I would go with a reasonable mid range BD Live enabled machine. They are only going to get cheaper.

I'd like one of these wide screen TV's but I can't even think about how appalled I'd be finding all of the slobber marks and sticky finger prints all over the screen contributed by our four year old and two year old. We'll be sticking with old technology for a while yet I think.

Exactly (on both accounts).

Even for the PS3, most of the big name games are still just 720p. Very few current games use 1080p and those that do tend to be the simpler (downloadable games) that are not graphically intensive, so can afford the processor power for the higher resolution.

Blu-ray on 1080p can be breathtaking, depending on the actual movie format used (just because it's blu-ray, unfortunately doesn't mean the movie is high definition- check the small print to make sure it's not SD or 720p!)

All that said, if the TV is 1080p and the signal is 720p (and the upscaling engine is doing its job), the TV should be pushing out more colours and pixels than the original image has.

Paul, be nice and save me a google. BD live enabled?

BD Live enabled is another name for Profile 2.0 apparently.

Read all about it here: http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-9808376-1.html

It's the latest addition where either wireless or ethernet connection is enabled from the player and additional web based content can be accessed right from within the movie I believe ( additional web page info, games, content etc ).

Haven't got a blue ray myself, apart from the PS3, but will be looking at a stand alone player next year maybe for family room on main level, leaving PS3 in the basement family room.

You will see BD Live against certain models.

"Doesn't the fact that the regular analogue channels are only broadcast at 480p and you're trying to show it on a 720p or higher resolution LCD or plasma monitor only make the problem worse?"

All this technical stuff!! I don't know what you are talking about -- can someone please explain in layman's terms? Are you saying that if the programming that the cable company is sending out is lower resolution or something than your TV can play, that getting a higher resolution TV won't do you any good?

I have a cable box that is capable of playing HD programs, so does my son, but neither of us have HD channels. I had some once when they were free, but they were not channels that I watch so when it came to the time where you had to pay for them, I just got rid.

OK. laymans terms.

- You will want a thin TV for a bedroom ? If yes, then a LCD would be fine
- Most LCDs are HD capable increasing in quality as the number goes up ( HD starts at 720 resolution I think as a minimum )
- If you want HD capable, head for one of these
- If not go for an SD 480 LCD TV.

Can't put it simpler than that P.

Paul. I'm not at all sure if anyone has ever marketed this type of TV in Canada.

I've never heard of one, that does not mean it hasn't been done though.

True I haven't seen them, but I was trying to make the point that if HD is not wanted, or you aren't going to pay for the channels which are shown in HD of interest - then don't go overboard on the TV specs.

I'm sure that's very helpful. But I don't think I understand a word.

Why on earth would someone want to access web based content when watching a movie?

I read all that Steve, thanks. Still wondering what it means though.

BTW, completely off topic, do you check on Monday night or Tuesday morning?

No idea, but that's what it's for. You asked, I told - I didn't design or come up with the idea.

I'm like you I don't understand why I would want to access the web while watching a movie.

I have to phone the hospital after 2:00 tomorrow afternoon and they'll tell me when I have to report on Tuesday.

I'll probably not bother with that then.