Ruprecht88

While 720p and 1080i are two separate options for broadcasting, they are not two separate native resolutions on today's TV sets. When shopping, you're going to find native resolutions of either 720p or 1080p and the sets will upscale/downscale accordingly. I didn't want shoppers to think that there is some set in between 720p and 1080p when looking for deals. What's called a 720p/1080i-capable TV will have a native resolution of 1366×768, 1280×720 or 1024×768. For a higher native resolution, you have to go to 1080p, a.k.a. 1920x1080 (this is not native 1080i). Just about everything being broadcast in HD is either 720p or 1080i, which can both be taken "full" advantage of on a "720p" set. It seems that more is in 1080i, but again, having a 1080 native resolution alone isn't going to do anything for you on that versus 720. Directv broadcasts some PPV movies in 1080p, but I haven't come across anything else that does (and therefore would look better on a 1080p set versus a 720p set).

Actually, you didn't. "You just wrong." Thanks for playing. Seriously, I don't have the energy either. Enjoy BF!

What were the couple of things I said that are off? I'm still waiting for that. Should people be seeking out 1080i TV's? That was my main point. Sorry if I find it annoying when someone hijacks what's supposed to be a helpful thread just to act like a big shot. I was just trying to be helpful to those who seemed to be in need of some general information on what's out there. This isn't the AVS forums after all.

That's nice that you have 10 years of a/v tech experience. You still haven't said anything different than I did in the first place (BTW, I've been working in the display industry for a lot longer than that, as if that matters). That's exactly what I said in my OP: TVs are either 720p or 1080p - NOT 1080i. What part of that are you missing from what I said??? Where are you purporting that I am trying to pass off my opinion about resolution as fact? Also, that's exactly what I said about screen size. I think you need a few more years of experience in reading comprehension. You're also re-telling MY advice on choosing a name brand versus an off-brand. I happen to own a properly calibrated rptv, thank you very much, because I know where the best picture can be had. I'd appreciate if you'd stop stating that I am telling untruths, then restating exactly what I've already said as your truth. It's okay if someone out there knows something about HDTV too in spite of your vast experience...you don't need to feel threatened by it. All I'm trying to do here is clear up some basic confusion my fellow BF shoppers had on HDTV basics, and you come in and call me a liar while then regurgitating my own statements. All you are doing is possibly confusing people even more. Bottom line shoppers is that there are two resolution options when purchasing: 720p and 1080p. There are three LCD refresh rates: 60, 120 and 240. Things to consider for purchasing would be screen size, then resolution, then refresh rate (and also brand). Read for yourself about resolution, screen size and distance from screen to help in your research. Don't just listen to me or the TV repairman. http://carltonbale.com/2006/11/1080p-does-matter/

I never said that 720p and 1080i were identical resolutions. Re-read for comprehension. There are no "mistakes" in my post. Granted some of my post is my opinion, but that is clearly stated. What I DID say is that TVs are not either 720p OR 1080i. They are one in the same. A 720p TV will display the 1080i resolution. You don't have to seek some phantom 1080i TV to display this resolution in full quality. Some posters were asking if they should pay more for a 1080i TV over a 720p TV and I was trying to explain that away. I think you possibly don't understand the concept I was trying to explain. Also, you are incorrect that there is not much noticeable difference between 1080i and 1080p (unless that is just your opinion). While the resolution is in fact identical, progressive scan "paints" the picture twice as fast and therefore does produce noticeably clearer images (not opinion). While watching a blu-ray on a 720p may look nice, it's like driving a formula one race car on the highway - it will be cool, but you'll never really be able to appreciate it in that environment. I suppose if you didn't have anything to compare it to and therefore didn't know any better, you'd think it was as great as it could be. Just not so. A good upconverting DVD player would serve just as well on a 720p set and not require you to change your entire DVD collection for the minimal gain. I also explained that my opinion on the need for 1080p is based upon it being your main, larger screen set and not so applicable to a smaller, secondary set. I stand by that, and you can easily find professional advice to this effect all over the net. I don't find it very helpful just to tell people to get a "good quality set." What does that even mean? My advice is to get a "real" brand and choose 1080p if it will be your main (large) set. Otherwise, you'd be pleased with a low-priced, smaller screen 720p as a secondary set, especially if had at a really low BF price.

I've read a lot of incorrect information in this thread regarding resolution and refresh rates. Let me explain: 720p/1080i are NOT two separate options. A 720p set will also display 1080i signals as broadcast. The upgrade from this is to 1080p, which is the blu-ray resolution. HD TV shows are displayed in either 720p (FOX, ESPN) or 1080i (ABC, NBC, CBS). Very few would notice any difference in quality between these two. I only notice a slight improvement when viewing sports broadcast in 1080i. It's not like you have any choice, it is dependent upon the source. Again, if you have a 720p set, it will also display the 1080i at the highest possible resolution. If you think you'll ever hook up a blu-ray player, you want a 1080p set. If you don't have one, there's no real reason to have blu-ray either as your TV will be downgrading the resolution to its limited capacity (1080i). With blu-ray players available this year at under $150, you'll be getting one eventually! When HDTVs first came out, they were all 720p/1080i. The next gen. became 1080p. It's almost like B&W and then color sets. For a time, you could get both, and B&W could be had for a song compared to color. But eventually, it would be ridiculous to buy anything but color. It seems from the early signs this year that the big "deals" advertised are going to be on 720p sets. They're doing this because they can advertise a very low WOW price on an HDTV of a certain size. They will get a lot of takers on these, but mark my words that manufacturers won't be producing 720p max. sets much longer. Now if you're just buying a smaller set for a bedroom or whatever, you can probably be pretty satisfied with one of these. But again, don't expect to hook up a blu-ray player to it and be impressed versus your DVD player. As for refresh rate, 60Hz will allow you to notice some blurring, when watching sports mostly. 120Hz will all but eliminate the blurring. I don't see any need to spring for 240Hz. Personally, I have a 1080p 120Hz 60" for my main TV and love it. Blu-ray is amazing, and HDTV satellite broadcasts are pretty darn good too. My secondary set is one I inherited and is a 720p 60Hz 32". My son watches it mostly and at 6 yrs old, certainly doesn't poo-poo it's shortcomings versus our main set! I do notice the blurring when we happen to have sports showing on it. What I'm hoping for this year is a great deal on a 46" or 50" 1080p 120Hz to replace this secondary TV, which I would move to our bedroom to replace a SD tube set. Yes, replacing any SD tube set with any HD resolution LCD would be an upgrade. So, if you really just want a small bedroom or kitchen set, you'd probably be okay with one of the 720p sets advertised (stick to a "real" brand though, including Vizio). I would not recommend one for your main set though since you will end up disappointed WHEN you go blu-ray.

Did all my BF shopping online last year, thanks wholly to the information I found on GottaDeal.com. Had to set my alarm for 1:00 AM and then again for 4:00 AM to try and get certain things. I was able to get almost everything I was hoping for, and I didn't even have to go out and wait in crazy lines. This site is a treasure. Thanks.