TVs touting a 1080p resolution are everywhere. Since the introduction of the high-res technology a few years ago, TV manufacturers have slowly but surely all but replaced their entire existing lower-res products with 1080p units. But is 1080p absolutely essential? Should we toss out existing 720p TVs for 1080 displays?
The short answer is no. According to most custom electronic professionals, 720p (or lower) res TVs do have a place in homes today—a lot of places, in fact. “I think it’s unwise to buy any 1080p TV below 40 inches,” says Ken White president and owner of Millennium Waves in Orlando, Fla. “In most viewing environments the average consumer can’t see the difference between 720 and 1080p,” adds John Picotte, president of Cinematechs in Boynton Beach, Fla.
Lower-res TVs are just fine, they agree, for places like laundry rooms, kitchens, bedrooms and other spots where a super-size set isn’t necessary, you’ll be viewing the display from far away and you’ll only be watching broadcast programming or standard-def DVDs.
“For a 20-inch TV, you’d have to sit 2½ feet away to really benefit from the resolution of the 1080p TV, says Matt Koppin, a system integration specialist at Architectral Audio Video in Naperville, IL. “And on a TV that small most people aren’t going to be watching Blu-ray anyway.”
The consensus: Stick with the TVs you already own in casual viewing areas. However, if there’s a room that doesn’t already have a TV or if there’s a home theater in your future, go ahead and splurge on a 1080p unit. The price difference between 720p and 1080p continues to dwindle and frankly, it’s becoming more and more difficult to even find a 720p TV anymore, as some manufacturers have phased out their entire 720p lineups.
“It’s starting to get to a point where you won’t even have an option,” says Koppin. “It’ll be 1080p or nothing.”
Thats a pathetic review by an expert. In short they are paid for selling those phased out 720p TV’s. Yes, i am not willing to buy a TV for use less than 2years. When i am investing in a TV why would i buy which doesnt feature all the things which it should be doing? Why should i buy now and repent in next 2-3years? Today everything is going 1080p. My TV should be able to play all my dvd’s, blu-rays and all the formats + i should be able to plug in my computer and play all my latest games at full res. And my budget decides which screen size to go for. So if 32” TV falls in my budget i will go ahead and buy it. Its not my fault if i dont get 40” in my budget. And remember not everyones home have space these days. So more common 32” TVs will remain for long time to come. I am sure you yourself must be having 1080p tv in your living rooms and halls. So cut the crap over this debate and public is matured enuf even without ur useless expert comment. Everyone wants to invest one time with future proofing. Thats exactly we are paying premium for. OK Dudee?
I’ll likely be trashed for this, but here it goes…
I have a Samsung 1080p 46’ 5 Series with USB/PC connectivity (35,000:1) from Costco ($1,299). I’m quite pleased with it, as I’ve gone through a myriad of HD sets over the last decade or so.
I’m also a Dish ‘Absolute’ client, with HBO, MAX and STARZ, viewing via their 722 DVR connected to a wireless AirPort Extreme repeater for content streaming - all for less than $60 p/mo. BTW, I capture locals OTA. My local PBS affiliate broadcasts 3 channels; one in 720p and two in 480p, respectively, while others broadcast 2 (1080i and 480p) to four channels (480p). At present, 23 DTV OTA channels are in our metro.
All HDMi cables are 1.3 gold connectors purchased through e-Bay for less than $6 each - tax and shipping included (I hold little compassion for MonsterCable).
Our Wii is component connected for 480p with high speed WiFi, and an iPod is connected via S-Video for music, photos. This all coordinated through our 5.1 home theater system that consists of a Denon AVR-1906 6.1 DTS/DD receiver, Yamaha high quality center and rear channel speakers, complimented by Norman Lab 8 mains.
The Dish remote controls all aspects of the system, with the exception of the iPod and Wii.
The audio from any component is also routed wirelessly to the patio via a $100 RCA speaker system with exceptional results. The iPod is controlled through a $10 RF controller which works from the living room to the patio, etc.
I too have trouble seriously discerning 1080p’s content in comparison to 1080i, while justifying its investment, as Lisa alludes to. Although I do believe I do see issues with impressions between 720p and 1080i, which is then pushed to 1080p on my Samsung .
I’ve yet to invest in Blu-ray player (I thought DVD-HD was superior product, but that’s all behind us now) and continue to use a $49 1080p up converting Philips DVD player from Costco, which does an exceptional job.
I’m quite happy where I am. I stopped purchasing DVDs quite sometime ago, as the realities of Netflix at $8 p/mo, affords me a boundless international library.
When Blu-ray’s price point reaches par with present day DVD players, inclusive of BD-Live, Netflix streaming, etc, and SW updates, I’ll move. Until then, this configuration is exceptional, in thine eyes.
I only have one 1080p television in my home. Like the article states, most of mine are nowhere near 1080, but they are not my main set either. Having a VUDU hooked up to my 1080p allows the best quality for movies. I think it is necessary if you want a great experience.
Lisa is forgetting a new use for the so-called TV. As a computer monitor. My 37 inch TV is also a PC screen for me as I sit 7 feet away from my couch. I can check email, weather, watch HULU, etc. with my dedicated old laptop to the TV which now lets me decide when to watch which episode of what instead of Cable or Dish operators.
To see my icons clearly, I need 1080p. It’s not a luxury, and it’s not a choice.
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Ruzveh comes across as a total thickhead, the general public has no idea about hd or fhd, they cannot even
adjust their current analogue tv’s for correct contrast color or black level, I have visited many friends and strangers over the years, and in only a few instances has the
tv in the house been correctly adjusted, the article is essentialy correct in its premise, 720p and 1080p are
unable to be separated at more than 7 ft ir relation to the
living room situation, the reason Ruzveh gave in regard to
longevity, is a total furphy, he most likely drives a
combution engined car!, thats not buying for the future,
thats being practical for today, its called cost, when I
can afford something new I will get it,