HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

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  • supremeslang
    Pro
    • Feb 2003
    • 977

    #3076
    Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

    Just brought this tv for my new apartment. Looks like its great for the 360 but sound quality sucks. Is it a good buy? And I feel like a idiot asking this but if I get a hi def cable box for the tv is that all i need for hi def picture? Or do I need to buy some type of cables to hook up from the box to the tv?
    http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Polar...oductDetail.do
    Last edited by supremeslang; 03-27-2006, 03:33 AM.
    Free The Birds!!!

    Comment

    • TimmeH
      Cult of Personality
      • Jun 2003
      • 4588

      #3077
      Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

      I know nothing about HDTVs really...

      But, from what I hear, to fully enjoy XBox 360, I need a HDTV. I figure I'll get an HDTV before I get the 360, but since I am a college student, I'm trying to find something that won't break the bank.

      Here's what I found:



      I can get it for about $360. Is it worth the price? I read a couple reviews that say it's a decent TV for the price, but I'd just like to get a few other opinions.
      Co-Commish of the OS Vets I & II
      Vets I | Green Bay Packers(11-6)
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      Comment

      • jpup
        MVP
        • Feb 2003
        • 4571

        #3078
        Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

        Originally posted by TimmeH
        I know nothing about HDTVs really...

        But, from what I hear, to fully enjoy XBox 360, I need a HDTV. I figure I'll get an HDTV before I get the 360, but since I am a college student, I'm trying to find something that won't break the bank.

        Here's what I found:



        I can get it for about $360. Is it worth the price? I read a couple reviews that say it's a decent TV for the price, but I'd just like to get a few other opinions.
        on a tight budget, I think it would be a fine choice. I wouldn't base your purchase on my opinion though. You could always pick it up and see if you like it, if you don't, take it back.
        NFL: Tennessee Titans
        MLB: Cincinnati Reds

        Comment

        • JohnnytheSkin
          All Star
          • Jul 2003
          • 5914

          #3079
          Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

          Lot's of questions today. Let's see:

          jpup: I don't really know a lot about plasma, but they do have the most vivid colors of all the technologies on the market. They also have good color uniformity and pretty good black levels. I think Panasonic is more reputable when it comes to plasmas, but check some reviews first. Also know that there is a slight risk of burn-in, so if you do pick one up, keep the contrast and brightness settings at low reasonable levels for the first 50-100 hours or so (a calibration disc or test patterns can assist with this).

          supremeslang: That TV has an integrated tuner, so all you need is to just plug the coaxial cable directly from the wall or from an over-the-air antenna to receive HD programming...no need for a box (though you will still have to sign up for the HD package from your cable company for access, just not the box fees). I'm not surprised the sound quality sucks, since TV speakers aren't usually of high quality. The logic is that most who have HDTV's have a surround sound audio system as well, though the TV speakers on the DLP I had were pretty decent. My SXRD one's though are terrible.

          *I forgot to add...that TV's remarkably well equipped. Having HDMI and two component inputs is standard on much larger TV's. To have them both on your flat panel LCD is impressive.*

          TimmeH: I understand the need for a budget TV, and having HD is worth it...but I would check out other brick and mortar stores and see if you can find a TV that's affordable and widescreen. Since all HD programming is in the 16:9 aspect ratio, wouldn't you rather have it fill your screen, as opposed to having the letterbox bars? Samsung does make good low cost HD CRT's though, so it's a good buy. Just look around, and keep in mind that the stores price match each other, so peep the websites as well, as the prices are usually cheaper.
          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

          • Ridgeberg
            Pro
            • Apr 2003
            • 716

            #3080
            Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

            This questions is directed to JohnnyTheSkin, since he seems to be the authority on HDTVs but I would love to hear the opinion for anyone educated on the matter.

            My roommate and I have been doing research on HDTVs for the past month or so. The things that we have been led to believe are, the projection LCD (or DLP) TVs are the way to go. They seem to have the biggest upside. We are not concerned about depth, that is why I have eliminated a plasma or regular LCD from our search. I have found that 47" - 50" projection TVs are going for about $1800-$2200 so when I came across the following, I was kind of amazed. Which automatically triggered the "this has to be too good to be true" especially because it is from Wal-Mart.

            I was wondering if Johnny (or anyone else) could give me their opinion on these 2 TVs. Some other things I have heard are that the more inputs the better, these seem to cover that. I am interested in getting an additional HDMI input, but I don't want to pay through my nose for it. We are looking to use the TV for HDTV cable, DVDs and a next-gen system (haven't decided between XBOX 360 or PS3). If we have a XBOX 360 and get a HD-DVD player how would that work with only 1 HDMI input? Would you have to unplug one to use the other?

            Thanks for your help!

            Magnavox

            RCA

            Edit: Also, what kind of accessories would we need for these to funtion at the highest capability. (ie: Monster Cables, ect...)

            We have Brighthouse digital cable, so I believe we would need to upgrade to Brighthouse HD.

            I will just take any advice you have to offer.
            Last edited by Ridgeberg; 03-30-2006, 01:45 PM.

            Comment

            • GAMEC0CK2002
              Stayin Alive
              • Aug 2002
              • 10384

              #3081
              Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

              Originally posted by Ridgeberg
              This questions is directed to JohnnyTheSkin, since he seems to be the authority on HDTVs but I would love to hear the opinion for anyone educated on the matter.

              My roommate and I have been doing research on HDTVs for the past month or so. The things that we have been led to believe are, the projection LCD (or DLP) TVs are the way to go. They seem to have the biggest upside. We are not concerned about depth, that is why I have eliminated a plasma or regular LCD from our search. I have found that 47" - 50" projection TVs are going for about $1800-$2200 so when I came across the following, I was kind of amazed. Which automatically triggered the "this has to be too good to be true" especially because it is from Wal-Mart.

              I was wondering if Johnny (or anyone else) could give me their opinion on these 2 TVs. Some other things I have heard are that the more inputs the better, these seem to cover that. I am interested in getting an additional HDMI input, but I don't want to pay through my nose for it. We are looking to use the TV for HDTV cable, DVDs and a next-gen system (haven't decided between XBOX 360 or PS3). If we have a XBOX 360 and get a HD-DVD player how would that work with only 1 HDMI input? Would you have to unplug one to use the other?

              Thanks for your help!

              Magnavox

              RCA

              Edit: Also, what kind of accessories would we need for these to funtion at the highest capability. (ie: Monster Cables, ect...)

              We have Brighthouse digital cable, so I believe we would need to upgrade to Brighthouse HD.

              I will just take any advice you have to offer.
              I'll try and take a stab at this. You mentioned that depth isn't an issue...are you not interested in the traditional rear projection tv? They are considerably less expensive ($900-$1300). The only drawbacks are that they are heavy and have less inputs.

              I've heard Monster cables are way overrated. In all likliehood you're gonna need a HDMI switch. If i'm not mistaken you'll need one for your HDTV cable and one for your HD-DVD player (this is assuming that your tv isn't cable card ready). As far as I know, the 360 uses component cables and not HDMI.

              Somebody that knows about DLPs can comment on the tvs. I can't help ya there. Good luck.
              Last edited by GAMEC0CK2002; 03-30-2006, 05:19 PM.

              Comment

              • JohnnytheSkin
                All Star
                • Jul 2003
                • 5914

                #3082
                Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

                Originally posted by Ridgeberg
                This questions is directed to JohnnyTheSkin, since he seems to be the authority on HDTVs but I would love to hear the opinion for anyone educated on the matter.

                My roommate and I have been doing research on HDTVs for the past month or so. The things that we have been led to believe are, the projection LCD (or DLP) TVs are the way to go. They seem to have the biggest upside. We are not concerned about depth, that is why I have eliminated a plasma or regular LCD from our search. I have found that 47" - 50" projection TVs are going for about $1800-$2200 so when I came across the following, I was kind of amazed. Which automatically triggered the "this has to be too good to be true" especially because it is from Wal-Mart.

                I was wondering if Johnny (or anyone else) could give me their opinion on these 2 TVs. Some other things I have heard are that the more inputs the better, these seem to cover that. I am interested in getting an additional HDMI input, but I don't want to pay through my nose for it. We are looking to use the TV for HDTV cable, DVDs and a next-gen system (haven't decided between XBOX 360 or PS3). If we have a XBOX 360 and get a HD-DVD player how would that work with only 1 HDMI input? Would you have to unplug one to use the other?

                Thanks for your help!

                Magnavox

                RCA

                Edit: Also, what kind of accessories would we need for these to funtion at the highest capability. (ie: Monster Cables, ect...)

                We have Brighthouse digital cable, so I believe we would need to upgrade to Brighthouse HD.

                I will just take any advice you have to offer.
                I know next to nothing about Magnavox, so I'd go for the RCA, which has some decent reviews out there. However, the service for RCA leaves a lot to be desired.

                What GAMECOCK says is correct, regarding the Monster cables and an HDMI switch. With only one input, you have to decide whether to use a cable box (w/ HDMI), PS3, or upconverting DVD for that input. However, the TV has an integrated tuner so once you sign up for the HD service, you can just plug the coaxial cable into the TV for your HD picture. HDMI switchers are available though, and will eventually drop in price. Best Buy has a 2-1 manual switch for $150, which is the best deal. There are powered 4-1 switches that retail online for around $400. You WILL need HDMI if you are planning on any next gen high definition DVD, due to the copy protection.

                Microdisplay rear projections run around 15" deep, while CRT rear projections are about 30". The latter are a lot cheaper, as GAMECOCK mentioned. They also provide better blacks, though still have a "slight" risk of burn-in (I say slight because the prevention requires some very easy tweaks). LCD and DLP both have weaknesses as well, which I've documented on this thread. I can provide other resources as well.

                The "upside" you mention may not include the periodic bulb replacements. They run around $250 but should last anywhere from 2000 - 4000 or so hours, depending on menu settings and viewing habits. Power cycling (on and off repeatedly w/o proper cooling) is a major bulb killer, along with high contrast and light output.

                Accessories would just be component or HDMI cables. The Pro 360 has component cables included, and I imagine Sony will ship the PS3 with them as well (whether a seperate SKU or not). There are several online cable vendors that offer good quality cables, as well as Amazon...so Monster would be a last resort. Hell, Wal-Mart has Philips cables and I'm currently using an HDMI-DVI cable from them and it works fine (from my HD DVR to the display).

                Good luck, and I'll answer any other questions you may have.

                *EDIT: Be sure to check DLP's for rainbows. PM me if you don't know what I'm talking about or want to know how to find them. It's something that all single chip DLP's have, and you will either see them or you won't. It may be a technology killer for you. I saw them on my old DLP, didn't mind them, and now with my SXRD don't know how I ever lived with them.*
                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

                • mjb2124
                  Hall Of Fame
                  • Aug 2002
                  • 13649

                  #3083
                  Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

                  Originally posted by JohnnytheSkin
                  *EDIT: Be sure to check DLP's for rainbows. PM me if you don't know what I'm talking about or want to know how to find them. It's something that all single chip DLP's have, and you will either see them or you won't. It may be a technology killer for you. I saw them on my old DLP, didn't mind them, and now with my SXRD don't know how I ever lived with them.*
                  You know what's really odd. I never saw rainbows in any store I visited. I got my TV and immediately saw them at my house. I saw them in SD and HD material. I'd see them every show and usually 3-4 times during a show. I thought about returning my DLP because the rainbows were annoying me, but I gave it a little longer because I had only had the TV for 2 weeks (plus I didn't have time to deal with it then).

                  About 2-3 weeks later, I stopped seeing them. It's about a year later and I might see one a month now. It's odd, but it's almost like I got adjusted to it or just forced myself to not see them anymore.

                  Comment

                  • JohnnytheSkin
                    All Star
                    • Jul 2003
                    • 5914

                    #3084
                    Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

                    Originally posted by joeboo
                    You know what's really odd. I never saw rainbows in any store I visited. I got my TV and immediately saw them at my house. I saw them in SD and HD material. I'd see them every show and usually 3-4 times during a show. I thought about returning my DLP because the rainbows were annoying me, but I gave it a little longer because I had only had the TV for 2 weeks (plus I didn't have time to deal with it then).

                    About 2-3 weeks later, I stopped seeing them. It's about a year later and I might see one a month now. It's odd, but it's almost like I got adjusted to it or just forced myself to not see them anymore.
                    I had the exact same experience. After a few weeks with the DLP, I would only see them during high contrast areas (single light on a dark screen). Having said that, I saw them quite a bit it turns out on "Call of Duty 2" for 360. I just attributed it to motion blur. Oh well...I do miss the deep blacks and color uniformity on the DLP, but the picture on the SXRD is simply stunning.
                    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

                    • mjb2124
                      Hall Of Fame
                      • Aug 2002
                      • 13649

                      #3085
                      Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

                      Originally posted by JohnnytheSkin
                      I had the exact same experience. After a few weeks with the DLP, I would only see them during high contrast areas (single light on a dark screen). Having said that, I saw them quite a bit it turns out on "Call of Duty 2" for 360. I just attributed it to motion blur. Oh well...I do miss the deep blacks and color uniformity on the DLP, but the picture on the SXRD is simply stunning.
                      I guess I'm lucky. I never saw them in COD2 or any Xbox/Xbox 360 game for that matter. Nor have I ever seen them on DVD's. It was always cable. Very strange, but I'm not going to complain or try to find rainbows now.

                      Comment

                      • nofearsp2007
                        Banned
                        • Feb 2005
                        • 2432

                        #3086
                        Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

                        Anyone know of a good site to look for hdtv's on. I am looking for one around 27-30" and in the price range of 400-500 dollars. thanks.

                        Comment

                        • JohnnytheSkin
                          All Star
                          • Jul 2003
                          • 5914

                          #3087
                          Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

                          Originally posted by nofearsp2007
                          Anyone know of a good site to look for hdtv's on. I am looking for one around 27-30" and in the price range of 400-500 dollars. thanks.
                          If you go to the Circuit City website, just browse the TV's in your price range. They "usually" have some good consumer reviews which will give you an idea about the set.

                          CNET is another good site, though a lot of their information is for larger screens. However the information you can find there about everything HDTV is astounding (though not entirely accurate or to the depth that some videophiles as myself prefer).

                          Amazon is of course a default response, since they archive older model TV's that may still have reviews attached.

                          avsforum.com has a lot of information if you know what you are looking for. Odds are that a Google search for a specific model will show hits from avsforum.

                          That should at least get you started. I would suggest Consumer Reports but it's a pay site (though I did see a "Home Electronics" guide at the grocery store the other day). Good luck!
                          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

                          • NovaStar
                            Banned
                            • Aug 2002
                            • 3561

                            #3088
                            Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

                            What's up Johny. I have decided to go with the hdtv below. It is 720p instead of 1080i. Here are the specs. What do you think?

                            30 in Widescreen HDTV
                            Product Features | Specifications | Special Offers | Print this Page
                            March 31, 2006 Philips Electronics Store

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                            30PW9110D/37B
                            With an integrated QAM digital receiver, this TV gives you high-definition images that you experience as real as being there. It'll make you want to see everything. Features Active Control, Progressive Scan, Dolby Digital sound, Picture-In-Picture, Auto Sound, Auto Picture, 6 Widescreen modes, and the Electronic Program Guide.





                            Online Price: $522.00

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                            Availability: In Stock


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                            Integrated HDTV to receive digital HDTV and cable signals
                            Enjoy HDTV that's truer than anything you've seen before
                            Progressive Scan for razor-sharp and flicker free images
                            Active Control with Light Sensor optimizes picture quality
                            Scan Velocity Modulation Improves definition and contrast

                            Unrivalled audio performance

                            Dolby Digital for movies or concerts in full surround sound

                            Designed for your convenience

                            1 tuner Picture-in-Picture to access two sources at once
                            A choice of widescreen modes to adjust the picture shape
                            Electronic Program Guide for retrieval of program schedules

                            Advanced technology

                            Most modern and highest quality HDMI connectivity
                            Component Video Input for top quality playback and recording



                            SPECIFICATIONS
                            Product Specifications Sheet (PDF)


                            Picture/Display
                            Aspect ratio : 16:9
                            Diagonal screen size : 32 in / 76 cm
                            Visible diagonal screen size : 30 cm
                            Picture enhancement : Progressive Scan, Scavem, 2D Combfilter, Active Control + Light sensor, 3:2 pull-down, AutoPicture (5 modes), Black stretch, Blue stretch, Color Transient Improvement, Dynamic Noise Reduction, Green enhancement, Luminance Transient Improver, Tint, Widescreen Plus
                            Picture processing : Progressive Scan


                            Sound
                            Sound Enhancement : Auto Volume Leveller, AutoSound (4 modes), Incredible Surround
                            Sound System : AC-3 Dolby Digital Decoding, Virtual Dolby Surround
                            Output power (RMS) : 2 x 10W
                            Music Power : 20 W


                            Convenience
                            Ease of Installation : Auto Volume Leveler, Autostore
                            Ease of Use : Easy toggle Dig/Analog modes, Picture Freeze
                            Remote control type : RCLU020
                            Teletext : Closed Captioning Full Text
                            Picture in Picture : 1 tuner PIP, Double window
                            Remote Control : QuadraSurf universal remote, DVD, TV
                            Screen Format Adjustments : 6 Widescreen Modes, Widescreen, 4:3, Zoom 16:9
                            Clock : On/Off event timer, Sleep Timer
                            On-Screen Display languages : American, French, Spanish


                            Tuner/Reception/Transmission
                            TV system : ATSC, NTSC
                            Cable : Unscrambled Digital Cable -QAM
                            Video Playback : NTSC
                            Aerial Input : 75 Ohm F-type Antenna
                            Stereo System : BTSC


                            Connectivity
                            AV 1 : CVBS in, CVI
                            AV 2 : CVBS, S-Video
                            AV 3 : HDMI
                            AV 4 : YPbPr
                            Audio Output - Digital : AC3 over SPDIF (Optical)
                            Front/side connections : CVBS in, S-video in, Headphone out


                            Power
                            Mains power : AC 90-140V, 60Hz
                            Standby power consumption : < 1W


                            Dimensions
                            Box dimensions (W x H x D) : 940 x 664 x 654 mm
                            Weight incl. Packaging : 59 kg
                            Set dimensions (W x H x D) : 860 x 552 x 537 mm
                            Set weight : 54 kg
                            Color cabinet : Black


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                            Last edited by NovaStar; 03-31-2006, 10:08 AM.

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                            • JohnnytheSkin
                              All Star
                              • Jul 2003
                              • 5914

                              #3089
                              Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

                              Originally posted by NovaStar
                              What's up Johny. I have decided to go with the hdtv below. It is 720p instead of 1080i. Here are the specs. What do you think?
                              Sounds pretty good. I would definately plan on using the internal tuner so you don't tie up your single HDMI and single component inputs. Make sure you send everything to it at 720p if possible, which is the native resolution. Can't go wrong with the price though, very nice.

                              I would also suggest picking up a calibration disc to tweak the picture for best performance. Not exactly a must buy now (enjoy the TV and break it in), but you'll thank me later.
                              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

                              • NovaStar
                                Banned
                                • Aug 2002
                                • 3561

                                #3090
                                Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

                                Originally posted by JohnnytheSkin
                                Sounds pretty good. I would definately plan on using the internal tuner so you don't tie up your single HDMI and single component inputs. Make sure you send everything to it at 720p if possible, which is the native resolution. Can't go wrong with the price though, very nice.

                                I would also suggest picking up a calibration disc to tweak the picture for best performance. Not exactly a must buy now (enjoy the TV and break it in), but you'll thank me later.

                                Again, thank you for your help and advice, based on your feedback I researched and found this bad boy at walmart. I will definitely look into the calibration disc. You are the man, Johny.

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