new tv

[Grate1]

looking to buy a new tv probably a flat panel. want to know what i can get for $1500 and where and whats with the 1080 i or p do i need either? we have satelite but don't plan on going hd anytime soon not a movie freak but like to watch tv. any help would be great thanks

[Epicurus8a]

Use the link below to determine the minimum sized TV you need. (Getting a slightly bigger TV than the one suggested shouldn't be a problem, provided you have adequate space.)
http://www.dtvcity.com/lcdtv/lcdscreensize.html

IMO, most people won't notice the difference between 1080i and 1080p (BTW, some broadcasters only transmit 720p.)

Personally, I like to shop at Costco. They almost always the best deals on the best TVs and automatically give a two year warranty. Also, remember to buy a name brand TV that can be repaired in your area. If you end up with "no name cheapie," it will be virtually impossible to have it repaired.

http://www.costco.com/

Good luck!

[Krispy Kritter]

If you only currently watch regular TV (SD - Stand Definition) and don't plan on making the move to HD anytime soon, then you will likely not be satisfied with many of the current TV's. As for 720p/1080i/1080p, this is also irrelevant. These are all HD formats. A decent TV will display a similar picture from a quality source at 1080i or 1080p.

I would suggest making the rounds to all of the local electronics stores and actually seeing the TV's. Note that colors and/or brightness are usually incorrectly adjusted and need to be set/calibrated when you get the TV home anyway, so don't use that as a reason for getting one model over another. You will want to watch for picture clarity and viewing angle. Most people tend to sit in front of the TV, so viewing angle isn't as important. But some TV's have limited view from the side, so if you have seating off to the sides, it is worth knowing/checking.