1080p but SURPRISE you don't get to play 1080p

[markmazza]

I am very close to buying a new HD set. Specificially I have my eye on the new SONY Lcos SXRD 50" that has an incomparable picture. It's on display at most retailers now and the picture is substantially better than any I have seen. Kudos to Sony for the effort in producing a set that displays stunning 1080p!

Now can someone explain to me why Sony would go through all the trouble to make such a superlative set and then almost hide the fact that this 1080p RPTV can't play 1080p source material, that is, when and if it's available...and you know it eventually will be...please! This is aggravating, confusing, deceptive and just stinks! What is happening to this industry? They make billions every year, and it's never enough! Now there playing this sneeky game of putting out 1080p sets that won't accept 1080p signal. This is nothing short of false advertisement!

We'll see if JVC follows suit with their new D-ILA sets soon to be out. God...electronics have become just a nightmare! And it isn't until you've forked out a truckload of cash and have the system in your living room that your surprised with a severe shortcoming like this. :x

[HD Addict]

It really shouldn't come as a complete surprise when you consider the ploys used by the rest of the industry to short change the viewers. Promos and commercials are already eroding the program time to the extent that Andy Rooney has already commented that "60 Minutes" should really be renamed "48 Minutes".

Added to that is the fact that the networks knowingly admit that even though the TV season has started we are already seeing mid-season re-runs, so much so that they have now decided to indicate when a new episode comes along. Never used to see that before this TV season.

And to add further insult to injury, the networks no longer see fit to have guest hosts sitting in and providing us with fresh program content while the regular Late Night Show hosts are taking a break, ( in the middle of a TV season.) What's one more re-run to ram down the unsuspecting consumers' throats, they don't seem to care anyhow ! Where's the hue and cry from a concerned and irritated viewing public ?

[alice]

There is no reason that a 1080p display should not properly accept a 1080p input . Those that do not are just trying to accomadate the ecomony market who have more interest in quantity than quality.

[neilcampbell]

The new Mitsubishi HD73827 TV has a large "1080P" label on the cabinet of the TV. It upconverts signals to 1080P, but does not accept 1080P signals. My new Sony Blu-ray DVD player plays 1080P, and some Blu-ray DVDs are in 1080P format. These will not play on the TV. I will have to set the Blu-ray for 1080i, and the TV will upconvert. I agree it is unethical to claim 1080P when it is not.

[ggotch5445]

Mark,

Which SXRD are you considering? All of Sony's SXRD models, for 2006, are capable of inputing and displaying a 1080p signal. Previous year's models displayed in native 1080p, but one could not input that signal into those sets.

I have Sony's KDS60A2000, and to date, love this set. HD stations are beautiful, and my DVD player, even with a signal run to the TV via s-video, displys a great picture.

[Richard]

and my DVD player, even with a signal run to the TV via s-video

Wow are you taking a hit in performance! Even just component 480I would be a big leap and then there are upscaling DVD players as well...

[ggotch5445]

Oh yes, I agree- and I do have my DVD recorder connected to the TV with a component cable. It's just that my equipment rack is at the back of my media room, and I was just not in a major hurry to but a 40ft HDMI cable. I will be doing so shortly!

In the meantime, I am still enjoying a wonderful DVD picture!

[fpnovak]

That's Terrible! I'm a Toshiba/Mitsubishi person, I'm anxiously awaiting the availability of the new HD-DVD that will provide a "True" 1080p source. Toshiba is scheduled tomake this available in early 2007.
However, after reading the Dec. SOUND & VISION article on the SONY SXRD-1080p HDTVs, I was doing some soul searching. It is good to know that this is an issue that requires close scrutiny BEFORE buying. My understanding is that the important feature is to have a 1080p set will will display a "native" 1080p signal without processing & de-processing it. I will be watching for the D-ILA & Mitsubishi in 2007. There is a brief mention of an Optima 42 in. LCD (I think) in Jan. Sound & Vision, that claims to be able to display 1080p. I'm waiting for a 55 in. display. Pioneer Elite has been floating rumors of a 1080p HDTV, for summer of 2007 that wiil handle input from both HD-DVD & Blu-Ray.
Good Luck...to us ALL!
fpnovak

[jdevine760]

My Sony LCOS 50" RPTV does accept 1080p input...and it indicates it on the screen when the input is 480i 480p 720p 1080i or 1080p...

[Richard]

I'm anxiously awaiting the availability of the new HD-DVD that will provide a "True" 1080p source. Toshiba is scheduled tomake this available in early 2007.

A True 1080P source as defined by performance enthusiasts is the 1080P 24 frame bit stream directly off the HD disc and the new Toshiba is 1080P60. It is highly questionable if there is any real advantage to that as you are then comparing the deinterlacing and 3/2 pull down of your display against the Toshiba.

Appears Bluray is going to take the True 1080P crown for the next 6-12 months with the Sony PS3 and table top plus the Pioneer. Not sure if the Panasonic was 1080P24....?

That also means you want a display that will accept 1080P24 and double or triple the frames for a 48 or 72 frame presentation.