HDTVs

[j51]

How does this deal sound?

Samsung 52" Widescreen HDTV (http://www.circuitcity.com/detail.jsp?c=1&b=g&catoid=-8041&qp=0050835010509&bookmark=bookmark_2&oid=74891)
High-def DIRECTV reciever (http://www.circuitcity.com/detail.jsp?c=1&b=g&catoid=-9712&qp=0050835010509&bookmark=bookmark_9&oid=70595)
Plus: Antenna, Delivery, Installation & Calibration
No interest for 18 mo., + 3 year warranty for $2000

I don't know a ton about HDTVs, but this feels like a pretty nice deal to me.. any thoughts/suggestions?

[The_herd]

Looks like a pretty good deal. The price on HDTV's is falling though it appears. I was checking them out at Sears last weekend and was pleasently surprised by the price of most of them.

[SackAttack]

That's mostly because, AFAIK, the federal government is requiring all TV sets to be HDTV-ready within the next couple of years, so the market, in essence, is going to be flooded with them.

Whether that means depression on the price of the high-end sets, or inflation on something more in the 20"+ range, we'll find out, I guess.

[Karim]

Make sure you get a decent set of HD component video cables. It makes a world of difference. If you're a little more enthusiastic, look into ISF calibration. If you're going HD, you might as well go all the way.

[The_herd]

Originally posted by SackAttack


Whether that means depression on the price of the high-end sets, or inflation on something more in the 20"+ range, we'll find out, I guess.

The best deals I was seeing was in the 30"-36" range. Sony had some great deals on their sets, they were a bit cheaper than the Magnovox and JVC sets I saw there.

[Glengoyne]

Originally posted by Karim
Make sure you get a decent set of HD component video cables. It makes a world of difference. If you're a little more enthusiastic, look into ISF calibration. If you're going HD, you might as well go all the way.

IS that really the case, or do you work at a Circuit City? I mean in my experience it's cables schmables.

[kingfc22]

Cables DO make a difference.

[Glengoyne]

Originally posted by kingfc22
Cables DO make a difference.

How so? I mean I want examples. Is this something that I need a oscilloscope and multimeter to pick up on? I have had people trying to sell me $35 gold printer cables shine that sunshine up my arse as well. The same thing with Stereo speaker cable. All you need is sufficient guage cable, not some $1/ft monster cable.

[Vinatieri for Prez]

The style cables is important, but not the brand. For instance, forget about "Monster" brand cables or gold, etc. But you do want what are called video "component" cables (have 5 connections out each end, three for video, two for sound). They are a step up from S-Video, which in itself is a step up from the standard connection (which is one for video, two for sound) Your deal sounds good. The HD directTV receiver is an expensive piece of equipment in and of itself. When I bought mine 2 years ago it was $500.

[mtolson]

Don't have very much input regarding your setup. However, I just purchases a 65 Mitsubushi and a Hugh HTL reciever. Got a lot of helpful information regarding HDTV at http://www.avsforum.com

[Glengoyne]

Originally posted by Vinatieri for Prez
The style cables is important, but not the brand. For instance, forget about "Monster" brand cables or gold, etc. But you do want what are called video "component" cables (have 5 connections out each end, three for video, two for sound). They are a step up from S-Video, which in itself is a step up from the standard connection (which is one for video, two for sound) Your deal sounds good. The HD directTV receiver is an expensive piece of equipment in and of itself. When I bought mine 2 years ago it was $500.

OK OK That I will agree with. I am using the component video cable(s) with my current TV(not a HDTV). The DVD player uses a component video connection.

[Karim]

Originally posted by Glengoyne
IS that really the case, or do you work at a Circuit City? I mean in my experience it's cables schmables.

Might as well forget about the ISF calibration then.

[akw4572]

I purchased a 36" Sony Flat Screen Trinitron that is HD ready a year and 8 months ago. I suppose if I get a box that means I can get the HD? I have Directv, so will an HD receiver do the trick?

[Philliesfan980]

Speaking of HD and DirectTV, are there plans to offer local HD stations via the dish (IE, not having to get some special big antenna to get the HD local channels). The main thing holding me back from getting the dish is the fact that their HD channels leave little to be desired.

[Vinatieri for Prez]

Originally posted by akw4572
I purchased a 36" Sony Flat Screen Trinitron that is HD ready a year and 8 months ago. I suppose if I get a box that means I can get the HD? I have Directv, so will an HD receiver do the trick?

Yes. You would get a special HD receiver that is compatible with DirectTV. That means ditching the one you have now, and replacing it. However, I don't think DirectTV rents/sells these or not. If you love sports, I recommend you get it. ITS AMAZING!

Edit: to get your local channels in HD, you will have to get an old-fashioned antenna to hook into the receiver, since those are sent over the air waves. The best HD sports programming comes that way like MNF, CF, Masters, March Madness, US Open Tennis, Triple Crown, NBA & NHL playoffs, etc. since the networks own the rights.

[Vinatieri for Prez]

Originally posted by Philliesfan980
Speaking of HD and DirectTV, are there plans to offer local HD stations via the dish (IE, not having to get some special big antenna to get the HD local channels). The main thing holding me back from getting the dish is the fact that their HD channels leave little to be desired.

Not that I know of. But you can get ESPN-HD, HD-NET, HBO-H, and HD games on Sunday Ticket. I agree its not great, though.

[Philliesfan980]

Originally posted by Vinatieri for Prez
Not that I know of. But you can get ESPN-HD, HD-NET, HBO-H, and HD games on Sunday Ticket. I agree its not great, though.

For all this HD stuff out there, there really aren't that many good options for getting it. The boxes are incredibly expensive, you can't get local HD channels on them. When are they really going to start rolling this stuff out?