Sorry if this isn't in the right section...Seemed the the closest match.

Alright I am looking for a new 40-42" display. I was dead set on it having 1080p, but with people saying it is optically impossible to tell the difference between 720 and 1080 I am not so sure.

I was wondering if I am thinking about the difference between the two in the wrong way. On pc monitor there is a huge difference between the two playing games (which will be the main function of the new display). I don't get how I wouldn't be able to tell the difference on a 40" set if I could on a 19". Am I just thinking about it wrong? Again for games not movies.

thanks for the help

it's all relative to viewing distance. If you can't actually see the pixels, then what difference does it make? on your pc you sit within 2-3 feet of the screen. On your couch, how far away are you? That will determine whether or not 1080 will make a difference. Most would say that beyond about 8 feet it gets hard to justify 1080 on a 42".

Of course if you want to maintain the best pq even when you get up and walk near the screen, then all the more reason to go 1080. And with prices continually falling, it's easier to justify 1080 (financially anyway) every day.

Go to the store and view from the distance you will actually view from at home.

You won't be able to tell a difference between 720p and 1080p on a 42" set starting at around 8 feet. You will see the full benefit (i.e. fully resolve the pixels) of 1080p on a 42" set at around 5.5 feet. If you sit closer than 8 feet, it makes sense to get 1080p. I will assume you are going to sit closer than this for playing games.