HdTv questions !

[Majik16106]

ok i got 2

1) 720p Vs 1080p - worth the money? looks like id end up spending around 7-800 extra for the 1080. people say its worth it and i really havnt had a chance to really look at 2 and compare. I just know a lot of times i see hdtv's in the store and they dont look that much better than my old regular tv.. but maybe thats because its regular tv playing on it.

2)lcd, plasma, or rear proj? - I dont need the flat screen, i have the room here to put in a rear projection hdtv.. but does that hurt the picture? is the plasma or lcd that much better and whats the benifet here besides saved space because here i have no clue and i hate sales people.

With some of the new movies im buying and the prices dropping i think its just time to buy one.. plus im one of the dumb people playing an xbox 360 on a regular tv when it was designed for the hdtv. so now i have some money and im redoing my basement.. surround sound. new couch.. etc. and its time for a big tv.. im thinkin just over 50 inch.

any input is cool thanks!

[Speedster]

Majik -
This is opinion only so take it as such.
If you are going to bother with an upgrade in the first place go to the 1080i/1080p. That is the new standard. 720 is a jumpoff point. Also BlueRay is becoming the next hot technology which is the higher res.

If space is not a concern and money is, go for the rear projection. Just make sure it has an Autoconvergence function so that you can realign it if it gets moved or knocked really hard. Plasma TVs lose half of their luminescence every 3 1/2 years, which basically means they get dimmer over time. LCDs may be replaced with eLEDs if they get that technology worked out to not hog so much power.

Just some things to ponder.

[Rob07002]

I think 1080 is worth it considering it will be the new standard and the new hd-dvd and blue ray technology will be based on the higher resolution.

Just a thought but since your redoing your basement have you considered front projection? Buying a projector and a screen or you can make a screen, hell you can even project on a prepared wall.

Benefits you ask?

Depending on projector distance and location up to and beyond 120" crystal clear image

Today's HT projecters that are HD ready and utilize DLP technology have some of the clearest, sharpest, brilliant and certainly largest images for a fraction of an LCD or plasma.

Optoma H72 HD DLP front projector is about $2000 add $1000 for a screen and we're talking home theater!

LCD Vs. Plasma - LCD will give a brighter image and better contrast not to mention the problem with diminishing image over time.

My suggestions:

1)Front projector
2)Rear projection DLP - 61" Samsung, 60 or 70" Sony
3)LCD
4)Plasma
5)Flat screen CRT
6)fish tank
7)blank wall
8)Neighbors TV

Let me know if you have questions. I've researched them quite a lot and have some good reasources.

[Hooligan]

Have you looked at the forums over at avsforum.com (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/index.php)

[Majik16106]

no i havnt.. ill check.

I really like the idea of a projector.. but every house i have been in that had one in a room where there was any windows.. it wasnt clear because of the light. I was at Robbie Ginepri's house this weekend watching him play in new york ( best friend is his house mate).. and he has a huge one in a completely dark room.. other than the self dimming lights.. so it looked good. but thats way more work than i want to put in. projectors just look too light to me in rooms with lots of light.

[Rob07002]

no i havnt.. ill check.

I really like the idea of a projector.. but every house i have been in that had one in a room where there was any windows.. it wasnt clear because of the light. I was at Robbie Ginepri's house this weekend watching him play in new york ( best friend is his house mate).. and he has a huge one in a completely dark room.. other than the self dimming lights.. so it looked good. but thats way more work than i want to put in. projectors just look too light to me in rooms with lots of light.


Light control is certainly very important when it comes to pj's but since your doing this in a basement I don't see that being a problem. Some room darkening window treatments and your done.

Also keep in mind that newer home theater pj's have good contrast and brightness and combined with a high contrast screen can overcome light issues.

Of course the best image will be obtained in a room with little or no light you can still enjoy a high quality image in a semi-lite room.

Soem of the pj's you have seen in the past maybe older or even business pj's which are not designed for HT use.

Check out www.projectorcentral.com
they have a good forum with lots of info and screen shots.

[jonny51]

I have a Sony LCD and A Samsung Plasma.The LCD in HD has a slighty better picture.On regular non HD programming the Plasma's picture is far better than my LCD's.
I like both TV's but I like the Plasma a little bit better.If you like gaming the plasma has a faster recovery rate.