720p vs. standard (TVs)

[EskimosAreReal]

I got a Blu-Ray player a while ago, but haven't really used it much yet as I only have a standard TV and obviously wouldn't notice any difference compared to standard dvd's. I'm on a budget ($500-$600) and found an LCD widescreen 26 inch 780p hdtv that I'm thinking about purchasing to replace my old tv (I cannot afford the 1080p's). So, I was just wondering if it would even be worth it to get the 780p tv upgrade for my blu-ray player?? Sorry if this is a dumb question; I'm not very tech savvy when it comes to tvs/dvds.

[MouseRider]

If by normal TV you mean a standard NTSC analog TV, you'll definitely get a better picture with 720p set.

You mentioned 780p, there isn't such a HDTV or DTV standard, I assume it has 780 lines vertical? How many lines horizontal?

If it has at least 1280x720, you're going to see a large improvement from a standard NTSC analog TV which typically is 640x480 or less.

So you're looking at almost over 3x more resolution.

[skinudedude]

You will notice a big difference. On a 27" HDTV, you won't notice a huge difference between 720p from a Blu Ray and 480p from a progressive scan DVD player. You will, however notice much sharper borders and a more realistic look from the 27" HD TV. Remember, however, that a 27 inch LCD will show regular 4:3 television in a size comparable to a 21" 4:3 TV. This is very small if you will be watching much regular TV on the set.

[Canada]

There is a big push by electronic companies for 1080p TV's probably so they make more profit. I have a 34" TV I use 720P on my display it looks fantastic. I have heared to actually notice le difference between 720p/1080i and 1080p you need at least a 70". If you have less than that you probably won't notice much difference. On the 150" plazma, that is right, unveild at CES you probably need 1080p yes but for most of us with a 50" or smaller you probably don't 1080p.

[highdefw]

if you keep your old tv, then Blu-ray has no purpose for you... You will get the same result as a dvd quality movie.

[bageleaterkkjji]

Originally Posted by highdefw

if you keep your old tv, then Blu-ray has no purpose for you... You will get the same result as a dvd quality movie.

actually it still will be better then a dvd even on an old tv. beyond the fact of looking better you still get the in movie menus an stuff until you get a different tv..if i were you i'd save up (while continuing to buy blurays)for however long it takes you to afford a 1080p tv.

[cdot2four]

before u buy your tv go to cnet.com and research which one to buy. we had a poll on here not long ago and about 50 % of people only have a 720p tv I love mine. I'm saving and when I get my taxes back I'm buying a 1080p sony can't wait

[Pilam69]

this is a case when size truly does matter.

with the size tv you are looking at 720P, 768P, whatever you want to call it (yes there are resolutions other than 720 and 1080P) will be just fine and, while better than your regular CRT it probably will disappoint you a little bit because it's not big enough to show off the true detail.

good luck.

[EskimosAreReal]

Sorry, it was in fact a 720P, not 780p, small typo there in my original post. I can't really even wait anymore until I can afford 1080p since my current standard def tv started crapping out (cathode tube I think is what the problem is; corners getting funky colors and getting worse and worse taking up more and more of the screen each time I turn it on). I don't really even watch too much TV, just The Shield and The Bears games when it's football season. I mostly just use it to watch DVD's. Thanks to everyone for all your help and advice. By the way, this is the TV I'm looking at:
http://www.target.com/Olevia-26-LCD-...ank&rh=&page=1

[Toptube]

get the panasonic 26 inch.
http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-e...00000000005702

its got an IPS panel in it which will give you excellent color, viewing angles and black levels. I'm not sure if its an Alpha-IPS like its 32 inch brothers or not. but if it is, then you'll be getting the only lcd panel to truly have almost no degradation at ANY angle.

here is a review of it (note the model name is a bit different because that is a european site)
http://www.trustedreviews.com/tvs/re...26in-LCD-TV/p1

you can probably get it in most places that sell HDTVs, but newegg has it for the same price as that Olevia you posted.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...&Tpk=TC-26LX70


*also, you are going to notice a large difference between dvd and Blu-ray. even on a smaller screen like this. you are gonna love it. I used a 22 inch monitor as my HD source for awhile and loved it. now I have the Panasonic TC-32LX700 and holy crap in a pan I love it.

[Midnightsailor]

I'd suggest the 32" Emerson from Wal-Mart if you're on a budget. It's a nice 720p LCD.

[scragham]

Originally Posted by EskimosAreReal

I got a Blu-Ray player a while ago, but haven't really used it much yet as I only have a standard TV and obviously wouldn't notice any difference compared to standard dvd's. I'm on a budget ($500-$600) and found an LCD widescreen 26 inch 780p hdtv that I'm thinking about purchasing to replace my old tv (I cannot afford the 1080p's). So, I was just wondering if it would even be worth it to get the 780p tv upgrade for my blu-ray player?? Sorry if this is a dumb question; I'm not very tech savvy when it comes to tvs/dvds.

there's absolutely no question that you'll be able to tell a difference between your old SDTV vs. the 26" 720p.

think of it this way - 720p is 1280x720; i believe SDTV/480i is 640x480. even without going into the differences between progressive vs. interlaced, would you be able to tell the difference between a 19" computer monitor that had a native resolution of 1280x720 versus one with a native resolution of 640x480?

now enlarge the size of that screen to 26", and what do you think?

i do believe there's a point of diminishing returns where the regular eye stops appreciating the difference (given set viewing distances etc), but at 26" and the distance you'd likely be viewing it from, you should either see be able to see/appreciate the difference or you really need to check in with your ophthalmologist.

[DisneyKrayzie]

I am sort of in the same boat, I really want a new LCD tv but am on a budget. i really wanted to get about a 37 or 42" 1080p, but from what I have been seeing people say I wouldnt motice much difference from 720p to 1080p with any screen less than 50" So I am thinking of going with the 720p for now maybe the Vizio seems like a good buy http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...SIN=B000U0JYZ2
Maybe next year I can replace one of my other TV's with a larger 1080p once I have more money and move the 720p into my home office.

[crackinhedz]

Dynex® - 32" Flat-Panel LCD HDTV ($460) (i even left a user review 12/28/07)


(from another reviewers picture)


I got me one of these for christmas! its very sleek looking and the picture is great with my PS3. 32" for under $500.


Dynex® - 37" Flat-Panel LCD HDTV ($650)

for those who want bigger.

[Toptube]

Originally Posted by DisneyKrayzie

I am sort of in the same boat, I really want a new LCD tv but am on a budget. i really wanted to get about a 37 or 42" 1080p, but from what I have been seeing people say I wouldnt motice much difference from 720p to 1080p with any screen less than 50" So I am thinking of going with the 720p for now maybe the Vizio seems like a good buy http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...SIN=B000U0JYZ2
Maybe next year I can replace one of my other TV's with a larger 1080p once I have more money and move the 720p into my home office.

you could get a fully loaded 32 inch for that price from a different brand, such as Samsung, LG, Panasonic, Sharp or even Sony.

for that price from Panasonic and LG, I know you could get a 120hz set (I have the panasonic and LOVE it).

[bageleaterkkjji]

Originally Posted by Midnightsailor

I'd suggest the 32" Emerson from Wal-Mart if you're on a budget. It's a nice 720p LCD.

+1 i have that tv

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

Dynex® - 32" Flat-Panel LCD HDTV ($460)

dynex sounds like a tupperware or some kind of plastic maker lol

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by bageleaterkkjji

dynex sounds like a tupperware or some kind of plastic maker lol

It sure does.

But I was pleasently surprised by the quality.

[EskimosAreReal]

Wow, I have so much to choose from now. I'll check out and research all the TVs you all have been recommending. Thanks.

[EskimosAreReal]

And isn't Dynex BestBuy's "generic" electronic brand??

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by EskimosAreReal

And isn't Dynex BestBuy's "generic" electronic brand??

yes.

but it sure looks sweet...and for under $500.

even has a built in HD tuner (32" only i believe?), so you can connect an HD antenna and get free OTA HD.

Don't get me wrong...im not saying Dynex is the bomb diggity of name brands!

but for the price...its sweet.