TV recommendations Options

[Oasis]

Looking to buy a new TV finally and I don't know jack about televisions.

Price isn't really an issue, although I'd like to keep it around $2000 or so since I don't watch a whole lot of TV nor play video games. It needs to be HD since I don't feel like paying extra after 2/11/09. Plus I think you have to have HD to play a PS3, and I wanna get one so I can play that game that looks like Tomb Raider

I'm basically looking for the best combination of size and picture quality for $2000 or so. Any recommendations would be appreciated

[impala454]

pebkac has it right. It basically comes down to resolution & refresh rate. Keep in mind that all HD content on TV is currently either 720p or 1080i, there are no broadcast 1080p channels yet. Progressive signals (aka 720p, 1080p) tends to be better for sports, which is why ESPNHD and similiar channels are broadcast in 720p, while most other HD channels will be in 1080i. You can tell the difference because you see really fluid motion in the sports, but then are wowed by the detail on discovery or other channels.

Now if you get a 720p TV, it will be capable of displaying the 1080i channels, but they will be downconverted by the TV to 720i.

This being said, 1080p channels are not far off, and game systems like Xbox 360 and PS3, as well as Blu-ray players all are 1080p capable. Also, with 1080p sets, any interlaced signals (480i, 1080i) will be de-interlaced and upconverted to 1080p. The better brands like Samsung and Toshiba will have excellent de-interlacers in them and will make standard TV look better.

Basically Will, just get a 1080p TV . The difference between 720p & 1080p is only a few hundred bucks or a few inches in screen size.