The short story is I get a sweet ass discount on Sony products and I am trying to decide on which tv to get. Based on price/reviews I have narrowed it down to KDL-37M4000 or KDL-40V4100 for $300 more. I will mostly be using this for PS3/Blue Ray/standard cable.(in that order)
Question: Is 3" and 1080p worth an extra $300?

KDL-37M4000

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8804706&type=product&id=1206141947430

KDL-40V4100

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8784032&type=product&id=1205246214790

[Edited on August 14, 2008 at 11:29 PM. Reason : 40 != 42]

8/14/2008 11:14:06 PM

if it was me i would get the 40 inch


Kinda like my neighbor always told me........If you are going to spend a shit load of money on a hooker you might as well get the hooker that looks the best

8/14/2008 11:24:52 PM

It's 5". Personally, I can tell a big difference between 1080p. If it were 300 difference between tho 37" one 720 and the other 1080, I would go with the 720. But I think you would probably be happier with the 42" long term.

You linked a 42" model.

[Edited on August 14, 2008 at 11:27 PM. Reason : .]

8/14/2008 11:26:40 PM

I fixed the link now, its 40.

8/14/2008 11:29:54 PM

Quote :

"Question: Is 3" and 1080p worth an extra $300?"

Yes, easily so. ESPECIALLY since you'll be using the Blu-ray.

8/15/2008 12:02:01 AM

Quote :

"It's 5". Personally, I can tell a big difference between 1080p."

Quote :

"Yes, easily so. ESPECIALLY since you'll be using the Blu-ray."

i really enjoy this argument...it depends 100% on how far away from the screen you'll be...99.99% of the population can't tell the difference between 720p and 1080p after a certain distance (and, obviously, the other 0.01% who can tell from any distance reside here on tdub )

after about 6 feet (i'm guessing), you will NOT be able to tell a difference...i got a 42" 720p plasma on sale for $300 less than the equivalent 42" 1080p plasma or LCD, and the only thing i've done that makes a difference is running my HTPC

the short of it is that while 1080p is definitely better, its value is determined by screen size versus distance...i think that anything larger than 42" is arguably better in 1080p, but anything AT 42" (and you're saying 40") or less is arguably pointless unless you're going to be right up next to it

no one can tell you for sure, though - go into best buy or circuit city or hhgregg or whatever, and look at two tv's of the same size from the same viewing distance, but one 720p and one 1080p (make sure you pick the same brand and type)...see what you think yourself

[Edited on August 15, 2008 at 8:58 AM. Reason : .]

8/15/2008 8:52:56 AM

I mean it all depends where you are in relation to the tv.

For example my laptop's screen is only 15.4" but has a resolution of 1920 by 1200. Anyone can tell a difference at a couple feet. In relation to 1080p vs 720p on a 42" i can tell a difference more so with games. Whenever there's a desktop hooked up to a 1080p 42" and i switch the game resolution between 720p and 1080p it's pretty easy to tell a difference sitting on the couch. This is probalby also due to the fact that it's at higher FPS at 720p than 1080p so there's more factors in play. At 42" i'd go with 1080p, but for 40" it just depends on how much money you want to spend and what you'll mainly be playing on it.

8/15/2008 11:19:56 AM

^, ^^, both of you guys make good points. my living room is rather small. i've been looking at the 40" myself (also have mad sony discount) and have decided that when i do make the purchase it will be for the 40" 1080p. the 37" is only $150 or so less after the discount, and because of the size of my living room + the position of the tv, you sit between 7 - 10 feet away. i won't go blu-ray for a while, but def. before i plan on replacing this tv. plus i finally bought a 360 and will likely rent movies from xbox live in 1080p (er, do they have that or is it just 720p?).

anyway, point being, i would go for the 40". i think the V series is better than the S series (difference being the V has dynamic contrast ratio, if i'm not mistaken) but it's a bit less so you might take a look at that one as well.

8/15/2008 1:50:13 PM

^have an upconverting dvd player?

8/15/2008 1:57:53 PM

nope, i have actually never owned a stand alone dvd player. i had a dvd-rom first, then xbox, now 360.

8/15/2008 2:36:32 PM

^^^^^ what he said.

8/16/2008 3:18:54 AM

I got a 32" instead. Thanks for the responses. I just realized a 40" tv would look ridiculous in my room. And I saved like $500.

8/16/2008 3:11:04 PM

what kind of 32"

8/16/2008 3:58:49 PM

KDL-32M4000, its 720p.

8/16/2008 7:04:01 PM