what do i really need 1080p for?

Actually there are some stations broadcasting in 1080i over the air. CBS seems to be doing this more than the other big networks. CSI, David Letterman and the like.. look phenominal on my 52 inch LCD Sharp Aquos 1080p..they also look great on the 42 inch Samsung 720p Plasma.

Plasma or LCD..it is your call there. I use a Plasma in the bedroom and a LCD in the great room. If your room doesn't have a lot of windows, a plasma can be had cheap with very good results! The Panasonic is a nice unit.

LCD is the way to go if you have a lot of sun coming in through nearby windows. Neither looks great with a crap signal..it is just the nature of the beast.

The better the signal the better the picture with any of these TVs. I have a Sony Wega that has been sitting unused for 1 1/2 yrs after going over to panels. It looks fine on regular cable, but has no where near the depth and colors of a good LCD or Plasma.

The Sony, Samsung and Mitsubishi LCDs are another option...great picture on these units as well.

I install these types of TVs as a side job frequently ..as well as projectors. So I get to see them in different settings. You can have the so called best plasma in the world. Put it in the wrong room and the sun glare will drive you insane!

If you're energy conscious the LCD is also the better option. A plasma uses as much energy as a refrigerator. Need less to say my plasma gets a lot of down time. lol

You also have the FTA option. Buy a HD FTA reciever and get certain HD channels for free! From what I've been told you get nearly 1000 free channels on these boxes..not all are HD of course.

Good luck

720p TVs are on their way out of production. All newer models produced will be 1080p. Cable is still trying to gear up for 720p at the moment. As with all technology that moves faster than the general public, 1080i or 1080p will become a standard..it is only a matter of time.

With a 42 inch or lower 720p looks great! As you get into the 50's and above a 1080p will have the sharper picture.

I wonder who these folks are that can't see the difference between a 720P signal and a 1080i or 1080p? lol
They must be the same people that think an up converted DVD and Blu ray look the same. :-)

I use my panels for everything including surfing the web. There is a stark contrast between the two in my home. I can clearly see the difference toggling back an forth from 720p on my 52 and 1080p.
That's the cool thin about using the PC. It will up convert or down convert the resolution at will.

I suppose someone that uses a panel only for cable may not miss what can't be seen using a basic cable signal.

Here's an old article you may find interesting High Definition 1080p TV: Why You Should Be Concerned.