MadonnasManOne

I posted this question in a thread concerning Amazon.com's recent "Buy a Select Blu-Ray Player and 4 Select Blu-Ray titles, Save $100.00".

I realized that I will have a better response in this section:

I got my Sony BDP-S550 on Monday (left at neighbors house). Hooked it up Tuesday, and got The Dark Knight Batman Mask 2-Disc Edition from Target. Even hooked up to my 27 inch Sony Trinitron set, I can tell a big difference in picture quality. I can't wait to get my new HD set, which I plan to order next week! Then, Wednesday night, when I got home, the four Blu-Ray Discs I ordered along with the deal had arrived (Batman Begins, Superman: The Movie, Superman Returns, and Speed Racer). I also found the Blu-Ray of Meet The Robinson Disney sent me by mistake, instead of the DVD, during a promotion they had some time ago. It's amazing how much better everything looks played on the Blu-Ray player. I can only imagine how awesome it is going to look when I get my HD set.

Which leads me to my question. I have a small one bedroom apartment. My television set is about 8 to 10 feet away from my couch. I am thinking about ordering a Samsung 42 inch 720 Plasma (Samsung PN42A400 42-Inch 720p Plasma HDTV). Would that be sufficient for the distance I am sitting away from the television, as well as the size of the screen? Is there any reason to believe that I would be able to tell the difference if I went up to 1080p? The reason I ask, is because the price is much cheaper for the 720p, and I don't want to spend the extra money if I am not really going to be able to tell any real difference.

Thanks for any advice that you can give me!

musick

720p should be just fine, enjoy

I'd rather spend the extra $ on an extra 8" (insert "that's what she said" joke here) and still go with 720p

Hammer99

Check the chart out on this page

MadonnasManOne

Thanks!

As far as the extra 8 inches, that's what she said! J/K A bigger set would certainly be nice, but, it's not necessary. The size of the living room in my apartment is not that big, my entertainment center would not really support a much bigger television, and 50 inches would just be too big (and yes, that's what she said).

naitram

But did she say "maybe a little bigger would be nice though"

I have a 51" 1080i, I sit about 8-9 feet from it and it seems good to me. Can you go up to a 46"-50" for not much more? Spending an extra hundred or two now to get something a little bigger is what I recommend...a new tv seems big at first but you may have remorse later if you could have gotten bigger for slightly more money. Set a $-amount-limit I guess and go from there.

Mr. Salty

Let me also mention that you take a look at the Panasonic plasma over the Samsung. If the prices are close, the Panasonics get a lot more love.

bunkaroo

I was 8-10 feet from my 57" RPTV in my last apartment and I am about 9 feet from my 61" DLP now.

If you have the means, I would go for something 50" or larger and definitely 1080p.

If it's something you plan to use for more than a couple years, skimping usually leads to regrets IMO.

Qui Gon Jim

I totally concur with Bunkaroo.

MadonnasManOne

I appreciate the suggestions. I don't have the means to really go any bigger than a 42 inch. I really feel confident in the size of set I have chosen, and in relation to how my entertainment center is set-up, as well as how far away I sit from the television.

I will be ordering the Samsung this week, and I can't wait until I receive it!

SoSpacey

I totally concur with Mr. Salty.

dick_grayson

since 1080p sets are becoming increasingly inexpensive and a big selling point (e.g. full HD) , should we expect to see 720p/1080i sets start to phase out? or will the option continue to exist considering the arguments that 1080/720p for 50" and under screens (unless you're a foot away)will look the same due to natural eye limitations?

Gerry P.

1080i and 720p are interim resolutions and are already being phased out. I personally wouldn't recommend a purchase of any tv that's not 1080p.

SUPERMANROB

At 42" you would be very hard pressed to see the difference between 720p vs 1080P. I would save the $$ and go with the 42".
I also would agree with Mr. Salty and look at Panasonic sets if they are close in price.

MadonnasManOne

Again, thanks for all of the suggestions. I did look at the Panasonic sets, however, the price was more than I had to spend, and I really like the Samsung sets I have seen.

I have ordered the Samsung 42 inch 720p Plasma, and I am very excited! I do appreciate all of the suggestions I've received, so thanks to everyone who contributed!

MadonnasManOne

I received my Samsung PN42A400 42-Inch 720p Plasma HDTV this past Tuesday. I absolutely LOVE it. I have my Sony BDP-S550 1080p Blu-ray Player hooked up via HDMI, as well as my HD Cable via HDMI. I also have my Nintendo Wii hooked up via the composite cables. I need to order some component cables for it, but, I must say, the Wii looks AMAZING on it. Hi Definition sources look amazing, as well. SD sources vary, depending on the show. At any rate, I'm very impressed with it! I have a friend who is going to bring his Home Theater Set-Up Disc over, and we are going to tweak it some more. I will say, it's very difficult to watch non-HD programs, now. Having Hi Definition video definitely spoils you!

beebs

I have a 1080p 42" Panasonic plasma. I'd pick the 720p in a second given the current pricing, and I sit 6' from the screen. BTW, I think you'll find that upconverted DVD will look amazing.

-beebs

Sdallnct

I only agree with this if there is no price difference.

I would not pay $1.00 more for 1080p for anything less then a 55" set.

And for the record, the Panasonic and Pioneer 720p plasmas have a better picture then 99% of the 1080p TV's out there. Regardless of price.