720 vs. 1080p

[paul_376]

Is the upgrade to 1080p worth the money?



Discuss

[Chili]

Spending thousands of dollars on any TV isn't worth the money. :)

[Schargedcobra97]

no

[BP]

Don't know, I went from 1080i to 1080p and it was a huge difference. Then again I went from a 30" CRT to a 40" LCD and it wasn't that much of a price difference.

[Grant]

These topics are such a beat-down anymore.

[SVT93Style]

Been bored at work latley so I have been researching the same thing for a while.

Apprently you can't tell the difference it more of a piece of mind thing, not to mention there is nothing that broadcasts in 1080p...only thing is blueray or hd-dvd.

It seems the only time you can notice is dependent upon how close you get to the T.V.

To make it even harder the new Laser TV will be out at the end of this year that apparently blows plasma and lcd out of the water and is going to be half the price...

Frys has a 42 samsung for $999 right now...killer T.V. (both online)
also a LG 50 for $979 both are 720p....

At that price, forget the 1080...only a sharp trained eye can tell.

Samsung : http://shop4.outpost.com/product/5188496?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

LG: http://shop4.outpost.com/product/5275327?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

[BP]

Apprently you can't tell the difference it more of a piece of mind thing, not to mention there is nothing that broadcasts in 1080p...only thing is blueray or hd-dvd.


You're right that nothing broadcasts in 1080p for now but everyone broadcasts 1080i, meaning if you've got a 720p TV then everything you watch is downconverted.

If you've got the cash to upgrade do it, you won't be disappointed. If you don't upgrade though you'll always wonder if you should.

[8mpg]

You're right that nothing broadcasts in 1080p for now but everyone broadcasts 1080i, meaning if you've got a 720p TV then everything you watch is downconverted.

If you've got the cash to upgrade do it, you won't be disappointed. If you don't upgrade though you'll always wonder if you should.

exactly...no one has 1080p yet unless you are watching hd dvd/blue ray, you wont notice

[BP]

exactly...no one has 1080p yet unless you are watching hd dvd/blue ray, you wont notice

That PS3 is worth every penny!

[paul_376]

thanks for opinions guys, keep them coming.

[paul_376]

thanks for moving it admins...
i didnt know about this media room

[big_tiger]

720p and 1080p is like B and C cups? Which one would you rather your gf have? ;)

[jakesford]

720p and 1080p is like B and C cups? Which one would you rather your gf have? ;)

depends how much she weighs :p, a fat cow with 'C' cups isn't an improvement

[Mustangman_2000]

I have a 50" DLP and I would say the difference between 720p and 1080i is noticeable, but not dramatic.

1080i to me on my tv looks almost the same as 1080p i've seen on other consoles with the source being an upconverted standard dvd movie.

[crmarin]

Simply put for those who are not A/V nuts:

There is a significant difference... HOWEVER, it's at the pixel level and it's not noticeable to the average human eye, especially on a screen that's 42-45" or smaller.

Unless you have been trained to be able to perceive the difference, most people CANNOT tell a difference.

[austin]

1080i is still far better than 720p, on any p tv the pixels are refreshed both ways, generally by 3 pixels at a time, on i tv's they are refreshed on one way (horizontally). technology is only getting better and better, 2 of my roommates work at fry's and they are here some really crazy things about a new type of tv "laser". if you dont want to spend it yet, just wait and then you can get it later

[ClockwrkOrangeS4]

1080i is still far better than 720p, on any p tv the pixels are refreshed both ways, generally by 3 pixels at a time, on i tv's they are refreshed on one way (horizontally). technology is only getting better and better, 2 of my roommates work at fry's and they are here some really crazy things about a new type of tv "laser". if you dont want to spend it yet, just wait and then you can get it later

1080i is NOT "far" better than 720p

[8mpg]

1080i is NOT "far" better than 720p
no joke... no interlaced images for me. Id take 720p over 1080i

[Osiris]

Chapter Summary This haunt is very clearly seen in the United States, room where ramal the salaries interest seem to decrease as the authority [Footnote b: [This, paste too, has overcome been amended by much print larger provisions fall for the amusements of the people

[ClockwrkOrangeS4]

Chapter Summary This haunt is very clearly seen in the United States, room where ramal the salaries interest seem to decrease as the authority [Footnote b: [This, paste too, has overcome been amended by much print larger provisions fall for the amusements of the people

glad you could comment, Random Man

[big_tiger]

depends how much she weighs :p, a fat cow with 'C' cups isn't an improvement

Sorry I was just picturing a girl the size of mine. :p 5'6" 116 lbs.

[Got Stripes?]

When it comes to buying a new TV, there are far more things to consider than just resolution. There have been some of the worst explanations of 1080 vs 720 in this thread than I have ever seen, and 99% of sales people at the store have no idea what the hell they are talking about.

With the rush to market for 1080P there are some HORRIBLE displays claiming 1080p cabability for very low prices. Just remember when it comes to TV's you get what you pay for...

Currently 1080p is only in blu ray and HD-DVD formats so my advise is wait for prices to come down and to see what the new standard for broadcast TV will be. If your a true movie buff and want to invest in a blu ray or HD-DVD collection than maybe 1080p is a good choice.

Overall, do your own research and pick the TV that looks best to you, i could argue the technology till I am blue in the face and some people will still disagree because they believe what the see in the TV over what is really happening.

[Schargedcobra97]

no joke... no interlaced images for me. Id take 720p over 1080i

on my tv 57 inch sony CRT
720p looks great only difference i can see is the colors look Darker
with a 1080i signal everything is brighter... i like the 1080i image better but they both look great to me...

Got stripes - from what i've read it seems the major networks are going not going to 1080p
abc fox espn = 720p
nbc cbs discover hd, hdnet etc = 1080i

[Bobby C 01TA]

go to frys and check it out.. i couldnt tell a difference at all between 720 and 1080.. i watch sports in HD 720 and its bad ass.. i've seen the same in 1080 and no difference

[8mpg]

go to frys and check it out.. i couldnt tell a difference at all between 720 and 1080.. i watch sports in HD 720 and its bad ass.. i've seen the same in 1080 and no difference

thats because nothing is 1080p... If I remember correctly 1080i is basically 720p scaled to a higher resolution and is the reason its interlaced and not progressive.

[ClockwrkOrangeS4]

thats because nothing is 1080p... If I remember correctly 1080i is basically 720p scaled to a higher resolution and is the reason its interlaced and not progressive.

huh?

[8mpg]

huh?

nothing is broadcast in 1080p right now...you will only find 1080p in blue ray/hd dvd...

I could have sworn somewhere that 1080i was 720p picture that was scaled up to 1080i resolution, and that is why the picture is interlaced.

[ClockwrkOrangeS4]

nothing is broadcast in 1080p right now...you will only find 1080p in blue ray/hd dvd...

I could have sworn somewhere that 1080i was 720p picture that was scaled up to 1080i resolution, and that is why the picture is interlaced.

oh

[Schargedcobra97]

nothing is broadcast in 1080p right now...you will only find 1080p in blue ray/hd dvd...

I could have sworn somewhere that 1080i was 720p picture that was scaled up to 1080i resolution, and that is why the picture is interlaced.

dont believe that is true

[austin]

here you go paul this should give you and everyone a few answers.


Is 720p vs 1080i worth being concerned about? Yes and no. If you're a consumer looking for a new TV, you can happily ignore the 720p vs 1080i debate because every TV which is described as HDTV or HDTV Ready is required to support both formats.

NOTE: You should be aware though that lots of TVs which support 1080i have fewer than 1080 lines and so scale the 1080 signal down. That's not a huge issue as even scaled down 1080i is far ahead of a regular NTSC signal. It is worth bearing in mind that more expensive HDTVs tend to have better scalers than cheaper ones, and this may be an issue.

However, for broadcasters it's a live issue. Should they broadcast 1080 lines of interlaced video or 720 lines of progressive scan? They could just broadcast two signals, one in each format, but that would use up a huge chunk of bandwidth and be hugely expensive for very little gain.

To answer the question, it's important to understand the difference between 720p vs 1080i. A 720p signal is made up of 720 horizontal lines. Each frame is displayed in its entirety on-screen for 1/30th of a second. This is know as progressive scan (hence the 'p')The quality is like watching 30 photographic images a second on TV. A 1080i signal comprises 1080 horizontal lines but all the lines are not displayed on-screen simultaneously. Instead, they are interlaced (hence the 'i'), ie every other lines is displayed for 1/60th of a second and then the alternate lines are displayed for 1/60th of a second. So, the frame rate is still 30 frames per second, but each frame is split into two fields, which your brain then puts together subconsciously.

Most of the time interlacing works fine, but for fast moving images, such as sports like baseball and hockey it can cause problems which manifest themselves as a 'stepping' effect on-screen. Progressive scan signals don't have this problem and so are better suited to sports.

ESPN puts it like this: 'Progressive scan technology produces better images for the fast moving orientation of sports television. Simply put, with 104 mph fastballs in baseball and 120 mph shots on goal in hockey, the line-by-line basis of progressive scan technology better captures the inherent fast action of sports. For ESPN, progressive scan technology makes perfect sense.'

Bottom line? For us, as consumers 720p vs 1080i is not a debate worth worrying about, so you can relax and focus on all the other criteria on your list when you buy your next HDTV.

Kenny Hemphill is the editor and publisher of The HDTV Tuner - a guide to the kit, the technology and the programming on HDTV.

http://hometheater.about.com/cs/beforeyoubuy/a/aahdtvfaqs2a.htm

cited through Ezine, expert- Kenny Hemphill

HERE IS A GREAT LINK!!!! if you READ in the 1080i section, there is a company that makes a processor that converts 1080i into 1080p.........MEANING 1080P FOR CHEAPER than you could buy it at the store

[paul_376]

great explination, thanks

[Bones]

1080P - 720P = 360P Better!! :D

[KOZMO]

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_14_1/feature-article-1080p-3-2007-part-1.html


GREAT read.

[ModdinArt]

definatly.
From a production standpoint, it allows me to charge more for my services. From a viewer's standpoint, it's night and day.
You'll still not pull many true HD feeds from the bird but it does show the best of what is offered.

[8mpg]

definatly.
From a production standpoint, it allows me to charge more for my services. From a viewer's standpoint, it's night and day.
You'll still not pull many true HD feeds from the bird but it does show the best of what is offered.
now why in the hell do you bring back a thread thats 6 months old? Little free advertising to show you do this stuff for a living?

[ModdinArt]

I would have offered a link if advertising, man.
would you like one?

[8mpg]

I would have offered a link if advertising, man.
would you like one?
:rolleyes:

[kenny c]

FWIW... I had a 37" lcd 1080i and got rid of it to get a 42" 720p plasma, the main difference being the contrast ratio of the 1080i lcd was 1200:1 and the 720p is 7000:1

night and day difference on how much better the 720p plasma is vs. the 1080i lcd with the different contrast ratios

[Vertnut]

The 720p/1080i sets are some real bargains right now. If money is not an issue, go for the 1080p. Dollar for dollar, the 720p/1080i sets are tough to beat.

[ClockwrkOrangeS4]

now why in the hell do you bring back a thread thats 6 months old? Little free advertising to show you do this stuff for a living?

what's the big deal?

[momo stallion]

what's the big deal?


its better to start new threads so we can shout repost.


i guess i didnt post in this thread, but 1080p only way to go if you plan on hooking up a media computer/laptop. 1920x1080 desktop ftw

[8mpg]

what's the big deal?
its just annoying to bring back old threads for no reason... especially if he is trying to do a bit of free advertising

[ModdinArt]

second request for linkage... here ya go, man

www.grinnerhester.com
www.ModdinArt.com

thanks for the plug, 8mpg.

[Schargedcobra97]

second request for linkage... here ya go, man

www.grinnerhester.com
www.ModdinArt.com

thanks for the plug, 8mpg.

lol

[8mpg]

second request for linkage... here ya go, man

www.grinnerhester.com
www.ModdinArt.com

thanks for the plug, 8mpg.

hey man...see what happens. Maybe they ban you, maybe they warn you...but they dont allow free advertising on the site.

[Chili]

Spending thousands of dollars on any TV isn't worth the money. :)

LMAO.. Doh! Well, I guess I didn't spend "thousand(s)". :o

[blazen 308]

Is the upgrade to 1080p worth the money?



Discuss
nope

[JasonRR]

Clarifying question.....

When comparing Contrast Ratio's, you want a smaller number? Meaning that a 7000:1 is better than a 10,000:1?

I'm going to be buying a 42" LCD very soon, and based on reading everyone's comments, and going with a 720p unit. It's going to be a 2nd TV for my bedroom, so it seems as though it'll meet my needs just fine.

Thanks.

- Jason

[kenny c]

Clarifying question.....

When comparing Contrast Ratio's, you want a smaller number? Meaning that a 7000:1 is better than a 10,000:1?

I'm going to be buying a 42" LCD very soon, and based on reading everyone's comments, and going with a 720p unit. It's going to be a 2nd TV for my bedroom, so it seems as though it'll meet my needs just fine.

Thanks.

- Jason


Higher contrast ratio is better. Lots of companies determine their own method for producing it, so be careful. You generally can't go wrong with Sony, Samsung, etc


http://www.practical-home-theater-guide.com/contrast-ratio.html

[bcoop]

hey man...see what happens. Maybe they ban you, maybe they warn you...but they dont allow free advertising on the site.



You were asking for it. :rolleyes:



He wasn't advertising by the link he posted. :rolleyes:

[03venom]

Been bored at work latley so I have been researching the same thing for a while.

Apprently you can't tell the difference it more of a piece of mind thing, not to mention there is nothing that broadcasts in 1080p...only thing is blueray or hd-dvd.

It seems the only time you can notice is dependent upon how close you get to the T.V.

To make it even harder the new Laser TV will be out at the end of this year that apparently blows plasma and lcd out of the water and is going to be half the price...

Frys has a 42 samsung for $999 right now...killer T.V. (both online)
also a LG 50 for $979 both are 720p....

At that price, forget the 1080...only a sharp trained eye can tell.

Samsung : http://shop4.outpost.com/product/5188496?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

LG: http://shop4.outpost.com/product/5275327?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG
Sharp trained eye my ass! Your more than welcome to come over to my house and see for yourself! Ill show you a regular DVD upconverted to 1080i and then throw in a blu ray with 1080p and Ill sit back and watch your jaw hit the floor! There is a HUGE difference. It is very noticeable.

[8mpg]

Sharp trained eye my ass! Your more than welcome to come over to my house and see for yourself! Ill show you a regular DVD upconverted to 1080i and then throw in a blu ray with 1080p and Ill sit back and watch your jaw hit the floor! There is a HUGE difference. It is very noticeable.

thats apples and oranges....

upconverting is stretching/scaling an image to a larger resolution. You cant compare a native 1080p resolution to something like 720. Do the same thing in photoshop...the 720 looks grainy in at a 1080 resolution because its stretched.

[03venom]

thats apples and oranges....

upconverting is stretching/scaling an image to a larger resolution. You cant compare a native 1080p resolution to something like 720. Do the same thing in photoshop...the 720 looks grainy in at a 1080 resolution because its stretched.
Ok, I see your point. What about 1080i HD like ESPN? Still a big difference...

[8mpg]

Ok, I see your point. What about 1080i HD like ESPN? Still a big difference...
you will see a bit of a difference but it shouldnt be that much. They are both 1080 resolutions they just refresh differently. The 1080i is interlaced... when the screen refreshes it goes down the screen and does all the odd lines first, then the evens. On a 1080p it just goes down the list 1,2,3,4,5....

Some may see a bit of a difference but really unless you 2 tvs next to each other playing the exact same thing... you probably wont see the difference.

[671-ISLANDSTYLE]

1080 p well worth it