Well, 1080p definitely makes a difference regardless of screen size. (Again, think about the difference between resolutions on a PC monitor—even a tiny, 14-inch screen will look better at 1024x768 than 800x600.) But if cost is an issue, I wouldn't worry about it too much. 1080p video downscaled to 720p will still look great, you just won't be able to see some of the really fine details. And without being able to compare to full resolution playback you'd never know the difference anyway.
And yeah, I would go with 720p over 1080i. An LCD with a native resolution of 720p will be able to downscale 1080p video and keep it looking nice but a 1080i will either have to interlace 1080p video before displaying it or else run at non-native 720p and downscale it. Interlacing is obviously not as smooth as progressive and running at a non-native resolution reduces the picture quality.
I find most 32" TVs (within acceptable budget limits - bills gotta be paid and all that) are either going to be 720p or 1080i. Not that I wouldn't love to have 1080p, but again, for a TV that size will it really make that much of a difference? I read once that if those were your options that 720p would be preferable since it'd be smoother than 1080i.
ok, Des knows more about this stuff than I do. Follow his advice. I cant really complain about my 720p though. The PS3 games and Blu-Ray movies look fantastic anyway.
Later Gator, and watch out for those foot choppers. (That story is still just so bizzare)
Abundant Love (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 12/06/08 | Reply
Yes, yes you should, if you want to get the most out of that Blu-ray drive in your PS3. Going from 1280x720 to 1920x1080 more than doubles the number of pixels and allows for the display of much more detail. (Think of going from 1024x768 to 1280x1024 on a PC monitor and how much more desktop space you have—it's kind of like that.) And it should preferably support 1080p, not just 1080i. TV broadcasts are either in 720p or 1080i but most Blu-ray video is 1080p.
Desbreko
Abundant Love (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 12/06/08 | Reply
@SomeGuy:
Well, 1080p definitely makes a difference regardless of screen size. (Again, think about the difference between resolutions on a PC monitor—even a tiny, 14-inch screen will look better at 1024x768 than 800x600.) But if cost is an issue, I wouldn't worry about it too much. 1080p video downscaled to 720p will still look great, you just won't be able to see some of the really fine details. And without being able to compare to full resolution playback you'd never know the difference anyway.
And yeah, I would go with 720p over 1080i. An LCD with a native resolution of 720p will be able to downscale 1080p video and keep it looking nice but a 1080i will either have to interlace 1080p video before displaying it or else run at non-native 720p and downscale it. Interlacing is obviously not as smooth as progressive and running at a non-native resolution reduces the picture quality.
ShadowLight
Otaku Eternal | Posted 12/06/08 | Reply
@Desbreko:
Flav agrees with Des but thing is you won`t notice much difference when playing but with movies it gets slightly better.
The crazy bubbly shadow
SomeGuy
Canadian Liaison (Team) | Posted 12/06/08 | Reply
@Desbreko:
I find most 32" TVs (within acceptable budget limits - bills gotta be paid and all that) are either going to be 720p or 1080i. Not that I wouldn't love to have 1080p, but again, for a TV that size will it really make that much of a difference? I read once that if those were your options that 720p would be preferable since it'd be smoother than 1080i.
But yeah, if I see a good 1080p'er, no doubt.
Miss Anonymous
Vagrant AI (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 12/06/08 | Reply
If I could even understand all your flibber flabber there, I'm sure I'd have thoughts on it.
Schultzie
Getaway Driver (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 12/06/08 | Reply
ok, Des knows more about this stuff than I do. Follow his advice. I cant really complain about my 720p though. The PS3 games and Blu-Ray movies look fantastic anyway.
Later Gator, and watch out for those foot choppers. (That story is still just so bizzare)
Desbreko
Abundant Love (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 12/06/08 | Reply
Yes, yes you should, if you want to get the most out of that Blu-ray drive in your PS3. Going from 1280x720 to 1920x1080 more than doubles the number of pixels and allows for the display of much more detail. (Think of going from 1024x768 to 1280x1024 on a PC monitor and how much more desktop space you have—it's kind of like that.) And it should preferably support 1080p, not just 1080i. TV broadcasts are either in 720p or 1080i but most Blu-ray video is 1080p.