Question:
Dear Big Picture Big Sound,
When buying a plasma TV, should you try matching its native resolution with the sources you use?
I'm looking at either a Panasonic TH-42PX77U (720p) or TH-42PZ77U (1080p), and have seen sales where the 1080p model is only a little more than the 720p.
BUT: Every source I'll connect is 720p or below - DirecTV (some HD channels, rest 480i), progressive-scan or upconverting DVD player (480p or 720p), Wii (480p).
Would those actually look better on 720p (closer to native resolution/less scaling needed) than on 1080p? In particular, I know SD programs won't look great regardless, but will they do better on a TV with a lower resolution?
I don't want to get snowed with the "higher p is better" hype, but can't seem to find an answer to this anywhere else.
Thanks,
-Colin
Answer:
Hello, Colin,
If the price differential is not huge, then definitely go with the 1080p model. Unless of course, your main viewing area is 15 feet or more away from the TV in which case the additional detail of the 1080p model may not be all that visible at that distance. The Panasonic plasma TVs have pretty good upscalers in them so even non-1080i or 1080p content will look better on the PZ77U than it does on the PX77U.
There is actually a pretty large difference in pixel counts between the two sets. The PX77U is not technically a 720p TV (1280x720) - its native resolution is actually 1024x768 so even with 720p material the PX77U has to scale the image vertically and horizontally to fit on its native pixel array. The PZ77U, with its 1920x1080 pixel panel has more than twice as many pixels as the PX77U and more pixels does translate into more detail when a good video processor is involved or when the content matches the native panel resolution.
Also, because the 1080p panel on the THPZ77U is an exact match for 1080i and 1080p high definition content, this means the set will have much less "work" to do whenever you do upgrade to 1080i or 1080p sources. DIRECTV does broadcast some HD content in 1080i as do over-the-air broadcasters, cable and other satellite providers. Plus Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD players are already putting out 1080p content (currently only a few hundred films) and some day that format war might actually end and 1080p titles will become more ubiquitous.
Over time, 1080i and 1080p content will become even more prevalent so it's a good idea to spend a little extra now in order to a.) make current sources look better and b.) be in a better position in the future in terms of source compatibility.
Hope that helps,
-Chris
