I've not owned a tv in years, but considering buying one. I'm confused as to the real difference between between 720p/1080i and 1080p (FULL HD). The first type is available for £665 here, LG make. The second type is available for £926 here , same make and size. Is the full HD worth 50% more? Whats the actual benefits? Do I need to be using it for something specific to see any real difference? thanks
Personally I wouldn't bother, but my little brothers are bugging me to get one so they can play the xbox 360. They can't play it while I'm working as I hook it up through my imac. If somethings worth doing, its worth doing right, hence the 50 inch
I've went with 1080p and it's worth it if you can afford it. As for the letters: i is for interlaced which means it does odd rows first and then even rows last (or was it even first and odd last I can't remember which way) so basically it paints the picture in strips and works it way from top to bottom skipping lines and then going back and doing the other lines. p is for progressive which means it does each row one after another so it's smoother in bringing up the picture. As for 1080i vs 1080p, they're similar but 1080i is found on tube style sets, 1080p is found on LCDs / Plasma TVs. 720p is just a lower resolution of 1080p and thus has less of a viewing area. 1080p is also best if you plan on blue ray, or PC stuff plus is ready for anything. Since you are looking at plasmas, do be aware that you have to bring it in to get re-pumped with plasma after so many years (5 or something). LCDs have a lamp that gets replaced which is usually more affordable than getting plasma.