HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

[Dealin Rams]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

Wow. Now here's another question I hope someone can answer: is there any reason not to order your lcd flat-panel from Amazon???

I just checked the prices there on the 4 models I'm interested in mentioned in my post above.

The Sony, $1899 at BB, is $1598 at Amazon. The Samsung, $1709 at CC, is an astounding $1353 at Amazon. The Panny, $1709 at CC, is $1451 at Amazon. And finally, the Sharp Aquos, $1439 at CC, is $1328 at Amazon.

So what's the deal with this? Can someone explain to me why anyone would not, after looking at models in-store at BB and CC, purchase their lcd flat-panel from Amazon? Is it that Amazon doesn't offer any extended warranty (I don't know, do they)? Is an lcd shipped more likely to be broken?

I was planning on purchasing my TV at Best Buy because of the reward-zone points and their extended warranty, but at this big of a difference in price, is there a reason not to buy from Amazon?

[jpup]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

Wow. Now here's another question I hope someone can answer: is there any reason not to order your lcd flat-panel from Amazon???

I just checked the prices there on the 4 models I'm interested in mentioned in my post above.

The Sony, $1899 at BB, is $1598 at Amazon. The Samsung, $1709 at CC, is an astounding $1353 at Amazon. The Panny, $1709 at CC, is $1451 at Amazon. And finally, the Sharp Aquos, $1439 at CC, is $1328 at Amazon.

So what's the deal with this? Can someone explain to me why anyone would not, after looking at models in-store at BB and CC, purchase their lcd flat-panel from Amazon? Is it that Amazon doesn't offer any extended warranty (I don't know, do they)? Is an lcd shipped more likely to be broken?

I was planning on purchasing my TV at Best Buy because of the reward-zone points and their extended warranty, but at this big of a difference in price, is there a reason not to buy from Amazon?

I don't know about Amazon, but I think that Sears would be a better option than Best Buy. Their warranty includes all wear and tear, Best Buy's does not cover bulbs. If that doesn't matter to you then Best Buy would be fine.

I would be interesting in hearing more from people that have ordered online from other places as well.

[Dealin Rams]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

I don't know about Amazon, but I think that Sears would be a better option than Best Buy. Their warranty includes all wear and tear, Best Buy's does not cover bulbs. If that doesn't matter to you then Best Buy would be fine.

I would be interesting in hearing more from people that have ordered online from other places as well.

I'll have to check into Sear's prices on the models I'm interested in, but I don't see how they could cover more than Best Buy's plans do; at least as far as the models I'm interested in, which do not have bulbs (they are LCD flat-panels). I'm not by any means a huge fan of Best Buy or anything, but I am a member of their Reward Zone, so if I'm making such a big purchase it's good to get extras with it.

In any case, there still remains the question: has anyone purchased a flat-panel HDTV from Amazon before? Are there any downsides? Clearly, price is a big upside.

[TheTruth916]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

If I get a HDTV that is 1080i and 480p will that hurt if say like a Video Game is 720p? or can any tv really go up to 720p?

[Dealin Rams]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

If I get a HDTV that is 1080i and 480p will that hurt if say like a Video Game is 720p? or can any tv really go up to 720p?

From what I understand, I don't think you'd be likely to find an HDTV that's 1080i but not 720p - I don't even know if that's possible. But, I'm definitely not the expert on this.

[JohnnytheSkin]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

From what I understand, I don't think you'd be likely to find an HDTV that's 1080i but not 720p - I don't even know if that's possible. But, I'm definitely not the expert on this.

If you are referencing Xbox 360, you shouldn't have a problem. The set will automatically convert the signal to 1080i. Even HD television is like this. My set is 720p native, so I want that signal over the others. ESPN, ABC, and Fox output 720p, but NBC, CBS, and TNT output 1080i...making my TV do the work. You shouldn't have a problem, but try and get 720p, since the progressive image for your games will look better then the converted interlaced (plus it's what the game was designed for). Hope this helps!

[TheTruth916]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

on the HDTV is says you can get signals to 1080i and 480p. or something like that. I am such a noob to this.

and then you like for example the "Prima tv" you can get 480p/480i/720p/1080i/180p


umm if i get a TV that is able to go 1080i...Then would like games and stuff be converted to 1080i? isn't 1080i better then 720p?


I called Cox Communications to ask them about HDTV....and then i asked them about the 1080i and the 720p. Well they told me to not worry about the 2nd number because the 1st number will most of the time overrule the second number.

[JohnnytheSkin]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

on the HDTV is says you can get signals to 1080i and 480p. or something like that. I am such a noob to this.

and then you like for example the "Prima tv" you can get 480p/480i/720p/1080i/180p


umm if i get a TV that is able to go 1080i...Then would like games and stuff be converted to 1080i? isn't 1080i better then 720p?

1080p would definately be better then 720p, but as for 1080i, you are looking at an interlaced image...meaning that the full 1920x1080 lines of resolution are done in two passes. 720p outputs the full 1280x720 lines in one pass. 1080p puts out the 1080i in progressive, single pass format. The drawback is that nothing is actually 1080p native, and from other forums the difference between 1080p and 720p is not that noticeable beyond 10 feet of viewing.

The major thing to note in the progressive/interlaced debate is that the progressive signal is better for fast motion. That is why the consensus is that ESPN HD is the best HD channel. The movement is very fluid on their 720p signal. I find a difference on my set from watching the Fox football broadcasts compared to those of CBS (my set converts the 1080i to 720p). Regardless, the only way to tell is with your own eyes. Try and watch a variety of programs on each screen (some stores will let you bring in your game system or a DVD during non-peak hours). Either way you go, you'll be in for a treat. I don't see a reason to wait any longer, since a "true" HD format probably won't be settled for years (meaning 720p/1080i/1080p). Good luck!

[TheTruth916]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

1080p would definately be better then 720p, but as for 1080i, you are looking at an interlaced image...meaning that the full 1920x1080 lines of resolution are done in two passes. 720p outputs the full 1280x720 lines in one pass. 1080p puts out the 1080i in progressive, single pass format. The drawback is that nothing is actually 1080p native, and from other forums the difference between 1080p and 720p is not that noticeable beyond 10 feet of viewing.

The major thing to note in the progressive/interlaced debate is that the progressive signal is better for fast motion. That is why the consensus is that ESPN HD is the best HD channel. The movement is very fluid on their 720p signal. I find a difference on my set from watching the Fox football broadcasts compared to those of CBS (my set converts the 1080i to 720p). Regardless, the only way to tell is with your own eyes. Try and watch a variety of programs on each screen (some stores will let you bring in your game system or a DVD during non-peak hours). Either way you go, you'll be in for a treat. I don't see a reason to wait any longer, since a "true" HD format probably won't be settled for years (meaning 720p/1080i/1080p). Good luck!

I edited my post just as you made your post. I added something up top

So there really isn't a big jump in say like the picture from 1080i/480p to 1080i/720p?


according to this

Connect to a High-Definition TV

To connect your Xbox 360™ console to your high-definition TV (HDTV):

1. Turn off your console.
2. Connect the AV connector on the HD AV cable to the AV port on the console.
3. Set the switch on the AV port connector to HDTV. The switch should be set to HDTV if the TV supports high definition resolutions such as 480p, 720p, or 1080i.
4. Connect the red, green, and blue color-banded connectors on the HD AV cable to the corresponding color inputs (Y, Cb/Pb, Cr/Pr) on your TV. Leave the yellow color-banded composite connector unconnected.
5. Connect the solid color left and right (white and red) audio connectors on the HD AV cable to the audio inputs on your TV.
6. Turn on your console. From the System area, you can change your display and HDTV settings. Select the appropriate high-definition video setting for your TV.

If you encounter problems with setup, see Troubleshoot Audio/Video Connections.

If would seem like it wouldn't matter about the 720p..even if the games say so because it will upscale it to your HDTV.

[nyyanksfan20]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

Well it looks like I have settled on the Panny. In the end of the day it came down to that I didn't trust the refurbished Phillips and do not want to deal with having to send it back if there are any problems and simply not trusting the Insignia.

Panasonic is a name I trust and for a little bit more I feel like it's the best tv. I plan on picking it up tuesday after I try to get a 360. I'm still going to look around a bit, but I doubt i'll change my mind.

[TheTruth916]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

Well it looks like I have settled on the Panny. In the end of the day it came down to that I didn't trust the refurbished Phillips and do not want to deal with having to send it back if there are any problems and simply not trusting the Insignia.

Panasonic is a name I trust and for a little bit more I feel like it's the best tv. I plan on picking it up tuesday after I try to get a 360. I'm still going to look around a bit, but I doubt i'll change my mind.

Thats the one i am leaning towards to.

[wxkid23]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

I am seriously considering the Sony KD-34XBR960N. A link is here- http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTE...ll-KD34XBR960N


All this talk about 1080i and stuff has me confused. Can anyone take a look at the TV I am looking at and let me know if it is native 1080i or 720p or what? I am mainly going to be using the TV for 360 gaming and some TV watching. If this tv I am indeed looking at is 1080i, will it not recieve the 360 signal as well as a native 720p tv? If so, is that going to reduce the image quality for me? I don't wanna spend $2000 on something that won't looking that good for the 360.

Are most 360 games going to be 720p? I have heard developers have the option of also producing 1080i games. Do you guys think 1080i is the future on the XBOX in a couple years and does it look better than 720p? Also, is 1080i likely the future for HD the next 4-5 years or the upcoming 1080p? I am looking to have the tv for 4-5 years and don't want to fall behind the tech cycle.

[ExtremeGamer]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

I own that TV. It's native 1080i, all tubes are. But it display's a beautiful 720p upscaled picture. Do some research and you'll find it's still regarded as the best HDTV on the market. I would say get it with 2 thumbs up. It is by far the greatest purchase I've ever made. My buddy has a 50" plasma and his picture can't touch mine.

[wxkid23]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

I own that TV. It's native 1080i, all tubes are. But it display's a beautiful 720p upscaled picture. Do some research and you'll find it's still regarded as the best HDTV on the market. I would say get it with 2 thumbs up. It is by far the greatest purchase I've ever made. My buddy has a 50" plasma and his picture can't touch mine.

I appreciate the help. Yes, I have read some reviews and you are correct, nearly everyone who has the tv is happy. The main concern is the impression I am getting is that the image showing in 1080i might be somewhat slower than 720p native and that has me concerned.

What I am trying to decide is if I should just go ahead and lay down the pennies for this right now or try and wait it out for a flat-panel lcd that supports 1080p for the PS2 this fall. I am leaning towards purchasing this considering the fact I don't know how many affordable 34" or so LCD's that support 1080p will be out within 2 years or so, I am guessing quite few below 2k.


I own a Sony KV-27FS200, non-hdtv right now. Let me tell ya... I have had the tv for 3 or 4 years and is has been nothing but super. For being non-HDTV I coulden't be happier with Sony's products and feel good I at least have a quality tv to game on until I make a HDTV purchase.

[ExtremeGamer]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answer Thread

I appreciate the help. Yes, I have read some reviews and you are correct, nearly everyone who has the tv is happy. The main concern is the impression I am getting is that the image showing in 1080i might be somewhat slower than 720p native and that has me concerned.

What I am trying to decide is if I should just go ahead and lay down the pennies for this right now or try and wait it out for a flat-panel lcd that supports 1080p for the PS2 this fall. I am leaning towards purchasing this considering the fact I don't know how many affordable 34" or so LCD's that support 1080p will be out within 2 years or so, I am guessing quite few below 2k.

Slower? No clue what that means, there is no ghosting like LCD's or whatever. CRT's are the best tv's to game on, if that's what you are going to do the most. I've watched MNF in 720p and it's beautiful. This tv has great scalers and most have said that the 720p is as close as you'll ever get it on a tube without it being native. Basically, there isn't much difference than what you'd see on a fixed pixel display with 720p. Hence the reason this 34" is so expensive.