RudeBoie

I live in Vietnam now, will probably be here for at least a few more years, and saw a good deal on a 37" Samsung 1080P screen. The difference between a 1080P and 1080i screen, same brand, is about $100.

I have a XBox 360 (HDMI), the HD Player attachment and a Playstation 2 and XBox 1 (both use components).

I am wondering if I should spend the extra expense for the 1080P or if I'd be wasting the extra cash.

With the TV, I would play DVDs (have a lot of original discs, though for new movies, I tend to get lower quality versions available here since it's is basically impossible to buy original discs here) and games.

I know most 360 games are only 720P but I'm guess the automatic upscaling to 1080P that the 360 does will make it look a little nicer? Also, I'm thinking the same with normal DVDs. As for the HD DVDs I have (brought over from VN), I assume I should see a more significant jump in quality, but I won't be buying Blu-Ray any time soon, and I have maybe 10-12 HD DVDs and that won't be increasing in quantity either. There is no HD TV broadcasting in VN either.

With all these information in mind (please let me know if my upscaling assumptions are wrong), would it be a good purchase to go with the 1080P?

SoSpacey

Depends on what the $100 means to you. How much of an impact does $100 make in your life?

In theory, depending on your seating distance, you won't even see 1080p.

Even though things get upscaled, upscaled isnt the same as native. You might find it looks better set at 720p from a 720p source.

I say save the money.

islandclaws

I say spend it. For $100 you can have the peace of mind knowing you got the best picture for your money. If you're going to be using this TV for at least a couple of years then $100 extra is a worthwhile investment.

Arthur Dent

I concur.

X

Is the question 1080p vs 720p or 1080p vs 1080i?

If it's 1080p vs 720p and you're not using 1080p source material transmitted digitally (as opposed to component) I would probably save the money with a 37" screen. Unless maybe you're sitting really close to it.

Sdallnct

Save the money. 720p is fine for that sized set. Better to spend the $100 on new DVD's, games or set is aside for a BD player.

iamiam

Get the 1080p if you'll be connecting a computer.

RudeBoie

Thanks guys. Here's some more context: As iamiam suggested, I was thinking of hooking up my laptop to my monitor as well, when I'm home, so I guess I'll be sitting about 5 feet away for PC and general TV usage.

Does the upscaling from 480/720P to 1080P from a 480/720P source make a big difference? (compared to a 720P TV- that's what I have now)

I'll be using Media Center to stream stuff to the 360 as well.

SoSpacey

yes, as thorough as your original post was, adding that stipulation would have instantly gotten you a "buy a 1080p" reply, especially if he difference is $100.

why would you be streaming to a 360 if your PC is hooked up to the same monitor? can't you eliminate the 360 an just use the PC?

RudeBoie

So Spacey,
That's a great idea, silly me I didn't even think of that.

The difference, between the TV's, on second look is $150. That's the difference in price between a 37" Samsung 4 Series (720P) and a Samsung 5 Series (1080P).

Spiky

Actually, it's likely that SD sources, even DVD, would look better on a 720p model than a 1080p model. But I do concur that if using a PC, get the 1080.