So what is the point of 720p?

[Yarr]

I recently purchased Sony's KFE42A10 42" Grand WEGA TV. I actually bought a really really junky Magnavox 51inch HD TV. I had it for a total of 3 weeks and had to exchange it once due to defects. The second one also had defects.

The TV itself was junky and ugly looking. I spent 999.99CND on it and I never was really 'happy' with the TV. I mean it was nice and it got the job done, but I wasnt really 'in-love' with it lol.

So I upgraded to the 42" Grand WEGA. I actually still havent got the new computer. I get it tomorrow(I get it when they come to pick up the massive 180lbs Magnavox) afternoon.

One of the main deciding factors to get a new TV was the PQ and the fact that this TV didnt do 720p. I had a few people tell me that 720p was important and that it was a true HD signal unlike 480p that is EDTV. However my old TV did do 1080i (so does the new one, duh).

So my question is this.

Whats so important about 720p? Was it really worth me upgrading for 720p?

ok I'll admit that was my original motivation for upgrading. However in the end I upgraded TVs because the Sony is just so much better. Atleast I hope it is. Maybe its cold feet...

oh any tips on things I can do with my TV to really wow people would be nice too ;p

[Ratman]

This sums it up fairly well (from the FAQ's):
http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=2326

[57U]

720P is an HD format that uses a bit less bandwidth than 1080i.

It's also a progressive format, which means that the entire image is "painted" in one stroke on your TV instead of in two, like it is with 1080i.

720P also is said to handle sports a bit better than 1080i.

1080i has more "lines displayed" horizontally and vertically, therefore it can appear sharper, depending on the image.

Some people are gamers and some games output best in 720P, therefore a TV that accepts 720P is a slight advantage.

This 720P/1080i debate has been going on since the formats came into being. If you search for 720P + 1080i in the subject title only, you'll find the previous threads on this topic.

http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/search.php?searchid=192714

http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=18465

For tips on your TV see the HDTV FAQ "What you need to do to your new HDTV", as well as the other FAQs...

[Yarr]

ok thats just what I was looking for 57U. Thanks, ill give those threads a read.

[Yarr]

ok so let me add one more question on.

My DVD player is about 2-3 years old (I cant remember for sure) and its by no means a crappy DVD player. Its a Hitachi DVD player but I have no idea on the model.

My question is this. Do I need to get a new DVD player to output the image into 720p or 1080i? Do I need to go through the HDMI for that or can I just use my normal Component cables?

[Matt27]

You can use both connections either one, but no DVD is only 480i, your thinking High Def DVD's which are'nt out yet.Unless you want an upscaling player that upscales 480i to 1080i or 720p?

[Ratman]

Yarr...
Your "old" DVD player will probably be fine. It may already be progressive scan. If not, your TV will deinterlace to 480p and probably be just a good as a new prgressive scan player.

If you want to go the 'upscaling' DVD player route, then you will need to use either HDMI or DVI to get 720p or 1080i resolutions (on 99.9% of DVD's).

Matt27 alluded to the fact that today, all DVD's are encoded at 480i. The 'newer' players just try to make a silk purse from a sow's ear (so to speak). It does not make DVD's "HD".

IMO... use your existing DVD until it dies.

[Yarr]

Sounds good. thanks for all the help