How future-proof is a non-Full HD new set today?

[admin_exported]

It's all in the title really... what chance of a newly-bought "HD Ready" set (therefore with a resolution lower than 1920x1080) to become obsolete within a few years, what with the technology changing all the time and improving all the time?

I am currently planning to upgrade to a 32-37" (LCD or Plasma), and am wondering whether I SHOULD choose one that is Full HD rather than just HD Ready.

If I was to go for, say, the Panny TX-37PX80, would I still be able to enjoy Freeview HD for instance (whenever that may be...).

I know there are a lot of IFs here, but this forum seems to be the best place for me to ask the experts...

Thanks in advance.

 

[Anonymous]

Thats the way of technology i'm afraid, anything you buy today could be superceeded within a couple of years, you just have to take your (informed) choices/chances.

Ultimately I wouldn't be overly concerned with 720p/1080p etc unless you have a really big screen size, especially if it looks good to your eyes.

I'm trying my best not to buy a Blu-Ray player as I would prefer to pay for a download and store it on a Hard drive... If ever 1080p film content is available in the future.

Also, having owned a 5.1/7.1 system, I have now gone back to stereo, sometimes it's too easy to get caught up in the technology race when you don't really need to (on reflection).

 

[Big Chris]

Basically. If I was out buying a TV now, it'd definitely be full HD, but my current TV is HD ready, and I won't bother replacing it until it dies. I still really enjoy Blu-Ray at 720p.

 

[daveh75]

as big chris say above, also wanted to add though.... with regards to freeview hd(when it arrives) the current crop of freeview tuners whether in-built in the tv itself or seperate stb, wont be able receive hd broadcasts

 

[professorhat]

I'd also add it's going to be quite some time before broadcast TV is any higher in resolution than 1080i - there just isn't the available bandwidth for anything greater than this (for Freeview at any rate).

 

[matengawhat]

professorhat:I'd also add it's going to be quite some time before broadcast TV is any higher in resolution than 1080i - there just isn't the available bandwidth for anything greater than this (for Freeview at any rate).

the above is def true for now - don't think it matters as don't think Full HD will be here in 2 or 3 years - will have moved on again.

 

[professorhat]

matengawhat:professorhat:I'd also add it's going to be quite some time before broadcast TV is any higher in resolution than 1080i - there just isn't the available bandwidth for anything greater than this (for Freeview at any rate).

the above is def true for now - don't think it matters as don't think Full HD will be here in 2 or 3 years - will have moved on again.
I'd be very surprised if that were the case personally. We shall see I guess!