Some more HD Advice needed!

[SAndrews10]

A couple of weeks ago I posted on here looking for advice on Samsung LCD's. I asked about the clarity difference between a more expensive 40" 1080i and less expensive 42" 720p. The consensus was go with the 42" as the image quality isn't noticeable on those models.

I'm now looking at two different Samsung 50" Rear Projection DLP's. The 1080i at sale price $1,399(orig 1,699) and the 720p at $1,199. I have I moved into the area where I need the 1080i. We sit a good 10-12 feet from the screen. Let me know which is the better deal. Thanks guys!

 

[Irishman]

Are you sure the Samsung model is 1080i and not 1080p?

What's the model #? I ask cause Samsung hasn't made a 1080i tv in quite a long time.

 

[Johnny Rico]

Yes, I do think you absolutely do need some more HD advice.

First of all, a set that is 720p can also display 1080i.

I think what you're trying to say is 1080p.

A 42" at viewing distance of 10-12 feet is very adequate for up-converted DVDs.

With my 42" 1080p SHARP AQUOS and my 1080p up-converting Oppo DVD player, 10 feet is the perfect viewing distance. Unfortunately, this is on my bed. My normal viewing distance is about 8 feet and I can still make out some pixel dance...as I like to call it.

But back to DLP sets...one of the cons to DLPs is that they get a "rainbow effect" around their images due to the mirror system that they use. Think prism effect if you will. Now this problem may have been somewhat alleviated in more recent models, but I know when I was first researching HDTVs, the rainbow effect and the short bulb life for DLPs kept me away from one.

Actually, if you want a good 42" set, I'd go with the new SHARP AQUOS LC-42D64U. It currently runs at about $1350 or so on Amazon. It's just like my D72U, but in a thinner bezzle. It's only 1.5" wide, so if you're wanting to wall mount it, it'd be better than a RP DLP.

I just also noticed that the 46" model (46D64U) is now running $1615.


But one of the most important specs you need to look for in HDTVs is the response time. Measured in milliseconds (ms), is the time it takes for a pixel to change color. The standard time up until last year was about 8ms. In fact, I notice that most Samsung models are still in this range. But the Sharp models, as well as mine, are now in the 4ms range.

In comparison...a regular old CRT television had a response time of 1ms. A computer flatpanel LCD screen is about 2 ms which is needed for fast moving games at high frame rates. For television broadcasts and for movies, with frame rates of 24 or 30 frames per second, a faster response time really isn't needed, comparitively. A plasma TV is about 2-4ms, I think. And now the new standard for LCDs is 4ms. I don't know what DLPs are clocked at.

 

[Johnny Rico]

I'd also add/ask this question...

What size of 4:3 TV are you accustomed to viewing?

27" 32"? 36"?

And do you want an HDTV with at least the same or larger screen heighth as the 4:3 TV you have now?

No matter what the case, I'd suggest to check out this very handy 4:3 to 16:9 calculator website to make your decision.

Just input your current 4:3 TV size and what size of 16:9 TV you think you wanna buy and compare the first row in the breakdown.

For example, a 42" is equivalent to a 34" 4:3 TV. A 46" set is equivalent to a 37" set. And a 40" is just shy of a 33" TV.

I bought a 42" to replace a 32". I was kinda wanting a 46", but I didn't have enough room in my cabinet for it to fit.

 

[zephramc]

I think all new HDTVs will accept either a 720p or 1080i signal, and a 1080p HDTV will definitely accept 1080i. If you're still unsure, look in your owners manual, to find out which signals are supported through HDMI, DVI, or component connections on the back/front of your new TV.

Furthermore your cable box should be able to change output signal as many TVs in the recent past only accepted 720p or 1080i. My DLP TV (4 years old now) will only accept 1080i.

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

Johnny Rico said:
First of all, a set that is 720p can also display 1080i.

I don't think so.

 

[Johnny Rico]

Babaganoosh said:

Johnny Rico said:
First of all, a set that is 720p can also display 1080i.

I don't think so.

A 720p set has a resolution of 1366x768. They will accept a 1080i signal, but down size it to its native resolution.

But the issue here is that the prices of 1080p sets are so affordable now, that there's absolutely no reason not to get a 1080p set if you're looking at anything 40" and above. On 37" and below, you're not gonna notice any difference between 720p and 1080i/p via Blu-Ray or HD-DVD.

 

[Arrqh]

Johnny Rico said:

Babaganoosh said:

Johnny Rico said:
First of all, a set that is 720p can also display 1080i.

I don't think so.

A 720p set has a resolution of 1366x768. They will accept a 1080i signal, but down size it to its native resolution.

A 720p set in fact typically has a resolution of 1280x720, some have 1366x768 but this is becoming less common. DLP's almost always are at 1280x720. The reason for 1366x768 is because it's 1024x768 stretched to 16:9 which was really a PC output resolution and not one that's ideal for video.

In addition, there are still 1080i sets out there that have a native display resolution of 1080i, though they are also becoming much less common. You're correct in saying that a 720p set will downsample/deinterlace to display a 1080i image, but OP seemed to be referring to 1080i native sets.

 

[Johnny Rico]

Arrghman said:

Johnny Rico said:

Babaganoosh said:

Johnny Rico said:
First of all, a set that is 720p can also display 1080i.

I don't think so.

A 720p set has a resolution of 1366x768. They will accept a 1080i signal, but down size it to its native resolution.

A 720p set in fact typically has a resolution of 1280x720, some have 1366x768 but this is becoming less common. DLP's almost always are at 1280x720. The reason for 1366x768 is because it's 1024x768 stretched to 16:9 which was really a PC output resolution and not one that's ideal for video.

In addition, there are still 1080i sets out there that have a native display resolution of 1080i, though they are also becoming much less common. You're correct in saying that a 720p set will downsample/deinterlace to display a 1080i image, but OP seemed to be referring to 1080i native sets.

Details...Details...

However my second paragraph above still stands. In fact, it's kind of hard to find a non-1080p set over 40" now. A year or so ago, 1080p was a hi-end novelty spec costing several thousand dollars more than a 720p/1080i set, but now 1080p sets are as cheap, if not even cheaper than those 1080i sets were back in that same time frame.

 

[Irishman]

But if you're not sitting close enough, a 1080p HDTV may not do you any good either.

For 50" 1080p, plan to sit no further than 5-7 feet away.

For 42" 1080p, no further than 4-6 feet.

 

[Johnny Rico]

Irishman said:
But if you're not sitting close enough, a 1080p HDTV may not do you any good either.

For 50" 1080p, plan to sit no further than 5-7 feet away.

For 42" 1080p, no further than 4-6 feet.

Well, for true 1080p sources, maybe, but for 1080i broadcasts, and up-converted DVDs, sitting further back is a must. Not so much for 1080i sources, but for upconverted images, absolutely.

 

[Irishman]

Buy who's going to spend a load on an HDTV just because of how it performs on upconverted video?