Considering buying a HDTV

[diablopath]

So, I have some extra money, and I'm seriously considering buying a HDTV with it.
I can get a good deal on it, under $500.
I'm going for a pretty tame 720p 32" screen. I don't see much need for getting 1080p on that small of a screen, and I have no room for a bigger one.

So here are some questions.
1. Plasma or LCD? I heard LCD has a longer life span, but I don't know any specifics.
2. We have Dish Network satellite. If I do this, I will have the only HDTV in the house. How will the satellite display on it? Will it be all pixelated and shit?
3. I seem to remember reading I don't need HDMI cables to obtain 720p? I can just use the cables that came with my PS3 and 360? Am I remembering wrong?

Also, what else should I be thinking about?
Looking for guidance :D

[Disgustipated]

Ummm... you're going for an LCD. And I suggest waiting, should be some good upcoming deals on 1080p 32" screens soon.

You'll need component cables to get 720p or above. The PS3 only comes with composite, the 360 comes with component.

As for Dish Network, depends on if your (standard definition) programs are scaled correctly. Most HDTV's (LCD) don't have good SD scalers, so SD looks like shit. Olevia's LCD's usually have great scalers, so you may look around for one of those. Dish does offer HD programming through.

[resikel]

They do not make plasma that small. Problem number one solved.

[diablopath]

Ummm... you're going for an LCD. And I suggest waiting, should be some good upcoming deals on 1080p 32" screens soon.

You'll need component cables to get 720p or above. The PS3 only comes with composite, the 360 comes with component.

As for Dish Network, depends on if your (standard definition) programs are scaled correctly. Most HDTV's (LCD) don't have good SD scalers, so SD looks like shit. Olevia's LCD's usually have great scalers, so you may look around for one of those. Dish does offer HD programming through.

I know they do, but convincing my father to upgrade because i have a HDTV and he doesn't will be almost impossible.

Is Olevia produced by Sony? I don't know why I'm thinking that :|

[resikel]

Number two. Might as well upgrade to the Dish HD package. Problem solved.

[diablopath]

Number two. Might as well upgrade to the Dish HD package. Problem solved.

I don't live on my own. While I'm in college, I'm living at home.
I won't be able to convince my father to up the package, so that's not really an option. Not until he breaks down and gets himself a HDTV, which won't be for at least another year.

[Seconds Out]

Best Buy has a 32 inch 720p LCD on sale for $399 this week.

[resikel]

I don't live on my own. While I'm in college, I'm living at home.
I won't be able to convince my father to up the package, so that's not really an option. Not until he breaks down and gets himself a HDTV, which won't be for at least another year.

"Add HD packages for only $10 to your current standard-definition programming." -- Dish Network
Depending on your current package deal, you'll get a certain number of HD channels.

Number three: www.monoprice.com.
HDMI cable should run you about $7 bucks shipped, depending on the length you choose. Solved.