Posted on 11/22/2005 7:11:30 PM PST by Dont_Tread_On_Me_888
Please offer your expertise and research into the "State of the High Definition TV".
Is plasma or LCD the way to go?
I heard that most of the makers bring out new models in the April-May period next year. Will prices for 2005 models plunge then after New Year's?
What manufacturers offer superior quality?
Should one wait a year or two due to rapid change in technology?
When will the technology advancement in HD TV slow?
Best Buy has a 42 inch plasma from Panasonic for about $2900. What types of prices are you seeing out there for various size LCDs and plasma?
Why would anyone buy a rear projection DLP?
What regualtory changes are happening re the government involvement over spectrum and HDTV standards?
For those of you in the industry, please offer your expertise on these and other questions one should consider before purchasing.
For others not in the industry, please offer your research into these andother need to know issues re HDTV.
Another important factor to consider when purchasing a set is the tuner, especially if you're receiving stations over-the-air, rather than by cable or satellite. There are supposedly some new, less-expensive "SDTV" sets with the current NTSC resolution - but with tuners to receive digital broadcasts. Like HDTV receivers, digital SDTV sets will continue to work without a converter box after the lower-resolution analog broadcast signals are shut down in 2008 or 2009.
My advice is - don't buy an expensive television with only an analog tuner. Make sure it has a digital tuner, regardless of whether it has a high-definition display.
marking to read later
>SXRD
That's it.. it was great.
bttt
Yes. The signal form the satelite does not change. The different receivers in each room allow you format the digital signal to have an old TV in one room and an HDTV in separate rooms.
I asked at the start of the thread why anybody woudl buy a DLP (Projector) over LCD or plasma? I guess there are some sound reasons as mentioned in this htread.
However, the one major drawback I see is the "angle of viewing problem", i.e., if you are up, down, left or right of dead even center and eye level, the picture gets worse and worse.
Plasma and LCD have no such problem as you can view it at off angles and still see 100% or near 100% top picture capability.
Right?
Wrong?
Anyone?
I said:; >>>Yes. The signal form the satelite does not change. The different receivers in each room allow you format the digital signal to have an old TV in one room and an HDTV in separate rooms.<<<
Sorry for the typos/poor grammer; my wrist is in a splint and am having trouble doing even simple things like keyboarding and I was not clear.
The Satelite signal sends the same signal to everyone. Direct TV has 3 or 4 types of receivers. You and I have the basic receiver for old style TVs. They do have the HD receiver that allows that same signal from the satelite to format the signal in a way that allows the High Definition portion of that signal to be displayed on an HDTV.
Best Buy, for an example, is a partner with Direct TV and you can get the receiver from them also. Best Buy has some deals where, if you buy the HDTV from Best Buy, they will give you the receiver for free, or sell it at about half price. The normal price is about $250 from Direct TV, I think. If you get it, or buy it, from Best Buy or another retailer, it is the exact same receiver that Direct TV will sned you.
Also, note that some HDTVs incoporate the receiver right into the TV so you do not have to buy the receiver (they call it HDTv built in, or some such lingo). All you do is plug it in, screw the same cable you now have into the back of the HDTV, call up Direct TV and ask them to turn on the HDTV signal for your home and BINGO, you have it.
Direct TV HDTV service is about $10 dollars more per month than regular service.
One more thing--the number of channels that broadcast in High Definition is not that great right now, about 15 or so. Starting in the spring, I understand that the number of channels in HDTV will be boosted significantly.
Taking all these things into accont--more channels later, new models, better technology, etc., I think I will wait till the spring. I hate to do that since I just built a room addition on the home and the main TV room wil be in that room, but I think that will be the way to go, unless some deal I can't refuse comes along.
Happpy Thanksgiving!
DLP is the way to go, especially if you watch a lot of sports. Blacker blacks and less persistence than either plasma or LCD.
The only disclaimer I'd have is if you require a very wide viewing angle or have a brightly backlit room.
Most newer plasmas use reformulated phosphors that are less prone to burn-in. Newer sets also subtly adjust the picture position to further reduce risk of burn-in.
I looked at those...the problem is that locals don't broadcast 1080p because they lack the bandwidth for current compression ratios, and likely won't for awhile.
I have a Toshiba DLP - you can hear the color wheel spin up when you turn the set on, but once it's up to speed it's barely audible from up close.
My DLP has an excellent picture from viewing angles up to about 40 degrees left or right; a little less up/down. I've got no issues at all in my room. Not as good as plasma or LCD, but worlds better than rear projection.
Good to know. A couple, e.g., or one person will be able to have the perfect picture as they can put teh recliner or love seat at dead center. Unless one has a large group over a lot, like football games, then that should never be an issue. That is good to know because the prices seems to be less for the DLP.
Opinions will vary, but I chose DLP over plasma and LCD because I considered the picture quality to be better for less money. We regularly sit six or more in my living room and everyone gets a good picture.
Though the LG plasma was awfully tempting...
You're doing the right thing by asking around. Read some of the hobbyist sites too. The brand you end up selecting and the screen size are every bit as important as the technology. I used the thumbrule that the optimal viewing distance is 2-2.5 times the screen size. I have a relatively small room, so I ended up with a 46" set.
I've read some good reviews at Crutchfield of Samsung's new 50/56 inch DLPs with 1080p resolution. 2 million pixals! I'm moving and this set is on the top of my list once I get settled in.
Alas, I have wanted to see what a 10,000:1 contrast ratio would look like on these sets but none of the big box electronics stores around me have them on display.
Ask me for a review in February (I may wait until after the Superbowl when big screen prices tend to fall a bit)
The broadcast signals are upconverted. I believe that future devices like Blu-Ray disc players, Sony Playstations and Mac minis will supply true 1080p signals.
I have a X1A DLP projector, Owned it for about 6 months now and it works perfectly. I have it in my basement with an 86inch picture. Try that with LCD.
I have a 90 inch opening netween two speakers where I woudl like a widescreen TV. Your's sounds like the deal at least size--wise. Could you send me a freepmail or something to direct me to a site where I could get info?
I'm with you. 25in. Sylvania CRT. 4X4X20 treated pole. antenna on rotor. Gets 10 U.S. channels and 1 Canadian. Total cost $275 and no monthly fee. Who watches Peruvian soccer anyway?
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