HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

[JohnnytheSkin]

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!

The in-store and thus default "Vivid" setting typically uses the "Cool" color temperature, which make the grayscale very cool (much higher than 6500K). This makes whites look blue. The "Vivid" setting also drastically ups the contrast (white level) and brightness (blacks) to inaccurate levels...resulting in clipping for colors in the brighter portions of the grayscale (usually in bright reds...meaning that there is little to no distinguishing between the color). "Vivid" also usually increases color (adding red or green push) and has a lot of artificial edge enhancements (white lines around objects, easily seen on black foregrounds with light backgrounds).

"Pro" or "Movie" typically removes a lot of these "enhancements" and the "Warm" color temperature is usually closest to 6500K, though it's typically a bit hot and thus sub-6500K. The picture will look softer, duller, and red tinted initially...but give it time and you will notice more depth and detail in the image. Further tweaks are necessary using a test disc, allowing you to bring in contrast, brightness, color, etc. to more accurate levels. Of course a full calibration will work even better. You'll likely still have red or green push, but these are internal color decoder errors.

You can use "Vivid" or a higher level during bright viewing, but in a darkened room for movie watching it's preferable to use "Pro". You might even find it to your liking all the time, which I think several on here have. It's up to you, of course...

[JohnnytheSkin]

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.

Samsung makes some very good, low cost CRT's (they used to be called the Dynaflat models). I would do a quick search at Circuit City's website in your price range and see what other users have to say. Just be sure to go widescreen, as I mentioned before. CRT's (heavy tube TV's) are likely the way to go in your dollar range, since the prices are falling and they do still have the best black levels available. You could also look at flat panel LCD's (probably not in the 30" range) or some of the previous year's Sammy DLP's (HL-R models)...though they might be a little steep cost wise, even for the smaller sizes.

[Scrapps]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

Samsung makes some very good, low cost CRT's (they used to be called the Dynaflat models). I would do a quick search at Circuit City's website in your price range and see what other users have to say. Just be sure to go widescreen, as I mentioned before. CRT's (heavy tube TV's) are likely the way to go in your dollar range, since the prices are falling and they do still have the best black levels available. You could also look at flat panel LCD's (probably not in the 30" range) or some of the previous year's Sammy DLP's (HL-R models)...though they might be a little steep cost wise, even for the smaller sizes.

Thanks alot for the info

[RockyTop1]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

Samsung makes some very good, low cost CRT's (they used to be called the Dynaflat models). I would do a quick search at Circuit City's website in your price range and see what other users have to say. Just be sure to go widescreen, as I mentioned before. CRT's (heavy tube TV's) are likely the way to go in your dollar range, since the prices are falling and they do still have the best black levels available. You could also look at flat panel LCD's (probably not in the 30" range) or some of the previous year's Sammy DLP's (HL-R models)...though they might be a little steep cost wise, even for the smaller sizes.

I'm in the market for HD #2 and I'm torn. I'm either going to go with one of the Sammy Slimfit HDTV CRT's (great picture I'm told) or a Sammy or Aquos LCD. Any thoughts on either or both?

[CWood2]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

I'm in the market for HD #2 and I'm torn. I'm either going to go with one of the Sammy Slimfit HDTV CRT's (great picture I'm told) or a Sammy or Aquos LCD. Any thoughts on either or both?

I have a 34" Sony CRT in my room, and the picture quality is better than any LCD I've seen due in large part to the stunning resolution and color contrast (esp black tones). This past Christmas I got HD set # 2 for the folks downstairs and went with the "37 Sharp Aquos. Absolutely no regrets...it's light years ahead of my buddies Phillips with the same dimensions. I think the Sony Bravia's are pretty overpriced and probably don't pay off as much like the XBR960, their top of the line CRT that I own.

I recommend going to the store and checking out a Samsung and a Sharp side by side, or as close as possible...for me, I was sold only when I went there. The colors were a little more vivid to me on the Aquos and the dark toners weren't as grey as I was expecting. I think they have the edge with LCDs, but definitely check em out at CC or Bestbuy and buy confidently based on your opinion after that.

[ExtremeGamer]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

I'm in the market for HD #2 and I'm torn. I'm either going to go with one of the Sammy Slimfit HDTV CRT's (great picture I'm told) or a Sammy or Aquos LCD. Any thoughts on either or both?

I have a Sammy CRT 30" HD, and I love the picture. Makes a great 2nd room HDTV.

[Scottdau]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

The in-store and thus default "Vivid" setting typically uses the "Cool" color temperature, which make the grayscale very cool (much higher than 6500K). This makes whites look blue. The "Vivid" setting also drastically ups the contrast (white level) and brightness (blacks) to inaccurate levels...resulting in clipping for colors in the brighter portions of the grayscale (usually in bright reds...meaning that there is little to no distinguishing between the color). "Vivid" also usually increases color (adding red or green push) and has a lot of artificial edge enhancements (white lines around objects, easily seen on black foregrounds with light backgrounds).

"Pro" or "Movie" typically removes a lot of these "enhancements" and the "Warm" color temperature is usually closest to 6500K, though it's typically a bit hot and thus sub-6500K. The picture will look softer, duller, and red tinted initially...but give it time and you will notice more depth and detail in the image. Further tweaks are necessary using a test disc, allowing you to bring in contrast, brightness, color, etc. to more accurate levels. Of course a full calibration will work even better. You'll likely still have red or green push, but these are internal color decoder errors.

You can use "Vivid" or a higher level during bright viewing, but in a darkened room for movie watching it's preferable to use "Pro". You might even find it to your liking all the time, which I think several on here have. It's up to you, of course...

Cool thanks, I thought maybe the TV blow ups on that setting lol. I will try the other setting thanks.

[RockyTop1]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

What about this one?
Anybody on here have this one or know somebody that does? This set looked amazing in the store. How do the projection LCD's of Sony compare to the DLP projections of Samsung. Obviously I know Sony will be a little more expensive, but that isn't that big of a deal. I love the way this sony one looks though. Plus it's normally $1,799 at Best Buy, but now its down to $1,599, plus I have a reward zone 12% off coupon to use as well.

EDIT: just looked at cc's website, they have it for $1,529, so I'll def be doing the price matching if this is the route I decide to go. Here's the other set I'm considering, 42" from Samsung. The only issue I have here is that my dad bought a similar set from Sammy about a year or two ago and for some reason when put together with the Comcast HD box, the HD picture doesn't take up the entire screen, there are black boxes on the screen, a la watching a widescreen movie. I've tried every picture resizing and button and manual there is to no avail.

Sammy 42"

[koolbubbaice]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

What about this one?
Anybody on here have this one or know somebody that does? This set looked amazing in the store. How do the projection LCD's of Sony compare to the DLP projections of Samsung. Obviously I know Sony will be a little more expensive, but that isn't that big of a deal. I love the way this sony one looks though. Plus it's normally $1,799 at Best Buy, but now its down to $1,599, plus I have a reward zone 12% off coupon to use as well.

EDIT: just looked at cc's website, they have it for $1,529, so I'll def be doing the price matching if this is the route I decide to go. Here's the other set I'm considering, 42" from Samsung. The only issue I have here is that my dad bought a similar set from Sammy about a year or two ago and for some reason when put together with the Comcast HD box, the HD picture doesn't take up the entire screen, there are black boxes on the screen, a la watching a widescreen movie. I've tried every picture resizing and button and manual there is to no avail.

Sammy 42"

THE DLP has a higher contrast ratio & deeper blacks.. & no screen dor effect..But I heard there is lagging during gaming.. So I'd play games on it first in store if you are serious about buying it.. The 42inch Samsung is being discontinued, so the prices are falling to get rid of the stock.. The 42inch is also SAmsungs entry level DLP, & heard many complaints about that model..
The new Sony XBR Bravia line are top notch.. & I would recommend them over the 42inch DLP..Also there is replacing bulbs with the DLP aswell..

[RockyTop1]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

THE DLP has a higher contrast ratio & deeper blacks.. & no screen dor effect..But I heard there is lagging during gaming.. So I'd play games on it first in store if you are serious about buying it.. The 42inch Samsung is being discontinued, so the prices are falling to get rid of the stock.. The 42inch is also SAmsungs entry level DLP, & heard many complaints about that model..
The new Sony XBR Bravia line are top notch.. & I would recommend them over the 42inch DLP..Also there is replacing bulbs with the DLP aswell..

Well I'm not really looking to spend "top notch" money here, just a decent level rear projection. The Sony is a LCD, not a DLP

[koolbubbaice]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

Well I'm not really looking to spend "top notch" money here, just a decent level rear projection. The Sony is a LCD, not a DLP

I know. I was talking about the Samsung DLP.. I have the Sony RP LCD TV..

[Scrapps]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

Samsung makes some very good, low cost CRT's (they used to be called the Dynaflat models). I would do a quick search at Circuit City's website in your price range and see what other users have to say. Just be sure to go widescreen, as I mentioned before. CRT's (heavy tube TV's) are likely the way to go in your dollar range, since the prices are falling and they do still have the best black levels available. You could also look at flat panel LCD's (probably not in the 30" range) or some of the previous year's Sammy DLP's (HL-R models)...though they might be a little steep cost wise, even for the smaller sizes.

Well, I did some shopping yesterday. You are correct. The picture on the Sonys and Samsungs were quite impressive. Does anyone have any thoughts on LG? I saw some that appeared quite nice, yet my knowledge is very limited. Would you or anyone else have any opinion on the following two models?

LG 30FS4D
Samsung TXS3082WH

Also, can anyone provide a few manufacturers that I would want to avoid at all costs?

Again, I appreciate all input.

[RockyTop1]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

I know. I was talking about the Samsung DLP.. I have the Sony RP LCD TV..

what type of sony lcd tv do you have? is it the one I listed earlier?

[koolbubbaice]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

what type of sony lcd tv do you have? is it the one I listed earlier?

Yes..But I want to upgrade to somthing bigger & better.. I could get a 56inch Samsung DLP at BB for 1,700..

[RockyTop1]

Re: HDTV Questions and Answers Thread

Yes..But I want to upgrade to somthing bigger & better.. I could get a 56inch Samsung DLP at BB for 1,700..

well other than the fact that its too small for you, any other complaints about it? i'm leaning towards getting this one. Do you have a 360? if so, how does it work with it?