720p vs 1080p

[Oilers9911]

Ok, so I am by no means a video-phile, and I am not one to need to newest and best of everything. So my question is would I notice a huge difference between a 720p and 1080p TV? I'm in the market for a new TV and I am wondering if the couple hundred bucks for 1080p is REALLY worth it. Like I said, I am not a big videophile and would probably not notice the difference between the two. What do you guys think? Am I just as well off going for the 720p?

[BrianD]

How big a TV are you looking at, and how far away from it do you plan on sitting?

[gstelmack]

And whether or not you have any 1080p sources. Keep in mind that no TV boxes output 1080p, as that is not part of the broadcast standard. Only DVD players and game consoles output 1080p. You'll be depending on the TVs deinterlacer when viewing 1080i TV shows.

[Oilers9911]

I'm looking at a 37" as it isn't a very big room. Sitting 10 or so feet away. Thanks for the info so far, you have already helped with my decision.

[Logan]

I'm looking at a 37" as it isn't a very big room. Sitting 10 or so feet away. Thanks for the info so far, you have already helped with my decision.

10000% get a 720p. Chart to follow when I find it.

Here you go: http://hdguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/11/hdtv_distance_chart.pdf

For a 37" TV, the optimal viewing distance to get the benefit of 1080p is less than 5 feet.

I'd recommend upping your screen to 42" if you can swing it. The added size isn't much in the way of space (so it won't stand out in a smaller room) but it's a much better screen to look at.

edit to add: Here's the "official 720p vs 1080p discussion thread" (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=768167) from the AVS Forum.

[path12]

I just got a 42" 720p Olevia from Newegg about two weeks ago and love love love it.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I just got a 42" 720p Olevia from Newegg about two weeks ago and love love love it.

I have the same TV. Love it as well.

[SteveMax58]

Honestly...you can see some difference when comparing the 2 side-by-side...but as the eye gets trained on any picture, it tends to not notice the subtleties or minor differences, only the major differences. This is actually the entire concept of digital video.

And as gstelmack said earlier...you will not get 1080p output from standard video providers in the near future. So if the couple hundred is EXTREMELY disposable, go ahead and get the 1080p, but if it could be more useful for other purposes, get the 720p and you'll be perfectly fine, IMHO.

[gstelmack]

Also remember to check what resolution it actually displays. TVs may support 1080p, but most of the smaller (sub-40" or so) panels are 1365x768, so you aren't actually seeing 1080p. Check the panel res.

[Fidatelo]

For that size/distance 720p all the way.

[Oilers9911]

Thanks alot guys for your help.

[stevew]

definitely 720p. I would recommend looking at a sony m4000 series, or a samsung a450 if you're looking for a 37" There are other good options as well.

[Logan]

Have you decided between LCD and plasma? There's pros and cons to both that I'm sure we can help out with.

[Oilers9911]

Leaning towards LCD but it's not 100% certain. I'm going tomorrow to get one as my current tv bought the farm.

[Logan]

One of the cons for LCDs is that the viewing angle isn't as good as plasmas. I know you said it's a small room so maybe it's not an issue, but if you have a couch or chair that will have you viewing from the side, it could be tough.

[stevew]

The panasonic 720p 42px80 would be an excellent choice if you want a plasma. I assume you like hockey, and the motion blur should be reduced quite a bit on a plasma as well. The samsung 42a450 plasma would also be an excellent choice, both of those sets should be right around a grand USD. Also LG makes some really nice plasmas as well.

You may even be able to find a 42pz700u on clearence somewhere. It's an excellent set, 1080p as well.

I would lay off on video gaming for long stretches for the first few weeks you have a plasma, but after that it should be good to go.

[Logan]

A few of us on here have the Panasonic 75u model and everyone loves it. If you can still track one down, you'll get a great deal on it. Any of the later models would be awesome too.

[Mac Howard]

I spent a lot of time comparing tvs before settling on a 42" Samsung plasma 720p. I don't agree that you can't tell the difference between 720p and 1080p beyond a certain distance - you may not be able to see each individual pixel but there is a quality to 1080p that is certainly distinguishable. However you do need a 1080p signal and short of watching many blue-ray videos you're not going to see much else in the way of 1080p. So, unless money is no object to you, 720p is the best bet.

I would go a little larger than 37" if you can. My viewing distance is only 8/9 feet but I'm sometimes sorry I didn't find the extra for a 50" set rather than the 42" I bought. In my experience you can't go too big particularly if you like watching sport.

[Greyroofoo]

If you don't have 1080p then you must have a vagina and drive a Miata.

[Oilers9911]

I'd like to get a 42" but the entertainment unit we have will not fit a 42". In fact it's not even close. It's a nice unit too so I don't really want to ditch it. But yeah, i'd love to get a bigget set.

[MizzouRah]

Good article: http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6449_7-6810011-1.html

Although when I just bought my new TV, I didn't even consider anything but a 1080p set. Eventually when I do get a BR/ps3 player.. I would like to see them in true 1080p format.