Looking to buy an HDTV. Does 1080p really make a difference on a screen under 40'? And Plasma or LCD?

Question

Willing to spend @ $700- $1,200. Somewhere between 32 - 40 inches. Looking for some guidance. Is 1080p really worth it if I'm not buying 50's+? Is LCD really that much more costly than plasma? Is it worth it? Where can I get a better deal? Online or in a store? How about bundles with the ps3?

I really appreciate your help. Thanks

Answer 1

Here is a chart that shows whether or not you will benefit from 1080i/p depending on how far away you sit from your tv.  

Also, online you will get your best deal, I saved a bundle buying mine from Amazon.com

Just do a lot of research since you will hvae the tv for a long time.

Hope this helps a bit.

Answer 2

1080p is usually just for HD television and other consoles and things that use it. It seems to make the definition higher so I would recommend it. LCD in my opinion is better than Plasma because LCD screens can't get burn-in by staying on one picture for a long time. My parents got theirs a fry's electronics in the store. I don't really know about bundles that come with the PS3.

Answer 3

frankly speaking, not much different when you are at the actual viewing distant when compare to, say, component video.  LCD are generally more costly than plasma. LCD do have some advantages over plasma. for example, plasma generate more heats and is heavier than LCD, but in terms of contrast and picture quality, plasma is slightly better than LCD as their technology is more mature than LCD.

Answer 4

Most of the time, you can get a better deal on eBay, although make sure the shipping cost is not horrendous.  Places like Radio Shack (that's where I got my 32" Akai -very nice) or Walmart or Best Buy or Circuit City may have some good deals from time to time with free local pick-up.

From what I've seen, unless an HDTV is 40" or more, 1080p is not worth the extra dollars for a slight improvement as well as needing an HD-DVD or Blu-Ray player to do 1080p in the first place.

There is a Sylvania model that is 1080p in a 42" HDTV that is about $1,200 or less that is a great value.  Or if you can find a1080p Sony within your price range, I'd stick with the 37" LCDs.  Go plasma if you normally watch TV in a dark room to avoid reflections from the glass picture screen.