HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

[Jistic]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

HDMI switching is going to be at a premium price point for the near future. The cheapest solution I found was at Best Buy, where you can buy a manual 2:1 switch (press the button to switch the source). It was around $150, but as long as you buy reasonably priced cables (search around online) the investment should be sound. I haven't tried it though, since I have two inputs on my SXRD.

As for image quality, the 360 does NOT currently support HDMI. This will likely change once the optional HD-DVD add on is released (barring a "miracle" in the copy protection talks). I have tried the 360 with both VGA and component and found component to be the better choice (more vivid colors and a clearer contrast definitions).

With upconverting DVD, HDMI is the CLEAR winner. I've seen the Samsung player that upconverts over component (via a remote hack) and the HDMI surpasses it in every way. I've noticed that when viewing cable signals that HDMI is a lot better with HD programming, but on SD signals I notice more noise then with component. Of course watching SD is kind of painful with a fancy new HDTV. Trust me, you'll find yourself watching nature shows and crap just to impress other viewers and even your own eyes at time (I've found 'R. Steve's Europe' on PBS HD to be a must-see TV program).

*EDIT: That Costco return policy is great, simply because it's more than the typical 30 days and your screwed (the DLP I had crapped out at 45 days and I was stuck with two months of customer service hell before I was able to get an exchange).*

Thanks Johnny, great info. I'm sure I'll have more questions.

[grunt]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

HDMI switching is going to be at a premium price point for the near future. The cheapest solution I found was at Best Buy, where you can buy a manual 2:1 switch (press the button to switch the source). It was around $150, but as long as you buy reasonably priced cables (search around online) the investment should be sound. I haven't tried it though, since I have two inputs on my SXRD.

As for image quality, the 360 does NOT currently support HDMI. This will likely change once the optional HD-DVD add on is released (barring a "miracle" in the copy protection talks). I have tried the 360 with both VGA and component and found component to be the better choice (more vivid colors and a clearer contrast definitions).

With upconverting DVD, HDMI is the CLEAR winner. I've seen the Samsung player that upconverts over component (via a remote hack) and the HDMI surpasses it in every way. I've noticed that when viewing cable signals that HDMI is a lot better with HD programming, but on SD signals I notice more noise then with component. Of course watching SD is kind of painful with a fancy new HDTV. Trust me, you'll find yourself watching nature shows and crap just to impress other viewers and even your own eyes at time (I've found 'R. Steve's Europe' on PBS HD to be a must-see TV program).

*EDIT: That Costco return policy is great, simply because it's more than the typical 30 days and your screwed (the DLP I had crapped out at 45 days and I was stuck with two months of customer service hell before I was able to get an exchange).*

My DLP was just dropped off and its not working. Just blinking lights and that may mean the lamp isn't working correctly. I might just return the tv and call it a day. I am pissed.

[mjb2124]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

My DLP was just dropped off and its not working. Just blinking lights and that may mean the lamp isn't working correctly. I might just return the tv and call it a day. I am pissed.

You could try removing the lamp and reinstalling it. It might've come loose during shipping. It should be very easy to do from the back of the TV.

That really sucks though. I've had my Samsung DLP for about a year now and never had that problem. I have read about others with the 3 blinking issue though.

[grunt]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

You could try removing the lamp and reinstalling it. It might've come loose during shipping. It should be very easy to do from the back of the TV.

That really sucks though. I've had my Samsung DLP for about a year now and never had that problem. I have read about others with the 3 blinking issue though.

Thanks for the help. It worked. I am playing GRAW now and it is clearly next gen. Wow. I am having problem with my cable. I can get the cable in PIP but not the main screen with sound. Hope someone can help?

[JohnnytheSkin]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

Thanks for the help. It worked. I am playing GRAW now and it is clearly next gen. Wow. I am having problem with my cable. I can get the cable in PIP but not the main screen with sound. Hope someone can help?

Are you plugging the coaxial in directly to your TV? I know that most TV's have dual tuners, so just try the other coaxial jack on your TV.

[grunt]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

Are you plugging the coaxial in directly to your TV? I know that most TV's have dual tuners, so just try the other coaxial jack on your TV.

No, I am using my digital cable box. The other coaxial is label air.

[koolbubbaice]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

The thing I like is Costco has a two week no questions asked return policy. So if it looks like *** I can return it. Let me ask you. Does the 360 look any different when connecting HDMI or component?

Thanks Johnny!

Here is the ranking of the best connections.
1. HDMI
2. DVI
3. VGA
4. Component
5. S video
6. Composite.
I won't go any lower then that..

The first two are digital..So in theory they will give you the better picture, especially if you have a digital display(Fixed pixel display).. Theres no Analog to digital conversion, like components with a digital display..So you get a pure digital connection. BUT many ppl report flaws with PQ with HDMI.. The technology is still new. Rule of thumb. If you have a analog HDTV (CRT) stick with components. If you have a Digital display use DVI/HDMI whenvever possible..

[koolbubbaice]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

Johnny, thanks for great review of the TV. However, one thing that has me worried is the speakers. Some people call them the dumbo ears. So far I've only seen internet pics of this tv...i'm too scared to look at in person...i might walk out the store with it!!! Anyways is it really true that it adds about 10 inches to the TV.

I've been thinking about waiting for the next SXRD model to come out, which is suppose to be sometime this fall. Also the extra few months should give me more time to save for the 60 inch.

thanks,pb

If you can wait Sony is releasing a new 55inch SXRD model without the dumbo ears, & been reported to support 1080p..

[koolbubbaice]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

I agree with the check for the "rainbow effect". Just know that you won't see it at Costco, and hopefully you can view a DLP in a more intimate environment.

The other thing to note is that Costco's models typically have the previous year's chips. I know the Sammy DLP they offer has the HD2+ chip, not the HD3+. Not a big deal since DLP technology is in it's third or so generation.

The TV sounds like a good deal! If you are looking for one now you could do a LOT worse. The only slight negative is the single HDMI, but again, reserve it for your DirectTV HD box and use component for gaming.

Be sure to post your impressions here if/when you pick up the display.

Agree..Costco is usually a yr behind..

[Crucial Mike]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

Any thoughts on this set?

http://reviews.cnet.com/Samsung_HP_R4272/4505-6482_7-31470422.html?tag=pdtl-img

[Jistic]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

Agree..Costco is usually a yr behind..

How do you tell? In the Sharp's case the model itself is in it's first year. Is there a way to know this before buying?

[JohnnytheSkin]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

How do you tell? In the Sharp's case the model itself is in it's first year. Is there a way to know this before buying?

Costco gets special "warehouse only" models from the manufacturers. I think Samsung's DLP was the "HL-R5067C" or something similar, indicating that it was a Costco special (the "C" was the give-a-way). The difference was the chip and the Costco version didn't have a CableCard or VGA input.

You can check with the Sharp website for the current 50" model and then compare those specs to the Costco model. Another option would be your average brick and mortar website (Best Buy or Circuit City).

The chip difference, as I mentioned, probably won't make a lot of difference. Everything else in the unit is new, it's just a way to clear the manufacturer of the previous chips and still sell a lot of inventory for profit.

[Jistic]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

In this case the model # and the inputs are all the same. I don't know what else to check to see if the chip is different. Thanks for the info.

[JohnnytheSkin]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

In this case the model # and the inputs are all the same. I don't know what else to check to see if the chip is different. Thanks for the info.

You have nothing to worry about then...BUY IT NOW! Items swap around so often at Costco that my wife and I regret not buying the stuff when we see it (which is how they make so damn much money)!

[Boltman]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

Gimme a couple ideas on a cheap HDTV widescreen. In the 30" range for around five hundred.


My sons crapped out and I need to get him a replacement. I prefer good old CRT as well (weight is not an issue). I saw a phillips model at target (no way in hell would I buy it though) for about 6 and a half, it was a 30".

It had me thinking, so.........suggestions.