Many of you might have heard about the deal Gateway Computers is offering on a 16:9 plasma flat panel display for DTV for $2,999. When you read between the lines you will see this is no great deal. First it does not come with a DTV set-top-box so you cannot receive off-the-air DTV programs (most DTV's don't either). Second and most important it is only a SD format 480p monitor. It cannot support HD format 720p or 1080i. This is not the monitor you want to buy if you truly want HD pictures. Yes prices are coming down but don't get caught in the hype and think you are getting something for nothing. You can purchase a 16:9 display in HD 1080i format either rear projection or CRT for under $2,000. A flat panel plasma display for HD 1080i format is now under $6,000. A year ago it was still $10,000.
If you are in the market for a HD DTV please read the fine print. You may not be getting what you think. Ask the question "Is the monitor capable of displaying 1080i"? If it is not I would not purchase it. You will find most sales people don't know.
If you are in the market for a HD DTV please read the fine print. You may not be getting what you think. Ask the question "Is the monitor capable of displaying 1080i"? If it is not I would not purchase it. You will find most sales people don't know.
