Is my friend right? 720p vs. 1080i problem

LondonBroil · #1 08-19-2005, 01:46 PM

We're looking to buy a new tv for our new house. We've been researching the technologies a little and had decided on this DLP Toshiba Toshiba 52HM84 .

Have read the reviews for this model and most of them talk about how great the picture looks on the HD channels which we'd primarily be using it for.

However, after showing one of my techy friends the specs, he goes off about how the HD channels are broadcast in 1080i resolution and this TV only supports 720p. Basically he says that the TV will take the 1080i signal and digitally convert it down to 720p making the picture not look as good as a 1080i picture.

I know a few friends of friends though who have DLP TVs that are 720p and they say the picture is crystal clear, and most of the reviews I've read have no mention of the converter problem.

My friend thinks I should go with a newer 4-gun CRT HDTV that don't have the viewing angle problem that they used to have. My living room isn't extremely large though so smaller would be better.

Does anyone here own either a 720p or 1080i resolution TV and can tell me if there's THAT much of a difference between picture quality? This is our largest purchase for the house and I don't wanna screw it up. We're looking to spend around $2200-$2500 for the TV and stand (if necessary).

STLantny · #2 08-19-2005, 01:48 PM

If the guy knows what 720p v 1080i off hand, Id say go with his reccomendation. Hes too much of a tech dork to disagree with.

Brainwalter · #3 08-19-2005, 01:50 PM

Here's my understanding:

Yes, techie friend is right and a 1080i signal is going to be converted to 720p. However, I think the actual loss of picture quality is minimal or unnoticeable in real, observable terms.

BusterStacks · #4 08-19-2005, 01:50 PM

I was under the impression that HDTV broadbasts were not ever in 1080i. Either way, 1080i is not good for lots of things. If you could see a sports game in 720p vs 1080o side by side you'd take the 720p.

cadillac1234 · #5 08-19-2005, 01:58 PM

No difference on my 50" DLP between the 720 or 1080. Some people say you can see the difference but I've never seen any change.

BTW HDTV is the frickin, most awesomest thing ever except for the fact that most of the programming sucks balls. I've must've seen every IMAX film and Laura McKenzie's Traveller (I hate this bitch and her ugly kid) 50 times now..

coopersmydog · #6 08-19-2005, 02:05 PM

I doubt you'll notice a huge difference. The best thing to do is have the store show you as many different sources of video as possible so you can see if YOU like the picture. Be sure and make them show you a DVD, HD, SD so you can make an informed decision.

Personally, I doubt you will care much that, but find out for yourself.

LondonBroil · #7 08-19-2005, 02:07 PM

[ QUOTE ]
I was under the impression that HDTV broadbasts were not ever in 1080i. Either way, 1080i is not good for lots of things. If you could see a sports game in 720p vs 1080o side by side you'd take the 720p.

[/ QUOTE ]

Please explain why. The main reason we're getting an HDTV is to watch Eagles games. Our 27" just doesn't cut it anymore especially with the picture going bad.

BusterStacks · #8 08-19-2005, 02:09 PM

http://www.axis.com/products/video/c...ssive_scan.htm

cdxx · #9 08-19-2005, 02:11 PM

the whole point of hdtv is going with higher resolution AND away from interlaced. 1080i is really half the information that should be going through, so what you end up with is a worse quality picture in fast moving scenes. it may look marginally nicer than 720p with still shots, but it will look a lot worse in scenes with moderate movement.

progressive over interlaced, and it's not even close.

otoh, you could splurge on 1080p, at more than twice the cost.

BusterStacks · #10 08-19-2005, 02:14 PM

[ QUOTE ]
the whole point of hdtv is going with higher resolution AND away from interlaced. 1080i is really half the information that should be going through, so what you end up with is a worse quality picture in fast moving scenes. it may look marginally nicer than 720p with still shots, but it will look a lot worse in scenes with moderate movement.

progressive over interlaced, and it's not even close.

otoh, you could splurge on 1080p, at more than twice the cost.

[/ QUOTE ]

yeah... and watch what?