OK, here's the problem. We're needing a new TV for the livingroom, but are at a loss as to exactly what will look the best given the fact that we won't be using a HD or satellite signal. At the moment we have expanded-basic cable, but are considering digital cable, but that's as far as it'll go.

Anyway, my biggest hang-up is whether to get 1080 or 720. If I'm correct, a standard or digital cable signal will look better on 720 than on 1080 because the signal is actually coming in at less than 720, and must be converted to higher (making the picture worse). Am I correct in this assumption?

To add a little fuel to the fire here, I'm definitely getting a PS3 in the future, and will probably be buying all my DVD's as blue-ray from now on. I've heard that the DVD player in the PS2 is terrible, but I can't tell because my current TV is terrible as well . Is the blue-ray player in the PS3 the same way? Also, if I'm not going to get 1080, should I even bother buying blue-ray DVD's at all? I mean, will I be able to tell a difference between a standard DVD on 720 and a blue-ray DVD on 720?

I've read over and over that DLP is the best for the budget-minded, but we're also considering LCD. I really like the 57" 1080 Samsung DLP I saw today at Best buy, and the 55" 720 Sony LCD was awesome as well, but since I do a fair amount of gaming (race-games mostly), I've been told that DLP is the way to go, can anyone confirm this?

To top it off, I have to get a Surround-Sound system as well (Home Theatre), the woman says that there is no point in getting a great TV with terrible sound .

Anyway, sorry there are so many questions, if you have any input at all, please advise. Oh, and yes, money is an object, I'd like to get a TV for less than $2,200 'cause the budget is $3K and we have to get a stand, HT, etc.

Thanks in advance for any info.

 

As for the 720 versus 1080, get the 1080p if you can afford it.

Most programming comes in at 480p, and would be upscaled. This is tricky, because some TVs have shitty scalers and some have good ones. You can be pretty much assured that scaling quality increases with price, with few exceptions. Before buying a TV insist on viewing both DVD and Blu-Ray/HD-DVD content to see how the TV handles them. It's easier to scale 480 up to 1080 as it's more or less a 2:1 ratio on height and width. 720 is more a 1.5:1 and a bad scaler can mess that up.

Most HD content is 1080i, while the minority (only ABC I think) is 720p. You're not going to see any 1080p broadcast content as it takes up too much spectrum. Still, go 1080p for the TV because HD-DVD and Blu-Ray is 1080p. A 1080p set will not have to do any scaling with 1080i/p content, so that's a real plus.

You're right on the PS2 being a bad DVD player...the decoding on it sucks. I'd imagine the PS3 to be an average Blu-Ray player at best, too...they are losing money on them so why put in top-notch components?

As for DLP versus LCD, I prefer DLP. I don't tend to like LCD flat panels because the color is dodgy, at best. LCD projection sets are better than flat panels, though, but I still think DLP is better. DLP can have "rainbow" problems some people notice, but the latest sets have cut down on this. Also, dark scenes can have light "motes" but recent sets not so much.

Some may disagree, but I think the best projection system out now is the LCoS system. This is knowns as SXRD for Sony sets, and HD-ILA on JVC sets. Take a look at one of these and decide for yourself. I think they are awesome. All in all, it's about $200 over a DLP set but worth it. I've seen 50" sets well under $2K, too.

 

Wow, Steven to the rescue, thanks for the info dude.

It's hard to explain to people that normal cable looks worse on a DLP/LCD/Plasma than it does on my old 52" Sony rear-projection. Of course my current set is more blurry, but it's not pixelated at all, if that's the correct term.

I can afford a $2,500 set, I just don't want it to look worse than what I've got on all but a blue-laser DVD and player, you know?

Besides movies and games, it'll be rare that I watch something in HD, it'll just be standard or digital cable.

The LCD Sony we looked at was SXRD, and had a beautiful picture. I wonder if there is a way to find out which TV's have the best scalers?

 

Actually, I have seen several tests of the PS3 and every one has listed it as the best blu-ray player out right now, especially for the money.

 

Good to know, thanks wickerbill.

Do you guys think it's the right time to buy a set like this? You know what I mean, 2 years ago these were like $5K, are we close to the bottom as far as pricing, and close to the top as far as bugs being worked out?

 

If you're getting a PS3 and want to watch Blu-Ray discs, definitely get a 1080p set. Now is a fine time to buy. Prices fell drastically last November/December and I don't foresee any rapid drops in the future. You might be able to find some deals when stores are cleaning out '06 stock, and prices should drop a bit the end of the year when new technologies including lazers and LEDs start to show up more, but this should not stop you from buying now.

Now as far as set selection:

It looks like you want a large set, close to 60". Choices below $2500 for a 1080p set include: Samsung 1080p DLP sets 56, 61" (should be $1600, $2100 online), Sony LCoS A2000 series 55, 60" ($1500, $2200 online), Mitsubishi DLPs, JVC HD-ILA (LCoS).

I prefer the PQ on the LCoS sets, but the DLPs seem to have slightly better color (it pops more). Both have good contrast and deep blacks.

LCDs suffer greatly in the contrast dept, and they get very expensive in larger sizes if you want 1080p. Also if they don't have good response time, they will not be good for high speed gaming.

 

OK, so I'm pretty much sold on the 1080 56" Samsung DLP I saw at Best Buy, but it's $2,200 + tax, and I can get it at pricegrabber for $1900 shipped from what looks like a reputable seller (tristatecamera).

What do you guys think, buy local, or buy online and get a TV and PS3 for the same price?

 

$300 is a tough call. Thats right on my threshold. I generally tell myself if I can save $200 or more on a large purchase, I will buy online. The benefit to purchasing at BB is you can return it if you encounter a problem. When purchasing online, you will have to deal with the manufacturer from day one.

However, Sammy DLPs are relatively problem free so I wouldn't hesitate to make the purchase online.

 

Buy local. I don't think it's worth the hassle if anything goes wrong. I know someone who's on her third TV from an online vendor because of problems with the sets she received, and she could have bought another TV with what she's spending on shipping them back.

According to the most recent articles on pricing, things are leveling off. Prices will still drop, but a lot less than before. What you'll probably see is minor price drops but a lot of extra features and improvements as sets develop.

I've had a 50" Samsung DLP for four years now, and I love it. It's great with DVDs, which is what I cought it for. I'd say basic cable looks pretty crappy, but I don't watch TV so it doesn't bother me.

 

I don't have much to add. It's Fox that shows their content in 720p. All the disney networks (ABC, ESPN, ESPN2) go 1080i. CBS is 1080i, I'm not sure about NBC. I just know their sound sucks.

I'm pretty sure all standard TV is 480i not 480p. DVDs are 480p. I don't think, but I'm not sure, digital cable is shown at 480p.

What I will add though is just buy the best TV you have budgeted, and maybe spend a few bucks more if need be. You'll have this TV most likely for at least 10 years so you might as well have the latest technology from the get go. And 1080p is it and since you're definitely looking at HD-DVD/BluRay real soon, might as well get the set that shows it without too much enhancement done by the TV (or DVD player/converter box).

Lastly, if you're a big sports fan, stay with DLP, fast action shows display better on DLP sets (when comparing to LCD).