New 1080p LCD now or wait?

[BenH1979]

I've been planning to get a new 40' 1080p HDTV, but I'm starting to get cold ffet. I know that there's always some new technology around the corner, but SEDs and 1.3 HDMI will both be out in a year from now or less. Should I just get what's available now or hold out for the next big thing?

[mjones73]

If you wait for the next best thing, there will be another next best thing, buy now and enjoy. As for a 40" 1080P set, I don't know if I'd spend the extra money on it unless you see a noticable difference between it and a 768p set of the same size or you plan to feed it 1080p sources... Depending on your viewing distance, you might not see much of a difference between the two native resolutions on a set that size.

[JU1CYFRU1T]

...buy now and enjoy. As for a 40" 1080P set, I don't know if I'd spend the extra money ...Depending on your viewing distance, you might not see much of a difference between the two native resolutions on a set that size.
I'd have to agree with mjones73. From everything that I have seen/heard/read... 1080p is really only a big deal for LARGE TVs (60" or bigger), or a crazy close viewing distance (6-9 feet). If you are planning on feeding the set a 1080p signal (i.e. Blu Ray, 2nd gen HD DVD[Toshiba HD-A2], soon to be updated Xbox 360) then you might consider getting 1080p set, but if you are looking to save money, go with a lower resolution. If you have the money, go as big and as sharp as you want, but most people don't have thousands to waste. From 10+ feet you are probably not going to be able to see the difference between 768p and 1080p... you're just too far away.

I'm all for "future proofing", but if you keep waiting, you will never get an HDTV. If you want a good read head over to a local book store and read "Just Buy It—And Then Enjoy It" on page 16 of "The Perfect Vision" issue #71.

[BenH1979]

Thanks for the advice. I am anal about future-proofing I guess. I've been burned before. However, I'm also planning on using a couple of 1080p sources, the Xbox 360 and eventually a PS3, which is why I'm leaning toward a 1080p.

Right now, I'm trying to decide between the Sony 40' XBR2 and the Samsung 40' 4095D.

[mikehbkwm]

Well if your choices are those 2 I would get the Sony. Go over to www.cnet.com and read that review for the Sony XBR2. Pretty much everything about it is good.

[BenH1979]

I've been checking out CNET regularly. I was hoping they (or anyone) would have a review of the Samsung, which is $500 cheaper, but it looks like you can't go wrong with the Sony. I've found some good prices for it here in NYC too.

[mjones73]

One thing I'll add, I wouldn't hold your breath for 1080p games just because the systems support it, it's not gonna be a big concern due to the limited number of people who will actually be able to take advantage of it.

[BenH1979]

I can now get the Samsung 40" 4095D for $700 less than the Sony 40' XBR2. At that price differential, is there any real reason to get the Sony? It seems like the biggest advantage would be the extra HDMI input, but I'm not sure that it's worth $700...

[bored28]

If you are able, I would go out and try to view these sets. That will give you a better idea about what you like/don't like. Obviously the sets taht are set in in showrooms are set up to be super-bright, etc... but you still good some sort of an idea from looking at them.