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Beginner HDTV questions, sorry! Plasma 720 vs 1080

A

amtbr

Member
So this years blackfriday has inspired me to finally make the switch to HDTV. I just watch movies and have no plans on gaming on my TV. So after a few hours of research, I decided on a plasma. I am debating between a 42 inch vs. 50 inch. I went with plasma because the prices seem to be much lower on them vs similar LCD setups.
Questions:
-I just use my TV for movies and TV, so plasma would be the better choice?
-At 42/50 inches, is there a noticeable need for 1080 vs 720? I don't sit 5 feet away from my TV...
-I have an OLD dvd player, like first/second generation old. Will it work well with a new HDTV?
-The digital signal coming Feb 2009 through my cable will not be in HDTV correct? I still need to sign up for an HDTV plan and get a box from comcast?

Sorry for these questions, I did a lot of digging and walked away still confused. I've been trying to do it on my own rather than having some bozo at BB tell me.
 
1) I prefer LCDs but the main thing to keep in mind would be the cost. Large plasmas are generally cheaper, display "blacker" blacks, and are better for low light situations. LCDs do better if it is bright, but are more expensive and their blacks aren't usually "true" black.
2) Yes. You will notice the difference. Even the difference between 1080i and 1080p is noticeable. (Try watching a Blu-Ray movie (1080p) vs. watching Cablevision iO digital output (1080i))
3) I would recommend you get an "upscaling" DVD player or even a Blu-Ray. The upscaling DVD players often take standard DVD def (480i I think) and make it look like 1080i or even 1080p. They are pretty damn good in my opinion, especially for the low price.
4) Yes you will need to sign up for an HDTV plan and get a special HD cable box from your local service provider.
 
Originally posted by: haffey
1) I prefer LCDs but the main thing to keep in mind would be the cost. Large plasmas are generally cheaper, display "blacker" blacks, and are better for low light situations. LCDs do better if it is bright, but are more expensive and their blacks aren't usually "true" black.
Click to expand...
I prefer Plamas because of the reason mentioned above (blacker blacks). As long as you don't have a window directly opposite your TV and do have blinds on the windows a plasma will perform fine (or just as well as an LCD)

2) Yes. You will notice the difference. Even the difference between 1080i and 1080p is noticeable. (Try watching a Blu-Ray movie (1080p) vs. watching Cablevision iO digital output (1080i))
Click to expand...
There is more to picture quality than resolution. I bet the bitrates where quite different between your cable co and a BD disc (probably ~10mbps vs ~30mpbs). Even if you get 1080p on demand which some services offer, BD will still probably produce the better picture (assuming the same source video).

I would say that you can't tell the difference between 1080i and 1080p. 99% of HDTV broadcast are 1080i or 720p so a 1080p TV will have to process the signal before displaying it. If you plan on BD soon then a TV that is 1080p/24fps capable would be best.

(To be honest on my 42" Plasma from 8 feet away I can't tell a difference between 1080p and 720p, thus the reason I haven't upgraded)

3) I would recommend you get an "upscaling" DVD player or even a Blu-Ray. The upscaling DVD players often take standard DVD def (480i I think) and make it look like 1080i or even 1080p. They are pretty damn good in my opinion, especially for the low price.
Click to expand...

Well, this depends, if your TV has a better upscaling chip than the new player you are buying it could actually end up being worse. Vizio offers a 50" HDTV (1080p Plasma) with the REON HQV chip built in. This is the same chip you find in your $300+ DVD upconverter players.

So, depending your TV / DVD player combo, the video could be better or worse. If in doubt, buy your new TV, watch DVD's on your old DVD player and if you are happy with the quality wait for it to die before buying a new one.



 
doubtful that any devices will come with the HDMI cable. Most cable companies hand out component and most DVD players only come with composite. Go to monoprice and pick up a couple (probably for under $15 shipped).


Nice TV, you should be happy with it.
 
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