what do i really need 1080p for?


if my only intention of getting a plasma/or lcd is to buy a new tv, that can accept the high def signal in the future, what do i need a 1080p tv for? arent they only really useful if using a blue-ray type source? my intention is to NOT use this as part of home theater , or even to watch dvds..simply watch cable tv. that being said...looking for 46" isnt plasma the way to go? ive got a sony 36" Wega XBR and not much rivals that...so whatever i get needs to outperform it. And 720p of course is way less coin.
jaf2290
I thought the same. 2 years ago I bought a Sharp Aquos LCD 1080i for the bedroom and loved it. This year we went looking for a TV to replace the one in the den. The Sony Bravia LCD was nearly twice the price of the Sharp, but my wife insisted the Sony's picture was better. She was right. Not only on Blue Rays, but on standard DVD's and regular channels as well. The difference is readily visible. It seems to me that the higher the contrast ratio, and the faster the refresh rate, the better. These are my two cents, FWIW. Happy listening.
If you plan on getting Direct TV at some point, their HD package broadcasts at 1080i. This signal is a significant improvement over what you are currently seeing. I had a 36" Sony as well and can tell you that the 50" Samsung I have blows it away at 1080i. These sets are currently very affordable, so I would at least reach for the next rung up. BTW, you will be very unhappy looking at standard cable with one of these sets as the picture will look very soft and dull. If your goal is to keep basic cable, I would advise you to just keep your existing set. Off the air HD is free however. Just invest in a decent antenna and watch local channels in HD.
ok, thx for the quick replies folks...i a 2 ch guy and lack the video knowledge you all possess. is 720 p better or worse than 1080i? my cable will be comcast, never going back to direct tv (another story. as for 42-46", plasma or lcd? or is this like debating republican vs democrat? way too many views
Jaf2290- if cable is all you currently watch then save those bucks and keep what you've got....in a few years when the networks are ready for the switch, maybe you'll be ready for that upgrade...
Panasonic plasma gets my nod. LCD is too soft looking, plus motion artifacts on anything moving fast.