1366 x 768 Vs. Full 1080 LCD TV--- Is there a real difference?

If you're planning on watching BR movies, I'd say that there really is a difference, as they will take full advantage of the 1080p. Anything else- DVD, cable, etc. you really wouldn't be able to notice the difference.

CrEsTo said:

Hello folks,

After I purchased an HD Camcorder, I'm looking for a HD TV... yesterday I went to Costco to see what they've got.

I found an LG 1366 X 768 42" at a good price (2,200USD) but also a Sony bravia 40" 1920 × 1080 (3,500USD), I'm located in Mexico City, so prices are always higher compared to US.

Is there a real difference between the resolutions? is the full 1080 worth the price difference?

I plan to use the screen for watching Blu-Ray discs and my HV20 movies.

Click to expand...

Yes, there is a difference. There is quite a noticable difference between 1366 x 768 and 1920 x 1080.

That said, go to a shop that has more than one screen and that can show them with real HDTV material. The resolution limits how good a screen could possibly be, but there is also the question how close you get to that theoretical limit. I have looked at screens that were close together, and some 1366x768 showed a huge difference to the 1920x1080, others showed much less difference. Also check how good they are with ordinary DVDs: A good 1920x1080 will be slightly better than a 1366x768, but it really depends on the quality of the screens.

A good way to buy: Go to a shop with a good selection. First pick the absolute best that they have, no matter what the price. Then choose which ones you can/want afford, and pick the one that comes closest to the best one.

Note: 1920x1080 makes a huge difference if you also want to use the TV as a monitor for your Macintosh.

For HDTVs that small it may not be worth the increase in price. According to this link you'd have to sit no more than about 5 feet away to see the full benefit of 1080 (assuming you have 20/20 vision, know what to look for, etc.,).


Also from the same link it says, "Also, the Imaging Science Foundation (ISF) states the the most important aspects of picture quality are (in order): 1) contrast ratio, 2) color saturation, 3) color accuracy, 4) resolution." So make sure you check out these other aspects of prospective TV sets and don't just fixate on resolution.


Lethal

May be this will help:

1080p Does Matter - Here's When (Screen Size vs. Viewing Distance vs. Resolution)

EDIT: Dangnabbit, ya beat me to it.

CrEsTo: I have the LG (in EDTV 848X480 form) and have found it to be a decent TV. It has a very high contrast ratio (deep blacks) and great colour reproduction. Just make sure you don't place it near any windows as the screen, like all plasmas, is highly reflective. LG manufacture plasma panels for several big brand companies.

You might want to look at the westinghouse screens. They are 1080p and much cheaper than that. I think you can get a 42" LCD 1080p screen for $1300. They are a steal. Look on newegg.
-Ted