32-40" TV (1 Viewer)

[rodney757]

I'm looking at getting a new tv for my bedroom. I'm looking for a 32-40" TV. My budget is $500. Cheaper is better, but I want a decent tv. I will be using the tv for gaming and movie watching. I'm not sure if I should get a 60hz or 120hz. Also, do you really need 1080p at that size or is 720p fine? Some recommendations would be nice. Thanks

 

[JoeCool6972]

Unless you are playing Blu ray disks through it, 720P is fine. HD broadcast is 720p. So far as pricing goes, check your Sunday newspaper sales ads. Lots of Tv's for under $500, heck I just bought a 42" Samsung plasma for $477 from HH Gregg a couple of months ago.

 

[DaveF]

What's your viewing distance and how's your eyesight?



I'm not current on TV prices, but I think it's safe to advocate buying an above average 720p set over a below-average 1080p set to stay on budget.

I also suggest getting a 40" over a 32", if your space and budget allows. That's a 60% increase in screen area and I think will be quite noticeable.

 

[rodney757]

My viewing distance is about 8 ft. and I have near perfect eyesight. I am leaning towards the 37" over the 32". I have a ps3 which will be able to take advantage of the 1080p. But if its not too noticeable over 720p, I'd rather save the money.

 

[JoeCool6972]

I have a PS3 with a 720P TV, and honestly I don't see the difference. I guess if you like sitting a foot away you could tell.

 

[DaveF]

This is a basic viewing-distance graph. (It only considers a simple aspect of vision, so it's useful but not the final word.) For a 37" screen about 8 feet away with perfect vision, it says you're on the edge of 1080p being worthwhile.


So I would consider a 1080p TV. But if your budget is better met with a 720p TV, I don't think you'll be giving up much.


If you can, go to a TV showroom with a tape measure, and watch some source material on 1080p and 720p screens and see if you notice a difference. Showrooms are rarely perfect for this comparisons, but an hour at BestBuy or your local boutique store might be informative.