I am thinking about moving up to a 1080p TV and have had my standard def b&o plasma for a few years but I can not find a logical reason for this change. i know my fellow B&Oers have/love their B&O 1080p and the picture is great but they do watch blu-ray and high definition TV channels whereas i don't.

- I sit approx 10 feet away from my TV.

- I have seen blu-ray and it is very impressive indeed no doubt about it, but most the DVDs I rent or have in my collection are standard definition DVDs. I guess I am quite old fashioned and am very happy with the resolution of standard def DVDs. i like movies but not so into movies that i would feel the need for high definition blu-rays...

- Finally the TV channels I watch are only available in standard definition.  I know in years to come they may convert to high def but at the moment that is not happening.

Is there any point in moving to a 1080p b&o TV at the moment?

Perhps when the TV channels I watch are all HD in say 3-5 years and blu-ray is cheap it might be a better idea to switch then rather than now?

I would value the opinion of our fellow B&Oers…?

If the 300dpi at 8 inches perception theory holds, then in my opinion there is no point in upgrading for your viewing distances. But then at some point technological advances (or changes) may force the issue.

Graham

i remember seeing tufts of grass on a televised High Def football match and blood vessels on face of a high def blu-ray film which is impressive from a few feet away but as i said i'm not into high def movies and the TV channels i watch won't be high def for several years at least hence my query.

vikinger you do have a point.

what technological advances - any specific that you've heard of in the pipeline?

seethroughyou:

what technological advances - any specific that you've heard of in the pipeline?

Nothing specific. Maybe 100% HD broadcasts or another change in lines/dpi to suit as yet unknown/ developing advances in TV? I guess I'm thinking of parallels to the proposed abandonment of FM radio broadcasting.

HD Technology is improving all the time and getting cheaper, so there is nothing to be gained from upgrading before you need to. When your sources start being mostly HD, look at it then. In the meantime enjoy what you have.

Simon

Even though I upgraded from Beovision 3-32 to a 50 inch plasma, basically what I got is a bigger SD TV picture (and Blu ray, but appr. 1-2 movies a month don't really count that much).

But we enjoy the new viewing experience! The picture is great!

Ralf

I own a HD-Ready BV4-50 and my viewing distance is approx. 3,7m.  SD broadcast is the most seen content, however, I watch a Bluray on the plasma from time to time without switching to my full HD projector.

From my point of view the full HD content scaled down to HD reday is still breathtaking compared to SD broadcast quality. The only reason for me for an upgrade to a newer display could be improved black level, but not the resolution. 

it does seem that there is no compelling reason to upgrade now to a 50" panel as SD-content is widespread and that is what i primarily watch. the only advantage in upgrading would be a bigger panel/picture and better contrast but nil else.

I’m in a similar situation, seethroughyou, namely with my BV5 (as you?) which I’ve now enjoyed immensely for more than 5 years (while the discussions on B&O TVs being future-proof – or not - raged on). I’m pretty sure I’ll be having good time with the TV for some time yet – later it will end up graciously as a link room TV with a connected DVD player etc. I must confess to considering BV9 briefly some time ago, but don’t like its appearance as much as BV5 and realize I'am  happy with just 4 speakers in the room – besides those inside the TV, and no projector.

In short, comparing a really well produced DVD’s/SAT program picture on my screen with BR/HD still leaves me cold with regards to jumping on anything currently available in terms of equipment and source material etc. Though with some effort and using even more $$$ you can always make it all appear better! I’m definitely not going to build up a collection of BR disks (have already some 700 DVDs (buying cheaply more while being picky) and will be ‘comfortably’ waiting for what new technologies related to further conversion of AV, computers and www will bring in the future (indeed, 3-5years?).

Unsurprisingly, it’s all very much individual what is ‘best’… I’m very thankful to this forum as it helps to shape my individual views though!

PS As the terrestrial TV broadcasting is still very much alive and kicking locally, I am very happy/lucky to be able to use my Avant for this – clearly it’s the best of all of our sets to watch it on!

In the UK, HD (720?) Freeview is on the way relatively soon so one reason for it.....

but freeview which has arrived in the UK is still over 90% non-HD at 560 and not 720.

the channels i watch are not HD and won't be for several years.

I would suggest staying with what you have and upgrading a lot later. Technology with TVs has taken a back step since CRT in my opinion. Its not a matter of high definition, that's just a 'gimmick market' until the next leap in technology such as laser or SED. HD is OK and I would upgrade if I were buying a Sony or Panasonic, but no justification for price upgrade if looking at B&O.

Simon.