Do I 'really' need 1080p?

[FUBAR]

I know its probably personal preference.

Don't have Blu Ray (yet)

Don't have Sky HD (yet, but will get it before Blu Ray)

Used mainly for watching TV/Sky/Sky Sports (the odd dvd, but more often than not it's the kid's dvds)

Used for the kid's Wii

I'm not into the mega Home Cinema 'thing', just feel its time to replace my Sony 28" CRT, so anything will be an improvement (sitting room isnt massive and anything bigger than 42" would look stupid)

Any reason not to buy Panasonic Viera TXP42X10 instead of Pansonic Viera TXP42S20

Price wise the X10 is comfortable, the S20 is 'doable' but getting to the uncomfortable level (a wife, 2 kids and a Cerbera to run, so have to watch the pennies ).

Any better suggestions/prices/sources? (Would consider a 40" TV but the PH darling Pany doesn't seem to do that size?)

[im]

I believe its all to do with how far away you are viewing the HD TV from.

For general viewing my lads 32" i in his room (when watched from 5 feet away) is every bit as good as my 50" p viewed from 13 feet away.

Although I swear my BBC 'Life' Blu-Ray is discernably better in p than i...but that could just be me.

There are lots of views on this subject just google 'optimum HDTV Viewing distance"

[E31Shrew]

The only small advantage you will see with the S version will be when watching Blu Ray. Dont forget it also has Freeview HD built in, by the way....if your region is getting it soon....

Buy from indie dealer to get 5 year manufacturers warranty!

[FUBAR]

Thanks

[FUBAR]

Blimey, there are so many model variations How do I tell what the differences are? The latest seems to be X20, Im guessing X10 was last year's model? But there's loads of others Bah!

[PJ S]

10 was indeed last season's range, including 15.

X20 - HD Ready resolution, the entry level benchmark, Ford Focus.
S20 - Full HD resolution, the "larger model/next sector up" Ford Mondeo/Honda Accord
G20 - Full HD, Neo-PDP panel, etc, etc, the class leading BMW 335d
V20 - Full HD, Neo-PDP, dual ISF calibration picture setting memory slots, the BMW 5 Series/Merc E Class
Z1 - Full HD, wireless HD connectivity media box. The "Sagaris"

All this on Panasonic's website

Edited by PJ S on Wednesday 19th May 13:18

[FUBAR]

Excellent, thank you

[thunderbelmont]

PJ S said:

10 was indeed last season's range, including 15.

X20 - HD Ready resolution
S20 - Full HD resolution, but the equivalent to "supermarket" value products compared to the G range
G20 - Full HD, Neo-PDP panel, etc, etc
VT20 - Full HD "Heinz" brand
Z1 - Full HD, wireless HD connectivity media box. The "Sagaris" in TVR speak.

All this on Panasonic's website

Now that is a very informative reply.

No, in my opinion, with your viewing choices, you don't need 1080p. But, your budget allows you to buy something that's capable.

It's a bit like choosing to buy said Sagaris over a Kia Rio. Both will achieve the 70mph UK maximum national speed limit, and carry you to your destination. But one "just does", where the other "really really does it".

Otherwise go to Tesco and buy a Bush!!!

[Mr E]

In answer to the opening question, depends how close you sit;



We run a 50" screen, and it doesn't do 1080p

[thunderbelmont]

Good chart.

How many people sit more than 12ft away from their TV screen? since the average shoebox estate house these days doesn't have rooms much bigger than that!!

[PJ S]

thunderbelmont said:

PJ S said:

10 was indeed last season's range, including 15.

X20 - HD Ready resolution, the entry level benchmark, Ford Focus.
S20 - Full HD resolution, the "larger model/next sector up" Ford Mondeo/Honda Accord
G20 - Full HD, Neo-PDP panel, etc, etc, the class leading BMW 335d
V20 - Full HD, Neo-PDP, dual ISF calibration picture setting memory slots, the BMW 5 Series/Merc E Class
Z1 - Full HD, wireless HD connectivity media box. The "Sagaris"

All this on Panasonic's website

Now that is a very informative reply.

Thank you - now revised for car model equivalency.

Edited by PJ S on Wednesday 19th May 13:18

[TonyHetherington]

thunderbelmont said:

Good chart.

How many people sit more than 12ft away from their TV screen? since the average shoebox estate house these days doesn't have rooms much bigger than that!!

You'd be surprised. Our lounge is tiny, and the tv to eye distance is 7ft.

[Plotloss]

TonyHetherington said:

thunderbelmont said:

Good chart.

How many people sit more than 12ft away from their TV screen? since the average shoebox estate house these days doesn't have rooms much bigger than that!!

You'd be surprised. Our lounge is tiny, and the tv to eye distance is 7ft.

Even accounting for that enormous angle?

I'd have said closer 14ft...

[TonyHetherington]

I knew you'd pipe up

6 months on it's not as bad as you may think - we are very used to it and don't find it uncomfortable at all however, you're bloody right (as was I at the time, annoyingly), it should have been lower.

[Beefmeister]

This is a pretty good deal:

http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/sol/shop/technology/te...

Last season's Sony 40" 1080p for £500.

[poprock]

Some good analogies up there guys. Well in.

I reckon, in the very simplest terms, that if you’re going for a screen bigger than 32"/38" than 1080p is worth having.

On smaller screens than that, you’ll be hard pushed to tell the difference and something capable of 720p will do just fine.

Videogames are an exception—if you’re using a PS3 or Xbox 360 on the screen, then the 1080p is always worthwhile, because it makes small text a lot easier to read. It’s irrelevant for the Wii though.

[FUBAR]

Mrs Fubes thinks 42" will dominate the room too much, so Im now looking at 37". So I guess from the answers 'HD Ready' will be fine? (most like stick with the Pany, the Dixons deal looks good? Just need to find out if that comes with a stand)

I need to stop dithering and just damn buy! If this was a car I would have just gone out and bought the first one I liked

[PJ S]

X20 does indeed come with stand included - all consumer Panasonics do.
It was Pioneer who charged for speakers and stand, since most buyers (by and large) were AV enthusiasts, with it often being wall mounted/bespoke install/cabinetry, and a surround system already in situ or being purchased to go with the TV.

[FlossyThePig]

FUBAR said:

Mrs Fubes thinks 42" will dominate the room too much, so Im now looking at 37".

I cut up two pieces of wood the size of 32" and 37" TVs to get an idea of their affect in the room. Quite happy with 32" for the room it is going in (12' square).

You could do the same trick with any size TV. Would a 42" dominate in practise?

[Plotloss]

FUBAR said:

Mrs Fubes thinks 42" will dominate the room too much, so Im now looking at 37". So I guess from the answers 'HD Ready' will be fine? (most like stick with the Pany, the Dixons deal looks good? Just need to find out if that comes with a stand)

I need to stop dithering and just damn buy! If this was a car I would have just gone out and bought the first one I liked

Remind her that as she becomes used to it, it will seem smaller...