I'm new to HD and want to jump in but I don't have too much money. I've got around $650 right now with more money coming soon from various ebay sales I have going. I really want a 1080p for maximum picture quality but I really don't know if there's much of a difference between that and 720p. Will I notice a startling difference in quality between the two? My plan was to hopefully pick up atleast a 32" 720p or a bigger 1080p eventually. I'll have it in a bedroom with no more than 7 feet between the TV and the viewers. In this type of scenario, what can I expect in going with the 1080p eventually with a Blu-Ray player and HD cable?

Target has a really nice looking Olevie 42" 1080p LCD TV for only $897. Does anyone know if this is a good deal or if the brand is crappy? I'm thinking I may be able to afford it this week. Also, should I get an extended warranty for any TV I purchase or will the standard included warranty be suffice?

you are asking a lot here...

i would edit your title to be more specific

at that size, 1080p is a waste of money. if you want best possible picture quality, go with a plasma. you will see the real flaws in LCD when you step down to that price point and especially those brands.

you can pick up a 42" Panasonic Plasma (720p) for around $900 now and it will BLOW AWAY that Olevia 1080p.

Resolution is only one aspect of picture quality and most will agree it is the least important aspect of it.

Why get 1080p when the clolors/contrast ratio/black levels will suck?

your eyes can actually see those no matter what size and distance you are form the tv. resolution is a different story.

Do not get the Olevia - No it is not a "bad" unit. But prices on much better units have come down so much, there is no point in buying (unless you are using as a computer monitor).

If ultimate picture quality is what you are after, then get the Panasonic 42" plasma. I 100% agree with SoSpacey....properly calibrated it will have a better picture them most 1080p displays. Especially in this price range.

I just don't know where to begin with this whole issue. Thanks for the help so far as I've passed on the Target 1080p but I still feel clueless on this. I was thinking of just going to Best Buy one day and asking one of the workers for help. All I want is to be able to experience high def finally. Mostly, I want to watch Blu-Ray movies and get the best possible picture I can. Besides that, I'd like to maybe catch some wrestling and some sports on cable and that's about it.

I would not do that. Take some time and do some research on various sites and other sources.

What sites do you recommend?

Apparently, we like this one. But for specifics on a model, avsforum.com often will have a thread dedicated to it.