Before all you guys and gals go off buying your 360s and PS3s, you need to add something new to your budget: an HDTV.  Many people might tell you that you don't really need an HDTV to experience these nextGen systems, but they're wrong.  Here's your example:

1.) Warm up your PC and cut on your favorite game.  Maybe UT2004.  Maybe Farcry. 

2.) Now, drop the resolution to 640x480.  Note the quality of the image displayed...the muddy textures, the blurryness, the lost detail.

3.) Now, increase the resolution to 1024x768 or better.  Note the quality of the image displayed relative to what you just saw at 640x480. 

This is an excellent example of the difference between SD and HD.  SD runs at 480...HD runs at 720 (minimum).  The quality in difference you saw is reflective of the kinds of details and sharpness you'll miss if you're trying to run your PS3/360 on an SDTV. 

What's it all mean?  I guarantee you that you'll be underwhelmed by most nextGen games if you don't put that sucker on a monitor...but most realistically, on an HDTV.

So I say to you now...while you make your budget for your nextGen video game console, add an HDTV to that budget.  Go to Best Buy.  Go to Circuit City.  Figure out what size is right for you.  Then shop around for the best compromise in quality and quantity.  You'll not look back.  And know that you're not just doing it for gaming, but for enhanced TV viewing and nextGen DVD viewing as well.

If you already own a 360 and don't have an HDTV, I challenge you to pack up your 360, roll over to the closest Circuit City, hook your stuff up to an HDTV there and watch a tear fall from your right eye.  The difference in clarity is like night and day. 

Get an HDTV.  You won't be disappointed!!!

Sincerely,

adrian1480...proud owner of a 37" Syntax Olevia LCD HDTV.  www.syntaxgroups.com.