TV 'Guru' wanted

[The Quicken]

I'm trying to figure something out between 720p & 1080p with my TV.

I have a Panasonic VIERA Plasma 42" 1080p

I just recently picked up a WDTV Media Player ( Western Digital Live Plus Media Player (WDBABX0000NBK-NESN) : Media Streaming - Best Buy Canada )

Awesome by the way, had my doubts on quality until I played with one at a friends house.
Highly recommend. NCIX price $99 (got mine for $86 NCIX.com - Buy Western Digital WDTV Live Plus HD Network Media Player HDMI LAN Component Composite 2XUSB MKV DTS - Western Digital WD Retail - WDBABX0000NBK-NESN - in Canada

The vast majority of movies I DL are MKV in 720p.

I don't know exactly what it is, but I notice 'something' when I set my WDTV Media player from 720p to 1080p. I 'think' 720p is a little lighter (on blacks/shading) which I like.

I think I would prefer to simply have the WDTV Media player set on HDMI 720p60hz vs HDMI 1080p60hz.

My concern is my Plasma upscaling the lower signal to its native screen rez and any undue 'stress' to the TV because of this.

What should I do? I do not notice any drop in detail at 42" (when I pick up my 50" thats a different story).

The shade/black difference I 'think' I notice, am I nuts or can someone educate me?

[Jaydu]

How far away do you sit from your 42 and will you be sitting the same distance.
Moving from a 42 to a 50 can change depending where you sit in location. In my
opinion setting wdtv to 720p and allowing the panasonic use its scalling is why
your liking the picture better. As for stress on the tv I would not even be bother
to worry about that your tv is always scalling the picture.

I have not sold tvs in 4 years now but did for 7 years from what I have read Panasonic is working
with the pioneer crew so the new 50 should be amazing and nothing to worry about
either in 720p or 1080p. Always like pana tvs they make realiable and great
tvs.

[The Quicken]

Originally Posted by Jaydu

How far away do you sit from your 42 and will you be sitting the same distance.
Moving from a 42 to a 50 can change depending where you sit in location. In my
opinion setting wdtv to 720p and allowing the panasonic use its scalling is why
your liking the picture better. As for stress on the tv I would not even be bother
to worry about that your tv is always scalling the picture.

I have not sold tvs in 4 years now but did for 7 years from what I have read Panasonic is working
with the pioneer crew so the new 50 should be amazing and nothing to worry about
either in 720p or 1080p. Always like pana tvs they make realiable and great
tvs.

Thank you, my main concern was stress on my tv. And I've heard that Pioneer is/has pulled out of making Plasmas but will be supplying pioneer parts to Panasonic for their Plasmas.

I'm about 8' to 10' away. When I buy my 50" I'll be the same distance.

[Jaydu]

at that distance with 1080p you should have no issues with moving up to a 50inch. will look amazing.