 1080i is a similar but slightly different spec that is used for TV broadcasts of high definition content. However, since 1080i is slightly "inferior" to 1080p, we went with a 1080p for our living room recently. Can the human eye really see the difference between the two, or did we get sold?

You should never buy a TV or sterio on specifications only. Usually the 1080p sets do look better than 1080i sets even when displaying lower resolution signals because 1080p sets are usually top of the line and use various tricks for improving perceived picture quality. Then again, there may be models of 1080p sets that don't measure up; your best bet is comparing the picture of different sets with your own two eyes.

There isn't that much 1080p content out there and some HD and Blueray DVD players actually convert 1080P to 1080i. Because of this you are unlikely to see the full potential for 1080P most of the time.

If you are happy with the picture on your set don't worry about it.