Should I buy spend the extra $2000 and get a 1080p projector?

[rma123]

Hi: I have the oppo 1080p Up-Converting Universal DVD Player connected to a Denon receiver which has a HDMI output. I am debating between the panasonic PTAX100U (720p) and PTAE1000U (1080p) projectors for my home theater. Considering the source is a regular DVD, will I actually see any difference in the image if I buy the 1080p projector? I am trying to figure out if it's worth spending the additional $2000. Will the image quality be that different going from 720p to 1080p that one might decide to spend the extra money. I am not able to find a store which shows images from a 720p and 1080p projectors next to each other to compare

TIA
Ray

 

[zildjian]

If the only source you're going to be using is a standard definition DVD, then save your money and go with the 720p projector as it can show every detail of your standard def DVD's. Sure there would be a difference if you were using 1080p material from HD-DVD or Blu-ray or 1080i material from a broadcast, but if not, then it would be silly to spend the extra $ on something that you would not utilize (higher resolution). Now if the more expensive project has other aspects that make it better (light output, contrast ratio, specific inputs that the other doesn't...) then there would be different things to consider in choosing between the two units, but for what you're telling us so far, just for resolution comparison, save your money if you're going to use regular DVD's only and go 720p.

 

[mike c]

what he said. but answer these questions:

how long do you plan to keep this projector?
during that time, do you have any intention of buying the HD formats out there?

 

[zildjian]

Even if you plan on going to one of the HD formats during the life of this projector, if it's going to be a long time (like 2 years from now), then I'd still go with the 720p. If you're going to wait for a while, then the $$ you save now by getting the cheaper projector will likely pay for most of the upgrade when you're ready for it. Displays are like computers now; I'd only buy one with the features I'm going to use in the foreseeable future; going beyond that will cost a ton and while I wouldn't be using those features they'll just be coming down in price.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Hi: I have the oppo 1080p Up-Converting Universal DVD Player connected to a Denon receiver which has a HDMI output. I am debating between the panasonic PTAX100U (720p) and PTAE1000U (1080p) projectors for my home theater. Considering the source is a regular DVD, will I actually see any difference in the image if I buy the 1080p projector? I am trying to figure out if it's worth spending the additional $2000. Will the image quality be that different going from 720p to 1080p that one might decide to spend the extra money. I am not able to find a store which shows images from a 720p and 1080p projectors next to each other to compare

TIA
Ray

As mentioned, I would not go 1080p unless you are going into the hi def dvd arena in the near future, like christmas.

 

[fcheshire]

I agree

I agree.

If you are not planning on upgrading to a blue ray or HD DVD player then keep your money to spend on other toys.


Frank

 

[cjschrot]

1080p looks great though

I can't speak to the 720p projector, but I can tell you that I'm thrilled with the PT-AE1000U. The picture is incredible even when stretched to my 118" screen (still very sharp detail). I also have the Oppo 981-HD, but the picture really gets good when viewing Blu-ray through my PS3. I invested the extra money now knowing I would be moving toward the Blu-ray quality movies almost immediately. I'm glad I did, so like the others said, if you think you'll go that direction, I can highly recommend the performance of the 1000U.

 

[mnnc]

The greatest deciding factor is screen size:seating distance. Ignore the resolution numbers. Your eyes will detect very little, if any, quality difference between the two hi def resolutions unless your viewing distance/screen size dramatically changes. With a pj you are most likely 9, 10, 12+ ft away anyways. 720 will be fine. Some people have to have the highest number b/c of marketing hype. It is not a determining factor to quality. The ratio I mentioned is. A good 720 pj and a hd player will kick arse. Knowledge is power. Save your money.