If you want the full high-def experience, check out some of these 1080p HDTV sets we've recently reviewed.
When shopping for a high definition television (HDTV), one of the common buzz words you'll hear is resolution--but the resolution of what exactly? In the realm of HDTV, resolution can describe a video format as well as the physical number of discrete pixels a particular TV screen provides (a.k.a. screen resolution). A potentially confusing part of this description is that a HDTV's screen resolution has nothing to do with what video formats it's capable of displaying. All HDTVs are designed to accept a similar set of video formats (resolutions) that are automatically converted for display at the TV's actual screen resolution. For optimal image quality, a TV's screen and its video source should provide the same resolution. Unfortunately, this situation is rarely achieved, and it results in some degree of visual compromise. Not long ago, television manufacturers began offering sets that provide a screen resolution matching the highest video resolution available to consumers today, and that magic number is 1,080.
The highest video resolution available from today's consumer home theater gear including game consoles and HD disc players is 1080p (1,920 by 1,080 pixels progressively scanned). The most common video format for televised HD content is 1080i--the same resolution as 1080p, but the video pixels are delivered differently to save bandwidth. To be sure you're seeing as detailed a picture as possible when viewing 1080i/p material, you need an HDTV that delivers full 1080p resolution. A TV with 720p (1,280 by 720 pixels) or 768p (1,366 by 768 pixels) screen resolution has about half the number of pixels of a 1080p set. Granted, pixel deficiency is just one of the ways an HDTV can destroy video detail, but providing enough pixels to display common HD sources without compromise is a primary motivator for HDTV manufacturers to transition all HDTV screens to 1080p resolution. Keep in mind that HDTV viewing distance directly affects the perception of video detail, and the extra million or so pixels that a 1080p HDTV screen provides helps minimize the gap between pixels resulting in a more seamless looking image that can be enjoyed at shorter viewing distances.
If you want the full high-def experience, check out some of these 1080p sets we've recently reviewed.
LG 47LBX
The LG 47LBX delivered the widest viewing angles I've ever seen from a 1080p LCD TV. The set's advanced video processor is also effective at minimizing distracting artifacts with standard and high definition video sources, and its stylishly modern design includes a swivel base.
Sony Bravia KDL-46V3000
Other than an issue with smearing picture details when displaying dimly lit scenes, the Sony KDL-46V3000 delivers admirably accurate color right out of the box. The 46V3000 also produces a well-contrasted picture when viewed from its relatively narrow sweet spot (front and center.)
Panasonic TH-42PZ700U (Editors' Choice)
The Panasonic TH-42PZ700U is a terrific plasma display that delivers 1080p resolution in a 42 inch screen size--something only Panasonic offers (for now). Excellent motion performance helps maintain crisp detail even when displaying the most challenging action scenes and its cinema picture preset proved optimal for accurate critical viewing. The TH-42PZ700U is also equipped with a good video processor for artifact-free enjoyment of standard and high-definition video sources.
Sony KDS-55A2020
One of the best rear-projection televisions I've seen, the 55 inch Sony KDS-55A2020 features a 3-chip SXRD-based light engine that delivers a detailed picture and good motion performance for improved clarity with imagery containing fast motion.
Mitsubishi WD-65833
One of the best looking DLP-based rear-projection televisions (RPTVs) available today, the Mitsubishi WD-65833 offers 1080p screen resolution and plenty of HDMI inputs that support advanced color technologies. For a big screen HDTV on a budget, RPTVs like the WD-65833 are tough to beat.
Pioneer Elite KURO PRO-150FD (Editors' Choice)
If you want the best flat panel HDTV you can get today, look no further than the 60-inch Pioneer Elite KURO PRO-150FD. This 1080p plasma TV delivered a near-reference quality viewing experience without a lot of hassle, and its amazingly dark black levels and anti-reflective screen helped insure a well-contrasted and well-saturated picture even in challenging room lighting situations. The KURO PRO-150FD isn't cheap, but there isn't another HDTV that can match its performance.
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