1080 my "i"

The more time I spend reading up on home theater equipment, the more I seem to be falling back into an old and expensive hobby. For a while, building a home theater system that suited me was a neverending saga. I couldn't tell you how many TVs, receivers, speakers, and other gear I have gone through. But recently I fell back into love with my old dear friend. With my recent plasma TV purchase, I have been forced to look into what other goodies I need. YES, I NEED THEM.

• BLU-RAY or HD-DVD? - By now, most of you know about the recent hi-def DVD format war. Already, Blu-Ray software is outselling HD-DVD software, and with the more and more studios jumping aboard, and the fact that PS3 hasn't even begun to significantly penetrate the U.S. market, it's only a matter of time before someone bites the dust. I'm guessing, it will be HD-DVD.
  
• LCD or Plasma? - It's really a personal preference. There is a nice chart here, which explains the advantages and disadvantages of both. I prefer the plasma because it's better at reproducing "theater" quality images, but you can't go wrong with either.
  
• Cable/DirecTV? - DirecTV will be adding numerous HD channels this year. Meanwhile, cable is limited in it's pipeline bandwidth for more HD channels. I'm forced to have cable because of my apartment, but if given the choice, DirecTV is where I would stand.

Speaking of TV broadcasts, I was shocked to learn that not all networks broadcast in 1080i. I learned that some broadcast in 720p. Why? That's like buying a Ferrari and never driving it above 65. There is a very tech-friendly article here for those that want to read more on the difference between the two.

That's it for now...out.