HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

[ODogg]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

Ok I got ya, but I thought Hd Ready is fine aslong as you have direct tv, but not is good if you have basic cable. Right?

Well if you got direcTV you will get some HD channels but on the flip side if you have basic cable it's gonna be 50/50 based on where you live.

[The Chef]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

Well I have a question. I just recently picked up an HDTV which had the tuner built into it. I was told by Comcast that unless I upgrade my cable to Digital cable then I will only be able to get local channels in HDTV, even if I get the HDTV box, does this sound right to anyone else here? I cant imagine that I would have to upgrade my cable just to actually make the box worthwhile, and at the sametime who in their right mind would pay 9.99 a month to get the local channels in HD anyways? If anyone can give me some insight into this that would be greatly appreciated.

[jetsfansiny79]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

Well I have a question. I just recently picked up an HDTV which had the tuner built into it. I was told by Comcast that unless I upgrade my cable to Digital cable then I will only be able to get local channels in HDTV, even if I get the HDTV box, does this sound right to anyone else here? I cant imagine that I would have to upgrade my cable just to actually make the box worthwhile, and at the sametime who in their right mind would pay 9.99 a month to get the local channels in HD anyways? If anyone can give me some insight into this that would be greatly appreciated.

Kind of was asking the same thing earlier. A built in tuner must be worthless if you are going to get a plan with a company. I thought you would pick up some local channels in HD, b/c you have the built in tuner. Every time I look at a HD TV that has a built in turner, it meantiones that it gets over the air prgramming in HD.( Meaning regualr Tv, like basic cable or over the air like no cable just local channels.)

[GAMEC0CK2002]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

Well I have a question. I just recently picked up an HDTV which had the tuner built into it. I was told by Comcast that unless I upgrade my cable to Digital cable then I will only be able to get local channels in HDTV, even if I get the HDTV box, does this sound right to anyone else here? I cant imagine that I would have to upgrade my cable just to actually make the box worthwhile, and at the sametime who in their right mind would pay 9.99 a month to get the local channels in HD anyways? If anyone can give me some insight into this that would be greatly appreciated.

I don't quite understand why they would give you a HDTV box and not charge you for HD programming. B/C your tv has a digital tuner already you can get the local channels in HD over the air....no need paying the 9.99/month.

From what I understood, at least for most cable companies is that you'd pay an additional $10-12 on your current cable plan in order to get the HD channels (ex. DiscoveryHD, ESPNHD, etc)

[GAMEC0CK2002]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

Kind of was asking the same thing earlier. A built in tuner must be worthless if you are going to get a plan with a company. I thought you would pick up some local channels in HD, b/c you have the built in tuner. Every time I look at a HD TV that has a built in turner, it meantiones that it gets over the air prgramming in HD.( Meaning regualr Tv, like basic cable or over the air like no cable just local channels.)

Worthless if you're always going to have HD programming from cable or satellite. But if you go back to regular tv, then no HD channels. Like johnny mentioned, you should check to see if you'll be able to pick up any local OTA HD channels. This is the website he was referring to http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx

Just fill in your information and it tells you what type of antenna to buy and what channels you should be able to pick up. (Note: There is no such thing as a HD antenna per se. It usually means it has an amplifier)

The only big drawback to OTA HD programming sorta depends on your tv. If your tv does not have an audio out, then you can't watch OTA HD channels in surround sound via a home theater system. This was explained to me by the tech support at RCA (i have their sound system). If your tv doesn't have an audio out, you will have no way of separating the video and audio without a cable/satellite box...apparently the separation is needed for home theater surround sound.

You would still have surround sound in everything else (game consoles, dvd player, etc).

[mjb2124]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

Comcast is correct guys.

The builtin HD tuner needs an antenna to get HD signals. You'd have to purchase an external antenna and then you could get local stations that are within the antenna's range in HD, but wouldn't be able to get ESPN, NFL Network, HBO or any other non-local stations in HD.

To get non-local stations in HD, you'd need Comcast's HD box. The box you currently have sounds like it's the regular analog Comcast box. It can't decode an HD signal.

[Spanky]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

X-Box settings question:

In the manual for my new HDTV, it says it supports 480, 720 and 1040. Which of these numbers should I set by X-Box for?
If I set it to yes for 1040, should I answer no (in the X-Box settings menu) to where it says does your TV support 480 and 720, or should I click yes for all three, 480, 720 and 1040? Or does it matter?
I also have the X-Box component cables attached, so is there anything else I need to do, settings-wise?

[koolbubbaice]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

X-Box settings question:

In the manual for my new HDTV, it says it supports 480, 720 and 1040. Which of these numbers should I set by X-Box for?
If I set it to yes for 1040, should I answer no (in the X-Box settings menu) to where it says does your TV support 480 and 720, or should I click yes for all three, 480, 720 and 1040? Or does it matter?
I also have the X-Box component cables attached, so is there anything else I need to do, settings-wise?

Just select all 3.. What kind of TV do you have?

[Spanky]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

Just select all 3.. What kind of TV do you have?

Sony Wega 30-inch widescreen.

[Scrapps]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

I would appreciate any and all opinions. I currently have a 32in sony wega flatscreen. However, as of late I am seriously considering going the route of hi def. I have an xbox 360 and am constantly watching sports. Is the difference between hd and standard that much? Is it like a night & day kind of thing? Also, any sort of advice that might be helpful if/when shopping would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance

[GAMEC0CK2002]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

I would appreciate any and all opinions. I currently have a 32in sony wega flatscreen. However, as of late I am seriously considering going the route of hi def. I have an xbox 360 and am constantly watching sports. Is the difference between hd and standard that much? Is it like a night & day kind of thing? Also, any sort of advice that might be helpful if/when shopping would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance

I'd say it's a night and day difference. Sports in HD is amazing.

[JohnnytheSkin]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

I would appreciate any and all opinions. I currently have a 32in sony wega flatscreen. However, as of late I am seriously considering going the route of hi def. I have an xbox 360 and am constantly watching sports. Is the difference between hd and standard that much? Is it like a night & day kind of thing? Also, any sort of advice that might be helpful if/when shopping would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance

Yes and yes! HD is absolutely amazing and once you see your first sporting event you won't go back. The 360 difference is considerable as well. If you Google HD vs. SD you should find some comparison shots.

As for tips, make sure you have a budget. And also know your cushion room (have $1500 but could go as high as what). Then look at your size requirements. Someone posted a viewing distance calculator a few pages back. Most people are beyond the recommened distances though. After that, brush up on the technologies (CNET has an excellent article comparing all the types), make sure you look only at 16:9 widescreen models, and head to as many stores as possible. Take notes of models you like, mess around with the settings (I suggest viewing in the Pro/Warm mode, since Vivid or "torch" mode is NOT ideal for home viewing), and view the models at different stores. Read reviews at CNET, Circuit City's website, avsforum, or ask around here...double check the in-store look, and pull the trigger!

Happy hunting!

[Scottdau]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

Johnny, why to you say that about the Pro/Warm mode, since Vivid or "torch" mode is NOT ideal for home viewing. Just curious because that is what I have My xbr970 set at and it looks great at home!

[Scrapps]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

Yes and yes! HD is absolutely amazing and once you see your first sporting event you won't go back. The 360 difference is considerable as well. If you Google HD vs. SD you should find some comparison shots.

As for tips, make sure you have a budget. And also know your cushion room (have $1500 but could go as high as what). Then look at your size requirements. Someone posted a viewing distance calculator a few pages back. Most people are beyond the recommened distances though. After that, brush up on the technologies (CNET has an excellent article comparing all the types), make sure you look only at 16:9 widescreen models, and head to as many stores as possible. Take notes of models you like, mess around with the settings (I suggest viewing in the Pro/Warm mode, since Vivid or "torch" mode is NOT ideal for home viewing), and view the models at different stores. Read reviews at CNET, Circuit City's website, avsforum, or ask around here...double check the in-store look, and pull the trigger!

Happy hunting!

Thank you very much for your insight. It will be going in the bedroom so I'm probably looking for in the neighborhood of 30". Are there any particular models or manufacturers you can recommend? Tomorrow I plan on going to bb and cc, so any information that can help me narrow my search would be appreciated. Am probably looking to spend no more than $1k. Although somewhere between $600 - $800 would be ideal. I have noticed that you and a few others here have extensive knowledge in this area which can only benefit my search. Any additional information or advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

[GAMEC0CK2002]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

Thank you very much for your insight. It will be going in the bedroom so I'm probably looking for in the neighborhood of 30". Are there any particular models or manufacturers you can recommend? Tomorrow I plan on going to bb and cc, so any information that can help me narrow my search would be appreciated. Am probably looking to spend no more than $1k. Although somewhere between $600 - $800 would be ideal. I have noticed that you and a few others here have extensive knowledge in this area which can only benefit my search. Any additional information or advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

A good place to start is what HD technology do you want? LCD or CRT since plasmas don't jump into play til you're in the 37' ballpark...