Upgrading from 720p to 1080p

[Crim122]

Right now I only have a 720p LCDHDTV, and I am thinking of upgrading. But before I do I wanted to know if the difference would be that MAJOR to the untrained eye?

[Sussudio]

How big is your current set? What size were you thinking of upgrading to?

Here's a good explanation of going from HD to FullHD:
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6449_7-6810011-1.html

[kpkelley]

If we save you money on a TV can you spend more on your surround sound?

[Crim122]

Right now its a small 26 inch, and I looking at around 40 or 42 inches.

[Crim122]

Originally Posted by kpkelley

If we save you money on a TV can you spend more on your surround sound?

POSSIBLY!

[kpkelley]

Originally Posted by Crim122

Right now its a small 26 inch, and I looking at around 40 or 42 inches.

At that size you should notice a difference so long as you are not sitting inordinately far away. Assuming that the seating position will be similar to your current set-up, then yes there will be a difference.

[Crim122]

Ok

[Sussudio]

Originally Posted by Crim122

Right now its a small 26 inch, and I looking at around 40 or 42 inches.

I have a 40 inch samsung 720p and my friend has the step up 40 inch 1080p model...I've noticed almost zero difference. I've heard if you're going to go larger than 40 you can notice a difference, but it's nothing incredibly substantial. if you're thinking of doing 50 or higher and have the extra cash it never hurts to go the extra mile. just depends on your budget.

[Crim122]

Originally Posted by DoYouBlu

I have a 40 inch samsung 720p and my friend has the step up 40 inch 1080p model...I've noticed almost zero difference. I've heard if you're going to go larger than 40 you can notice a difference, but it's nothing incredibly substantial. if you're thinking of doing 50 or higher and have the extra cash it never hurts to go the extra mile. just depends on your budget.

At the moment its not the money, its the space lol

[kpkelley]

Originally Posted by DoYouBlu

I have a 40 inch samsung 720p and my friend has the step up 40 inch 1080p model...I've noticed almost zero difference.

It all depends on how close you sit. I can tell the difference between a 27" 720P tv and a 24" 1080P monitor because I'm at less than three feet.

If he is sitting around 5-7 feet away from the tv he should notice a difference, any further and he probably would not.

[Sussudio]

Originally Posted by kpkelley

It all depends on how close you sit. I can tell the difference between a 27" 720P tv and a 24" 1080P monitor because I'm at less than three feet.

If he is sitting around 5-7 feet away from the tv he should notice a difference, any further and he probably would not.

that's very true, he sits around 10 ft away. the closer you get the more you'll notice the difference good call.

[Sussudio]

Originally Posted by Crim122

At the moment its not the money, its the space lol

well if money isnt a huge issue but you have enough space to do a 40 or 42, i think you should go 1080p. especially with prices now you can get a really good lcd set for under 2000 (probably around 1300-1500).

[kpkelley]

You can get the Panasonic 42pz80u for just $999 at Sears.


Or, for a couple hundred more the Panasonic 42pz85u.

[Crim122]

Then my 2nd question was which brand has the best rep for audio and picture quality?

[Sussudio]

Originally Posted by Crim122

Then my 2nd question was which brand has the best rep for audio and picture quality?

That panasonic above looks really good. Personally and from what I have heard Samsung makes some of best LCDs. A lot of it is personal preference, though. I like Samsung and Toshiba and am not a huge fan of Sony (for LCDs).

[Crim122]

Originally Posted by DoYouBlu

That panasonic above looks really good. Personally and from what I have heard Samsung makes some of best LCDs. A lot of it is personal preference, though. I like Samsung and Toshiba and am not a huge fan of Sony (for LCDs).

Yeah Samsung is what I have read too, thats probably what I will go with.

Ok guys thanks a lot!

[callas01]

Originally Posted by Crim122

Then my 2nd question was which brand has the best rep for audio and picture quality?

Audio isn't going to matter as much if you are buying a surround sound system. PQ is gonna be a Plasma by and edge and then LCD.

Now that we know you are buying both a TV and Surround sound system, what is your total budget?

[Crim122]

Originally Posted by callas01

Audio isn't going to matter as much if you are buying a surround sound system. PQ is gonna be a Plasma by and edge and then LCD.

Now that we know you are buying both a TV and Surround sound system, what is your total budget?

I wanted to spend around 1300 (possibly less) on TV.

Around around 300 on the SS.

Should I go for Plasma or LCD though?

[callas01]

Look, buy the plasma, its a great TV and you will get it for less and then spend more on the Surround sound system. That will leave you with about $600 for a sound system and for that you could actually buy something nice.

42" 80U Panasonic Plasma $999
Sony STR-DG720 $224
Sony CN5000 $64
Sony F5000 $100
Sony B1000 $43
Sony W3000 $124

total $1554 and you will have the start to a wonderful system and all parts are upgradeable and compatible with your PS3, you will be 1080p pic, HD audio and as you want to upgrade you can easily.

You will still need HDMI cables (monoprice $5-10) and Speaker wire (monoprice.com)

[Sussudio]

Originally Posted by Crim122

I wanted to spend around 1300 (possibly less) on TV.

Around around 300 on the SS.

Should I go for Plasma or LCD though?

If you want to spend less than 1300 I would go with LCD, however plasma's are able to reproduce natural color more accurately but also use more energy to do so. i think for your budget an LCD would work really well, i have one for video games and watching movies and its awesome. again tho, personal preference. if you're heavily focused on getting the best PQ go with a plasma.