I'm looking to get a new TV next month, and have already decided the size and everything. Now, I'm wondering what the benefits of getting the HD set are, and if it's worth the extra 1000$.

Does HD offer anything over another set besides the fact that it can view HD programming? I don't watch a lot of tv, only watch DVDs and play games. So, if I got, say, the non-HD version of the Sony WEGA 36" CRT, would I still get pretty much the same picture as their HD version?

Any information would be great.

No.

Bear in mind however that the government is mandating that all broadcasting be in HD by 2006. I do not think they will make that deadline however you may want to consider a set that is HD ready. That is get a set that can add/accept a seperate HDTV tuner later on.

I thought they mandated all broadcasting had to be digital, not necessarily HD

A friend of mine said that I won't get 720i or 1080i if I don't go HD, so this is definately a factor since I play a lot of games.

I believe this is correct.

The trend and the idea is to migrate everyone to 16:9 format, digital or hdtv in the near future. I guess what I was trying to say is that I would either consider upgrade/replacement cost OR buy the least expensive set you can live with for the next few years.

True although I can tell you there are few games out there that are in either of those formats and the ones I have do not look all that much better.

In general, only "HD-ready" TVs will display a progressive scan signal. There are some exceptions (EDTV 480p displays), but they are not terribly common. Progressive scan makes a huge difference over interlaced display, and for that reason alone it is worthwhile to spend the extra money on an HD-ready set.

The government has not mandated that all broadcasting be HD. They want all broadcasting to be "digital". That could mean any of the 18 ATSC standards from 480i to 1080p. It doesn't matter to them, so long as the signal doesn't take up the analog wavelengths they want back anymore.

If you're looking into plasma TVs and you don't see yourself needing HD capabilities then a EDTV that does 480p can save you some money. Like Josh points out though finding an EDTV in the CRT, LCD or DLP variety is next to impossible.

1. Progressive vers Interlaced:
Progressive = no "vibrating" edge of lines, small words, Credits scrolling by, peoples clothes with patterns...once you see the difference Interlace will really bug you.

2. True HD broadcast = Much clearer picture without having to pay for cable to get a "clear" picture:
Wait until you watch the Superbowl in HD, now that really did make watching the game more enjoyable. Other show like 24, Smallville, Tonight Show, Everyone Loves Raymond...look fantastic in true HD.

After having HD for about 5 months, I see how the story is what makes a movie/TV show enjoyable, a clear picture is only icing on the cake.

'24' is broadcast in Fox's "High Resolution Widescreen" format, which is anamorphic 480p, approximately DVD quality. They are talking about going to 720p HD in the fall, but currently are not true HD.

Fox broadcasts the NFL games in 720p. They do not look as good as Monday Night football or the CBS games, IMHO.

You can get an HD Ready tv rather than an HD Integrated and still play xbox games in 720p and 1080i with component cables. Some games that look amazing in HD mode: Amped 2, Freedom Fighters, Tony Hawk Underground, MVP 2004 and MX Unleashed. It really makes a huge difference.

No, they don't. Your local affiliate may be using professional-grade scaling equipment to upscale the 480p picture to 720p, but the source signal of the network feed is 480p. Fox does not broadcast in true high-def yet.

Just be aware that the majority of X-Box "high definition" games are in 720p format, not 1080i. The X-Box will not convert 720p to 1080i for output, so your TV needs to be able to accept a 720p signal (either to display natively, or to convert to 1080i). Some brands will not do this, and will not accept a 720p signal at all.