720 v 1080, what do I need?

Emil · 03-21-2006, 07:14 AM

Been really wanting the 42w2 Westy but I just can't justify $2500 for a monitor/tv, I'm used to spending $600 for a top line set! So I question, do I need 1080? I'm looking for a 42-25" set that I'll be watching at about 8-10'. I'd like a pretty wide viewing angle since the room is wide but short the way the tv will be placed. I figure I can get a much better priced tv that supports 720 natively and just use it instead of 1080. I don't really see the i/p thing being an issue with me either. I just want to make sure I don't get stuck with everyone going to 1080 and my set downscaling poorly to 720 and ending up with a lousy picture. My 32" Toshiba has a great picture right now but I want widescreen but not at the cost of a lower quality picture.
Any thoughts on the future and quality of a 720 picture down the line?
Thanks!

**rbinck** · 03-21-2006, 08:31 AM

I have seen over and over the movement to HTPCs. People use their DVD players to show slide shows of their photos or use the built in card readers. A nice large screen HDTV is great for the family to gather around and watch a show of your vacation. The next thing that comes up is the poorer picture on their HDTV vs. the picture on their computer monitor. The reason is resolution.

If there is any possible need for displaying computer video in your future, 1920x1080 beats 1280x720 hands down. If I were going to buy a new set it would be a 1080p unit that would take a 1080p/60fps input. The 1080p over 1080i input because the interconnecting with a computer would be easier, not for video.

Also remember a 1280x720 set will have to discard some detail from a 1080 signal, whereas scaling up a 720 signal to 1080 will lose no detail.

Grok · 03-21-2006, 09:38 AM

You could look at the Westinghouse LVM37w3, a 37" 1080p LCD that has great input connections. This is a new model and hasn't been released yet, but it's due to be out any day. It should cost quite a bit less than the 42" of course, probably around $1800.

Emil · 03-22-2006, 07:19 AM

Thanks for the replies guys,
Crutchfield has lowered their price one more time so it's getting harder and harder to not give the nod to the 42w2 even though $2500 is still a major hit for a tv in my book!

borromini · 03-22-2006, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emil

...$2500 is still a major hit for a tv in my book!

Join the club!

03-21-2006, 07:14 AM	#1
Emil High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Barrington, Il. Age: 57 Posts: 1,225	720 v 1080, what do I need? Been really wanting the 42w2 Westy but I just can't justify $2500 for a monitor/tv, I'm used to spending $600 for a top line set! So I question, do I need 1080? I'm looking for a 42-25" set that I'll be watching at about 8-10'. I'd like a pretty wide viewing angle since the room is wide but short the way the tv will be placed. I figure I can get a much better priced tv that supports 720 natively and just use it instead of 1080. I don't really see the i/p thing being an issue with me either. I just want to make sure I don't get stuck with everyone going to 1080 and my set downscaling poorly to 720 and ending up with a lousy picture. My 32" Toshiba has a great picture right now but I want widescreen but not at the cost of a lower quality picture. Any thoughts on the future and quality of a 720 picture down the line? Thanks!

03-21-2006, 08:31 AM	#2
rbinck Administrator Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Katy, Texas Posts: 12,338	I have seen over and over the movement to HTPCs. People use their DVD players to show slide shows of their photos or use the built in card readers. A nice large screen HDTV is great for the family to gather around and watch a show of your vacation. The next thing that comes up is the poorer picture on their HDTV vs. the picture on their computer monitor. The reason is resolution. If there is any possible need for displaying computer video in your future, 1920x1080 beats 1280x720 hands down. If I were going to buy a new set it would be a 1080p unit that would take a 1080p/60fps input. The 1080p over 1080i input because the interconnecting with a computer would be easier, not for video. Also remember a 1280x720 set will have to discard some detail from a 1080 signal, whereas scaling up a 720 signal to 1080 will lose no detail. __________________ www.highdefinitionblog.com www.BlogOfHawaii.com

03-21-2006, 09:38 AM	#3
Grok SD... what's that? Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: The Great White North Posts: 186	You could look at the Westinghouse LVM37w3, a 37" 1080p LCD that has great input connections. This is a new model and hasn't been released yet, but it's due to be out any day. It should cost quite a bit less than the 42" of course, probably around $1800.

03-22-2006, 07:19 AM	#4
Emil High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Barrington, Il. Age: 57 Posts: 1,225	Thanks for the replies guys, Crutchfield has lowered their price one more time so it's getting harder and harder to not give the nod to the 42w2 even though $2500 is still a major hit for a tv in my book!