Question about 720p 1024x768 plasma screens

BobLaBleau

So I'm looking at buying a 42" 720p plasma with 1024x768 resolution. Aspect ratio is 16:9. However I'm a bit confused here. 1024x768 is 4:3. And a 720p signal is going to be a true 16:9 1280x720 resolution, which is larger than the plasma resolutions.

So...what happens...Does it get cropped to fit? Squished? Displays in the same aspect ratio, but some of the source pixels are dropped?

I just seems to me that either it's not truly 720p or not truly 16:9, but it can't be both at that resolution.

Much of the reason I ask is because I plan on connecting a PC with HDMI and playing most movies from the PC. I know if I set a 1024x768 resolution on my laptop widescreen, everything gets stretched horizontally. If I set a 1024x768 resolution and connect to the plasma, will I see the same effect?

Thanks

admo

What is the model? Because most 720p tv's are 1366x768

BobLaBleau

Most 720p LCD's are 1366x768. Most 720p Plasma's are 1024x768.
That's why I ask...I've never seen this listed as a downside for plasma, but it seems like it could be a big deal to me.

I'm looking at the Philips 42pfp5332d.

Joe_news

Your right, all the current model 42" 720p PDPs from Panasonic, Samsung and LG are 1024x768. Yet all still list a 16:9 aspect ratio [and in person all are in fact 16:9. Maybe the pixels themselves are wider and shorter.

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BeeF

I think this topic has come up before.

BobLaBleau

I searched but couldn't find. anyone got a link?

It does seem like the pixels/cells would either have to be stretched or spaced more.

XDRoX

Mathematically speaking, something has to give. There are much more qualified people here to answer your question so hopefully one of them will chime in. I did a quick search and found this post by BobY, who could probably tell you the most on the subject. You may try PM'ing him.

*Quote by BobY*
"If you are looking at 42" displays, then the Panasonic is 1024 x 768, so the Hitachi at 1024 x 1080 *should* look better on a 1080i signal. I believe there is a physical limitation to the number of glass envelopes/electrodes that can be crammed into the width of a 42" panel and that is why they are all 1024 pixels across.

If you move up in size, then you move into the realm of 1366 x 768, which is a better match for both 720p (1280 x 720, square pixels) and 1080i (1920 x 1080, square pixels).
*End quote*

If you want my advice stick to 1080P. It doesn't get any better and the prices nowadays are very reasonable. And you won't have to worry about all these weird ratios.

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Codes20

There were size limitations to the plasma cells, which resulted in 42" plasma sets having rectangular pixels as opposed to square.

Since then, it is possible to make 1920x1080 square pixel plasma sets in 42" and Panasonic has done just so.

Also, reiterating what others have said.

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rbinck

Using a 1024x768 plasma with a computer is not a good idea. Like you said that is a 4:3 resolution and your computer set to that resolution will be expecting a 4:3 screen so everything will be stretched horizontally. As has been stated they have a pixel that is wider than it is tall.

Generally the LCD monitors will be much better for hooking up to computers and you can get a 42" 1080p with 4 years of warranty for roughly the same price as a 42" plasma with one year of warranty. I just bought my wife a 37" 1080p LCD with 4 years of warranty for under $900 delivered from newegg.

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BGrutter

I'm not necessarily a fan of Plasma; however, I would not base your decision on this native resolution. I would assume that the TV would adjust the PC resolution. I know that you can view an HD sorce in the aspect ratio that it was transmitted with one of these Plasmas (it's not strected or scewed in any way). The TV's mainboard must be doing the processing. I would think that it would do the same for a computer's output. Just my guess. There is still the fact that the TV would have to loose pixels as you pointed out. Anyway, hope this helps.

Rick-F

Not most 42" plasmas . . .

rbinck

Video and computer display are completely different. Video signals will scale to native resolutions and look pretty good, but when you do that to computer displays the text gets fuzzy. If the plasma does not have a PC input it will probably be expecting a HDTV resolution being input. Put a 1280x720 signal into a 1024x768 panel and it gets messy.

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BobLaBleau

Thanks all for your input.

I found some more info elsewhere as well. It seems that even with the funky resolution I can just send it a 1366x768 signal and the TV will scale, keeping the correct AR. I agree that text would come out fuzzy like this though. However I won't be using it as a PC monitor, just playing video through Media Center. I found someone else using almost the same setup with good results.

I went ahead and bought it. Sure, I'm losing some pixels and using it as a monitor is out of the question, but I got it for <$600 with tax and shipping. Honestly I think I'd rather have an LCD with a true 16:9 resolution...but I probably never would have joined the HDTV club if it weren't for this deal. So this should work well enough until the prices for 1080p LCDs comes down further...and if not, i'll return it!

I can post back up with my experience once it arrives if anyone's interested.

PS- why is it that none of the plasma vs LCD articles i read even mention this?!?

YUGHI

it's very simple. plasmas with 1024x768 is the resolution for pc hook ups ONLY. why manufacturers don't give you 2 resolution specs for different types of inputs beats the heck outta me. once you feed HD content into a "supposed" plasma with ONLY 1024x768 such as an HD program, blu-ray movie, or HD videogame...the plasma's TRUE resolution of 1280x720 shines through. so to further answer your question and cut out all red tape...the TRUE resolution IS 1280x720 for a 720p plasma but ONLY if you feed it HD content. this holds true for any plasmas that the manufacturer advertises is really for pc hookups, which i think causes more confusions.
that's why it's very difficult to notice any difference between 720p and 1080p when both are being fed HD content. anything under a screen size of 50" or lower; going 1080p is unnecessary and a waste of money. going 1080p on screen sizes larger than 50" would be ideal because more pixels need to fill up more space. go to your nearest bestbuy or something and check out a 42" plasma 720p versus a 42" lcd 1080p and i guarantee you will NOT be able to tell a difference.
i like plasmas WAY more than LCDs; the color and contrast as well as blacks are just incredible that LCDs still need years to catch up on due to their backlighting issues.
now another technology that some manufacturers have created in their 120hz LCDs is called auto motion plus (samsung) and motionflow (sony), which i think is utter garbage. an HD movie feels like it was shot with a video camera. it just doesn't feel like a movie anymore. the movements are unnatural and actually awkward. i can't watch more than 5 minutes before i have to turn away...utter abomination! but that's just my opinion. some people love but i think most hate it.

XDRoX

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