Newb HDTV Suggestions Needed

I'm looking to spend about $2000 and would like to stick with LCD or
Plasma. But for the $2000, I can't buy anything bigger than a
46" (Sharp open box ~$1700) which is 1080p, but I'm more likely
looking at a 40-42". But from what I've been reading, many people say
just move up to a 50"+ (Panasonic, for example) 720p and the
difference is likely not going to be noticeable. We'd likely be
sitting about 10 feet away.

So I'm just wondering if anyone would have more suggestions on whether
a somewhat non-trained eye would even notice a difference. We really
just want something to watch HD-DVDs on and enjoy the better picture
(than our cheap tube TV). I just have to wonder if I'll ever be
sitting in front of a 50" 720p Panasonic thinking: "Gosh, I wish I had
gone with a smaller 1080p set"... And in a year or two, we'd likely re-
visit a new primary 1080p set when the prices come down a bit more...

Any feedback would be really appreciated.

On 8/5/07 7:28 PM, Steve wrote:
I'm looking to spend about $2000 and would like to stick with LCD or
Plasma. But for the $2000, I can't buy anything bigger than a
46" (Sharp open box ~$1700) which is 1080p, but I'm more likely
looking at a 40-42". But from what I've been reading, many people say
just move up to a 50"+ (Panasonic, for example) 720p and the
difference is likely not going to be noticeable. We'd likely be
sitting about 10 feet away.

So I'm just wondering if anyone would have more suggestions on whether
a somewhat non-trained eye would even notice a difference. We really
just want something to watch HD-DVDs on and enjoy the better picture
(than our cheap tube TV). I just have to wonder if I'll ever be
sitting in front of a 50" 720p Panasonic thinking: "Gosh, I wish I had
gone with a smaller 1080p set"... And in a year or two, we'd likely re-
visit a new primary 1080p set when the prices come down a bit more...

Any feedback would be really appreciated.


If you are watching a lot of sports and may hook up a game system, go
plasma. At 10' a 42" should do. Go to a store and sit back 10' to get
an idea. Or cut a piece of cardboard and put where you want the TV to
get an idea. You will not notice a difference in picture resolution of
1080 vs 720 on a 42" set under normal viewing.

On Sun, 05 Aug 2007 20:18:07 -0500, Dan wrote:

On 8/5/07 7:28 PM, Steve wrote:
I'm looking to spend about $2000 and would like to stick with LCD or
Plasma. But for the $2000, I can't buy anything bigger than a
46" (Sharp open box ~$1700) which is 1080p, but I'm more likely
looking at a 40-42". But from what I've been reading, many people say
just move up to a 50"+ (Panasonic, for example) 720p and the
difference is likely not going to be noticeable. We'd likely be
sitting about 10 feet away.

So I'm just wondering if anyone would have more suggestions on whether
a somewhat non-trained eye would even notice a difference. We really
just want something to watch HD-DVDs on and enjoy the better picture
(than our cheap tube TV). I just have to wonder if I'll ever be
sitting in front of a 50" 720p Panasonic thinking: "Gosh, I wish I had
gone with a smaller 1080p set"... And in a year or two, we'd likely re-
visit a new primary 1080p set when the prices come down a bit more...

Any feedback would be really appreciated.


If you are watching a lot of sports and may hook up a game system, go
plasma. At 10' a 42" should do. Go to a store and sit back 10' to get
an idea. Or cut a piece of cardboard and put where you want the TV to
get an idea. You will not notice a difference in picture resolution of
1080 vs 720 on a 42" set under normal viewing.

OTH a 50"+ at 10' with x * 768 pixels might be pushing it and you risk
being able to see the pixels, which is not a good thing.
To perceive a smooth natural image you should determine at what
distance you can see the pixel structure and then increase the
distance to make sure that the pixels blend together.

With my rule of thumb (scaled from 37" LCD sets) a 42" with 1366x768
pixels has a sweet spot at about 9'. A 52" with 1366x768 pixels has a
sweet spot at about 11'.

If you go for the larger size, check that you don't get disturbed by
the pixel structure. (The larger size also makes quality problems in
the material more obvious.)
/Jan

In article .com,
Steve wrote:
[...]
So I'm just wondering if anyone would have more suggestions on whether
a somewhat non-trained eye would even notice a difference. We really
just want something to watch HD-DVDs on and enjoy the better picture
(than our cheap tube TV). I just have to wonder if I'll ever be
sitting in front of a 50" 720p Panasonic thinking: "Gosh, I wish I had
gone with a smaller 1080p set"... And in a year or two, we'd likely re-
visit a new primary 1080p set when the prices come down a bit more...

Steve, you've received some good feedback, but I think the most
honest answer is: "it depends". There's a lot of data, a lot of
info, and a lot of (sometimes very subjective) opinion that goes
into picking a set.

I have a 3+ yr old 50" LCD rear-pro that I watch from about 10 ft.
When I first put it in the living room, I thought it was HUGE. It
looked terrible with std def. But now that I watch all in digital
(not all HD) the latter looks better. And you get used to the size
to the point where I would be reluctant to downsize.

Many will cite optimal distances, heck, I've done that too. But it
really comes down to what you like and want. Try to check TV's out
in friends houses to get an idea. And, of course, at the store from
your planned distance. Though I think the latter can be deceiving
in a big open store with lots of lights.

As to the nagging thought about "shoulda got 1080p", rational or
not, I'd share it. I've convinced 5 people to get the 42" or 50"
Panny 720p plasma, and I'm sure they all made the best choice at the
time. But if I had to do it today, I'd be on the fence as to 50"
720p or spending the extra $500 or more for 1080p just because of
that nagging doubt. It's hard to pay $2000 knowing that it doesn't
included the latest buzzword technology.

And, of course, there's a lot more to a TV than size and max
resolution. I love the Panny picture. I'm still wary of LCD
contrast/blacklevel/shadow detail / whatever you want to call them.

Sorry if this doesn't give you much factual guidance, but I think
you as much have to go with your gut. Good hunting!

Dave