720p,1080p and viewing distance

[kato]

hi guys! i'm torn between 2 models --a panasonic th-50pz700u(1080p), and a 720p pioneer pdp-5080hd. My understanding is that at further than 6-7 ft, at their screen size(50"), theres no appreciable difference between the 2. But if i'm using a blu-ray player(samsung) or Oppo upconverting dvd player tied to Onkyo pr-sc885 pre pro, do i really want to down rez a higher quality(1080p) signal to 720p even though i'm about 9ft away? do i want to have to worry about which processor does the best job at scaling, or just buy the 1080p?

[DavidJones4]

In Australia, the 50inch 1080p has a 5000:1 contrast ratio, whereas the 768p Kuro has 16 000:1....I would never sacrifice CR for 1080p res.

[Richard]

Kato, if you are not close enough to see the difference between 720 and 1080 then you won't see the scaling issues either.

[dshauf]

it will always be in your head (I should have bought the 1080p) go check out, with your eye and trust your own judgement. the closer you look the greater the difference

[Xcubed]

I just stumbled upon your question and it is a great one. I am debating the same two TV

[kato]

thanks! i re-read those articls today and now i'm leaning toward a pioneer, but the 5010. it costs a bit more, but as one of the other members said, i'd always wish i'd gotton the 1080p, and it got a great review. i'm resolving myself t o sit about 8ft away. at that distance, as per Richard, i should be able to see diff betwn 720p/1080p.

[DavidJones4]

You might be able to see the difference between the resolutions, but you'll also SUFFER from a lower contrast/black level.
No knowledgeable independent videophile would ever advise you to sacrifice a massive difference in contrast ratio for 1080 res on a small 50inch TV.
The 1080p marketers have got you hook, line and sinker mate.....I've seen 42inch 1024x768 plasma crap all over 1080p LCD when fed high bitrate 1080p from a HDD because of it's superior black levels, native contrast ratio and more natural colour reproduction.

[kato]

Wow!! i'm tempted to keep my 1080i sony crt! My rational mind says go w/720p, partly because of 8-9ft viewing dist, and the improbability of indistinguishing image from that of 1080p, and price. Its probably not worth spendng $500 or more for resolution i may not even see. Let me add, i'm 50+, so my visual spectrum may b limited compared to someone 25-40. i guess it really comes down to what can b seen, and afforded!

[kato]

yes-plasmas have always held the edge in those ares. LCD is making strides, though. look at the samsung 81 series, w/LED backlighting-not perfect, but a good start..the pioneer has superior black levels to about anything out there, and they're trying to get even better! So far the Pioneer is my choice.

[Richard]

now i'm leaning toward a pioneer, but the 5010.

Which is a plasma although David went on about LCD...

So what size is your Sony CRT, age, model # would be great and why are you replacing?