HDTV, what should I be looking for? - Page 2

sc1ence · 06-08-2007, 05:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by squeak

This seems to be more of a pain than I imagined! Can't seem to do to much with 1000 dollars, and I'll be damned if I'm going to spend a penny more on a TV of all things.

I am in the same boat. What I want, I cant afford. So i stick with my lame 36 inch CRT tube TV that gets degaussed every time i get too close to the front of it... plus, I keep wiping crayon off it (I have 2 toddlers...). I dont know what I would do if one of my kids messed up a new TV.

aculle01 · 06-08-2007, 08:41 AM

I have a samsung 40" LCD. While my blacks could certainly use a bit more black, I have not noticed any motion blurring with regards to sports. The only I have had since getting it has been the cost of cable.

Prices do fluctuate over the course of the year. My set, when I was first looking into getting it dropped a good $500 within 4 months. Keep an eye out for sales and other deals, especially when the next generation of the model comes out.

TheFatKidDeath · 08-18-2007, 03:57 PM

I've been looking for a new TV as well. My current TV is a ten year old GE tube type. I probably paid around $200 at the time. It's served it's purpose and I've gotten used to the picture quality since I've had nothing else to compare it too. The resolution is not very good (I can barely make out any detail on my Xbox, even up close) and the picture is starting to turn green in the bottom left hand corner.

So I headed down to my local Best Buy to get an idea of the picture quality as it's tough to determine that researching on the internet.

Questions though:

1)Is HDTV a service provided by your cable provider?

2)Most (if not all) of the TV's I looked at were HDTV ready but will it even matter for my picture quality if I don't have HDTV?

3)On alot the sets I was flipping channels and noticed the picture would suddenly shrink to the middle where it did not fill the entire screen. Is that because what your watching is not HDTV and the TV reverts back to the non-HDTV signal?

WaffleHousChef · 08-18-2007, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheFatKidDeath

1)Is HDTV a service provided by your cable provider?

Yes, your cable company will provide you with a HDTV tuner (which you will have to order from them and most likely have them install,) that will be able to translate the HD channels. I subscribe to Comcast and they only HD tuner they have is a two tuner HD/DVR. It's not a bad box, and the HD DVR is nice. You will prolly need a good bit of air space around it, becuase it can heat up a good bit.

Quote:

2)Most (if not all) of the TV's I looked at were HDTV ready but will it even matter for my picture quality if I don't have HDTV?

The "ready" tag on a set means that it does not have a tuner built into the set, but you need to have an extrenal one. Which, if you have cable you will have to have an extrenal tuner to use the cable signal anyways. If you do not have a HDTV tuner, it will display all channels as SDTV. A SDTV feed on a HDTV look worse to me then a SDTV feed on SDTV. You really want to get a HDTV tuner if you have a HDTV.

Quote:

3)On alot the sets I was flipping channels and noticed the picture would suddenly shrink to the middle where it did not fill the entire screen. Is that because what your watching is not HDTV and the TV reverts back to the non-HDTV signal?

This depends on the actual set, and the setting you choose to use on the TV iself. Some sets have the option to always show in the native feed resolution (i.e. HDTV in 16:9, and SDTV in 4:3.) Whereas, some sets have options to stretch SDTV feeds to 16:9, or compress HDTV feeds to 4:3. This really depends on the specific TV model you buy, but yes, I beleive that the standard is to display the feed in its native format.

On my TV, I can display any input feed in either 16:9, 4:3, native resolution depending on the feed, and an additional wide zoom option.

**Chewy** · 08-19-2007, 03:28 PM

I have a 50" LCD by Hitachi and love it for a lot of reasons... especially the ridiculously amazing built-in surround sound. People will sit on my couch, turn around and go "Where did that come from... do you have surround sound?"

I tell em, "Nope... just the TV!".

The picture on 1080i (basically, slightly upgraded 720p) is very good on the HD channels that actually are sent in the full 1080p. Many of the your local HD channels send programs (like sports and prime-time viewing) up-converted from 720p to 1080i, rather then sending the full 1080p signal. It's cheaper for them but more annoying for us... many people don't even know they do that but you can definitely tell the difference... watch a show in CBS for example in HD and then go watch something on HDNet... you'll see what I'm talking about.

The only downside to my LCD is that in fact, yes, you can see some blurriness during sports games when the graphics are flying around the screen in-between plays... that's where you notice the blurriness most - high end graphics. The regular picture doesn't suffer too much from this LCD downfall.

I used to be a big hater of plasma, as they had A LOT of issues when they were still a virgin technology, ie: weight, loss of brightness after 5-7 years, can't tip on their sides (fun when you're moving)... but when I buy again in the future, my next TV will most likely be a plasma.

Acreo Aeneas · 08-20-2007, 12:18 AM

Currently I'm using a 32" Samsung 720p LCD HDTV in the living room. It's very nice compared to the older CRT tubes.

If you really want to take advantage of your Xbox 360, I'd recommend getting a set with native 1080i support.

I do not recommend the brand the Olevia brand. Our last LCD HDTV was Olevia. The LCD controller chip "burned" out (that's what the tech says). I've gone through many wasted hours with their phone/tech support and several emails. I've either gotten the run-around or been ignored. The TV is still sitting in a back room, unfixed.

War.mongeR1 · 08-21-2007, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acreo Aeneas

I do not recommend the brand the Olevia brand. Our last LCD HDTV was Olevia. The LCD controller chip "burned" out (that's what the tech says). I've gone through many wasted hours with their phone/tech support and several emails. I've either gotten the run-around or been ignored. The TV is still sitting in a back room, unfixed.

This is why i would recommend using a local retailer even if it costs more money. In San Antonio we have a great home theatre store called Bjorns who will not only price match any local retailer like Best Buy or Circuit City, but their customer service is great. They even guarantee the lowest price for 30 days from purchase price (even if they lower the price themselves or have a sale!).

Acreo Aeneas · 08-22-2007, 11:31 AM

War, you misunderstood me.

My father bought the set from Micro Center (here in Chicago) and we used it for close to 3 years. We even bought a extended warranty through a third-party (that goes through MC). What ended up happening was that, the third party insurance company was just an insurance company. We still had to get Olevia to take the TV to fix. I had a run-around trying to get a RMA label and number to I could ship the TV to Olevia to get fixed. The issue isn't with where I bought the TV but with the actual company that manufacturered it.

War.mongeR1 · 08-22-2007, 01:42 PM

Ah. So I see. So you're just saying to buy a more reputable brand tv, right?

**Sawviper** · 08-22-2007, 03:49 PM

If you are interested in buying online I would recommend Onecall.com, they have excellent prices and I have referred them to two other people that have nothing but good things to say. The shipping was top notch and all three of the sets that were bought were 62" or larger.

Acreo Aeneas · 08-22-2007, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by War.mongeR1

Ah. So I see. So you're just saying to buy a more reputable brand tv, right?

Exactly! I've had nothing but trouble and various issues with off-brands. The Olevia LCD HDTV is just the latest off-brand product that has brought problems rather than solutions.

**Iceberg** · 08-27-2007, 12:34 PM

I think I've settled on either the Sharp Aquos LCD 32 inch or the 37 inch (which just barely fits my media cabnet width wise... I may be taking the doors off!). Not to concerned about the difference between 720 and 1080 at that size anyways.

One month away from buying (and my wife killing me!).

Hambergler · 08-27-2007, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by squeak

I think I've settled on either the Sharp Aquos LCD 32 inch or the 37 inch (which just barely fits my media cabnet width wise... I may be taking the doors off!). Not to concerned about the difference between 720 and 1080 at that size anyways.

One month away from buying (and my wife killing me!).

Just keep in mind that LCD lamps have to be replaced about every 2-3 years. At $300-$400 a pop.

For the money your spending, I would chuck the media cabnet and buy a 50" plasma.

**Rincewind** · 08-27-2007, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by squeak

I think I've settled on either the Sharp Aquos LCD 32 inch or the 37 inch (which just barely fits my media cabnet width wise... I may be taking the doors off!). Not to concerned about the difference between 720 and 1080 at that size anyways.

One month away from buying (and my wife killing me!).

Squeak, I bought the 32" 1080p Sharp Aquos a couple of weeks ago and LOVE it. It's a great TV.

War.mongeR1 · 08-27-2007, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hambergler

Just keep in mind that LCD lamps have to be replaced about every 2-3 years. At $300-$400 a pop.

For the money your spending, I would chuck the media cabnet and buy a 50" plasma.

What are you talking about? LCD tv's last a really long time. You must be thinking of DLP projection tv's. The Aquos has a 60,000 hour lifespan!

http://www.amazon.com/Sharp-LC-32GD4.../dp/B0002TX7V8

06-08-2007, 08:41 AM	#17 (permalink)
aculle01 Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Monterey, CA Age: 25 Posts: 1,398	Re: HDTV, what should I be looking for? I have a samsung 40" LCD. While my blacks could certainly use a bit more black, I have not noticed any motion blurring with regards to sports. The only I have had since getting it has been the cost of cable. Prices do fluctuate over the course of the year. My set, when I was first looking into getting it dropped a good $500 within 4 months. Keep an eye out for sales and other deals, especially when the next generation of the model comes out. __________________ "I once thought I had mono for an entire year. It turned out I was just really bored."

08-18-2007, 03:57 PM	#18 (permalink)
TheFatKidDeath Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Santa Monica, CA Age: 39 Posts: 2,799	Re: HDTV, what should I be looking for? I've been looking for a new TV as well. My current TV is a ten year old GE tube type. I probably paid around $200 at the time. It's served it's purpose and I've gotten used to the picture quality since I've had nothing else to compare it too. The resolution is not very good (I can barely make out any detail on my Xbox, even up close) and the picture is starting to turn green in the bottom left hand corner. So I headed down to my local Best Buy to get an idea of the picture quality as it's tough to determine that researching on the internet. Questions though: 1)Is HDTV a service provided by your cable provider? 2)Most (if not all) of the TV's I looked at were HDTV ready but will it even matter for my picture quality if I don't have HDTV? 3)On alot the sets I was flipping channels and noticed the picture would suddenly shrink to the middle where it did not fill the entire screen. Is that because what your watching is not HDTV and the TV reverts back to the non-HDTV signal? __________________ \|TG-9th\| TheFatKidDeath "Born to Party, Forced to Work." http://www.theonion.com/content/node/55640 - Check me out on The Onion http://www.theonion.com/content/vide...ssfully_avoids - I'm on the local news!

08-19-2007, 03:28 PM	#20 (permalink)
Chewy Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Oak Creek, WI Age: 24 Posts: 1,568	Re: HDTV, what should I be looking for? I have a 50" LCD by Hitachi and love it for a lot of reasons... especially the ridiculously amazing built-in surround sound. People will sit on my couch, turn around and go "Where did that come from... do you have surround sound?" I tell em, "Nope... just the TV!". The picture on 1080i (basically, slightly upgraded 720p) is very good on the HD channels that actually are sent in the full 1080p. Many of the your local HD channels send programs (like sports and prime-time viewing) up-converted from 720p to 1080i, rather then sending the full 1080p signal. It's cheaper for them but more annoying for us... many people don't even know they do that but you can definitely tell the difference... watch a show in CBS for example in HD and then go watch something on HDNet... you'll see what I'm talking about. The only downside to my LCD is that in fact, yes, you can see some blurriness during sports games when the graphics are flying around the screen in-between plays... that's where you notice the blurriness most - high end graphics. The regular picture doesn't suffer too much from this LCD downfall. I used to be a big hater of plasma, as they had A LOT of issues when they were still a virgin technology, ie: weight, loss of brightness after 5-7 years, can't tip on their sides (fun when you're moving)... but when I buy again in the future, my next TV will most likely be a plasma. __________________ PM Chewy (Team Fortress 2 Admin) Chewy's Steam Profile

08-20-2007, 12:18 AM	#21 (permalink)
Acreo Aeneas Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: DePaul University (Chicago) Age: 22 Posts: 4,683	Re: HDTV, what should I be looking for? Currently I'm using a 32" Samsung 720p LCD HDTV in the living room. It's very nice compared to the older CRT tubes. If you really want to take advantage of your Xbox 360, I'd recommend getting a set with native 1080i support. I do not recommend the brand the Olevia brand. Our last LCD HDTV was Olevia. The LCD controller chip "burned" out (that's what the tech says). I've gone through many wasted hours with their phone/tech support and several emails. I've either gotten the run-around or been ignored. The TV is still sitting in a back room, unfixed. __________________ Current Obsessions: Netbooks and other low-cost, small, and portable PCs. RSS Feeds: Bamboo

08-22-2007, 11:31 AM	#23 (permalink)
Acreo Aeneas Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: DePaul University (Chicago) Age: 22 Posts: 4,683	Re: HDTV, what should I be looking for? War, you misunderstood me. My father bought the set from Micro Center (here in Chicago) and we used it for close to 3 years. We even bought a extended warranty through a third-party (that goes through MC). What ended up happening was that, the third party insurance company was just an insurance company. We still had to get Olevia to take the TV to fix. I had a run-around trying to get a RMA label and number to I could ship the TV to Olevia to get fixed. The issue isn't with where I bought the TV but with the actual company that manufacturered it. __________________ Current Obsessions: Netbooks and other low-cost, small, and portable PCs. RSS Feeds: Bamboo

08-22-2007, 01:42 PM	#24 (permalink)
War.mongeR1 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 1,401	Re: HDTV, what should I be looking for? Ah. So I see. So you're just saying to buy a more reputable brand tv, right? __________________ "Common sense is not so common." -Voltaire

08-22-2007, 03:49 PM	#25 (permalink)
Sawviper Join Date: May 2005 Location: Wichita, Kansas Age: 32 Posts: 496	Re: HDTV, what should I be looking for? If you are interested in buying online I would recommend Onecall.com, they have excellent prices and I have referred them to two other people that have nothing but good things to say. The shipping was top notch and all three of the sets that were bought were 62" or larger. __________________

08-27-2007, 12:34 PM	#27 (permalink)
Iceberg Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Illinois Age: 25 Posts: 1,931	Re: HDTV, what should I be looking for? I think I've settled on either the Sharp Aquos LCD 32 inch or the 37 inch (which just barely fits my media cabnet width wise... I may be taking the doors off!). Not to concerned about the difference between 720 and 1080 at that size anyways. One month away from buying (and my wife killing me!). __________________ It only takes 2 bites [insert parasite] to get to the center of a meatpop. TGNS Admin \| NS Forum Moderator Digz \| NS Play Tester Natural Selection \| TGNS Primer \| Communication Awareness! Army Info: Deployment or Bust - June 2009

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