HDTV Questions and Answers Thread
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Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread
The best bet would be Amazon, since they are cheaper. Other online sites may have them but good luck finding them in a store. The preferred discs are:Originally posted by colkillajohnny, how much do the calibration discs cost and can you point me to where i may purchase one? thanks, you sir are an hdtv master.
"Digital Video Essentials" and "AVIA: Guide to Home Theater". The latter is easier to use but has slightly inaccurate gray ramps, while the former has more patterns but is harder to navigate.
An avsforum user made his own disc, which is available at:
His disc is designed for microdisplays and has a very simple batch of patterns. No voice overs or on disc instructions, though a manual is provided. I prefer this disc, though you will need to purchase a set of blue filters (THX offers three pairs of blue glasses for around ten bucks).
The worst options are "Sound and Vision" and the new "Monster ISF Calibration DVD". The former doesn't have enough patterns and the latter doesn't even have patterns, just a bunch of video scenes (if you have Windows XP Media Center you know what I mean).
Good luck!
*EDIT: All that info and no prices. They will run from $20 to $30, depending on the disc and where you buy them. AVIA and DVE also include filters (not sure about S&V).*Last edited by JohnnytheSkin; 03-31-2006, 06:01 PM.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 PilgrimComment
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Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread
thanks bro, you should charge us for this service!!!Originally posted by JohnnytheSkinThe best bet would be Amazon, since they are cheaper. Other online sites may have them but good luck finding them in a store. The preferred discs are:
"Digital Video Essentials" and "AVIA: Guide to Home Theater". The latter is easier to use but has slightly inaccurate gray ramps, while the former has more patterns but is harder to navigate.
An avsforum user made his own disc, which is available at:
His disc is designed for microdisplays and has a very simple batch of patterns. No voice overs or on disc instructions, though a manual is provided. I prefer this disc, though you will need to purchase a set of blue filters (THX offers three pairs of blue glasses for around ten bucks).
The worst options are "Sound and Vision" and the new "Monster ISF Calibration DVD". The former doesn't have enough patterns and the latter doesn't even have patterns, just a bunch of video scenes (if you have Windows XP Media Center you know what I mean).
Good luck!
*EDIT: All that info and no prices. They will run from $20 to $30, depending on the disc and where you buy them. AVIA and DVE also include filters (not sure about S&V).*Comment
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Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread
Maybe I could become the HDTV/Technology modOriginally posted by colkillathanks bro, you should charge us for this service!!!
:wink:
I don't mind helping...calibration and home theater have become a passion of mine, much to my wife's dismay.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 PilgrimComment
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Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread
I'm just starting research into what HDTV to buy, and the two brands I am considering are Samsung DLP vs. Sony LCD in the 50-56 inch range. I was wondering if anyone could give me advice about which TV to get, or if there is a good website that I could read reviews about these TVs. I'm new to the market, so I don't know a lot, but it seems that these two are the one that I keep coming across as the best choices. Thanks for the help in advance.
brianComment
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Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread
General HDTV info:Originally posted by brezz2001I'm just starting research into what HDTV to buy, and the two brands I am considering are Samsung DLP vs. Sony LCD in the 50-56 inch range. I was wondering if anyone could give me advice about which TV to get, or if there is a good website that I could read reviews about these TVs. I'm new to the market, so I don't know a lot, but it seems that these two are the one that I keep coming across as the best choices. Thanks for the help in advance.
brian
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You can also search for different models, with in depth reviews there (they discuss color and grayscale accuracy among other things). Other review sites can be found by Googling "Home Theater Magazine" and "Sound and Vision". They don't have as many however.
Another resource is avsforum.com, but they are VERY in depth there and finding the information you want is difficult. However, they are very good in providing newbies with too much information.
The best bet would be to go to a store and mess around with the models in your price range. Check user menu settings, view different technologies, if you can view them in different lighting conditions...do so (usually at high end or dedicated stores). 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 PilgrimComment
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Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread
I'm planning on buying an HDTV. I'm not sure as to whether to buy a plasma or a DLP set. I'm looking at the following two tv's and any helpful suggestions would be appreciated:
For a plasma:
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Panas...oductDetail.do
For a DLP:
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Samsu...oductDetail.do
As part of my decision on which to purchase also is which would be best for playing the 360.
thanks for any helpComment
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Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread
I'll give a quick response til Johnny gets in to help ya. First thing would be to go to Circuit City and look at both in action. For DLP's you have to check to see if you get the rainbow effect. Some people do, some don't.Originally posted by armisteadI'm planning on buying an HDTV. I'm not sure as to whether to buy a plasma or a DLP set. I'm looking at the following two tv's and any helpful suggestions would be appreciated:
For a plasma:
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Panas...oductDetail.do
For a DLP:
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Samsu...oductDetail.do
As part of my decision on which to purchase also is which would be best for playing the 360.
thanks for any help
The Panny has 2 HDMI connections which is nice...HDMI switchers are pretty expensive.
I know that you can replace the lamp for a DLP. Once plasmas are done, they're done.
I have a 50inch rear projection, but I'm pretty certain the 360 will be sweet on whichever tv you decide on.Comment
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Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread
The only thing I can add, since GAMECOCK summed it up nice, is my experience. Since I did own the Sammy DLP for a while, the only thing I can add is that the single HDMI might be an issue, and if you are planning on playing a lot of PS2 or old Xbox, the gaming lag can be a problem depending on the game (I had problem with timing games like DDR and MVP). With 360 there won't be a problem.Originally posted by armisteadI'm planning on buying an HDTV. I'm not sure as to whether to buy a plasma or a DLP set. I'm looking at the following two tv's and any helpful suggestions would be appreciated:
For a plasma:
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Panas...oductDetail.do
For a DLP:
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Samsu...oductDetail.do
As part of my decision on which to purchase also is which would be best for playing the 360.
thanks for any help
Good luck!
*EDIT: I have to put in the obligatory plasma burn-in warning. Turn off the "Vivid" or "Bright" default picture setting and tone down the contrast and you should be fine. Of course you could always have reasonable play times (meaning no Madden or FPS marathons for hours at a time).*Last edited by JohnnytheSkin; 04-07-2006, 06:51 PM.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 PilgrimComment
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Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread
This might be a good place to start: http://reviews.cnet.com/4566-6485_7-0.html?sa=500967Originally posted by gruntCan anyone recommend a good picture in picture tv. I know samsung dlp can do PIP but I was looking for other brands also.
Just some PIP, POP, PAP nomenclature info:
Picture-in-picture (PIP)
There are two flavors of picture-in-picture: 1-tuner PIP models require that you connect a VCR or other video component to provide the source for your second picture. 2-tuner PIP models have two built-in TV tuners, so you can watch two shows at once using only the TV.
Originally, PIP allowed viewing of multiple channels or sources by creating a small inset image overlaid on the main image. With the shift to widescreen displays, the inset type of PIP is gradually being replaced by "split screen" designs that are sometimes referred to as POP (picture-outside-picture) or PAP (picture-and-picture).
From: http://www.crutchfieldadvisor.com/IS..._glossary.htmlComment
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Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread
Interesting read:
I didn't know that the Tonight Show with Jay Leno was the first network show in HD.Comment
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Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread
Originally posted by GAMEC0CK2002This might be a good place to start: http://reviews.cnet.com/4566-6485_7-0.html?sa=500967
Just some PIP, POP, PAP nomenclature info:
Picture-in-picture (PIP)
There are two flavors of picture-in-picture: 1-tuner PIP models require that you connect a VCR or other video component to provide the source for your second picture. 2-tuner PIP models have two built-in TV tuners, so you can watch two shows at once using only the TV.
Originally, PIP allowed viewing of multiple channels or sources by creating a small inset image overlaid on the main image. With the shift to widescreen displays, the inset type of PIP is gradually being replaced by "split screen" designs that are sometimes referred to as POP (picture-outside-picture) or PAP (picture-and-picture).
From: http://www.crutchfieldadvisor.com/IS..._glossary.html
I am getting real close to buying a Samsung DLP. I want to play a games and watch TV at the same time. Can I play both? I am also worry about the lag and the dlp.Comment
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Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread
If you use the internal tuner you might be able to. I use a HD DVR and with both the Sammy HL-R5067 and Sony SXRD I couldn't view two HD sources with PIP (meaning I couldn't view an HDMI and component connection together). I think most TV's do this. If you game via S-Video or composite, you shouldn't have a problem. Again, maybe using the internal tuner changes this.Originally posted by gruntI am getting real close to buying a Samsung DLP. I want to play a games and watch TV at the same time. Can I play both? I am also worry about the lag and the dlp.
As for lag, if you are using HD sources like gaming on the 360, there will be no lag. Lag might not even be a problem on older systems except for timing based games like DDR, Guitar Hero, first person shooters, and baseball.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 PilgrimComment
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Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread
If you have cable, yes you can do that. My Sony HDTV has a built in HD tuner, I have my cable split, goes into my HD DVR and my TV itself. I can watch non HD in my split screen and my HD Box in my other. Works beautiful.Originally posted by gruntI am getting real close to buying a Samsung DLP. I want to play a games and watch TV at the same time. Can I play both? I am also worry about the lag and the dlp.Comment

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