Should I care if TV states compatibility with only 1080i (and not 1080p) ?

[Tahoe Gator]

Comparing 2 50" Plasma TVs, the Philips 50PF9431D and the Panasonic TH-50PH9UK

Both are only 720 sets, so not trying to present 1080, just wondering if one might not be compatible to display stuff in the future

The Panasonic claims:

"Supports 1080/60i, 1080/50i, 1080/24p, 1080/24sf, 1080/25p, 1080/30p, 720/60p, 720/50p, 480/60p, 480/60i signal compatibility"

and the Philips claims:

"Video formats : 480i, 60Hz, 480p, 60Hz, 720p, 60Hz, 1080i, 60Hz"

It would appear the Panasonic can down-convert 1080p whereas perhaps the Philips cannot? Should I care?

[bobsticks]

It would appear the Panasonic can down-convert 1080p whereas perhaps the Philips cannot? Should I care?

Yes, and you should probably investigate the very real possibility that the Panny will have better color separation and truer blacks in just about every setting. And that's coming from a Philips owner...

[Gerall]

Here is a decent article on the differences between the i an p formats.
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6449_7-6361600-1.html

[icarus]

Thats an impressive article there Gerall.. and one creepy avatar i might add.

Yes, and you should probably investigate the very real possibility that the Panny will have better color separation and truer blacks in just about every setting. And that's coming from a Philips owner...

If you are seriously considering buying one of those two then I would take bobsticks advice and bite the bullet to get the better of the two. Im goin out on a limb here and say that panasonic is a few hundered bucks more than philips. So you gotta ask yourself if the higher price point is worth the improved picture clarity, and can you really notice it.

[Tahoe Gator]

Actually, the Panasonic is a bit less. The profesional series versions are a steal. If you can live without the gazillion inputs and no speakers, hard to beat.