Is it really pointless to get a 1080p TV when it's under 50 inches?

nihao1234 · 04-12-2008, 06:48 PM

Hi,

I've been reading around this forum, and talking to people at Best Buy. I want the best quality picture (1080p obviously) possible, and I've had my heart set on a Sony Bravia TV (see below) that's 40 inches.

Now, what REALLY worries me is that people are saying you can't enjoy 1080p if your screen size is less than 50 inches. How much truth is in that? My worst fears would be if I got a blu-ray player (probably a PS3) and had the picture not be as good because it's a smaller screen!

From my reading this forum, a lot of people are thinking this. Take this example from the thread "Kind of Broke, Thinking of A Vizio":

If this statement is right about not being able to enjoy it at a small size, can anyone recommend a TV that's 50 inches and cheaper than $1500?

This picture I've thrown together summarizes my question:

THANKS IN ADVANCE!

anythingwt · 04-12-2008, 07:30 PM

I would still recommend going 1080p at 40" if your budget allows for it. It will future-proof your set..

And the reason people say the whole, "1080p is not worth it under 50 inches" is because it is not as noticable. You notice the benefits of 1080p the most on screen sizes over 50" that's all.

Also, it depends on how far you are sitting from the set. If you are sitting somewhat close to your TV, even at 40", the difference between 1080p and 720p will be more noticable.

360kid · 04-12-2008, 07:47 PM

1080p may be great, it may be the future. But, 1080p is not the most important factor. Quality should be your number one priority. Buy a good TV from a repitable manufacturer. If you have to go bargain brand to get 1080p, then it may not be worth it. I would take a 720p Samsung, Sony, Sharp... over a 1080p Vizio or Westinghouse or any of the bargain brands from Wal-Mart. Even at 720p, a top brand will have a better PQ than even a 1080p bargain brand.

I used to own the bargain brand HDTV's and thought they were great. Well, they are leaps and bounds over the old tube tv, but still pale in comparison to a top brand tv.

I know you may not be even considering a bargain set, just wanted to point out that brand and quality should be more of a concern than 720p or 1080p.

iserum · 04-12-2008, 08:59 PM

1080p is worthless for 40 inch if you are sitting 10 -12 feet away, at 50 inch 1080p make sense if you are sitting close to set, for 50 inch and 12-15 ft away 720p will do as well. Home theater magazine did a comparison between 1080p sets of different technologies and pioneer 720p plasma beat every other 1080p set at the distance they have set. they have also mentioned if you sit close to set 1080p will make difference otherwise other aspects of TV is more important than 1080p.

Rick-F · 04-12-2008, 09:34 PM

1080P may not make much of a difference watching a SD DVD or broadcast TV on a 40"-- but when connected to a 1080P source-- like a game consle or a computer, or HD media player, it will be well worth the few extra $.

I would guess that 95% of those that say you do not need 1080P for anything under 50" do NOT have a 1080P-- and don't think YOU should have one either. Go for the 1080P.

360kid · 04-12-2008, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick-F

1080P may not make much of a difference watching a SD DVD or broadcast TV on a 40"-- but when connected to a 1080P source-- like a game consle or a computer, or HD media player, it will be well worth the few extra $.

I would guess that 95% of those that say you do not need 1080P for anything under 50" do NOT have a 1080P-- and don't think YOU should have one either. Go for the 1080P.

Maybe all the people with 1080p sets want to justify spending the extra cash by making everyone believe there is a huge difference. I know if I just went out and blew 60 grand on a new Corvette, I would want everyone to believe Corvettes were the best.

djbamber · 04-12-2008, 09:52 PM

More programming is going to be 1080p opposed to 720p that imo it isn't even worth considering. 1080p all the way!

360kid · 04-12-2008, 09:58 PM

Yes, 1080 is worth it. But, if someone is on a budget, don't buy a bargain brand just so you can have 1080. Quality of product will give you better PQ. A 720 Sharp or Sony has better PQ than a 1080 bargain set from Walmart.

So, if you can truly afford 1080, then get it. Just make sure you get a top brand first. That is more important than 1080 over 720.

Bigloww · 04-12-2008, 10:06 PM

Many of the HDTV's this model year are going to be 1080p in the 40'' and above class anyway. The price difference between 720p and 1080p has narrowed quite a bit the last couple years. So I would say yes, just go 1080p. If it was 2 years ago and the price diff was $700 + between the 2, I would say don't bother with a 40''. If your normal viewing distance is gonna be the norm with a 40'' (around 8-10 ft). I doubt you will see much if any diff with 768p and 1080p and a 40''(I don't). But prices as they are, why not. Heck, you can get a very nice Toshiba 47'' 1080p LCD for $1299 today. Man how times have changed. For the better.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product...se=&lang=en-US

Loves2Watch · 04-13-2008, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigloww

Heck, you can get a very nice Toshiba 47'' 1080p LCD for $1299 today. Man how times have changed. For the better.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product...se=&lang=en-US

Now that's the king of LCD TV's. Great price, even better picture.

BamaPanda · 04-13-2008, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 360kid

1080p may be great, it may be the future. But, 1080p is not the most important factor. Quality should be your number one priority.

Good advice. There is a test floating about with a bunch of 1080P sets up against a 720P Pioneer PDP. The Pioneer beat them all in overall PQ and performance.

Tried to find the test, but no luck. Maybe someone knows.

Makes me want one.

BamaPanda · 04-13-2008, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djbamber

More programming is going to be 1080p opposed to 720p that imo it isn't even worth considering. 1080p all the way!

What programming?
I was under the impression that ALL 1080p was Blue Ray. The best we can get OTA or though cable or sat is 1080i. That is not going to change - because of bandwidth issues. Could be a better way to compress and de-compress a 1080p signal will be found, but by the time that happens, we are talking of new everything - including the tv we might get today (I would think).

nihao1234 · 04-13-2008, 07:25 AM

Thanks for all the responses everyone!

I'm still under the impression, however, that to enjoy Blu-Ray on the PS3 in its pure glory, I should get a 50 inch 1080p (obviously a brand name).

Can anyone recommend a good model?

Thanks!

04-13-2008, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BamaPanda

Good advice. There is a test floating about with a bunch of 1080P sets up against a 720P Pioneer PDP. The Pioneer beat them all in overall PQ and performance.

Tried to find the test, but no luck. Maybe someone knows.

Makes me want one.

Its in "Read it and weep non-pioneer owners"........
http://hometheatermag.com/lcds/208hdface/index.html

Bigloww · 04-13-2008, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nihao1234

Thanks for all the responses everyone!

I'm still under the impression, however, that to enjoy Blu-Ray on the PS3 in its pure glory, I should get a 50 inch 1080p (obviously a brand name).

Can anyone recommend a good model?

Thanks!

Are you set on just a 50''? Does LCD or Plasma matter?

This 50'' 1080p Panasonic Plasma for only $1999 is 1 sweet deal IMO. If you have a Costco nearby,check it out. They have plenty of displays to look at. They extend the warranty to 2 years and have a 90 day return/exchange policy.. And that 47'' 1080p Toshiba I mentioned above for only $1299 is hard to beat as well. Seen it, loved it, as well as the Panny..

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product...lang=en-US&s=1

http://www.gosale.com/4938633/panaso...pz77u-50-1080p

04-12-2008, 06:48 PM	#1
nihao1234 How can anyone watch standard def? Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 19	Is it really pointless to get a 1080p TV when it's under 50 inches? Hi, I've been reading around this forum, and talking to people at Best Buy. I want the best quality picture (1080p obviously) possible, and I've had my heart set on a Sony Bravia TV (see below) that's 40 inches. Now, what REALLY worries me is that people are saying you can't enjoy 1080p if your screen size is less than 50 inches. How much truth is in that? My worst fears would be if I got a blu-ray player (probably a PS3) and had the picture not be as good because it's a smaller screen! From my reading this forum, a lot of people are thinking this. Take this example from the thread "Kind of Broke, Thinking of A Vizio": If this statement is right about not being able to enjoy it at a small size, can anyone recommend a TV that's 50 inches and cheaper than $1500? This picture I've thrown together summarizes my question: THANKS IN ADVANCE!

04-12-2008, 07:30 PM	#2
anythingwt one love Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 4,417	I would still recommend going 1080p at 40" if your budget allows for it. It will future-proof your set.. And the reason people say the whole, "1080p is not worth it under 50 inches" is because it is not as noticable. You notice the benefits of 1080p the most on screen sizes over 50" that's all. Also, it depends on how far you are sitting from the set. If you are sitting somewhat close to your TV, even at 40", the difference between 1080p and 720p will be more noticable. __________________ "your dreams, minus your doubts, equal your reality"

04-12-2008, 07:47 PM	#3
360kid Life Is Expensive Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 861	1080p may be great, it may be the future. But, 1080p is not the most important factor. Quality should be your number one priority. Buy a good TV from a repitable manufacturer. If you have to go bargain brand to get 1080p, then it may not be worth it. I would take a 720p Samsung, Sony, Sharp... over a 1080p Vizio or Westinghouse or any of the bargain brands from Wal-Mart. Even at 720p, a top brand will have a better PQ than even a 1080p bargain brand. I used to own the bargain brand HDTV's and thought they were great. Well, they are leaps and bounds over the old tube tv, but still pale in comparison to a top brand tv. I know you may not be even considering a bargain set, just wanted to point out that brand and quality should be more of a concern than 720p or 1080p. __________________ Hitachi 50" Plasma 1080HD Vizio 37" 1080p LCD Sharp 32" 720p LCD Toshiba HD-A2 Xbox 360 Magnavox Bluray Dish Network

04-12-2008, 08:59 PM	#4
iserum High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,987	1080p is worthless for 40 inch if you are sitting 10 -12 feet away, at 50 inch 1080p make sense if you are sitting close to set, for 50 inch and 12-15 ft away 720p will do as well. Home theater magazine did a comparison between 1080p sets of different technologies and pioneer 720p plasma beat every other 1080p set at the distance they have set. they have also mentioned if you sit close to set 1080p will make difference otherwise other aspects of TV is more important than 1080p. __________________ Panasonic 50PX80U/Pioneer BDP-51FD /Toshiba HD A, ISF Calibration DIRECTV HMC,Harmony Remote One Apple TV2, Yamaha RXV1700 Def. Tech. Mythos III, V & Gems, Super Cube III Power Conditioner: Belkin PF40 Panasonic TC-P46ST30/OPPO BDP-93 APPLE TV2,Harmony Remote One, Polk Audio Soundbar SDA. Belkin Power Conditioner

04-12-2008, 09:58 PM	#8
360kid Life Is Expensive Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 861	Yes, 1080 is worth it. But, if someone is on a budget, don't buy a bargain brand just so you can have 1080. Quality of product will give you better PQ. A 720 Sharp or Sony has better PQ than a 1080 bargain set from Walmart. So, if you can truly afford 1080, then get it. Just make sure you get a top brand first. That is more important than 1080 over 720. __________________ Hitachi 50" Plasma 1080HD Vizio 37" 1080p LCD Sharp 32" 720p LCD Toshiba HD-A2 Xbox 360 Magnavox Bluray Dish Network

04-12-2008, 09:34 PM	#5
Rick-F 58 + 50 in. PDP 32in LCD Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 3,138	1080P may not make much of a difference watching a SD DVD or broadcast TV on a 40"-- but when connected to a 1080P source-- like a game consle or a computer, or HD media player, it will be well worth the few extra $. I would guess that 95% of those that say you do not need 1080P for anything under 50" do NOT have a 1080P-- and don't think YOU should have one either. Go for the 1080P.

04-12-2008, 09:52 PM	#7
djbamber older than dirt Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: payson az Posts: 320	More programming is going to be 1080p opposed to 720p that imo it isn't even worth considering. 1080p all the way!

04-12-2008, 10:06 PM	#9
Bigloww "Shitter was Full" Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: In a van, down by the river. Posts: 8,319	Many of the HDTV's this model year are going to be 1080p in the 40'' and above class anyway. The price difference between 720p and 1080p has narrowed quite a bit the last couple years. So I would say yes, just go 1080p. If it was 2 years ago and the price diff was $700 + between the 2, I would say don't bother with a 40''. If your normal viewing distance is gonna be the norm with a 40'' (around 8-10 ft). I doubt you will see much if any diff with 768p and 1080p and a 40''(I don't). But prices as they are, why not. Heck, you can get a very nice Toshiba 47'' 1080p LCD for $1299 today. Man how times have changed. For the better. http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product...se=&lang=en-US __________________ Commit to the Indian.. "I don't get drunk, I get awesome"..

04-13-2008, 07:25 AM	#13
nihao1234 How can anyone watch standard def? Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 19	Thanks for all the responses everyone! I'm still under the impression, however, that to enjoy Blu-Ray on the PS3 in its pure glory, I should get a 50 inch 1080p (obviously a brand name). Can anyone recommend a good model? Thanks!

Similar Threads to Is it really pointless to get a 1080p TV when it's under 50 inches?
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Anybody deal with "East Coast TV's"?	djcee73	The High Definition Lounge	2164	06-03-2013 09:24 PM
Canon HF11 or Sony SR11?	Golf Nut	High Definition Cameras & High Definition Camcorders	25	05-18-2009 12:40 PM
HDTV Adoption rates and what It means for HDM	Bleedgreen71	High Definition Media	6	01-23-2008 03:01 PM
Paramount states all remaining blu-ray discs will be destroyed!	bigboar	High Definition Media	237	01-10-2008 11:39 PM
HDTV, DTV, and Halo 3	Malicae	Gaming & Systems	14	08-19-2007 08:49 PM
My horrible Dish Network experience	ModemGhost	DISH Network Forum	42	04-05-2007 02:06 PM