HDTV Checklist / Recommendations

[Artful Dodger]

Interesting, sounds like I'll have to do more research on the subject. Mind you, if I buy a TV which can do 1080i, it will be able to do 720p regardless, so maybe it's not that big of an issue...

Yep, I figured as much. Like I said, with such a major investment like a TV where you're spending a few thousand dollars, you don't want to have to go out and buy a new one a couple years down the road.

Hi, I'll just add plus I have a question that would help as well. Since I just got a Xbox 360 and set the cable switch to the HDTV part there was in the system setup for video what I wanted it to run i.e. 720P, 1080i. I thought since I have a 30" Panasonic HDTV (bought it in January) which has both I'd set it for the 1080i and go from there. Great picture, but the fact that I had to set the 1080i up or choose 720P brings up the question of is or would this be the same thing one would have to do "within" a HDMI dvd player? The part of going into the dvd player and selecting 720P or 1080i or does it "just know" which one to play?
Back to the part of 1080i or 720P, I have only a few games so I haven't seen a difference in quality but could someone tell me why? Maybe I'm not really paying attention or I'm just still happy about the video quality

I think the part about having two HDMI inputs would be very good since one could be for the dvd player and the other for your Satellite/cable HDTV receiver (I'm working on getting the receiver personally since it's free after rebate for me). Having only one myself I would go with the HDMI when using a HDMI dvd player/theater system, but that's just me

 

[h0e0h]

man... i really feel like a frickin idiot having to ask for help in my own area of expertiese...

anyway... to set this up, I don't sell many Samsung TVs in my store, and what we do have are Plasmas, and we're on DirectTV up there, so I've never been through this before...

I just bought my fiance' a Samsung LN-S2641D for her apartment, and until she moves in this next week, I'm running it as a second monitor for my Powerbook. Any way, i'm setting it up and autoprogramming it and all and this damn thing doesn't pick up CBS in HD like my Sony did. Now, the web page claims to say that this TV has a built-in ATSC tuner, meaning that if HD programs are being transmitted over the air, or through cable, then it should pick it up, right... well in Monroe, CBS is 71.3 on Time Warner Cable on my KDF-E42A10 (sony) and it picks it up fine. The antenna chanel is actually 7-1, but i can't seem to program this ATSC set to pick it up... any flippin suggestions?

bump

answered my own question and for anyone in the same boat... in order to receive HD channels via antenna, all required is ATSC tuner, but in order to receive OTA HD via cable, the TV must have both ATSC, and QAM tuner, intergrated. Obviously the QAM tuner decodes the HD signal transmitted via standard cable.

 

[~Shard~]

bump

answered my own question and for anyone in the same boat... in order to receive HD channels via antenna, all required is ATSC tuner, but in order to receive OTA HD via cable, the TV must have both ATSC, and QAM tuner, intergrated. Obviously the QAM tuner decodes the HD signal transmitted via standard cable.

Thanks for the update, I had kind of forgot you had asked that question.

As for my situation right now, I have decided to hold off purchasing a nice new HDTV until the fall. No, it's not procrastinating on my part, it's the simple fact that now that it's summer, I'm hardly going to be inside at all and the only TV I'll be watching is the World Cup. Throw in 3.5 weeks of vacation this summer when I won't even be home, and I just can't justify the purchase right now, especially with how quickly technology is evolving. I'd love to get a 1080p set, but the plasmas are still a bit pricey. I'll be waiting until the fall and will pick up a nice set then.

In the meantime though, I will be in the market for a new TV for our kitchen, as our little 10-year old 12" CRT is hurting. I was thinking of getting one of those arms/mounts and getting a nice 17-20" LCD screen. Any thoughts or advice on what to buy (size, model, technology) for a smaller set to meet my needs in this respect?

 

[h0e0h]

a majority of small TVs are EDTV, not bad for a kitchen, i'm sure you won't have/need HD in there anyway. Toshiba makes a 15" w/ built in DVD which is nice... but if you go with an arm, go with something by Sanus, they make GREAT mounts. You can find any mount that will fit your TV at http://www.sanus.com then click on their MountFINDER and select your make/model, and it will display ALL the compatable mounts for the TV that you selected manufactured by Sanus. Great stuff... good luck with the small one, and let me know if i can help. BTW, waiting isn't a bad idea, because Mitsubishi is about to release a new 1080p 57" with a smaller bezel, all their TVs are going to a smaller bezel matter of fact, and I'm really exciting to see what's coming off the truck when the new stuff comes.

 

[~Shard~]

a majority of small TVs are EDTV, not bad for a kitchen, i'm sure you won't have/need HD in there anyway. Toshiba makes a 15" w/ built in DVD which is nice... but if you go with an arm, go with something by Sanus, they make GREAT mounts. You can find any mount that will fit your TV at http://www.sanus.com then click on their MountFINDER and select your make/model, and it will display ALL the compatable mounts for the TV that you selected manufactured by Sanus. Great stuff... good luck with the small one, and let me know if i can help. BTW, waiting isn't a bad idea, because Mitsubishi is about to release a new 1080p 57" with a smaller bezel, all their TVs are going to a smaller bezel matter of fact, and I'm really exciting to see what's coming off the truck when the new stuff comes.

Once again, thanks for the advice - as always, I do really appreciate it. If I have any further questions I'll e-mail you.

 

[imacintel]

Go SamSung

I bought a Samsung 32 inch LCD screen, for $1900. It is great and it works well. The picture is crisp, clear, and beautiful. The sound is perfect. I use this with A Bell ExpressVu HDTV satellite. On even non-HD content, it is very nice.

 

[starnox]

What would you say the best LCD make was? Are the new Sony Bravia (sp?) cracked up to all they are meant to be? I can't really go to any shop to check them out cos I live on a small islands and we don't have those sort of shops over here.

I am correct in saying the xbox 360 doesn't have HDMI output? Only component? How does that effect the quality. Also I don't think the xbox 360 supports 1080p does it?

I am planning on buying a small LCD TV (26"-32"), mainly for DVDs and maybe an xbox 360 if I get one.

Been very very very pleased with our Pioneer plasma we brought a few years ago. Quality is superb (I don't think they do LCDs though). Any recommendations?

 

[Butler Trumpet]

This is a great thread, and I was just curious what you thought of this HDTV

Toshiba 30HF85
Its in my price range (which isnt that large) and I do have Digital Cable.

Currently I have a Sanyo 27inch tv, it sucks. The picture is zoomed in or something, and it cuts off the sides and top of every channel. Example: If Im watching the Discovery channel, down in the bottom right corner is only says "Discove" instead of "Discovery." And it is like this one all the side. Also, if there is any large amount of white on the screen for any amount of time, the colors of all things white turn to yellow. And, its only mono sound... so that sucks.
So basically, any TV i get is going to be a HUGE step up. But i thought this Toshiba HDTV would be a good buy for the price.

 

[balamw]

So basically, any TV i get is going to be a HUGE step up. But i thought this Toshiba HDTV would be a good buy for the price.

Good price for a CRT HDTV.

Just remember that a 30" 16:9 widescreen TV will actually give you a smaller picture than a 27" 4:3 set for 4:3 (non-widescreen) programming. The height of a 27" 4:3 display is ~ 16" while a 30" 16:9 is a bit less than 15". So a 30" 16:9 display viewing non-widescreen programming is closer to a 24" equivalent...

B

 

[Butler Trumpet]

Good price for a CRT HDTV.

Just remember that a 30" 16:9 widescreen TV will actually give you a smaller picture than a 27" 4:3 set for 4:3 (non-widescreen) programming. The height of a 27" 4:3 display is ~ 16" while a 30" 16:9 is a bit less than 15". So a 30" 16:9 display viewing non-widescreen programming is closer to a 24" equivalent...

B

Actually, i just measured my tv, cause 27 sounded to big, and its actually only 25. So right now the vertical axis is only 15 inches as it is.
But yeah i figured it might look a little smaller on normal 4:3 programs. Though the HD programs i get, and dvds are going to be much better. And Im excited that Im going to be able to watch ALL the picture, and not have a few inches cut off my screen!

 

[Butler Trumpet]

Here is my little rant about HDMI

I think its great..... its cool that they have an all in one cable. The only problem, I think its kind of a rip off because if you're gonna pay that much for a cable, you better have good sound right? And yes, it does provide great sound, but what about your tv, because chances are you're not going to come close the sound you could get with a separate receiver with 5.1 sound. So, what I look for in a tv, is that it has DVI in, and then the audio i really dont care about. I would rather just take dvi in, and then optical or coaxial to a receiver. So to me, HDMI isnt worth the price, because if you spend that much and want to watch a DVD, you're going to be losing sound quality wether you use the tvs speakers or use the audio out, which probably wont be HDMI or even optical or coax to your receiver. Anyone agree?

 

[starnox]

Here is my little rant about HDMI

I think its great..... its cool that they have an all in one cable. The only problem, I think its kind of a rip off because if you're gonna pay that much for a cable, you better have good sound right? And yes, it does provide great sound, but what about your tv, because chances are you're not going to come close the sound you could get with a separate receiver with 5.1 sound. So, what I look for in a tv, is that it has DVI in, and then the audio i really dont care about. I would rather just take dvi in, and then optical or coaxial to a receiver. So to me, HDMI isnt worth the price, because if you spend that much and want to watch a DVD, you're going to be losing sound quality wether you use the tvs speakers or use the audio out, which probably wont be HDMI or even optical or coax to your receiver. Anyone agree?

This is true, if you are really serious about audio you will be using optical cables, which as far as I know are better than any HDMI cable for audio. However does HDCP only work with HDMI?

 

[balamw]

However does HDCP only work with HDMI?

That's the idea.... Of course HDCP may never really materialize...

B

 

[Butler Trumpet]

Okay, so Im going to buy that Toshiba HDTV tomorrow... it is the last day it is on sale for that price (so they tell me) and it will be going up 200 at the end of tomorrow.
Though I dont have anyplace to put it right now, because my entertainment unit isnt big enough. Looks like its going on the coffee table for a while.
Also, I need some composite video cables, two sets, coming in at about 25 each.

I cant wait!!!

 

[Butler Trumpet]

just a question....
how important is the brand of component video cables?
Because i found monster cables that were like $25 for 3 feet or something like that, then i found some on targets website that was $15 for 12 feet (just some off brand)

how much does this matter?

 

[ObsidianIce]

My personal opinion is that HDMI cables the brand doesn't matter much..but in component cables the brand does matter. I had a pair of monster cable component cables, and then a cheap brand that i that just came with my cable box. I tried both on my DVD player ( Panasonic DVD-s97) and TV )Mitsubishi Wd-62627). There's a definite difference. go with the monstercable or the new Belkin's are nice i hear. I tried an off brand HDMI that i got from timewarner against a monstercable i bought...i returned the monstercable one...no real difference between the two.

just a question....
how important is the brand of component video cables?
Because i found monster cables that were like $25 for 3 feet or something like that, then i found some on targets website that was $15 for 12 feet (just some off brand)

how much does this matter?

 

[Sox]

I'm also in the market for an HDTV, as I'll be moving into a new apartment in mid-August. I've heard very good things about the new Samsung 32" and the Sony Bravia line. To echo another poster, are the Bravias worth the extra cash? Both have the dual HDMI, but the rep at Best Buy (it's right across the street from the apartment, but yeah, they're sketchy) said that the XBR on the Bravias actually upconverts standard cable signals, along with displaying the HD signals. Is this true, or even worth it?

I'm in Boston, so I'll be using Comcast.

 

[Butler Trumpet]

Sweet

So I bought that TV yesterday, the 30inch Wide Screen HD Toshiba..... Freaking awesome.
I love it, it makes my digital cable look amazing. And I got two sets of Acoustic Research component video cables. Right now my sound is just through the tv, but Im gonna get a 5.1 system soon, cause you gotta have good sound with good picture.

Oh and BTW I got it for 499 yesterday, and today it is 599

 

[h0e0h]

Here is my little rant about HDMI

I think its great..... its cool that they have an all in one cable. The only problem, I think its kind of a rip off because if you're gonna pay that much for a cable, you better have good sound right? And yes, it does provide great sound, but what about your tv, because chances are you're not going to come close the sound you could get with a separate receiver with 5.1 sound. So, what I look for in a tv, is that it has DVI in, and then the audio i really dont care about. I would rather just take dvi in, and then optical or coaxial to a receiver. So to me, HDMI isnt worth the price, because if you spend that much and want to watch a DVD, you're going to be losing sound quality wether you use the tvs speakers or use the audio out, which probably wont be HDMI or even optical or coax to your receiver. Anyone agree?

first of all, sorry guys for being absent while some of you were buying, school started up recently and work is kickin, so forum times in gereral are down. to other posters, the toshiba models are excellent... samsung flat panels are wonderful, i own one, but would have much rather spent the extra money on a bravia simply because of the wega engine (only on the XBR)... really does make a difference

as far as the quote... if you're so concerned about audio, why not get an stereo receiver with an HDMI switcher. STR-DG900/1000 by Sony or HTR-5990 by Yamaha both have 2 HDMI in and 1 HDMI out. That way, you can have your 7.1 audio in a digital uncompressed audio and 1080p digital uncompressed video to go with it. Hope this clears some things up.

 

[Zman5225]

To the poster asking about the Samsung LCD's, they are a great TV, very nicely priced and they have 2 hdmi inputs.

The Sony XBR's are nice also, I just don't think the price difference warrants itself any better then the Samsungs. Let your eyes do the talking when choosing between the Sony and Samsung LCD's, as right now I think they are leading the pack. Now by that comment, i'm not talking about overall sales, as that clearly goes to Westinghouse, who for the price, makes a heckuva LCD with good features and a pretty good picture.


For everyone looking for cables, don't by into the Monster is better crap, they are ok(yes just ok) made cables, but SERIOUSLY overpriced. The people that defend monster, are the saps that bought into their hype, and purchased them, so they have to defend them to make themselves feel ok about purchasing it (read junk)

On THAT note, if you are in the market for cables, check out www.monoprice.com . They have excellent cables, very nice prices, and receive excellent reviews on avs.

Z

 

[xparaparafreakx]

The Sony XBR's are nice also, I just don't think the price difference warrants itself any better then the Samsungs.

For the living room we have the Sony SXRD 50" and it only $2700 at circuit city. I used their price matching crap to get back a lot of money from them. I bought it at $3500 and get back a couple hundred from them.

 

[Jschultz]

For the living room we have the Sony SXRD 50" and it only $2700 at circuit city. I used their price matching crap to get back a lot of money from them. I bought it at $3500 and get back a couple hundred from them.

Yes Yes! We do have that TV at $2700 right now. It's a steal for that price, consdering we're only making $200 on the TV.

Like I mentioned before, I work Circuit City in the TV department, and I get to see this stuff for long periods of time.

The new Samsung LCD's are awesome, for what they are. If you want flat panel, the 40" LNS4092D is a GREAT TV that looks just like Sony's XBR, but a lot cheaper.

If you want a bigger projection TV, Samsung's new 1080P DLP sets are stunningly beautiful. I use to hate DLP, but Samsungs new stuff is Dyn-o-mite! Our Samsung rep just bought in the 1080p content boxes which will show you what blu-ray is capable of, and it's simply not fair to the competition. Everything else looks dim and hazy compared to them.

Anyways, just my input!

 

[~Shard~]

If you want a bigger projection TV, Samsung's new 1080P DLP sets are stunningly beautiful. I use to hate DLP, but Samsungs new stuff is Dyn-o-mite! Our Samsung rep just bought in the 1080p content boxes which will show you what blu-ray is capable of, and it's simply not fair to the competition. Everything else looks dim and hazy compared to them.

Anyways, just my input!

I heard that DLPs sets burn out or at least dim after about 5 years, resulting in having to replace the bulb assembly which costs $500 or more. Is this true? If so, this should be taken into consideration when making a purchase, as the newest plasmas have lives of 60,000 hours with no costly replacements required. If this is true, it is something that should be factored into the overall cost of the set by the consumer.

 

[h0e0h]

I heard that DLPs sets burn out or at least dim after about 5 years, resulting in having to replace the bulb assembly which costs $500 or more. Is this true? If so, this should be taken into consideration when making a purchase, as the newest plasmas have lives of 60,000 hours with no costly replacements required. If this is true, it is something that should be factored into the overall cost of the set by the consumer.

If you're concerned with a DLP lamp going out, don't consier RP LCDs either, because its based on the same technology. We run TVs for 96 hours/week at my store and since the debut of Mitsubishi's 1080p DLP around October when we got it in our store, not a single lamp has had to be replaced... that is 33 weeks (assuming product displayed on October 31, but i think it was earlier than that) x 96 hours of CONTINUOUS use = 3168 hours... and if the avg consumer only watches TV for 42 hours a week... (6 hours, 7 days a week) then that $150 bulb, not CLOSE to $500, will last for 75 weeks, or a year and a half. I know personally that my TV doesn't run more than 3 hours a day, so for me that would equate to 3 years of bulb life, assuming that one only has a life of 3100 hours. You have to think that the DLP is new technology and no one has really had one long enough to say whether or not you're going to get the long haul out of the lamp or not. Only Toshiba has had a problem with lamps that I'm aware of, and that was due to excess power being passed to the lighting switch, which has now been recalled and fixed. When you read reviews you read customer opinions. All of the problems that have been floating around with the MBP almost deterred me from buying this 17" Beauty... but i then remembered what an old salesman, and my mentor, once told me, "we've had war in the past, and they're'll be war in the future... but in this store, there ain't war today now is it?" Meaning, one bad apple can spoil the (thoughts in the minds of) others, so don't go based on reviews alone. If you like the TV in the store, buy it for goodness sakes. If you wait for something bigger and better, it will come, but they you'll wait for the next bigger or better revision, and NEVER MAKE A PURCHASE. Parts are not as expensive as they may seem, unless on a high-fail brand like RCA, so don't think about it like that, Mitsubishi and Sony lamps ~ $150-$225. Think about that when looking at a projection CRT with a color gun of ~$600 or a Plasma w/ ~$1700-2100 gas tube.

 

[balamw]

The new Samsung LCD's are awesome, for what they are. If you want flat panel, the 40" LNS4092D is a GREAT TV that looks just like Sony's XBR, but a lot cheaper.

That's the one I'm currently considering for our LR... Glad to hear your opinion.

B