Upscaled SD on Panasonic Full HD set

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I have finally decided to take the plunge and buy an HD TV.

After reading many many reviews, I have narrowed down my choices to two Panasonics: the TH-42PX80B, and the TH-42PZ80B.

Apart from price, I know that the main difference between the two is that the PZ is a Full HD set.

Although I plan to get a Blu Ray player (and probably a PS3 too) at a later stage, almost all our use will be SD content from a Virgin V+ box, normal DVDs and PS2/Wii.

My question is whether it is worth going for the Full HD set now just for the sake of the occasional 1080P Blu Ray movie/PS3 game in the future, and also general future proofing?

I have read reviews of the 42PZ80 that suggest that it isn’t that good for SD picture quality: does this only refer to its own Freeview tuner, or does this also hold true for upscaled SD pictures from the V+ box?

If the 42PX80 is actually better for upscaled SD, it probably makes more sense for us, as upscaled SD content will be almost everything we watch for quite some time.

I should add that we do not sit very far from the screen (probably less than 2m), and I know that this is probably too close for a 42 inch set!

Any thoughts much appreciated.

 

[Sorreltiger]

It sounds like you've answered your own question, Wobbly! ÿI'd definitely go for the PX80B at the moment, but I'd also check that the 37in model wasn't the most suitable before taking the plunge. ÿDo you have a good dealer near you, where you can go with a tape measure and spend a while simulating your living room experience? ÿIt's definitely worth doing, even if you feel a bit self-conscious!

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Sorreltiger! I've already cut out a piece of cardboard the same size as the TV, and tried it in the room for size. It's big, but just about fits. Of course, my wife was not overly impressed, but I'm sure once she sees it in situ and gets used to it, it'll be fine...

As for my original question, I'd still be interested to know if anyone else has any thoughts as to whether upscaled SD counts as 'normal' SD for the purposes of looking worse on the 42PZ80 (or any Full HD set).

 

[Clare Newsome]

WobblyJ:

As for my original question, I'd still be interested to know if anyone else has any thoughts as to whether upscaled SD counts as 'normal' SD for the purposes of looking worse on the 42PZ80 (or any Full HD set).

Yes, it does - all SD material is being upscaled on either an HD Ready or Full HD set (though obviously being upscaled more on the latter).

Then, of course, you get into the argument as to what's doing the BEST upscaling of your SD sources - the set itself, the source, or an upscaling AV amp. Worth trying all three to see which deliver the best picture! (And for your set-up and distance, i'd suggest the PX80, too - but hurry, they're selling out).

 

[Anonymous]

Clare Newsome:
Then, of course, you get into the argument as to what's doing the BEST upscaling of your SD sources - the set itself, the source, or an upscaling AV amp. Worth trying all three to see which deliver the best picture! (Andÿ for your set-up and distance, i'd suggest the PX80, too - but hurry, they're selling out).

Actually Clare, you raise a good point here and a subject that often comes up in the forums....Any chance of the mag doing some sort of feature on this sometime ? - ÿThe ins & outs of different methods of upscaling, low cost and high costÿsolutions, comparison tests of common kit doing the upscaling, general advise as to whether a Kuro does a better job than a Reon chip in an AVR for instance.....A look at standalone solutions such as Lumagen would be good too....

Would just be useful and beneficial to know a little more instead of the usual 'try each one to see what is best' approach....

 

[Clare Newsome]

It's a good idea, if a tricky one, as the permutations are almost endless! Will definitely put it forward in our next Contents meet....

 

[Anonymous]

OK, great....Yes, I'm sure there will beÿinfiniteÿways to skin the cat, although I guess we can say that about HiFi or AV generally ! Cheers, Steve.