HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

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  • hooman1844
    Rookie
    • Dec 2005
    • 4

    #2866
    Re: Sony TV and PS2 question

    My family is looking for a 42inch Plasma HDTV, any suggestions? An employee said they ahve a half-life of 4 years, and if one thing goes bad, you're screwed, so we starting looking at lcd's. Any suggestions? 37 inch would be fine also. We're looking to not spend over 3000, preferebly 2500, but quality is more important. Thanks. We were looking at the panasonic TH-42PX50U and the Hitatchi 42HDF52 and 42HDT52. Thanks again.

    Comment

    • CWood2
      TNA & WWE thanks you
      • May 2004
      • 4356

      #2867
      Re: Sony TV and PS2 question

      Originally posted by hooman1844
      My family is looking for a 42inch Plasma HDTV, any suggestions? An employee said they ahve a half-life of 4 years, and if one thing goes bad, you're screwed, so we starting looking at lcd's. Any suggestions? 37 inch would be fine also. We're looking to not spend over 3000, preferebly 2500, but quality is more important. Thanks. We were looking at the panasonic TH-42PX50U and the Hitatchi 42HDF52 and 42HDT52. Thanks again.
      Check out the Sharp Aquos 37" LCD that Dmanchild and I just picked up...the link is a page back. I'm very, very pleased with it and you can probably get it for around $2,600. If you're willing to go plasma, Panasonic has a pretty nice 42" for less money than the LCDs.

      Comment

      • Dealin Rams
        Pro
        • Nov 2002
        • 819

        #2868
        Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

        Hey flat-panel lcd owners! As mentioned in the last few posts, I purchased the Sharp Aquos 37" (#LC-37D4U) at Best Buy on Monday, and it should be available for pick-up either tonight or tomorrow morning. I just had a few quick questions in preparation for setting it up that I was hoping someone could answer, since I'm a first-time HDTV owner:

        1) I know LCDs differ from plasma in that there is very little (or no) worry of burn-in. However, I can't imagine that it would be good to leave a paused-screen or other static image up for an extended period of time. True? More to the point, I am specifically worried about watching television channels that only come in as standard tv. My understanding is that I can either "stretch" those images to take up the entire widescreen, or I can have black bars on the sides or top and bottom of the screen while watching those stations. Any chance of those black bars damaging the tv over an extended period of time?

        2) Do LCD flat-panels, like plasmas, have any "Break-in" period during which you need to take special care of the set in any way?

        3) Other than obvious physical damage, is there anything in particular about a flat-panel LCD television that should be inspected upon first opening it or setting it up to make sure that everything is ok?

        4) Anything else I might need to be aware of in terms of unpackaging and/or setting up the TV?

        I hope that some of you experienced owners may be able to help me out; this is probably the most expensive thing I've ever purchased (well, besides my education), therefore all the questions.

        Comment

        • koolbubbaice
          MVP
          • May 2004
          • 2236

          #2869
          Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

          Originally posted by Dmanchild
          Hey flat-panel lcd owners! As mentioned in the last few posts, I purchased the Sharp Aquos 37" (#LC-37D4U) at Best Buy on Monday, and it should be available for pick-up either tonight or tomorrow morning. I just had a few quick questions in preparation for setting it up that I was hoping someone could answer, since I'm a first-time HDTV owner:

          1) I know LCDs differ from plasma in that there is very little (or no) worry of burn-in. However, I can't imagine that it would be good to leave a paused-screen or other static image up for an extended period of time. True? More to the point, I am specifically worried about watching television channels that only come in as standard tv. My understanding is that I can either "stretch" those images to take up the entire widescreen, or I can have black bars on the sides or top and bottom of the screen while watching those stations. Any chance of those black bars damaging the tv over an extended period of time?

          2) Do LCD flat-panels, like plasmas, have any "Break-in" period during which you need to take special care of the set in any way?

          3) Other than obvious physical damage, is there anything in particular about a flat-panel LCD television that should be inspected upon first opening it or setting it up to make sure that everything is ok?

          4) Anything else I might need to be aware of in terms of unpackaging and/or setting up the TV?

          I hope that some of you experienced owners may be able to help me out; this is probably the most expensive thing I've ever purchased (well, besides my education), therefore all the questions.
          1. Shouldn't be any damage.
          2. No.
          3. Checking for dead pixels, but that isn't physical.. Check to see if the box is damaged in any way.. If so, get a different one.
          4. When driving home keep the TV in a vertical position to avoid screen damage.
          Redskins Fan. The 82 Smurfs will never die. 83/88/92 NFL world champions!!

          Audio set up:
          Benchmark DAC1
          headphones: Balanced Sony SA5000/Sen 650 AKG 340

          Comment

          • koolbubbaice
            MVP
            • May 2004
            • 2236

            #2870
            Re: Sony TV and PS2 question

            Originally posted by hooman1844
            My family is looking for a 42inch Plasma HDTV, any suggestions? An employee said they ahve a half-life of 4 years, and if one thing goes bad, you're screwed, so we starting looking at lcd's. Any suggestions? 37 inch would be fine also. We're looking to not spend over 3000, preferebly 2500, but quality is more important. Thanks. We were looking at the panasonic TH-42PX50U and the Hitatchi 42HDF52 and 42HDT52. Thanks again.
            The plasma will last a lot more then 4 yrs.. watching TV 6 hrs a day, your plasma should last you 27 yrs, baring other problems ofcourse... Get a second opinion on the Plasmas.. The employee seems like a complete dolt..
            Redskins Fan. The 82 Smurfs will never die. 83/88/92 NFL world champions!!

            Audio set up:
            Benchmark DAC1
            headphones: Balanced Sony SA5000/Sen 650 AKG 340

            Comment

            • koolbubbaice
              MVP
              • May 2004
              • 2236

              #2871
              Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

              Originally posted by Dmanchild
              Ordered my new HDTV from Best Buy yesterday: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1118843354878. I got a better than advertised price on it, and it should be ready for pick up Thursday morning.

              Can't wait to plug the 360 into it and watch the Thursday night NBA games in HD....wooohhooo! Thanks for all the help guys.
              I hope theres no motion bluring..
              Redskins Fan. The 82 Smurfs will never die. 83/88/92 NFL world champions!!

              Audio set up:
              Benchmark DAC1
              headphones: Balanced Sony SA5000/Sen 650 AKG 340

              Comment

              • RailStone
                Banned
                • Jun 2004
                • 527

                #2872
                Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

                okay as some may recall I was asking about hdtv's awhile back in the 27-30 inch range with a budget of 1200. So i have narrowed it down to two choices.


                1: 27" FD Trinitron® WEGA® Hi-Scan® HD Ready TV
                KV27HS420

                Shopping.com is a leading price comparison site that allows you shop online for the best deals and lowest prices. You can read unbiased product reviews and compare prices online. Online shopping has never been as easy!



                2: 30"Samsung TX-P3075WH

                Shopping.com is a leading price comparison site that allows you shop online for the best deals and lowest prices. You can read unbiased product reviews and compare prices online. Online shopping has never been as easy!


                Both have good reviews and are the same price.

                Which would be the better investment. I will be using it for dvds alot and xbox games.

                Comment

                • Blzer
                  Resident film pundit
                  • Mar 2004
                  • 42535

                  #2873
                  Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

                  Well, the first one is 4:3, and the second one is 16:9. The first one has HDMI, and the second one has DVI. I'd personally go with the second one, but I have to check out more specs.
                  Samsung PN60F8500 PDP / Anthem MRX 720 / Klipsch RC-62 II / Klipsch RF-82 II (x2) / Insignia NS-B2111 (x2) / SVS PC13-Ultra / SVS SB-2000 / Sony MDR-7506 Professional / Audio-Technica ATH-R70x / Sony PS3 & PS4 / DirecTV HR44-500 / DarbeeVision DVP-5000 / Panamax M5400-PM / Elgato HD60

                  Comment

                  • RailStone
                    Banned
                    • Jun 2004
                    • 527

                    #2874
                    Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

                    oops! I didnt realise the sony was 4:3.. that pretty much seals it for me, im not going forward with 4:3.

                    thanks for the prompt reply.

                    i actually found a 26" Samsung at my local walmart i like as well.

                    here is a link:

                    Shopping.com is a leading price comparison site that allows you shop online for the best deals and lowest prices. You can read unbiased product reviews and compare prices online. Online shopping has never been as easy!



                    not sure between that and the 30

                    Comment

                    • Blzer
                      Resident film pundit
                      • Mar 2004
                      • 42535

                      #2875
                      Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

                      Holy crap! That one looks hot! Same features, but 4" smaller and $150 cheaper!



                      For my sake, I would go with the 26", but that's only because I won't be that far away from the T.V. anyway. For your sake, the 4" may be a pretty big deal for you, especially if the $150 isn't.
                      Samsung PN60F8500 PDP / Anthem MRX 720 / Klipsch RC-62 II / Klipsch RF-82 II (x2) / Insignia NS-B2111 (x2) / SVS PC13-Ultra / SVS SB-2000 / Sony MDR-7506 Professional / Audio-Technica ATH-R70x / Sony PS3 & PS4 / DirecTV HR44-500 / DarbeeVision DVP-5000 / Panamax M5400-PM / Elgato HD60

                      Comment

                      • JohnnytheSkin
                        All Star
                        • Jul 2003
                        • 5914

                        #2876
                        Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

                        Hey bubba, what TV do you have? You, above anyone else on this thread seem to just recite other people's answers to questions and just criticize the hell out of everyone's TV choice. You slam DLP, you knock LCD (saying "hope there's no motion blur"), and you've probably nailed CRT and Plasma at some point. I don't get it. You have your opinion, please keep it to yourself. If you are just going to be negative about another user's purchase (which isn't cheap), then keep it quiet.

                        And as for the question about "break in" period, most new TV's should run for about a hundred hours before you start messing with picture settings and ISF calibration. The amount can change, but it's a benchmark that most ISF calibrators require before doing any service menu changes.
                        I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. - Douglas Adams

                        Oh, sorry...I got distracted by the internet. - Scott Pilgrim

                        Comment

                        • Dealin Rams
                          Pro
                          • Nov 2002
                          • 819

                          #2877
                          Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

                          Originally posted by JohnnytheSkin
                          Hey bubba, what TV do you have? You, above anyone else on this thread seem to just recite other people's answers to questions and just criticize the hell out of everyone's TV choice. You slam DLP, you knock LCD (saying "hope there's no motion blur"), and you've probably nailed CRT and Plasma at some point. I don't get it. You have your opinion, please keep it to yourself. If you are just going to be negative about another user's purchase (which isn't cheap), then keep it quiet.

                          And as for the question about "break in" period, most new TV's should run for about a hundred hours before you start messing with picture settings and ISF calibration. The amount can change, but it's a benchmark that most ISF calibrators require before doing any service menu changes.
                          Thanks JohnnytheSkin. I was able to pick up the tv and set it up last night. So far, I am pretty thrilled, which I guess is odd since I have not even seen anything in HD yet. I played the first half-hour of Saving Private Ryan on DVD and I got the same kind of feeling as watching an action movie in the theater. It was great, although I expect I'll be even more amazed when I hook up my 360 and get digital cable with HD.

                          As for your response regarding the 100 hour "break in" - I have not changed any of the picture settings as of yet, but I was hoping you could clarify. Did you mean that I shouldn't change any of the normal picture settings (sharpness, contrast, brightness, etc.) that are available from the TV's regular menu system until 100 hours of use, or were you only referring to the special picture options available in the "service menu." Or are those two menus the same thing? Sorry, I'm a little confused about that.

                          Comment

                          • koolbubbaice
                            MVP
                            • May 2004
                            • 2236

                            #2878
                            Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

                            Originally posted by JohnnytheSkin
                            Hey bubba, what TV do you have? You, above anyone else on this thread seem to just recite other people's answers to questions and just criticize the hell out of everyone's TV choice. You slam DLP, you knock LCD (saying "hope there's no motion blur"), and you've probably nailed CRT and Plasma at some point. I don't get it. You have your opinion, please keep it to yourself. If you are just going to be negative about another user's purchase (which isn't cheap), then keep it quiet.

                            And as for the question about "break in" period, most new TV's should run for about a hundred hours before you start messing with picture settings and ISF calibration. The amount can change, but it's a benchmark that most ISF calibrators require before doing any service menu changes.
                            I anwser to help out.. You are WAY out in left field, man.. I made the motion blur comment cause it's true with all LCD displays.. I have a CRT & LCD RP HDTV.. & all technologies need to be praised & 'slammed'.. You know. Pros/Cons..
                            Redskins Fan. The 82 Smurfs will never die. 83/88/92 NFL world champions!!

                            Audio set up:
                            Benchmark DAC1
                            headphones: Balanced Sony SA5000/Sen 650 AKG 340

                            Comment

                            • WTF
                              MVP
                              • Aug 2002
                              • 20274

                              #2879
                              Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

                              http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/LG-32...oductDetail.do

                              Here is the tv that I picked up the other day. I am absolutely loving it. With the 360, this thing is just beautiful. The black frame just sets off the picture so well. Any opinions on it other than mine?

                              So far, I love it.
                              Twitter - WTF_OS
                              #DropMeAFollow

                              Comment

                              • JohnnytheSkin
                                All Star
                                • Jul 2003
                                • 5914

                                #2880
                                Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

                                Originally posted by Dmanchild
                                As for your response regarding the 100 hour "break in" - I have not changed any of the picture settings as of yet, but I was hoping you could clarify. Did you mean that I shouldn't change any of the normal picture settings (sharpness, contrast, brightness, etc.) that are available from the TV's regular menu system until 100 hours of use, or were you only referring to the special picture options available in the "service menu." Or are those two menus the same thing? Sorry, I'm a little confused about that.
                                You can change those settings, but be prepared to change them a little here and there. If you have a calibration disc (like "Digital Video Essentials" or "Avia Guide to Home Theater") you can make the user menu changes, and I recommend you do so. The "User Menu" is all the stuff you can view by hitting "Settings" or the like on your remote control. The "Service Menu" is a special combination of button presses on your remote that will allow you to change convergence, luminence levels, RGB levels, etc. Some people like to tinker around in the SM, others do not (and know that you can really screw up your TV that way). I have adjusted only one thing in my Sammy DLP SM, and it's a common tweak for the model I have.

                                I only mentioned the "break in" since a true professional calibrator will not adjust a set out of the box (well he'll take your money most likely, knowing that he'll have to come back again). I'm currently looking at an ISF calibration, but I have over 350 hours on my set. From all reviews it seems like it will be well worth it, and after investing nearly three grand on my set, I figure what's wrong with an additional three hundred.
                                I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. - Douglas Adams

                                Oh, sorry...I got distracted by the internet. - Scott Pilgrim

                                Comment

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