Which of these HDTV's will be better?

Question

I have removed the brands in order to remove and bias advice. So, for this question, just assume the brand is the same for all the TV's.

So, which of these TV's is the BETTER BUY at the price shown??

Which will give me the best PICTURE QUALITY??

1- 46" LCD 1080p 1000:1 contrast ratio cost $840

2- 42" LCD 720p 1500:1 contrast ratio cost $600

3- 37" LCD 720p 5000:1 contrast ratio cost $630

I will probably reveal the brands later.

Answer 1

The third option makes more sense.  However the contrast ratio's are now advertised as 50,000 : 1 so better to wait for it.

Answer 2

By contrast ratio I assume you mean Dynamic Contrast Ratio. The problem with a spec comparison as you have offered here is that there is no industry standard for measuring and reporting Dynamic contrast ratio. The best comparison is going to be a visual side-by-side of these three TVs. As far as resolution goes, I never recommend a LCD HDTV at 720p for a 46" LCD. They just start to show  graininess at this size. A 42" LCD at 720p can be a good buy and may provide a good, sharp picture depending upon your viewing distance. The 37" 720p will give you a very sharp and detailed picture and may be your best buy.

To the response that suggest that the industry is dropping 720p - BS! 90% of all HD content is broadcasted in 720p format. There is NO 1080p content broadcasted today nor in the near future. Content will ALWAYS look the best when presented in its native resolution. Below 40", 1080p is not only a waste of money, but it results in a less clear, sharp picture when displaying 480i or 720p content. Yes, manufacturers are beginning to push 1080p into LCD TVs below 40" because it produces higher profits and people like this will buy into the market hype!!!!! The smart shopper will see through this hype and continue to demand 720p products.

Answer 3

Well, 720p is old technology.  Whether you can actually "see" the difference between 720p and 1080p or not (since nothing is broadcast in 1080p at this time), the industry is dropping the 720 format.  Price has a lot to do with it.  

When the electronics industry starts to drop a format, you don't want to jump on that band wagon.  i.e. HD DVD, or Beta VCRs.

Of the ones you mention, there's no contest.  #1 is the correct answer in your scenario.