Ask Engadget HD: Should I buy a 720p HDTV?

Published Aug. 13, 2010 at 6:45 p.m.
While you may already be drooling over a Super Hi-Vision TV, in the present day we're still pretty limited when it comes to resolution...While 1080p HDTVs have been around long enough to dominate the market at most price points, there are still plenty of 720p models hanging around, and Brian's considering buying one. We'll let him make the case:

"It's decision time -- I need a new HDTV and I need the biggest display I can to fill up a blank wall in my apartment to watch TV and play games on. I've taken a look at a lot of different models, and honestly, I don't see a lot of difference in the store between the 720p and 1080p ones. Panasonic and Samsung have 50-inch 720p plasmas in the store for less than $800 that would fill my space and my budget perfectly, but I don't want to regret this purchase down the road. My couch is about eight feet away from the TV, but sometimes I sit closer. Is it worth sacrificing size for extra resolution, or should I get the biggest display I can and just pull that 720p sticker off before anyone sees it?"

Now that even 3D features have trickled down to the 720p range with Samsung's PN50C490, and even Apple possibly foregoing 1080p for its iTV, we're wondering what you think is more important if you have to make a choice: pixels or square inches. The Panasonic C2 series plasma HDTVs and Samsung 450s fit the bill, but we wouldn't want Brian to sell himself short when he plugs in a Blu-ray player down the road...Lend us your sage and reasoned advice in the comments.

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Ask Engadget HD: Should I buy a 720p HDTV? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 13:45:00 EST...Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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