Should I get a 720p HDTV?

Bryan

Bryan

Well-known member
I'm looking at getting an HDTV (yeah, finally), and as a filmmaker it's really hard to turn down MORE RESOLUTION. But of course the 720p HDTV's are quite a bit cheaper in some cases, and I know at least 2 of the big networks only broadcast 720p, so....

Anyone out there with a 720p HDTV and absolutely no regrets??!! Haha.
 
It comes down to screen size. If you are going to get a 42" or smaller, you'll be fine with 720. If you are getting anything larger, spend the bucks for a 1080 set.

Dan
 
Its more about picture size and image quality for me rather than sheer resolution. You wont see a huge difference on a smaller screen thats 1080. (unless you are breathing on the display panel)
 
i have a 42 inch 720p sharp aquos and love it. no regrets whatsoever. my advice is to go into the store and check it out. if you can't tell much of a difference there, you won't see much of a difference when you get home.
 
I have an Element 720p 37 inch LCD that I got about a year ago for $800. It's a good set that I use for Blu-ray/HD DVD and PS3 and XB360 games. Of course now you can get stuff that is much better and in a name brand for that much. Resolution-wise I can't tell the difference between it and a newer Samsung 1080p 46 inch LCD that my parents recently purchased. Their TV has better colors though.

If you can find a good deal on a 1080p set then it might be good to get it. Things that seem to make a big difference in picture quality are contrast ratio, color, and brightness. It can be better to have a 720p set with excellent contrast ratio and color than a cheapo 1080p one that doesn't perform as well in these areas.

Size matters, as Dan mentioned. I'd even go further and say that you could go 720p even with 50 inches or below if you get a good brand like Samsung, Sharp, or Panasonic. It may be known as a non-name brand but look into Vizio. They are very good for the price.

Or, look at it this way. The potential savings by going with a 720p set can be put towards a PS3 or a Blu-ray player. I'd rather have that than just a 1080p set with nothing but cable or satellite.
 
My local Costco has a Panny 50" 720p for $899. Seems like a damn good deal, that's why I'm considering it!

Yeah, should've mentioned I was looking at a 50" in the first place.
 
Bryan said:
My local Costco has a Panny 50" 720p for $899. Seems like a damn good deal, that's why I'm considering it!

Yeah, should've mentioned I was looking at a 50" in the first place.
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If the picture looks good and the specs are good I'd say go for it. Panasonic HDTV's look darn good, especially at that price.
 
HDTV_resolution_chart.png


This chart might help you decide on the ideal screen size vs. your viewing distance.


Bob Diaz
 
that chart is pretty confusing. but basically if i'm reading it correctly, there is no noticeable difference for a 50 inch television at 10 feet. at 9 feet and under you start to notice a slight difference.
 
Remember, though, you'll have this TV for a while and your viewing distance may not always remain the same. Going for 1080p is your better bet.
 
I am glad I went with 1080p... I had thought of 720p for awhile too, but for a few hundred more, 1080p is really worth it.
 
seating distance - rule of thumb is 7 times the height of the screen. closer than that you can start to see pixels.

fwiw, I have a Sharp Aquos 1080p. its the only set I'll have for a long time, so I wanted the max.
 
I am no expert when it comes to this stuff, but I think everything in the U.S. gets broadcast in 720. I was watching a friends 46 inch 1080p and it doesn't seem progressive to me. I think the uprezzing does this. So when I watch a 720p, broadcast on HBO or whatever it looks better. The 1080i (uprezzed) has that ultra real look. Maybe she needs to change something on the tv. Does this make sense.
 
bosindy said:
I am no expert when it comes to this stuff, but I think everything in the U.S. gets broadcast in 720. I was watching a friends 46 inch 1080p and it doesn't seem progressive to me. I think the uprezzing does this. So when I watch a 720p, broadcast on HBO or whatever it looks better. The 1080i (uprezzed) has that ultra real look. Maybe she needs to change something on the tv. Does this make sense.
Click to expand...
She might have a setting off.
It should look progressive.

Either way, 1080P movies look fantastic! :beer:
 
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