what do i really need 1080p for?

I wonder who these folks are that can't see the difference between a 720P signal and a 1080i or 1080p? lol
They must be the same people that think an up converted DVD and Blu ray look the same. :-)

I use my panels for everything including surfing the web. There is a stark contrast between the two in my home. I can clearly see the difference toggling back an forth from 720p on my 52 and 1080p.
That's the cool thin about using the PC. It will up convert or down convert the resolution at will.

I suppose someone that uses a panel only for cable may not miss what can't be seen using a basic cable signal.

Lots of opinions here, not all of them accurate, so here's mine: Plasma TV's are not dead, and in fact, do some things better than LCD's and for less money. Plasmas and LCD's will both be around for quite awhile. 720P is basically the same as 1080i (P stands for progressive scan, which scans every line of resolution, whereas 1080i scans the even lines first, then the odd lines, etc). Most cable and satellite HD broadcasts are currently in 1080i. Why buy a 1080P then, if nobody is broadcasting it? Because even though you may not want a $400 Blu-ray player now, which do 1080P and look fantastic, where will their price point be this holiday season or next year? More than likely $200 or less, which means you'll probably want one then. On average, all things being equal, a 1080P flat panel will cost you about $500 more than a 720P currently. Bottom line: choose the right size TV for your room and viewing distance, set your price range, and choose the best LCD or plasma you can find. Remember, what and how you hook up to your flat panel will determine what your picture looks like as much as the type of TV itself...

I would wait until sometime around November and then give serious thought to 1080P. I own a Blu-Ray player and yes it is veru much worth it.

Unless you budget is forcing you, don't invest in 'last year's technology' as you will be locking yourself out of new possibilities.

Yes, those trying to analyze a cpmparison will say that "at such-and-such distance I found it was..."; but really, when you sit back and watch 1080P the color saturation and overall picture is really enjoyable.

If you every hook up a computer with appropriate video card to the TV, you will appreciate the difference when reading text. I agree with Gymane, Gmood1. Get the 1080p.

You can buy a cheap 720p TV now and use it as a second TV later in a year or two. By then, it would be relatively cheap.

Save money now and enjoy. Then get the 1080p/bluray in a year when it looks better.

I have both 60" 720P (master bedroom) and 60" 1080P (main system). Without a doubt, 1080p looks better with blu-ray, but not much difference w/ good quality DVD playback.