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The Semi-Official HDTV Thread

post #1 of 183
2/8/08 at 1:06am
Thread Starter 
I figured we could use a semi-official thread to talk about HDTVs. Not what show is on or what network added HD coverage. But rather the actual TVs themselves. With 2009 and the digital TV switch upcoming we're close to the point where everyone will either need an HDTV or a converter box. But let's use this thread to talk actual TVs and not the boxes or service providers.

There has always been the LCD vs. Plasma argument for the past few years. With the drop in LCD panel prices, the increase in LCD panel sizes, and the improvement in black levels and viewing angles LCDs have really taken over the market. From what I read sales are around 70/30 LCD to Plasma these days. Plasmas still have the best picture (see the new Kuro series for proof...they are beyond gorgeous) but LCDs are getting closer each new model. The new Samsung 71/81 series and Sony XBR4/5s are getting reviews and ratings previously impossible by LCD standards. See CNET and Consumer Reports for example.

On the LCD front, something that I have found very interesting is the recent adoption of 120 mhz LCD TVs. For folks looking for a new LCD HDTV this has really opened up the marketplace. I still can't determine if I like this feature or not. For film it really seems to detract from the film experience and give a "video" feel that seems unnatural. But for sports, it really seems to improve some of the LCD failings.

Anyway, wanted to know what my fellow Chewers thought on the HDTV front. Anything pique your interest? Looking for advice or questions on purchasing a new set?
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post #2 of 183
2/8/08 at 8:06pm
I got a Sony 34" CRT XBR 970 (aka heavy bastard) and I like it a lot. I was a bit leary last year of the high cost and potential problems of LCDs, Plasmas, et al. Now, its a dinosaur..but folks (like me) who own them, swear by them.
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post #3 of 183
2/8/08 at 8:19pm
I have a Sony KDS-60A2000 (SXRD/LCoS rear projection) that I purchased over a year ago and I absolutely love it. My apartment has a really long living room, so I wanted to get a big HDTV for a good price. This was the way to go. A lot of my friends have bought new LCD & plasma tvs since my purchase, and I have yet to see one with a picture that looks as good. Sure it's a little bigger and can't be wall mounted, but I still think the purchase was well worth it.

On another note, I'm wondering if anyone here has paid to have their HDTV picture professionally calibrated by an ISF certified technician. I'm considering it just so I know everything is set exactly right, but I want to make sure it's worth it.
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post #4 of 183
2/10/08 at 11:25pm
Thread Starter 
I'm looking forward to the next few weeks as the 2008 CES sets should begin showing up on store shelves. Initial reports on the MSRP of the Samsung sets is ridiculously high. I hope we see a fire sale of the 2007 models to make room for the new sets.

Tieman, I've got the same ISF question. I've never paid for it and don't know anyone else who has either. Of course I've read online that people swear by it, but I'd really like to see it myself first.
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post #5 of 183
2/11/08 at 6:41am
I've got a Samsung 56" LED Slim Depth DLP being dropped off tomorrow. It'll be great to finally watch some Blu-Ray discs on a 1080P set.
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post #6 of 183
2/11/08 at 6:53am
Quote:
Originally Posted by JudgeSmails View Post
I'm looking forward to the next few weeks as the 2008 CES sets should begin showing up on store shelves. Initial reports on the MSRP of the Samsung sets is ridiculously high. I hope we see a fire sale of the 2007 models to make room for the new sets.

Tieman, I've got the same ISF question. I've never paid for it and don't know anyone else who has either. Of course I've read online that people swear by it, but I'd really like to see it myself first.
I would advice people to buy their own calibration equipment. It will be cheaper in the long run as a calibration only lasts for a month or two before you need to calibrate again. I use the Spider3pro calibrator (about $200) for my 1080P Sony VPL-VW40 Projector to maintain perfect colors and contrast.
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post #7 of 183
2/11/08 at 10:18am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tieman View Post
I have a Sony KDS-60A2000 (SXRD/LCoS rear projection) that I purchased over a year ago and I absolutely love it. My apartment has a really long living room, so I wanted to get a big HDTV for a good price. This was the way to go. A lot of my friends have bought new LCD & plasma tvs since my purchase, and I have yet to see one with a picture that looks as good. Sure it's a little bigger and can't be wall mounted, but I still think the purchase was well worth it.

On another note, I'm wondering if anyone here has paid to have their HDTV picture professionally calibrated by an ISF certified technician. I'm considering it just so I know everything is set exactly right, but I want to make sure it's worth it.
I'll take a bigger or heavier set over something I can hang on my wall if it means saving a couple thousand dollars. I've got 50" KDS-A2020, and I would've had to spend two to three times the price I paid to get a similar picture from LCD or plasma. I'm more than happy with the picture just by adjusting the settings myself. No need to call out a tech or get out a tuning fork.
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post #8 of 183
2/11/08 at 4:16pm

Regular DVDs on HDTV?

Question: how improved do non-HD or Blu Ray dvds look on a TV with an HD box? Is it worth getting an upscaling dvd player?
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post #9 of 183
2/11/08 at 4:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by CDI F. Kelly View Post
Is it worth getting an upscaling dvd player?
YES
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post #10 of 183
2/14/08 at 5:02pm
I don't know anything about HDTV other than it looks purdy.

I have digital cable with TWC, so I know that buying a new tv with HDTV won't have me paying extra for the channels (which is a relief).

Here's my question.

My 10 year old Panasonic tube tv is Whistling through the speakers in my bedroom. I think its a 27" tv.

Because the whistling is annoying, we might be using our tax dollars for a new TV.

I've looked at the HDTVs on display at Target, best buy and even that crappy H H Greg place.

No tv looks as crisp as the Sony tv. Why is this the case?

Anyway I'm almost sold on the Sony Bravia 32" for $790.

1) Is it cheaper anywhere else?
2) Should I get this, or is 1080 that much more important for bedroom viewing?
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post #11 of 183
2/14/08 at 5:08pm
For your bedroom, 720p will be more than sufficient.

What's the model number of the Sony?
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post #12 of 183
2/14/08 at 5:24pm
Here are the specs
Model: KDL-32M3000 | SKU: 8473653

Sony Bravia 32"
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post #13 of 183
2/14/08 at 6:50pm
Looks pretty good. Lots of inputs, too, for a smaller HDTV.

The best price I could find online was $780 with tax & shipping.
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post #14 of 183
2/14/08 at 7:16pm
I used to have the TV that Tieman had and loved it. I moved over the summer though and didn't want to move it so I sold it. I wanted to order it again but I was afraid it wouldn't fit through the door to my new apartment (due to weird walls and turns).

I ended up getting a Mitsubishi wd57733 (57" DLP rear projection) since it was 4 inches thinner and 20 lbs lighter. I don't like it near as much, even if it does have 3 HDMI inputs. I wouldn't really recommend it to anyone. The geometry is off (warping at the corners) and it makes a humming noise that can be noticeable. It is thin and actually much lighter than a comparably sized LCD/plasma would be though. I'll probably be getting rid of it in a few years and get something that doesn't have as many issues.
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post #15 of 183
2/16/08 at 7:05pm
So, I'm a few weeks away from buying a Sony 26" 720p HDTV...

Now, I'm like neaux in that the only thing I know about them is that they're supposed to look insanely good.

So, quick questions:

1) If I'm watching a normal channel, it won't show up in HD, unless a show starts that's available in HD (for example, say, Lost). In that case, the image will automatically switch to HD or... what?

2) If I play a normal DVD in my PS3, will it also upconvert the image on my HDTV?

3) Do HDTV's upconvert normal non-HD television shows?

4) I generally prefer plasma, but I'm gonna bite the bullet and get the LCD HDTV... does it have the same problems as normal LCDs? I'm talking about shitty blacks (the COLOR, people, the color!), and bad picture quality if a light's hitting it just the wrong angle?

5) There's a DVD controller for PS3's, right? God, I hope so...
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post #16 of 183
2/16/08 at 10:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by BTSMGL View Post
So, I'm a few weeks away from buying a Sony 26" 720p HDTV...

Now, I'm like neaux in that the only thing I know about them is that they're supposed to look insanely good.

So, quick questions:

1) If I'm watching a normal channel, it won't show up in HD, unless a show starts that's available in HD (for example, say, Lost). In that case, the image will automatically switch to HD or... what?

2) If I play a normal DVD in my PS3, will it also upconvert the image on my HDTV?

3) Do HDTV's upconvert normal non-HD television shows?

4) I generally prefer plasma, but I'm gonna bite the bullet and get the LCD HDTV... does it have the same problems as normal LCDs? I'm talking about shitty blacks (the COLOR, people, the color!), and bad picture quality if a light's hitting it just the wrong angle?

5) There's a DVD controller for PS3's, right? God, I hope so...
1. Yes, as long as you are getting HD programming. Normal cable, or standard issue digital cable won't cut it.
2. Yes
3. Depends on your TV
4. Depends on your TV and contrast levels and what not.
5. Yep, its quite useful.
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post #17 of 183
2/16/08 at 10:22pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by SAIRUS View Post
1. Yes, as long as you are getting HD programming. Normal cable, or standard issue digital cable won't cut it.
2. Yes
3. Depends on your TV
4. Depends on your TV and contrast levels and what not.
5. Yep, its quite useful.
1. Okay, getting HD programming is simple enough. But, like I said, it switches automatically to HD once the program available in HD begins or would I have to flip a switch or something?

2. Cool beans!

3. Looks like I'm gonna be getting the Sony Bravia KDL-26M3000 26" 720p LCD HDTV. Does it look like it'd upconvert normal TV shows?

4. Hrm.

5. Excellent!

*****

-- Thanks!
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post #18 of 183
2/16/08 at 11:47pm
In December of '06 I jumped head first into this HDTV business and bought myself a 42" Panasonic Plasma(TH-42PX60U) which did 720p. It was a great TV for as long as I had it then it started showing issues. Weird color artifacts which I found out online were nicknamed "purple snakes."

I won't go into details but after a long process with Circuit City and a few calls to Panasonic, Panasonic offered to exchange it for a new TV(TH-42PZ700U) which does 1080P. I'm happy with that, no complaints anymore.
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post #19 of 183
2/17/08 at 12:42am
Quote:
Originally Posted by BTSMGL View Post
1. Okay, getting HD programming is simple enough. But, like I said, it switches automatically to HD once the program available in HD begins or would I have to flip a switch or something?
Usually (at least this is how DirecTV does it) there will be two different channels, one SD and one HD. With an HDTV, you would just watch the HD channel.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BTSMGL View Post
3. Looks like I'm gonna be getting the Sony Bravia KDL-26M3000 26" 720p LCD HDTV. Does it look like it'd upconvert normal TV shows?
No. But an SD signal on a Sony Bravia will look better than on a cheaper HDTV, like a Vizio (Vizio looks fine when displaying an HD signal, but SD looks like ass). Regardless, it will still look noticeably worse than an HD signal. Comedy Central still doesn't broadcast in HD, so when I watch The Daily Show, etc. you can tell immediately that it's not in HD.
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post #20 of 183
3/1/08 at 2:17pm
Anybody have any suggestions for a good gaming tv? I'm currently looking at Samsung LCDs.
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post #21 of 183
3/4/08 at 9:23pm
A friend of mine mentioned a couple days ago that he plans on getting a 65" 1080i rear-projection tv for a little over a thousand and I told him it was a good deal. Did I give good advice?
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post #22 of 183
3/5/08 at 8:34am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tieman View Post
No. But an SD signal on a Sony Bravia will look better than on a cheaper HDTV, like a Vizio (Vizio looks fine when displaying an HD signal, but SD looks like ass).
So...does this mean Vizio is not good choice?*









*Says the guy with VVEEERRYYY small monies.
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post #23 of 183
3/5/08 at 2:11pm
It depends on how much time you spend watching non-HD sources. If you won't have HD cable/satellite, I find it difficult to recommend it. However, if you do have HD channels, along with an HD player (PS3!), you shouldn't have any big complaints.

I compare watching SD channels on a Visio to watching movies using the Netflix streaming service: you can see what's going on, but it's pretty obvious that the picture could look a hell of a lot better. I guess it depends on how distracting you find stuff like that.
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post #24 of 183
3/5/08 at 2:35pm
Thread Starter 
Some of the new CES sets are supposed to come out at the end of this month. A few of the new Samsung, Philips and Toshiba sets introduced at CES '08 are now showing up on sites like circuitcity.com as "Coming Soon" with rumors of street dates around March 23. And many retailers are working to sell off current sets in preparation. Sony recently introduced 21 (21!) new sets but they won't start showing up in stores for a few months.

And I'd have to agree with Tieman's good explanation on why Vizio is lower priced than competitors.

The other big news is that Pioneer is apparently scaling back their Plasma sets and may either get out of the HDTV business entirely, or focus more on LCDs with the occasional super large Plasma. News is slowly leaking out that they are definitely changing directions, the question is just when and how drastically. Expect definitive word by the end of the week or so.
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post #25 of 183
3/5/08 at 2:45pm
Also, if you're buying an HDTV, keep in mind that from there on out watching SD content will piss you the crap off (even if it looks ok). The lack of widescreen viewing or having to adjust/zoom aspect ratio because some SD stations (NBC, USA) broadcast many of their shows in letterbox.
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post #26 of 183
4/21/08 at 5:32pm
Do smaller sets (20-30") go higher resolution than 720p? Furthermore, does it really matter at that size? I'm thinking about getting an HDTV for my game room. The room is pretty small so I don't need a Humongovision plus the only real HD device that will be hooked up is my 360*. All of the sets I've looked at only go up to 720p.

*I'm pretty sure the Wii doesn't count as HD. Sorry, Wii.
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post #27 of 183
4/21/08 at 6:17pm
I believe there's a size to distance to display size ratio where the difference between 720p/1080p is no longer noticeable. I don't know what that ratio is, but I've heard it exists (it'll depend on how good your vision is).

I believe there are a number of 24" PC monitors that are native 1920x1080 resolution so I'd imagine there'd be at least one 1080p TV somewhere (or 24" monitor with a tuner and inputs). I don't think it'd be that affordable though so you might try just just going with a 720p one.
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post #28 of 183
4/22/08 at 12:17pm
Is 120mhz processing a gimmick or will it become the standard for all TVs in the future? I've read a lot of back and forth on this topic. What do you guys think?
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post #29 of 183
4/22/08 at 12:35pm
If used properly it can be useful. The trouble is when used improperly it's just more video processing that can make the picture look weird. What makes it great to videophiles is the capability to theoretically show 30/60/24 fps signals at their native rates without having to do pulldown (3:2 pulldown is what is done to fit a 24 fps source into 60 hz

What makes it less useful is when they take a 30fps source and then try to interpolate the frames in the middle to make the motion look smoother. What ends up happening is that TV is creating new fake frames that may or may not look any good for the sake of 'smoothness.'

I've heard it's not bad when watching something like football but in movies and stuff it can make everything look a little weird.
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post #30 of 183
4/22/08 at 12:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jared Melton View Post
So...does this mean Vizio is not good choice?*









*Says the guy with VVEEERRYYY small monies.
I'm late to this conversation, if you do buy a Vizio, you gotta make sure you buy the right ones. Apparently, the ones being sold at places like CostCo are better(1080p\1080i) than the ones begin sold at places like Walmart(720p). You got to check the model number.

Yeah, Vizio is great with HD channels and HD\BR discs, very horrid with standard TV channels but I've found now that I've switched there isn't a single SD channel I watch (I do tape stuff for my daughter on Noggin though, she doesn't complain).
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post #31 of 183
9/13/08 at 6:51am
Quote:
Originally Posted by JudgeSmails View Post
.... let's use this thread to talk actual TVs and not the boxes or service providers.

There has always been the LCD vs. Plasma argument for the past few years. With the drop in LCD panel prices, the increase in LCD panel sizes, and the improvement in black levels and viewing angles LCDs have really taken over the market. From what I read sales are around 70/30 LCD to Plasma these days. Plasmas still have the best picture (see the new Kuro series for proof...they are beyond gorgeous)....
Those Kuro's really are amazing! I helped my friend install his new 60 inch 1080p Pioneer Kuro today. HOLY SHIT! I can't get over how fantastic the picture looked.

My friend knew that Pioneer was going to start buying plasmas from Panasonic next year (Pioneer has been bleeding money for a couple of years on the Plasmas) and it the window was closing on getting an authentic Kuro. The TV was retailing for close to $7000 at the begining of the year and he got his today for $4560.

It took a few minutes to dial in the picture and then we put on Gladiator(standard def on a Sony BluRay player he just he just won at work). What was really amazing was it took us a few minutes to realize the movie was in the 2:35 aspect ratio. The setting was correct, its that the black levels are so good you can't differentiate the black bars at the top and bottom from the black frame of the TV. I can't wait til he hooks up his Xbox 360 and we play some Gears of War.
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post #32 of 183
9/25/08 at 10:20pm
I just bought a newer model 32" Samsung LCD HDTV from The Brick. I hooked up my 360 through the green and purple inputs and immediately noticed a change in picture quality. I don't plan to use this TV to watch cable, HD or otherwise, but I do plan to play videogames via the Xbox as well as to watch SD DVDs (I do not own any HD-DVDs and will not buy any, and I have yet to develop a desire to get a PS3 even for BR).

I guess I'm wondering if anyone knows what I can expect with SD DVDs (haven't tested it yet) or even .avi files I can watch by hooking my computer up to the TV. Also, the TV is 720p/1080i so I'm wondering what my 360's out of box cables do with that and if there's anything I should look into to upscale.

I know next to nothing about this technology at present, and just really want to make the most out of this TV and what I plan to use it for.

Thanks in advance, Chewers.
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post #33 of 183
9/26/08 at 3:22pm
I don't think the 360 upscales over component for normal DVDs, but over the hdmi and vga cable it does.

At 32" you'll probably still be good with normal DVDs unless you got a really trained eye or two.
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post #34 of 183
9/26/08 at 3:31pm
What's a VGA cable? I think that the 360 doesn't come with HDMI, right? I'm not sure what the differences are between all these stupid cables.

And yeah, so far everything looks great. Even though they aren't HD, dvds are a bit crisper on this TV. It may be because I'm sitting closer to it, but the picture just seems better in general. Maybe it's cuz the TV is widescreen.
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post #35 of 183
9/26/08 at 3:50pm
If you have a fairly new 360, it'll have a hdmi jack in the back (and come with the cable).

If you have the old one, if you have the component cable that came with it (Not a core model), you'll be limited on your upscaling.

The VGA cable, sold separetly, hooks into that multiholed jack that you use to connect your computer monitor. If your TV comes with the VGA jack, then you're set.
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post #36 of 183
9/26/08 at 4:14pm
The 360 only comes with an HDMI cable if you buy the Elite model. For all other models it will have the port but not include a cable.
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post #37 of 183
9/26/08 at 8:34pm
I bought my 360 last year. I don't own any other cables than the one the system came with, which is the one with normal A/V and the purple and green ones. Also, it has a little switch that allows you to change from HD to SD. I played with my 360's display settings today and it seemed like the HD is working on 720p/1080i but I can't tell if there's any difference between them.

I was told that having better cables always = better picture, but again: I know next to nothing about this technology.
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post #38 of 183
9/27/08 at 1:16pm
nachos is right, haven't used my 360 in like 2 years.

32" you won't notice much of a difference.
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post #39 of 183
10/1/08 at 5:09am
I'm finally taking the plunge and buying one of these around the holidays. I want to use it to watch movies, as I don't have cable in my apartment (I watch most of my TV on DVD or through iTunes). I'm also thinking about getting a Blu-Ray player as well (which I'll have to buy myself; good luck explaining to my dad why I need a new DVD player a year after I got a region free one).

Unfortunately, I know nothing about this shit and this thread only has me more confused. LCD is heavier or lighter than Plasma? If I wanted to get one that I could mount, which would be the best option?

Anyway, I'm thinking 32-37 inch -- any recommendations? And as for the Blu-Ray question, does it help to buy the same model Blu-Ray player as the HDTV? Does that improve picture?
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post #40 of 183
10/1/08 at 5:23am
On the blu ray front, usually no, or it is so minimal you'd hardly know. Still get a brandname like Sony or Panasonic.

On the recommendations, either a 40 gig PS3 or DMP PD30 from Panasonic.

Go to monoprice.com and order yourself a HDMI cable. They are cheaper online and always tend to make the salesman cower in defeat just a little.

If you have the budget, I'd spring for a lil bigger TV, for the HD sake. At least go up to 42, if not 50.

LCD can be heavier as the size increases of course, but they tend to be simply be more common than plasma at lower screen size.

Sorry I can't be too much of a help there unless I get a budget and the available choices you have.
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post #41 of 183
10/1/08 at 5:29am
You can wall mount either, you should just buy the appropriate mount. If you fit it properly, neither will come off the wall.

Plasma is generally cheaper for larger sizes, but since you're looking 32-37", you'll want to go LCD - it'd be a smart buy to go with a Bravia at that size (and this coming from a Samsung owner) since the newer range of them have fantastic colour and genuine contrast (as opposed to backlight assisted). Also, when you buy your Blu-ray player, many Bravias (being Sony) will have the odd extra feature for PS3/blu-ray playback.

We're all essentially still recommending the PS3 as the best value for money player here, it's an excellent upscaler, the ability to play games is more of an aside - but as far as features go, you'll struggle to do much better unless you're on much more of a budget - in which case, someone in the US will point you towards the cheap stuff.

Worth noting though, both Plasma and the PS3 are power hogs. If you're particularly conscious about this, never leave them on standby.
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post #42 of 183
10/1/08 at 5:32am
It depends how big your living area is too. You need at least about 6' between you and the screen for a 40".

Nothing more detrimental to a screen's quality than sitting too close to an oversized screen. I'd disagree with Sairus on that, if you've got the extra cash, get a few extra inches worth. It's a common mistake, i'd much rather have a 37" panel than a 42" one and have a better colour balance and contrast ratio for my money.
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post #43 of 183
10/1/08 at 10:03am
Bees i never mentioned anything on seating distance or contrast ratio. Nothing to disagree with. I just said upgrade the size. Also my primary reason to mention the upgrade is that a previous poster really didn't notice too much of a difference on a 32" hdtv between 480 and hd.

I will agree with what you said. If you have the money, and the proper distance, then upgrade. Still it depends on what your options and choices you have.
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post #44 of 183
10/1/08 at 10:09am
another consideration when getting an HDTV is whether you have satellite or cable.

With Satellite you get more bang for the buck about 150 channels, but it still goes out with the thunderstorms.

With cable you get a solid reception but only 20+ HD channels. Once you watch in HD, it is really hard to watch standard cable channels in 480 dpi upscaled to 1080.

Lastly, I bought the Center Ice package.. and have Time Warner Cable. So I'll be watching all my games WITHOUT HD. Which totally sucks, except for FSN Hurricanes games which sometimes will be shown in HD on MOJO.

If I had satellite, I'd have some hockey games shown every week in HD.

so think about your cable/satellite situation before you buy.
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post #45 of 183
10/1/08 at 12:25pm
My 50 inch plasma is wall mounted using an omnimount. I did it all myself. Just take your time and make sure you get the bolts dead center in the studs.
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post #46 of 183
10/1/08 at 4:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by SAIRUS View Post
Bees i never mentioned anything on seating distance or contrast ratio. Nothing to disagree with. I just said upgrade the size. Also my primary reason to mention the upgrade is that a previous poster really didn't notice too much of a difference on a 32" hdtv between 480 and hd.

I will agree with what you said. If you have the money, and the proper distance, then upgrade. Still it depends on what your options and choices you have.
Sorry dude, I didn't mean my post to sound like i'm shooting you down - i'm simply suggesting yes, your point about making HD more obvious requires a larger screen, but that my point is that many people then buy the biggest they can - and since HD resolution doesn't increase with screen size, there's an ideal size you'd want to buy without going larger and having a detrimental effect.

You could well be right, 50 might look amazing in this guy's enormous living room. Or it might be a box room and would look silly. It's probably best to wait see what Rath's got to say on the matter.
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post #47 of 183
10/1/08 at 4:47pm
I have a really small apartment that doesn't get cable or satellite; this will be for movies, etc. I'm not sure if there's six feet between where my couch is and where the tv's going to go, but I can check. 32-37 is about as much as I can afford right now, and I really don't want to shell out for a PS3 because I'd rather have an XBox at some point and I'm going to buy one of those Apple TV boxes so I can watch iTunes shit on it. Also, my current TV is a medium size, I think like 26 inches. So I'll be noticing the difference no matter what I get.

I saw that Panasonic has a newer model of the DMP-BD line coming out in October, the DMP-BD35. Should I wait for that?
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post #48 of 183
10/1/08 at 5:01pm
Go Sony, get 37", don't bother with a HD source right now. It's very expensive and you'll barely use it for Blu-ray content if pricing is an issue (the format's still very expensive).

Regular TV will look fairly naff on it, but it'll look better than it will on anything larger - i'd also suggest picking up a cheap upscaling DVD player and put that through your HDMI port. I think this is your best bet until you pick up your 360 and just stream HD movies off that.
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post #49 of 183
10/1/08 at 5:18pm
I tell everybody to get a Samsung LCD or Panasonic plasma. Also, if you can, find a way to hook up your computer to your new TV. Everything looks better.
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post #50 of 183
10/1/08 at 5:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bees?! View Post
Sorry dude, I didn't mean my post to sound like i'm shooting you down - i'm simply suggesting yes, your point about making HD more obvious requires a larger screen, but that my point is that many people then buy the biggest they can - and since HD resolution doesn't increase with screen size, there's an ideal size you'd want to buy without going larger and having a detrimental effect.

You could well be right, 50 might look amazing in this guy's enormous living room. Or it might be a box room and would look silly. It's probably best to wait see what Rath's got to say on the matter.
Hah no worries buddy. Unlike 95% of the people here, I'm not pissed off or OCD.

Rath, make sure you have some space for home theater down the line. The reason I recommend the Panasonic (and yes wait for the new one if you want to take advantage of some of the new blu-ray features like blu-ray live), is that while you may not have space now, if you upgrade the housing, you can save a lil money by not having to upgrade the blu-ray player. If you want to get the best full uncompressed sound, you'd have to have a fairly new receiver. If you have a reciever with HDMI and audio cababilities (some are video only pass through), you can at least send it out PCM.

Gets only more complicated with if you're OCD and have an older receiver and want to hear some 5.1 tracks, then the older player has the jacks for the older reciever, but you lose the up to date profile of blu-ray.

I say just get the new model. Some time down the road, you'll upgrade everything. At least you won't have to upgrade your blu-ray player.
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