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Big TVs with 1080p resolution

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    Alan Stafford
    PC World Canada
    Friday, April 07, 2006

Pick a high-res set that's as future-proof as possible.


If you are going to shell out thousands of dollars for a big high-definition television set, you probably want it to deliver the highest resolution available so it won't be obsolete in six months. We tested three of the largest, newest microdisplay sets that offer 1920 by 1080 progressive resolution--the most you can get in a TV. (And all models costing above $4500).

However, you won't find any 1080p sources (yet); getting a 1080p TV now is useful only for future-proofing. And not all so-called 1080p sets will accept 1080p video when it does become available. For example, the 56-inch JVC HD-56FH96 that we tested does not accept 1080p sources; rather, it upconverts signals to 1080p resolution--so JVC can call it a 1080p set. The other two televisions we looked at, the 58-inch HP MD5880n and the 62-inch Mitsubishi WD-62628, will accept 1080p sources. For an explanation of high-definition standards, browse to Ten HDTV Myths.

Of the three models we tested, the HP MD5880n earned our Best Buy award by dominating our image-quality tests and offering some unique design touches. The image quality of the other two sets was disappointing. The Mitsubishi's picture was the least sharp, marred by blurry spots and grainy patches, and the image crawled at several points. The JVC's picture sometimes looked sharp, but with certain programs, areas of sparkling colour distracted our viewing, especially with standard-definition programming.

The really big picture
The HP MD5880n and the Mitsubishi WD-62628 use a Texas Instruments DLP (Digital Light Processing) chip, while the JVC HD-56FH96 uses three LCoS (liquid crystal on silicon) chips. These televisions, like all rear-projection sets, have large cabinets. The acceptable viewing angle with these models is narrower than you get with plasmas, direct-view CRTs or LCD sets.
HP says the TV uses technology to project two slightly overlapping, shifting images to create a sharper picture. That may just be hype, but the HP had the most accurate colour, the best contrast and the sharpest picture, whether it was displaying HDTV content, standard-definition programming or DVD movies.

The HP's ports sit behind a large panel on the front of the set, making it easy to connect components. But to hide the cables, you'll have to snake them through the chassis.
All three sets have CableCard slots, digital and analog tuners, and two HDMI inputs. The Mitsubishi has a few more inputs than the other models (including three sets of component inputs).

Any of these sets costs a lot less than a flat-panel TV of the same size (if you can find one). Though the constricted viewing angle is a drawback, if you want a big TV with 1080p resolution, you'll get the most for your dollar with HP's DLP.

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Big TVs with 1080p resolution --- PC World CanadaReply with your commentsReport an innapropriate comment

1080p content is available today - via Blu-Ray and HD-DVD high definition video discs and players. Jonathan
Written by: Jon, from Philly
Big TVs with 1080p resolution --- PC World CanadaReply with your commentsReport an innapropriate comment

Yes, since this story was written last year, content for 1080p is available, as mentioned, via Blu-Ray, HD-DVD and associated technologies. Movies, of course, and some arcade type video games, as well.
Written by: sylvester, from same

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