Is 1080p worth it?

[mbergrin]

Hey guys...I'm new on this forum and I'm hoping you can give help me make a decision on a new tv.

I currently own Toshiba DLP tv that I absolutely love. Now I am looking to put a similar television (HD, 50") into a different room in the house. However, after doing countless hours of research, I cannot decide whether I want to stay with a 720p television or "upgrade" to a 1080p.

I currently have an extensive DVD collection which I intend to keep for a very long time before I even think of upgrading to HD DVD or Blu-Ray.

I guess my main concern is how a 420p picture will look on a 1080p tv...specifically a DLP rear projection. I have heard in the past that DVDs don't look as good on a 1080p television due to the extensive up-conversion, but I have not been able to see this in person. I plan on using the same Denon-DVD 2900. Has anyone seen this? I would greatly appreciate any input.

Thanks.

 

[BMXTRIX]

1080p vs. 720p won't make much of any difference when it comes to DVDs. The finer pixel structure of 1080p may make the image a bit more smooth, but really, it is more about your viewing distance and the image processing that is scaling the DVD image to begin with.

IMO, 1080p really only makes sense if your screen is big enough and you are sitting close enough for it to matter. Then you should be using HD discs instead of DVD anyway. If your end goal is HD discs, then a 1080p display may make a lot of sense - especially if you will be fairly close to it.

Otherwise, there are only a few cures for poor image quality:
1. A better display with better image processing.
2. Sit futher back
3. Get a smaller screen

 

[mtrycrafts]

Hey guys...I'm new on this forum and I'm hoping you can give help me make a decision on a new tv.

I currently own Toshiba DLP tv that I absolutely love. Now I am looking to put a similar television (HD, 50") into a different room in the house. However, after doing countless hours of research, I cannot decide whether I want to stay with a 720p television or "upgrade" to a 1080p.

I currently have an extensive DVD collection which I intend to keep for a very long time before I even think of upgrading to HD DVD or Blu-Ray.

I guess my main concern is how a 420p picture will look on a 1080p tv...specifically a DLP rear projection. I have heard in the past that DVDs don't look as good on a 1080p television due to the extensive up-conversion, but I have not been able to see this in person. I plan on using the same Denon-DVD 2900. Has anyone seen this? I would greatly appreciate any input.

Thanks.

Just a couple more. Is this for TV viewing as well? I seriously doubt TV stations will broadcast 1080p pictures as the bandwidth would be too much, especially for cable TV.

Standard DVD has a certain resolution. Upsampling or using more pixels just cuts the same info up into smaller boxes. Now you have more pixels with the same info in it, not new info as in a hi def dvd.

 

[Jack Hammer]

Take into consideration how long you plan to keep it. If you are like my grandparents and plan to keep it for 30+ years, then it's probably a good idea to get the best you can. If you plan on replacing it in the next 4-5 years, it may not be as worth it to you. You really have to decide the factors listed above and your intended current use and intended (realistic) future use.

I'm planning on getting a 1080p tv. My reasons are I plan to keep it for a while, I sit closer than normal to the set, I'm pickier than average about picture quality, I intend to buy a HD/BD player, I watch a lot of movies (very little tv) and I am mildly paranoid about so called "future-proofing." However, I haven't completely ruled out a 720p set, I'm about 85/15 for 1080p. Once you figure out your intended use, it should become a bit more clear.

Jack

 

[Frugal]

processor is the key

I've been looking at a lot of displays lately and come to the conclusion that I'd rather have a high end 720p than a so so 1080p. Especially since the 720p will likely be cheaper. Most hi-def TV's look great with a hi rez source but you need a good processor to make an average cable or sat signal look decent. Unless your willing to buy a stand alone processor make sure you get best you can in the TV. What I'm saying is make sure you're comparing apples to apples when deciding 720 or 1080.

 

[mbergrin]

I've been looking at a lot of displays lately and come to the conclusion that I'd rather have a high end 720p than a so so 1080p. Especially since the 720p will likely be cheaper. Most hi-def TV's look great with a hi rez source but you need a good processor to make an average cable or sat signal look decent. Unless your willing to buy a stand alone processor make sure you get best you can in the TV. What I'm saying is make sure you're comparing apples to apples when deciding 720 or 1080.

Thanks for the good advice guys. I think I am leaning more towards another high-end 720p television as well. Mainly since this tv will be for watching cable television. Although, I also have issues with "future-proofing". It will be a difficult decision.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Thanks for the good advice guys. I think I am leaning more towards another high-end 720p television as well. Mainly since this tv will be for watching cable television. Although, I also have issues with "future-proofing". It will be a difficult decision.

Future proofing only goes so far. I seriously doubt cable TV will pass 1080p anytime soon, or in the next decade
If you have a better setup for movies, or just not that important, I don't see why a 720 will not be worthwhile. That is what I am looking at for a TV upgrade in the 37" range as it will be for TV and just a little casual movie once in a while.