1080p Community

Salesmen are only good for when you've already gathered info independently, then you want a good chuckle as you prove the guy wrong bit-by-bit.
First, what are Hertz? Speed. In video, it can also be called FPS (Frames Per Second). 60Hz=60FPS, etc... Most video is recorded at 60FPS. What does 120Hz do? It adds a calculated frame every half-second making things move smoother. 240Hz adds one every quarter-second. So? So things move more fluidly and lifelike, and after a few seconds, your eyes adjust to it, and it appears 3D.
As for how a movie is made... in theaters most movies are now 60Hz, except for Disney/Pixar Movies (120Hz) or 3D movies (240Hz).
On an old DVD, only a 24Hz picture could be squeezed in for four hours, so it became a standard. Blu-Rays have 60x the storage, so there is no transfer needed, with an optical digital cable and a hi-def TV, 60 fps is what you get. (Standard TVs only go 48 fps, so even if you have a BR or PS3, you're missing 1/3 the action).

basically the same. But the V5100 is newer then the w4100. The V5100 advantages are: It is lighter by 10lb, contrast ratio is 5,000 compare to 3,000 of the w4100. Dynamic is 50,000 to 30,00 of the w4100. Yes the newer W series is the w5100, which is more expensive. The hdmi has been move to the side more on the v5100 for some reason, 3:1 now to 1:3 Back:side. I tend to go for the newer item at the same price and specs.

annie - I have one of those 52" sets, a Samsung LN52B750. No question, the new models have less sound capability compared previous generations of Samsung TVs (this is my third Sammy HDTV (not because of reliability - one in bedroom, one gave away to family member because I just felt like getting a new one)).

It comes down to how you will use your TV. I don't use mine for sound at all - so I was happy they trimmed sound capability (and its cost) because that was something I didn't want to spend my TV dollars on - I have a separate audio system already. (Honestly, if they would make them without speakers or a tuner, I'd be even happier.) But that's me.

You'll have to also assess where your windows and lamps are. I have 9 foot tall windows on one side, 5.5 foot tall on the other and a lot of backlight from the next room over. That's to the sides and rear, so the non-matte finish isn't a problem for me. But you're right to consider that factor - if you have a nice large...

So it sounds like if I get a good name tv then I might get close to the optimum picture. If I get a cheaper set, then I might need a callibration. How much does a professional callibration cost and how do I find this professional?

I have Directv, cable not available. Does that really make a difference and is there a noticeable difference between standard receivers and service versus high def service and receivers?

I have read all of these discussions and am still confused as to what to buy 720 or 1080-32 or 42inch. I want a tv for my living room that has several windows with curtains but I like to leave them open during the day. Does this make a difference as to which I should buy? I also will be about 10 feet away from the tv and at an angle. Also, does dynamic contrast ratio really make a difference? Any help will be greatly appreciated.