HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

[JohnnytheSkin]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

What is the difference between LCD and LCD rear projection?

Rear projection LCD TV's use a lamp, and thus have about a foot or so depth. The other type is LCD flat panels which are backlit, like PC monitors. Not sure of image differences, though my PC monitor is much cleaner and smoother, but my TV displays DVD and TV content better...though it's probably not a good comparison. Check out the some of the Sharp Aquous flat panel TV's next time you are in a brick and mortar.

[NovaStar]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

Sounds like it has all you need. You might notice some lag w/ 360 though, since the 360 is native 720p. I have my 360 outputting 1080i, which looks better on my SXRD...but I have a "Game" mode which eliminates any lag (for proof I played DDR and the wife and I could still get perfects). That's the only potential issue I see. Of course you have to know that with a 32" diagonal 4:3 aspect ratio you'll only get around a 20" diagonal widescreen picture...so viewing distance will be limited (I have a 32" Wega that I sat only around six to eight feet from in order to get the best picture). A pretty good deal for the price...though I'm not sure about reliability with Sanyo. Akai, another discount brand are rebranded Samsung's (minus a few minor cosmetic and internal changes). Not sure about Sanyo.

Thanks Johny, you are the freakin man! One question, when you say that it will "give a 20" diagonal widescreen picture" do you mean that the game will not take up the whole screen and there will be black space on the top and bottom?

[JohnnytheSkin]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

Thanks Johny, you are the freakin man! One question, when you say that it will "give a 20" diagonal widescreen picture" do you mean that the game will not take up the whole screen and there will be black space on the top and bottom?

Yeah, because all HD signals are in the 16:9 aspect ratio. You might have a "zoom" feature that will fill the screen, but that will crop the sides of the picture, meaning you won't see the HUD in shooters like GR:AW and COD2. On a 32" 4:3 (square) set, you will probably have around a six inch bar on the top and bottom of the screen for a 16:9 (1.78 aspect ratio) signal. For 2:35 signals (like a majority of widescreen movies), the bars will be larger.

If you went for a 32" widescreen set, for 1.78 or 1.85 aspect ratio signals there will be no bars, and for 2:35 you will only have about two or three inches on top and bottom, still giving you a 27" diagonal picture (give or take). Does that make sense? A widescreen set will of course have bars on the side for 4:3 standard definition programs, but since you are gaming and watching movies, it's not a problem. I actually have my SD programs "fill" my widescreen TV, as the stretched look doesn't bother me all that much.

[NovaStar]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

Yeah, because all HD signals are in the 16:9 aspect ratio. You might have a "zoom" feature that will fill the screen, but that will crop the sides of the picture, meaning you won't see the HUD in shooters like GR:AW and COD2. On a 32" 4:3 (square) set, you will probably have around a six inch bar on the top and bottom of the screen for a 16:9 (1.78 aspect ratio) signal. For 2:35 signals (like a majority of widescreen movies), the bars will be larger.

If you went for a 32" widescreen set, for 1.78 or 1.85 aspect ratio signals there will be no bars, and for 2:35 you will only have about two or three inches on top and bottom, still giving you a 27" diagonal picture (give or take). Does that make sense? A widescreen set will of course have bars on the side for 4:3 standard definition programs, but since you are gaming and watching movies, it's not a problem. I actually have my SD programs "fill" my widescreen TV, as the stretched look doesn't bother me all that much.

Wow! I didn't know that. So, basically if I want to get Oblivion (the rpg game coming out) Then I shouldn't get that Sanyo tv because the game will be like a widescreen movie on a standard tv. So I should look for a widescreen hdtv that is 1.78 or 1.85 aspect ratio and a 1080i with 720. I just got a freakin headache!

[JohnnytheSkin]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

Wow! I didn't know that. So, basically if I want to get Oblivion (the rpg game coming out) Then I shouldn't get that Sanyo tv because the game will be like a widescreen movie on a standard tv. So I should look for a widescreen hdtv that is 1.78 or 1.85 aspect ratio and a 1080i with 720. I just got a freakin headache!

Every widescreen TV on the market is 16:9 (16 units wide for every nine units tall). Every inch measurement is screen diagonal (the hypotenuse of the right triangle). 16:9 is exactly equal to a 1.78:1 aspect ratio in theatrical terms. Many movies are shot in 1.85, but the 16:9 TV's will usually make said movies fill the screen, despite not being exactly 1.78:1. Movies that are 2.35:1 (like LOTR and Star Wars) will not fill the screen and have black bars no matter what...unless you get a front projection with a 2.35 wide mode.

As for the resolution, most CRT's display 1080i, with 720p as an option. A fixed pixel display (think LCD or DLP) will have a native resolution (usually 1280x720, which is 720p...though 1920x1080 native sets are becoming more common). The 360 is native 720p, but as I mentioned the upscaled 360 image to 1080i on my SXRD looks better (but my set is native 1080p and correctly deinterlaces the 1080i signal).

Does that make a lick of sense?

*And yes, Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion will be like watching a widescreen movie unless you zoom the image. I personally can't wait to dedicate far too much time on that game with my TV...it should look amazing. Though the wife might not like it.*

[NovaStar]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

Every widescreen TV on the market is 16:9 (16 units wide for every nine units tall). Every inch measurement is screen diagonal (the hypotenuse of the right triangle). 16:9 is exactly equal to a 1.78:1 aspect ratio in theatrical terms. Many movies are shot in 1.85, but the 16:9 TV's will usually make said movies fill the screen, despite not being exactly 1.78:1. Movies that are 2.35:1 (like LOTR and Star Wars) will not fill the screen and have black bars no matter what...unless you get a front projection with a 2.35 wide mode.

As for the resolution, most CRT's display 1080i, with 720p as an option. A fixed pixel display (think LCD or DLP) will have a native resolution (usually 1280x720, which is 720p...though 1920x1080 native sets are becoming more common). The 360 is native 720p, but as I mentioned the upscaled 360 image to 1080i on my SXRD looks better (but my set is native 1080p and correctly deinterlaces the 1080i signal).

Does that make a lick of sense?

*And yes, Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion will be like watching a widescreen movie unless you zoom the image. I personally can't wait to dedicate far too much time on that game with my TV...it should look amazing. Though the wife might not like it.*

Johny, again I really appreciate your time and patience you should be a teacher. I will not get that Sanyo because I wouldn't enjoy gaming with the bars on the top and bottom. I will get a 30 inch hdtv with the specs you have mentioned and ultimately get a maxed out Sony 36-40 hdtv later on. Right now I just want to get a hdtv to play Oblivion. I saw the strategy guide last night, that game is going to be crazy!

[jgarrett]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

Anybody have any opinions on this TV?

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1639133&CatId=1830

[JohnnytheSkin]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

Anybody have any opinions on this TV?

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...133&CatId=1830

That's actually a very good TV. I had the 50" version for five months until I swapped it out for the 50" SXRD (the HDMI input failed on the DLP and it wasn't repairable). Make sure you know the liabilities of DLP technology (i.e. rainbows) and check it out in stores. The set also has only one HDMI input, which is a liability if you are looking at hooking up multiple HD sources (cable, PS3, upconverting DVD). There are some HDMI switchers out though.

With DLP's you are going to get the deepest blacks outside of CRT's, excellent color uniformity across the screen, and a technology that is now in it's third or fourth generation. Samsung is generally reliable, and a lot of users here have DLP's as well. Just make sure you don't get impulsive and buy it without checking out other options. You need to view them in stores to get the best idea of what technology and brand is right for you. Good luck!

[jgarrett]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

That's actually a very good TV. I had the 50" version for five months until I swapped it out for the 50" SXRD (the HDMI input failed on the DLP and it wasn't repairable). Make sure you know the liabilities of DLP technology (i.e. rainbows) and check it out in stores. The set also has only one HDMI input, which is a liability if you are looking at hooking up multiple HD sources (cable, PS3, upconverting DVD). There are some HDMI switchers out though.

With DLP's you are going to get the deepest blacks outside of CRT's, excellent color uniformity across the screen, and a technology that is now in it's third or fourth generation. Samsung is generally reliable, and a lot of users here have DLP's as well. Just make sure you don't get impulsive and buy it without checking out other options. You need to view them in stores to get the best idea of what technology and brand is right for you. Good luck!

I have viewed the 42" in stores and really liked it. I came across the 46" while looking around on tigerdirect.com and really liked the price. The only HD source I will be hooking up to it is my digital cable through Comcast.

[snaz16]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

Just got a Sony 42" lcd(A-10) Direct tv upgrade coming,but right now I want to hook up my xbox(not 360),a ps2,and my computer(mvp 05 modded has me curious). Can someone suggest some good cables for each of these hookups? thanks.

[GAMEC0CK2002]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

Just got a Sony 42" lcd(A-10) Direct tv upgrade coming,but right now I want to hook up my xbox(not 360),a ps2,and my computer(mvp 05 modded has me curious). Can someone suggest some good cables for each of these hookups? thanks.

I got a Phillips rear projection HDTV a few months ago and had the exact same question. I'm assuming your tv has multiple component cable inputs (mine only has 1 HDMI and 1 component cable input). I'd simply get the MS HD AV cables and the PS2 component cables for your consoles. I used a S-video cable to connect my laptop, but the best picture would be thru a VGA box. Congrats on joining the HD club.

Someone please correct me, if I'm wrong.

[JohnnytheSkin]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

I got a Phillips rear projection HDTV a few months ago and had the exact same question. I'm assuming your tv has multiple component cable inputs (mine only has 1 HDMI and 1 component cable input). I'd simply get the MS HD AV cables and the PS2 component cables for your consoles. I used a S-video cable to connect my laptop, but the best picture would be thru a VGA box. Congrats on joining the HD club.

Someone please correct me, if I'm wrong.

I agree. I would use HDMI or DVI for DirectTV (best cable type, pure digital for your high definition programming). And after that, use component for the game systems and if you have a VGA port, use that for the PC.

If you need a switch box, Pelican makes an "Advanced System Selector" which has component video, optical audio, and I believe broadband switching. There was a thread in the "Non Sports Gaming" forum, where it's highly recommended. Good luck!

[snaz16]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

I agree. I would use HDMI or DVI for DirectTV (best cable type, pure digital for your high definition programming). And after that, use component for the game systems and if you have a VGA port, use that for the PC.

If you need a switch box, Pelican makes an "Advanced System Selector" which has component video, optical audio, and I believe broadband switching. There was a thread in the "Non Sports Gaming" forum, where it's highly recommended. Good luck!

thanks guys...Johnny,you must have read my mind. After going to circuit city,and having the saleskid tell me to get the monster cables(talkin $120 to hook up the ps2 and xbox) I stumble across that Pelican switch box with the component cables for $25. We'll see how that goes 1st.

[JohnnytheSkin]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

thanks guys...Johnny,you must have read my mind. After going to circuit city,and having the saleskid tell me to get the monster cables(talkin $120 to hook up the ps2 and xbox) I stumble across that Pelican switch box with the component cables for $25. We'll see how that goes 1st.

Don't even bother with Monster brand cables. Amazon and several internet sites offer good quality cables for a fraction of the cost. The only advantage Monster has is if you are running your cables for LONG distances (signal fidelity is affected beyond 20 or so feet for video...slightly more for audio). Then again, the average person can't notice signal degradation anyway, unless it's obvious (hissing or distortion for audio, scrolling lines or bleached colors for video).

[jpup]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

Does anyone own this TV? I was impressed when I viewed it in the store. It's going for $2699.



Hitachi 42HDT52 Plasma



I was also looking at the Hitachi 42HDF52 and Panasonic TH42PX60U. Any opinions on those 3 would be great.