HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

[poster]

Re: Another HDTV questions info thread

Thanks for your help guys.

Here are two sets I saw on cnet.

http://reviews.cnet.com/Samsung_HL-P5085W/4505-6484_7-30898679.html

http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_KV-34XBR910/4505-6481_7-30536650.html

What do you guys think of these. I would prefer a smaller lighter TV. It seems like those dont have all the features though.

[mjb2124]

Re: Another HDTV questions info thread

Thanks for your help guys.

Here are two sets I saw on cnet.

http://reviews.cnet.com/Samsung_HL-P5085W/4505-6484_7-30898679.html

http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_KV-34XBR910/4505-6481_7-30536650.html

What do you guys think of these. I would prefer a smaller lighter TV. It seems like those dont have all the features though.

Wow. Talk about 2 very different sets.

A 50" Sammy DLP (Captain Kirk model) and a 34" Sony CRT.

To be honest, it's really up to you. Do you have the viewing area for a 50" set? Have you looked at the Sammy DLP in different stores and really fooled around with the settings? Tried any movies with scenes that you know well? Make sure you don't have any trouble with the "rainbow effect" on DLP's. Some people have issues with it. Initially I saw a few rainbows with my Sammy DLP, but for some reason I don't anymore (after about 2-3 weeks I stopped seeing them).

I don't know much about the Sony set, but I'm sure it's very good. I'm a big fan of DLP's, but it's really up to you and the picture that you see when viewing these sets. That's why I'd take a DVD you know to the store and ask them to play it on both sets and see what you think looks better. If they don't let you do that, then they aren't worth buying from IMO.

First I'd consider the size and technology that you really want (CRT, DLP, LCD, Plasma etc... Once you have the size/technology figured out, I'd look at a few sets in that size/technology at different stores until it becomes clear what looks best to you, costs the right amount and has the inputs you want.

Sorry for being so vague, but it seems like you aren't real sure on size/technology that you want. That has to be your first order of business. Once you can decide on those 2 issues then your options will be narrowed down for you. It will make your life much simpler!

Here's a link with a high level overview of CRT, LCD, LCoS and DLP technologies. I didn't read all of it so I'm not sure how accurate it is. I did see they said DLP's have video noise in dark areas, but I don't see it so it on my set. Anyhow, this might give you a little bit of an overview of those technologies:

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6463_7-5023901-4.html

Just my thoughts...

[koolbubbaice]

Re: Another HDTV questions info thread

Where is it for $1,600? I've been eyeing this tv for purchase for months but I'm thinking about just buying it in store so I can avoid the hassle if a return is necessary. Since so many CRTs have geometry issues and the like, it could be risky. I did see it on Ebay for that price...any brick and mortar alternatives at that price?

Cnet has the lowest-highest price range for the TV from various online retailers.. Also pricegrabbers.com is a good source for getting the best deals too..

[CWood2]

Re: Another HDTV questions info thread

Cnet has the lowest-highest price range for the TV from various online retailers.. Also pricegrabbers.com is a good source for getting the best deals too..

I know I could save a lot of money, a little over $500 to be exact which goes a long way for me. The only problem, I'm horrified of ordering a tube tv or anything that pricey online where I can't return or exchange in store. Maybe that's why I'm waiting to have the extra money so I can feel better about it?

Anyone have a strong opinion on this? I know it comes down to peace of mind when you're making such a big upgrade, and for my first HD television, maybe it's just me. Any experiences instore vs. stricly online vendors for this model (sony 34xbr960) would be great.

[poster]

Re: Another HDTV questions info thread

Wow. Talk about 2 very different sets.

A 50" Sammy DLP (Captain Kirk model) and a 34" Sony CRT.

To be honest, it's really up to you. Do you have the viewing area for a 50" set? Have you looked at the Sammy DLP in different stores and really fooled around with the settings? Tried any movies with scenes that you know well? Make sure you don't have any trouble with the "rainbow effect" on DLP's. Some people have issues with it. Initially I saw a few rainbows with my Sammy DLP, but for some reason I don't anymore (after about 2-3 weeks I stopped seeing them).

I don't know much about the Sony set, but I'm sure it's very good. I'm a big fan of DLP's, but it's really up to you and the picture that you see when viewing these sets. That's why I'd take a DVD you know to the store and ask them to play it on both sets and see what you think looks better. If they don't let you do that, then they aren't worth buying from IMO.

First I'd consider the size and technology that you really want (CRT, DLP, LCD, Plasma etc... Once you have the size/technology figured out, I'd look at a few sets in that size/technology at different stores until it becomes clear what looks best to you, costs the right amount and has the inputs you want.

Sorry for being so vague, but it seems like you aren't real sure on size/technology that you want. That has to be your first order of business. Once you can decide on those 2 issues then your options will be narrowed down for you. It will make your life much simpler!

Here's a link with a high level overview of CRT, LCD, LCoS and DLP technologies. I didn't read all of it so I'm not sure how accurate it is. I did see they said DLP's have video noise in dark areas, but I don't see it so it on my set. Anyhow, this might give you a little bit of an overview of those technologies:

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6463_7-5023901-4.html

Just my thoughts...

Whats up Joeboo! How are you doing? Thanks for the advice. My problem is not knowing what I want. I am a long ways off of buying one, hopefully in the fall. I will look at the link and read up. I know the TV's were different, they were both rated highly and in a reasonable price range so I chose them as examples . Take care and thanks again!

[koolbubbaice]

Re: Another HDTV questions info thread

I know I could save a lot of money, a little over $500 to be exact which goes a long way for me. The only problem, I'm horrified of ordering a tube tv or anything that pricey online where I can't return or exchange in store. Maybe that's why I'm waiting to have the extra money so I can feel better about it?

Anyone have a strong opinion on this? I know it comes down to peace of mind when you're making such a big upgrade, and for my first HD television, maybe it's just me. Any experiences instore vs. stricly online vendors for this model (sony 34xbr960) would be great.

I hear crutchfield provides excellent online service & customer support.. Too bad, they aren't selling the 960's for 1,600..

[bryan_05]

Re: Another HDTV questions info thread

What wording am I looking for when shopping for an HDTV LCD to see if it has a Tuner built in?

[koolbubbaice]

Re: Another HDTV questions info thread

What wording am I looking for when shopping for an HDTV LCD to see if it has a Tuner built in?

HDTV's labeled as 'HDTV ready' means no built in HD tuner.. Look for that..

[Stu]

Re: Another HDTV questions info thread

HDTV's labeled as 'HDTV ready' means no built in HD tuner.. Look for that..

Or "HDTV Monitor"

[FSU4LIFE]

Re: Another HDTV questions info thread

I have a question regarding HDMI to DVI cables. I was told the brand of cables you get really does not matter and that the picture quality would be sharp it you bought Monster cables or some cable from Wal mart. How true is that? I am wondering because I do not want to spend over a bill to get some.

[koolbubbaice]

Re: Another HDTV questions info thread

I have a question regarding HDMI to DVI cables. I was told the brand of cables you get really does not matter and that the picture quality would be sharp it you bought Monster cables or some cable from Wal mart. How true is that? I am wondering because I do not want to spend over a bill to get some.

Pretty fair statement.. Go for a medium priced HDMI to DVI cables. Avoid the cheapos/high priced ones. Only be concerned about the quality if the cable is over 10ft.. Then the cheaper ones might be a problem..

[FSU4LIFE]

Re: Another HDTV questions info thread

Pretty fair statement.. Go for a medium priced HDMI to DVI cables. Avoid the cheapos/high priced ones. Only be concerned about the quality if the cable is over 10ft.. Then the cheaper ones might be a problem..

I appreciate the advice. So what would you say is a reasonable amount?

[koolbubbaice]

Re: Another HDTV questions info thread

I appreciate the advice. So what would you say is a reasonable amount?

How long do you want the cable?

[FSU4LIFE]

Re: Another HDTV questions info thread

How long do you want the cable?

6 ft. would be fine.

[GAMEC0CK2002]

Re: Another HDTV questions info thread

I'm a newbie to the whole HDTV so I started doing some homework. For novices like myself, I ran across a really easy to follow breakdown on CRTs, DLPs, LCDs, and plasmas. And what's even nice is that it is done like a tv show episode or infomercial. Broken up into different segments. Check the video links toward the bottom. Enjoy.

http://www.pcworld.com/digitalduo/article/0,aid,120832,00.asp