TV shopping...question about 720/1080

[forgop]

I'm in the market for 3 small TV's, probably a couple of 22" TV's and maybe a 37". The salesman tells me that HD is broadcast in 720 and unless you're using it for something like blu-ray, you get no increase in picture quality using a 1080 vs. a 720. I just signed up with ATT U-Verse, so am I wasting money if I go up to 1080 if it's just going to be used to watch cable TV? Thanks!

Now I'm no connoisseur of electronics but I do know that 720p is the same as 1080i. So unless you buy a 1080p tv you are not going to have a reduction in picture quality. Most companies broadcast in 1080i so you won't be at a loss and if I understand correctly tv companies aren't moving to 1080p for like 3 or 4 years.

Hope this helps!

[forgop]

Originally Posted by NeverEnoughStick

Now I'm no connoisseur of electronics

I even stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night and I still had to ask myself.

I never trust a salesman I don't know, especially one that is so new he doesn't have business cards with his name on it.

[The Poet]

I have no knowledge, and no experience, so my opinion is not even worth the 2-cents it is normally. But I see the issue as moot with the 22" sets, since the vast majority I've seen that size are 720. As for the 37", I would personally be more concerned with 60/120 response instead of the 720/1080 resolution . . . and since it seems you MUST go with the 1080 to get the faster response, I'd say that's the way to go for the larger set.

[Blueface]

Originally Posted by forgop

I'm in the market for 3 small TV's, probably a couple of 22" TV's and maybe a 37". The salesman tells me that HD is broadcast in 720 and unless you're using it for something like blu-ray, you get no increase in picture quality using a 1080 vs. a 720. I just signed up with ATT U-Verse, so am I wasting money if I go up to 1080 if it's just going to be used to watch cable TV? Thanks!

I have a 1080 I just bought.
When I change the channel, it tells me it is receiving HD in 720.
I called ATT and was told that is what it comes in like.
I guess only Blue Ray or whatever other technology will maximize the 1080.
Either way, I would get the 1080 now for the minimal difference and would also get 120 HZ if possible.

[forgop]

Originally Posted by The Poet

I have no knowledge, and no experience, so my opinion is not even worth the 2-cents it is normally. But I see the issue as moot with the 22" sets, since the vast majority I've seen that size are 720. As for the 37", I would personally be more concerned with 60/120 response instead of the 720/1080 resolution . . . and since it seems you MUST go with the 1080 to get the faster response, I'd say that's the way to go for the larger set.

I should clarify this is not going to be one of our primary TV's as it'll just be a 2nd/3rd option if we're entertaining and it's a matter of giving the kids something to watch on. I would also possibly be hooking up a PS3 to it as well. I'm thinking of getting this one off craigslist locally for $400 with mounting rack. http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/t...etail&tab=spec

I saw it at Sam's Club today for like $675.

[Rabidsquirrel]

You may want to consider reading this: http://consumerist.com/2010/05/hdtv-...ry-expert.html and the article they quoted before you get caught up in the so called 'specs'.

[mithrilG60]

North American HD TV signals are currently broadcast in 720p, Britain and some other countries use 1080i but as others pointed out they're effectively the same resolution. On sets smaller than 42" you'll have to be standing within a couple feet to see the difference in resolution between 720p and 1080p, at a normal viewing distance it's physically impossible for the human eye see the difference between the 2. Even on a 50" set you cannot see the difference between 720p and 1080p at 10', the effect beyond that distance is psychosomatic... you "see" more a cleaner picture because your mind "knows" that 1080p is better.

1080p is only really important on 55"+ sets or if you're sitting REALLY close to the tv. For the size TV you're talking about buying I'd ignore the 720p vs 1080p spec and concentrate on which set has the better feature set that you're likely to use, better overall build quality and rating, better warranty, etc. If all other specs are equal, buy the 720p model because it'll be cheaper... no point in paying for marketing hype that you can't use anyways.