So the television I bought about 4 years ago decided to crap out on me. It wasn't anything spectacular (32" standard television), but I'm currently stuck with a television I've had since the early nineties until I buy a new one. Here's my problem, I don't know a damn thing about the difference between plasma, flat-panel, LCD, or any of the crap they sell. I do know that I'm not buying another regular tube television, but don't have the dough to shell out on a grand or two on an HDTV.
Anyways, can someone fill me in on what might be a good set to buy? I'm still looking at the same 32" size and it's primary use will be watching DVDs and playing video games (PS2). Any help is appreciated.
If you're looking for something decent that's not too pricey I highly recommend a Sony Wega. :yay A 32 inch HDTV will probably run you anywhere from $500-$900. The picture is awesome and sound is even better. I bought a 27 inch 2 years ago for $400 and it's been worth every penny.
Quote from: SD_Eagle on November 29, 2005, 02:35:48 PM
If you're looking for something decent that's not too pricey I highly recommend a Sony Wega. :yay A 32 inch HDTV will probably run you anywhere from $500-$900. The picture is awesome and sound is even better. I bought a 27 inch 2 years ago for $400 and it's been worth every penny.
thanks for the tip SD. I appreciate it.
Here's one at BestBuy (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=6494144&type=product&id=1077628885916) for a little over $800, but I was there yesterday and I could swear they had them marked down (like the $500-$700 range). One of my roommates bought an LCD 20 inch TV for his room and a 60 inch plasma for our living room and neither picture could touch the clarity of mine. 8)
Tube televisions present the best video quality.
I can vouch for the Sony Wega's. Great quality for a good price.
Sony TV's are very good, but are also a bit overpriced. I've had great success with Toshiba TV's.
The FST Pure Flat Tube series (bottom of page (http://www.tacp.toshiba.com/televisions/cinemaseries.asphttp://www.tacp.toshiba.com/televisions/cinemaseries.asp)) would be great for you also. The 30HFX84 model is a 30" 16:9 HDTV that retails for $999.99. If you don't want to go HDTV, they also have the standard 4:3 ratio 35AFX54 and 32AFX54 that retail for $849.99 and $599.99, respectively.
If I had to buy a ~32" TV, that's what I'd get. If nothing else, a good basis of comparison for the Sony WEGA.
TV sucks.
It looks like Toshiba has pretty much "caught up" to Sony in price. I would also look at Samsung.
I got my bedroom TV (a Philips flat-screen tube, similar to the FST Pure stuff) while the employee store was still easily accessible. It's not anymore, though. Philips TV's are OK, but probably a step down from the others mentioned.
Quote from: SD_Eagle on November 29, 2005, 02:43:49 PM
Here's one at BestBuy (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=6494144&type=product&id=1077628885916) for a little over $800, but I was there yesterday and I could swear they had them marked down (like the $500-$700 range). One of my roommates bought an LCD 20 inch TV for his room and a 60 inch plasma for our living room and neither picture could touch the clarity of mine. 8)
Here's the Wega Editor's review on cnet.com (6.4 out of 10)
The good: Excellent black-level performance; vertical compression for anamorphic DVDs and HDTV; HDMI input.
The bad: Bulky tube design; no independent input memories, no picture-in-picture; color decoder accentuates reds.
The bottom line: While it doesn't deliver all the detail of its larger brethren, this 32-inch set makes a great stepping-stone to high-def.
You may want to get the HD sets considering the changeover to digital is coming in the next 4 years.
Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on November 29, 2005, 03:36:49 PM
You may want to get the HD sets considering the changeover to digital is coming in the next 4 years.
i heard that. i read that in order to get the digital signal in an old television, you have to buy some sort of converter box which run around $100. farg that!
thanks for all the info. i'm doing a shteinload of homework before dropping the cash, but i'm headed in the right direction at least. The last set i bought was an RCA and i'll never buy another of those pieces of shtein.
there is a huge message board out there with tons of audio video people on there talking about everything television, HD, projectors, surround sound etc. I used to have the link but cant find it now.... arg. Ill try and find it again.
Quote from: MURP on November 29, 2005, 04:21:04 PM
there is a huge message board out there with tons of audio video people on there talking about everything television, HD, projectors, surround sound etc. I used to have the link but cant find it now.... arg. Ill try and find it again.
AVS Forum (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/)
Quote from: Cerevant on November 29, 2005, 04:30:48 PM
AVS Forum (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/)
ya know...they should really considering having a few forum choices.
thanks Cerevant.
Quote from: Wingspan on November 29, 2005, 04:38:11 PM
Quote from: Cerevant on November 29, 2005, 04:30:48 PM
AVS Forum (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/)
ya know...they should really considering having a few forum choices.
Normally I'd agree - most new forums start up with way too many sub-forums, and you end up with 1 post per week per forum. Half the sub-forums at this place (http://www.brandnewdad.com/forums/) have no posts less than a month old. But AVS is really justified - look at the thread volume on some of those sub-forums - 11k threads with 145k posts in the plasma/LCD forum.
Quote from: Cerevant on November 29, 2005, 04:47:27 PM
Quote from: Wingspan on November 29, 2005, 04:38:11 PM
Quote from: Cerevant on November 29, 2005, 04:30:48 PM
AVS Forum (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/)
ya know...they should really considering having a few forum choices.
Normally I'd agree - most new forums start up with way too many sub-forums, and you end up with 1 post per week per forum. Half the sub-forums at this place (http://www.brandnewdad.com/forums/) have no posts less than a month old. But AVS is really justified - look at the thread volume on some of those sub-forums - 11k threads with 145k posts in the plasma/LCD forum.
someone missed the sacracsm
(i do agree though, and i am on the verge of getting a 42" samsung DLP...i use the site very frequently.
i bet BigEd76 has 5000 posts on both of those boards though :-o :splat
I just wanted to give this thread an official :CF stamp of approval as far as important sites for me to reference back to. I was at best buy the other day and for the first time actually started thinking about televisions. I quickly found I needed to be fluent in another language(tv)....so this will help alot. Mad-lad...I will learn from your mistakes.
I bought a 42" Sony Vega last year and I love it. It's a flat screen tv and only about 18" deep so it doesn't take up half of the room. Good picture, great sound and HD channels have a flawless picture. Non-HD channels are good quality. Cost me about $2500. Now you can probably get one for a few hundred less.
I did recently notice a Panasonic plasma screen flat panel tv (the kind you mount on a wall) for about $1800 at Wal Mart. I'm not a huge Panasonic fan but it is a decent brand. The picture for every channel was superb though since it was a plasma screen. I forget the exact size but it was 30some inches so it was a decent size tv and for $1800 I thought it was a pretty decent buy.
As others have suggested though, you definately want to make sure that your TV is HD compatible. Right now there are only a dozen or so channels available in HD but that will change.
If you've got satallite tv (directv or dish network) you're going to want to upgrade your reciever to and HD receiver so that you can actually watch the HD channels. I'm not sure if cable requires you to upgrade your box or not but if you've got cable then you should definately check on that.
Here's the basic things to remember when it comes to tv's.
Projection TV's are available with a flat screen. These are the televisions that look just like any other tv except they've got a flat screen instead of a curved one. They take up the most space going from the wall to the front of your tv and can be purchased relatively cheap. I've seen then available in 30+ inches for around $300. The picture quality on them is excellent, probably the best you'll find other than a plasma screen. The big drawback with them is that they take up a lot of room and are heavy and the sound on them is usually pretty weak. Projection tv's usually don't have much by way of speakers or anything.
Flat Screen TV's are like the Sony Vega I've got. They are available in widescreen format and don't weigh very much. My 42" tv only weighs about 70 lbs. There's also not much depth to it as it only sticks out about 2 feet from the wall. The picture quality on regular channels is somewhat diminished though when compared to projection tv's. But if anything broadcast in HD has a beautiful picture. The sound quality is also much improved over a projection tv. There is also an internal bulb that needs to be replaced every few years and that costs about $300 but can be done on your own and doesn't require you to pay someone to do it for you.
Plasma TV's are the best thing going in terms of picture quality. Even standard channels have a clear, bright, beautiful picture. You can put them on a tv stand or mount them on the wall. Most of them are less than 6 inches deep. I'm not sure about how they sound but I'm sure they've got a quality sound to them. The problem with them of course is that the plasma screen is extremely fragile and it wouldn't take much to do any damage to it. Obviously, these are the most expensive tv's out there but depending on what you're in to, they may be the right thing for you. One of the great benefits to one of these tv's is having the ability to wall mount it, especially if you are short on space to begin with.
Ok, so that's basically the differences between the 3. There's probably a bunch of technical mumbo jumbo that needs to be included but I think you get the jist of it. If any of you techies can add anything to it please do or if I got something wrong then correct it.
The one thing I'll say to anyone considering a new tv, especiall a a high end flat panel/plasma is to stay away from "generic" tv's. I've got a couple of regular tv's made by off the wall companies and they've worked fine for me but when it comes to the high end stuff I just think it's best to stay with the proven companies. Sony, Phillips, RCA, Panasonic, Sanyo, etc. Also, I've never been a big fan of buying extended warranties or anything for electronic equipment but I did when I bought my Vega. It cost me $300 for 5 years and will cover the cost of the replacement bulb I'm going to need to buy so I figure I'm going to break even on it at the very least. But if my tv ever does need some type of service then it will have saved me a few bucks.
tv is awsome.
(http://www.thesuperficial.com/archives/oprah_meth.jpg)
Nice post, Sarge. As a plasma owner, I'm particularly touchy about the people who perpetuate the anti-plasma myths...and you stuck with the facts.
BTW, I have my screen on a cabinet, a foot or so away from the wall. I didn't want to screw with the wall mounting, and since I have pedestal mounted speakers, I kind of wanted the screen a little more forward.
Quote from: Susquehanna Birder on November 29, 2005, 08:45:52 PM
Nice post, Sarge. As a plasma owner, I'm particularly touchy about the people who perpetuate the anti-plasma myths...and you stuck with the facts.
Just out of curiosity, what kind of myths are you talking about? I've got a couple of friends who have plasmas and they all love them. I think they're cool as hell too and probably would have bought one myself if it wasn't for the fact that for the money I spent on my Vega, I would have gotten a plasma about half the size. I opted for the bigger tv because that's mainly what I was looking for.
Quote
BTW, I have my screen on a cabinet, a foot or so away from the wall. I didn't want to screw with the wall mounting, and since I have pedestal mounted speakers, I kind of wanted the screen a little more forward.
A buddy of mine did something similar to that. When he bought his plasma he was replacing the projection tv in his living room. He had a really nice corner piece entertainment stand and wanted to keep his tv in that particular corner. The entertainment stand was like an armoir so all he did was use a bracket to keep the doors closed and then mounted the tv onto the front of them and it still allowed him to utilize the remaining shelves and cabinets to hold his dvd player, vcr, etc. It turned out well imo and also saved him the hassle of having to rearrange his living room. :D
Plasma owners like to deny that their televisions have shorter lives and are more fragile.
Plasma TV's are BMW/Mercedes of TV's. That's both good and bad.
BMW kicks ass.
I knew about them being fragile but I didn't know about them supposedly having shorter lives than most other tv's. Maybe the couple of people I know that have them are in denial about it too. :paranoid
When I went tv shopping last year I checked out a couple of them but given the price I didn't even inquire about any of them because I knew it wasn't what I was looking for at the time.
So what is it about them that might give them a shorter life? Is it something related directly to the screen? And what kind of life span are we talking about with them?
Life expectancy isn't really a good reason to buy or not buy a tv anymore. Something will be along in 4 or 5 years that your current model can't do, and you'll want a new one.
Quote from: General_Failure on November 29, 2005, 09:22:59 PM
Life expectancy isn't really a good reason to buy or not buy a tv anymore. Something will be along in 4 or 5 years that your current model can't do, and you'll want a new one.
That's pretty much why I was asking about it. Between the improvements that will be made over the next few years and the fact that you can always buy a 'not quite so high tech' tv for hundreds of dollars less than the top of the line model so if you get a few years out of it you can alway replace it with a better tv for about the same cost as the current one.
And who doesn't like moving a 5 year old tv into their bedroom that's twice the size of the one they had in there?
Quote from: General_Failure on November 29, 2005, 09:28:55 PM
And who doesn't like moving a 5 year old tv into their bedroom that's twice the size of the one they had in there?
:-D That's exactly what I did when I bought my Vega. I moved my 27" tv that I had in my living room to the bedroom. I also bought a Sony DreamSystem home theatre with the new tv so I moved my old home theatre to my bedroom as well. Now I can watch porn with surround sound. I farging rule! ;D
Quote from: FFatPatt on November 29, 2005, 09:17:06 PM
Plasma owners like to deny that their televisions have shorter lives and are more fragile.
Non-plasma owners like to invent facts to prove their misconceptions.
Quote from: Susquehanna Birder on November 29, 2005, 10:23:20 PM...Non-plasma owners People like to invent facts to prove their misconceptions.
If you can't beat them, then you might as well join them. Fixed.
Sorry to interrupt the rythym of this otherwise superb "
Sassy call and response thread about televisions."
Riveting.
Quote from: Sgt PSN on November 29, 2005, 09:20:55 PM
So what is it about them that might give them a shorter life? Is it something related directly to the screen? And what kind of life span are we talking about with them?
Many years ago, when the technology was very new, the half-life of the screen (the amount of time before the screen loses half its brightness) was relatively short. The manufacturers have improved the product so that is no longer the case (plasma manufacturers now quote half-life figures that are comparable to other types of TVs). Unfortunately, the reputation of the old plasma sets has stuck.
So what you're saying is that you own a Plasma TV, and you're trying to convince yourself that it doesn't suck.
Quote from: Diomedes on November 29, 2005, 10:32:53 PM
So what you're saying is that you own a Plasma TV, and you're trying to convince yourself that it doesn't suck.
While you're trying to put words in my mouth, maybe you should review the thread and consider the amount of actual value you've brought to the discussion.
Aw jeez man, can't you take a joke?
Quote from: Sgt PSN on November 29, 2005, 09:32:23 PM
Quote from: General_Failure on November 29, 2005, 09:28:55 PM
And who doesn't like moving a 5 year old tv into their bedroom that's twice the size of the one they had in there?
:-D That's exactly what I did when I bought my Vega. I moved my 27" tv that I had in my living room to the bedroom. I also bought a Sony DreamSystem home theatre with the new tv so I moved my old home theatre to my bedroom as well. Now I can watch porn with surround sound. I farging rule! ;D
:bow :bow
Of course I can. But your claptrap just bores (and irritates) me.
there's relatively no difference between a DLP and a Plasma screen if you are further than 7 feet from the screen while viewing. no ones eyes are that good.
even within 7 feet, it's very hard to tell the difference. almost impossible, considering that there are so few televisions that show true HD resolution (1080p)...there's a difference between converting it, and showing it true. and virtually nothing is actually broadcasted at 1080p. most of the broadcasts are at 720p or 720i.
so basically, the only descernable difference right now between an LCD, DLP, or Plasma is the user preference. and there wont be for a while yet. buy whichever you'd like the best basically. most HD televisions can at least convert ever possible resolution.
Wingspan, I would make that last post my signature if I could.
Good info, Wingspan. My biggest issue with DLP and other rear-projection systems is off-angle viewing. Some models are pretty bad when you step just a few feet to one side, or even if you are sitting higher or lower than the ideal.
My neighbor just picked up a Wega LCD rear-projection set a week or so ago, and the off-axis viewing is very good. Not quite what mine does, but much better than I've experienced in the past.
Lad, when you go shopping for a set, be sure to get up, walk around a little, and check out the picture from different viewing angles. Most sets will be very nice if you're right in front of them, looking straight ahead...but the better ones will still look good even if you're not sitting in the best seat in the house. :)
Quote from: Susquehanna Birder on November 30, 2005, 07:13:49 AM
Good info, Wingspan. My biggest issue with DLP and other rear-projection systems is off-angle viewing. Some models are pretty bad when you step just a few feet to one side, or even if you are sitting higher or lower than the ideal.
while plasma has the best angle veiwing. don't lump DLP with the standard rear projection (like the plasma myths), the DLP sets have a veiwing angles comparable to plasma.
also...when going for any HD set (LCD, Plasma, DLP) be sure to see it with a standard broadcast. considering thats at least 90% of your veiwing...some of the high end televisions are pretty weak when it comes to a standard broadcast.
Quote from: Wingspan on November 29, 2005, 04:51:20 PM
(i do agree though, and i am on the verge of getting a 42" samsung DLP...i use the site very frequently.
I bought a 43" Samsung DLP last winter and LOVE it :yay
Quote from: Susquehanna Birder on November 30, 2005, 07:13:49 AM
Good info, Wingspan. My biggest issue with DLP and other rear-projection systems is off-angle viewing. Some models are pretty bad when you step just a few feet to one side, or even if you are sitting higher or lower than the ideal.
I believe most of the newer rear projection televisions have alleviated the off-angle viewing.
Quote from: Wingspan on November 29, 2005, 11:26:10 PM
there's relatively no difference between a DLP and a Plasma screen if you are further than 7 feet from the screen while viewing. no ones eyes are that good.
Agree
Quoteeven within 7 feet, it's very hard to tell the difference. almost impossible, considering that there are so few televisions that show true HD resolution (1080p)...there's a difference between converting it, and showing it true. and virtually nothing is actually broadcasted at 1080p. most of the broadcasts are at 720p or 720i.
False. High definition is either 1080i or 720p. No one broadcasts at 720i (waste of bandwidth) or 1080p (not enough bandwidth)
Quote from: Cerevant on November 30, 2005, 09:38:42 AM
False. High definition is either 1080i or 720p. No one broadcasts at 720i (waste of bandwidth) or 1080p (not enough bandwidth)
i meant that as "i wasnt sure which off the top of my head" ;)
Now after buying my new Wega SXBR last weekend im trying to find the best deal on a HD Tivo from DTV. Between looking at bestbuy/avsforum/dbsforum Im gonna be pissed off with any deal i get now. Its from 225-550 :boo
Quote from: Wingspan on November 30, 2005, 07:38:06 AMwhile plasma has the best angle veiwing. don't lump DLP with the standard rear projection (like the plasma myths), the DLP sets have a veiwing angles comparable to plasma.
DLP is just the mechanism for getting the image from the light souce to the screen. If the screen itself is junk, you'll still have issues with viewing angles.
But I understand what you're saying, since sets that have the newest technology (such as DLP) have improved their screens, as Thawk said.
All this chat is moot for the starter of this topic, because he said he wanted something in the 30-35" range.
Good point.
When I was shopping for HDTV, I was strongly considering a direct-view CRT model. But at the time, the screen size maxed out at about 36 inches, and I wanted to go larger. Plus, the suckers are heavy. But if I was to replace one of my secondary sets (in the 20-27 inch range), I'd strongly consider one of those.
BTW...here's another HDTV site that might be useful:
http://www.hdtvpub.com
Quote from: Susquehanna Birder on November 30, 2005, 11:54:41 AM
Good point.
When I was shopping for HDTV, I was strongly considering a direct-view CRT model. But at the time, the screen size maxed out at about 36 inches, and I wanted to go larger. Plus, the suckers are heavy. But if I was to replace one of my secondary sets (in the 20-27 inch range), I'd strongly consider one of those.
As you're well aware, I am an idiot so you shouldn't be surprised by my query of what the motherfarg is a "direct-view CRT" model? Is that a standard tube television (which present the best available picture)?
Quote from: Tomahawk on November 30, 2005, 12:53:17 PM
Quote from: Susquehanna Birder on November 30, 2005, 11:54:41 AM
Good point.
When I was shopping for HDTV, I was strongly considering a direct-view CRT model. But at the time, the screen size maxed out at about 36 inches, and I wanted to go larger. Plus, the suckers are heavy. But if I was to replace one of my secondary sets (in the 20-27 inch range), I'd strongly consider one of those.
As you're well aware, I am an idiot so you shouldn't be surprised by my query of what the motherfarg is a "direct-view CRT" model? Is that a standard tube television (which present the best available picture)?
yes.. the standard tube flat screen HDTVs
Quote from: Wingspan on November 30, 2005, 12:59:31 PM
Quote from: Tomahawk on November 30, 2005, 12:53:17 PM
Quote from: Susquehanna Birder on November 30, 2005, 11:54:41 AM
Good point.
When I was shopping for HDTV, I was strongly considering a direct-view CRT model. But at the time, the screen size maxed out at about 36 inches, and I wanted to go larger. Plus, the suckers are heavy. But if I was to replace one of my secondary sets (in the 20-27 inch range), I'd strongly consider one of those.
As you're well aware, I am an idiot so you shouldn't be surprised by my query of what the motherfarg is a "direct-view CRT" model? Is that a standard tube television (which present the best available picture)?
yes.. the standard tube flat screen HDTVs
As opposed to rear-projection CRT TV's, which suck donkey balls.
Ha Ha, nice job at quoting, bud.
Quote from: Tomahawk on November 30, 2005, 02:31:12 PM
Ha Ha, nice job at quoting, bud.
Bite me.
What is it with every farging body this week? Lotta farging hate going on... I know the Eagles are losing, but JFC...
Quote from: Cerevant on November 30, 2005, 02:59:23 PM
Quote from: Tomahawk on November 30, 2005, 02:31:12 PM
Ha Ha, nice job at quoting, bud.
Bit me.
What is it with every farging body this week? Lotta farging hate going on... I know the Eagles are losing, but JFC...
Ha Ha, nice job at spelling, bud. ;D
Quote from: Cerevant on November 30, 2005, 02:59:23 PM
Quote from: Tomahawk on November 30, 2005, 02:31:12 PM
Ha Ha, nice job at quoting, bud.
Bit me.
What is it with every farging body this week? Lotta farging hate going on... I know the Eagles are losing, but JFC...
Just jokes - sorry to offend.
link (http://www.circuitcity.com/rpsm/oid/129632/originURLEncoded/http%253A%252F%252Fwww.circuitcity.com%252Frpsm%252FcatOid%252F-12867%252FN%252F20012866%2B20012867%2B40894515%252Flink%252Fref%252Frpem%252Fccd%252Fcategorylist.do/rpem/ccd/productDetailSpecification.do#tabs)
I am going to buy this TV today. It's in my budget and it's about the size I want. Anybody have any opinoins on it?
as long as you have a long or open room where you arent too close to the set, you'll be fine. standard rear projections are the ones with the least desirable veiwing angles.
Quote from: Sun_Mo on December 07, 2005, 10:07:00 AM
link (http://www.circuitcity.com/rpsm/oid/129632/originURLEncoded/http%253A%252F%252Fwww.circuitcity.com%252Frpsm%252FcatOid%252F-12867%252FN%252F20012866%2B20012867%2B40894515%252Flink%252Fref%252Frpem%252Fccd%252Fcategorylist.do/rpem/ccd/productDetailSpecification.do#tabs)
I am going to buy this TV today. It's in my budget and it's about the size I want. Anybody have any opinoins on it?
Yes. Good choice.
If you have the space for an HD-ready RPTV, it's the best way to get bang for the buck. People are amazed at the picture quality of my 57" Toshiba. Hitachi makes probably the best RPTV's around. You will be happy with your purchase.
BTW, make sure you get the extended warranty for 3 years. Before the 3 years are up, you can have your lamps replaced, and you'll be glad you did. The TV can last you a very, very long time if maintained properly.
Quote from: FFatPatt on December 07, 2005, 10:15:07 AM
BTW, make sure you get the extended warranty for 3 years. Before the 3 years are up, you can have your lamps replaced, and you'll be glad you did. The TV can last you a very, very long time if maintained properly.
really, because i was considering going the other way with it. the way i figured it, it was either going to break down within the 1st standard 12 month warranty or it would go beyond the additional 2 years.
but will they do maintainence for under the warranty? i thought it was only for actual repairs.
You can just claim the screen is burning out a little. Easy.
Quote from: Sun_Mo on December 07, 2005, 10:07:00 AM
link (http://www.circuitcity.com/rpsm/oid/129632/originURLEncoded/http%253A%252F%252Fwww.circuitcity.com%252Frpsm%252FcatOid%252F-12867%252FN%252F20012866%2B20012867%2B40894515%252Flink%252Fref%252Frpem%252Fccd%252Fcategorylist.do/rpem/ccd/productDetailSpecification.do#tabs)
I am going to buy this TV today. It's in my budget and it's about the size I want. Anybody have any opinoins on it?
It's a nice TV, but doesn't have a HD tuner. I couldn't find what kind of/how many A/V inputs/outputs it has, but assume it has the S-video which is nice.
For the price, my opinion is good job, sucker.
Quote from: Tomahawk on December 07, 2005, 11:56:43 AM
Quote from: Sun_Mo on December 07, 2005, 10:07:00 AM
link (http://www.circuitcity.com/rpsm/oid/129632/originURLEncoded/http%253A%252F%252Fwww.circuitcity.com%252Frpsm%252FcatOid%252F-12867%252FN%252F20012866%2B20012867%2B40894515%252Flink%252Fref%252Frpem%252Fccd%252Fcategorylist.do/rpem/ccd/productDetailSpecification.do#tabs)
I am going to buy this TV today. It's in my budget and it's about the size I want. Anybody have any opinoins on it?
It's a nice TV, but doesn't have a HD tuner. I couldn't find what kind of/how many A/V inputs/outputs it has, but assume it has the S-video which is nice.
For the price, my opinion is good job, sucker.
i don't need the tuner because i will be getting the HD signal from my cable box.
4 A/V inputs
3 S-video inputs
2 component inputs
Quote from: Sun_Mo on December 07, 2005, 12:00:07 PM
Quote from: Tomahawk on December 07, 2005, 11:56:43 AM
Quote from: Sun_Mo on December 07, 2005, 10:07:00 AM
link (http://www.circuitcity.com/rpsm/oid/129632/originURLEncoded/http%253A%252F%252Fwww.circuitcity.com%252Frpsm%252FcatOid%252F-12867%252FN%252F20012866%2B20012867%2B40894515%252Flink%252Fref%252Frpem%252Fccd%252Fcategorylist.do/rpem/ccd/productDetailSpecification.do#tabs)
I am going to buy this TV today. It's in my budget and it's about the size I want. Anybody have any opinoins on it?
It's a nice TV, but doesn't have a HD tuner. I couldn't find what kind of/how many A/V inputs/outputs it has, but assume it has the S-video which is nice.
For the price, my opinion is good job, sucker.
i don't need the tuner because i will be getting the HD signal from my cable box.
4 A/V inputs
3 S-video inputs
2 component inputs
I get my HD signal from your mom's box.
Sounds like a quality purchase.
Quote from: Tomahawk on December 07, 2005, 12:01:10 PM
Quote from: Sun_Mo on December 07, 2005, 12:00:07 PM
Quote from: Tomahawk on December 07, 2005, 11:56:43 AM
Quote from: Sun_Mo on December 07, 2005, 10:07:00 AM
link (http://www.circuitcity.com/rpsm/oid/129632/originURLEncoded/http%253A%252F%252Fwww.circuitcity.com%252Frpsm%252FcatOid%252F-12867%252FN%252F20012866%2B20012867%2B40894515%252Flink%252Fref%252Frpem%252Fccd%252Fcategorylist.do/rpem/ccd/productDetailSpecification.do#tabs)
I am going to buy this TV today. It's in my budget and it's about the size I want. Anybody have any opinoins on it?
It's a nice TV, but doesn't have a HD tuner. I couldn't find what kind of/how many A/V inputs/outputs it has, but assume it has the S-video which is nice.
For the price, my opinion is good job, sucker.
i don't need the tuner because i will be getting the HD signal from my cable box.
4 A/V inputs
3 S-video inputs
2 component inputs
I get my HD signal from your mom's box.
Sounds like a quality purchase.
NICE!!!
Good buy sun mo. Follow Freddie's advice and purchase the additional warranty because like he said, you'll need to replace the bulbs and that's covered under the warranty. The bulbs alone cost about the same amount as your warranty so you'll break even on it but be protected against any other malfunctions that may happen over the next few years.
ok, this TV thing is driving me freakin nuts! Last night, my girl and i went to Best Buy to take a look at the different TVs in action. We were particularly interested in the Wega (going in) due to the reviews here on the board. Anyways, we go in and couldn't figure out what the hell was going on. Some of the sets looked kind of grainy, some were blurry, some were stretched out. We called one of the guy's over to ask him why the hell this was the case. His response, "that one has a tuner built in" and this blurry one is getting an HD signal but can't read it. The Wega we looked at had an HD signal broadcasting, but was stretching it to fit in the window. We walked out of there more confused, since the only real help we could get was "this one's on sale!". Why wouldn't they try to format each set individually instead of letting you see crappy quality?
So we do some research online on Cnet. The editor's top picks all had reviews saying "Great product, but i had to get it repaired within 2 months" or "45 days after buying the set, the picture and sound crapped out on me". Why am i going to come close to a decision to invest cash in a tv with reviews like that? Also, i read the black bars on widescreen formatted televisions will burn into the picture? how true is that?
Quote from: Mad-Lad on December 08, 2005, 02:15:29 PMWhy wouldn't they try to format each set individually instead of letting you see crappy quality?
Because you were in Best Buy. They probably only have one or two sources, and they're more interesting in moving the metal (and plastic) than making sure everything looks perfect. That's no excuse, of course, and it's stupid...but that's mass marketing stores for you.
QuoteAlso, i read the black bars on widescreen formatted televisions will burn into the picture? how true is that?
That's generally only true of plasma. Some other types will burn in, too, but plasma is more prone to it. The trick is to watch standard-def programming in "stretched" mode, so it takes up the whole screen. And it also helps to adjust the screen from the wow-it-looks-great-in-the-store-max-contrast-mode that's often the default. And sometimes you have the option to make those side bars something a little lighter than black, which mitigates the high-contrast burn quite a bit.
Thanks for the reply Sus. I'm not sure how keen i'd be on watching stretched regular def. television, but at least now i know.
Depending on the set, the stretch isn't too bad. Actually, most have a variable stretch, where the centermost part of the screen isn't stretched as much as the outermost parts. Your brain does actually get used to looking at it, though, and it's not even something I think about any more when I switch between sets.
Mad-Lad, Best Buy sucks ass. Like Sus said, they are just trying to sell the product. Circuit City, imo, is a much better place than Best Buy. Even though they are fundamentally the same I've always found the employees at Circuit City to be much more knowledgable about their products and they also have a better selection. So take that for what it's worth. My advice is to stay the hell away from Best Buy.
QuoteAlso, i read the black bars on widescreen formatted televisions will burn into the picture? how true is that?
I'm not sure exactly what you're talking about. I've got a widescreen and never see the black bars going across the top or bottom of the picture. I can change the view on my tv from widescreen to standard and then I'll have the black bars going up and down each side of the picture so maybe that's what you're talking about. Regardless, I never have it set to standard projection, it's always on widescreen and the picture looks just fine to me. It's not stretched out or anything.
The only thing that bugs me is with Comcast's HD channels. When the stations have SD content, the Comcast (Motorola, I guess) box still outputs a HD signal, so the screen thinks it has a HD picture, so it doesn't know to stretch the picture to get rid of the black bars on either side. It would be nice if I could tell the cable box to lighten up those bars.
the past few posts deal alot with my question regarding my new set. when i watch the 16:9 aspect, it appears a bit stretched, but not anything that really bothers me. what are the other options for? 16:9 zoom, 4:3 standrard, 4:3 zoom1 4:3 zoom2
Comcast came today and put in the Hi-def box, so I will check it out tonight. is there anything special i need to do to maximize the HD? should I keep the TV on the 16:9 standard aspect?
After realizing the regular 32" Wega was too damn heavy for our media bench to hold, we looked at the lighter LCD flat screen televisions. We weren't too stoked about the image quality for the price, so I wound up buying a 42" LCD projection set. So much for staying within a reasonable price range.
(http://www.sonystyle.com/intershoproot/eCS/Store/en/imagesProducts/650x650/KDFE42A10.jpg)
Sony Grand Wega.
So far it's cool as hell. I'm still getting used to the stretched or zoomed version of television. DVDs are freakin' amazing. I'm also trying to get the damn thing hooked up correctly. The stereo receiver, DVD player, etc. seems easy enough, but is more of a pain in the ass than i expected.
Also, i'm going to mess with settings etc. for the PS2. It looks like dog shtein when i turned a game on.
ah well, live and learn. thanks again for everyone's input.
Nice :yay
What did that run ya if you don't mind me asking?
Mad you probably want to look into getting component wires for the PS2. Probably pretty cheap now
Quote from: SD_Eagle on December 20, 2005, 12:43:22 PM
Nice :yay
What did that run ya if you don't mind me asking?
Circuit City had it on sale for $1600 (i believe). After the 4 year warranty was tacked on, it was right about at 2k.
Seabiscuit, i'll look into that. thanks.
My neighbor got the 50" version of that TV, and it's pretty nice. Good choice.
I know the hook-ups are a RPITA. When I got mine, I also bought a dedicated A/V receiver, so that I would be able to switch sources with just one remote-button push. I've since outgrown the number of inputs and outputs available, and it's always a frustrating exercise in creativity when I have to add something to the mix.
:yay :yay :yay to Seabiscuit's suggestion. S-video is better than regular composite video, but it doesn't hold a candle to component. Be sure to get decent-quality cables, but remember that you don't need to buy those mega-expensive Monster ones.
Quote from: Susquehanna Birder on December 21, 2005, 08:14:34 AM
Be sure to get decent-quality cables, but remember that you don't need to buy those mega-expensive Monster ones.
i bought the high end radio shack brand for about 1/2 the price of monster cables.
if your system uses it on both ends, use the digital coax audio cables, that is worlds better than the red and white analog connection
Quote from: Susquehanna Birder on December 21, 2005, 08:14:34 AM
Be sure to get decent-quality cables, but remember that you don't need to buy those mega-expensive Monster ones.
That's probably the one thing I purchased with I bought my Vega last year that I didn't really research or anything. I got suckered at the store to buy the Monster cables. They were like $50 or something like that. I could have picked up a quality set for about half of that I suppose. Oh well, live and learn. :-\
Quote from: Wingspan on December 21, 2005, 10:04:16 AMif your system uses it on both ends, use the digital coax audio cables, that is worlds better than the red and white analog connection
Even better, go the optical digital route (if your system has it). And you can pretty much get the cheapie optical cable for that, and it should work just as well.
Who would have thought that buying a television would inspire such a long-lived thread.
So, here's the timeline:
1/12/2003: The wife and I purchase a new 57" Toshiba CRT Projection HD-ready TV from Best Buy, along with the 4-year in-home service plan for an additional $300.
9/2005: The TV is experiencing some uneven burn-in. I call Best Buy's warranty department, and they agree to dispatch a contractor. He checks out the TV and says he has to order a green and a blue lamp to fix the issue. He seems friendly and knowledgeable enough. He comes back in about a week and installs the new lamps. TV seems to be working great.
10/2005: Happy with my smooth experience, I decide to re-up the plan for 3 add'l years when offered for $100.
1/2/2006: Watching an evening re-run of Law & Order, the TV makes a loud *pop* sound and goes black.
1/3/2006: I call Best Buy in the morning to inform them of the issue and request service. The soonest they can send someone is 1/11/2006. I complain, but to no avail. I go out that night and watch my alma mater in their first bowl game in 4 years at a bar. Yay.
1/4/2006-1/5/2006: I call both days to see if any cancellations would allow my appointment to be moved up. Then, I decide to give up and wait.
1/11/2006: Technician was to call between 7-9 AM, and he actually calls on time at 8:30. He also says he'll arrive between 10:30-12:30, and he's here at 11. After about 20 minutes opening up and looking at the TV, he calls me down and asks if the TV's ever been worked on. I explain what was done, and he seems surprised. He says a very important step was skipped, which caused many volts to surge through the TV's board and essentially fried it. He spend another 30-45 minutes or so verifying his diagnosis through various methods.
He explains to me that Best Buy used to only use contractors in my area until about 2 months ago. He's been a repairman for 20+ years, but he's only worked for Best Buy for two months. He goes out to his truck to try to figure out exactly what he has to do to get a replacement authorized. After 20+ minutes, he comes back in and explains that he has to wait on one supervisor to get him a code and then all is set. After he leaves, I call Best Buy to check on the process, and they say it usually takes 3-5 business days. Ok, whatever.
1/12/2006: I call Best Buy to check on the status. The nice lady on the phone informs me that my replacement was denied, because the technician who approved it is "new". I explain to her that all Best Buy technicians in my area are technically "new", but she insists that I need to have another different technician out for a 2nd opinion, so to speak. Before she can even look at the schedule, I demand to speak to a supervisor. I wait 5 minutes for the supervisor, who tells me she also needs me to hold so she can make some calls. She then has me on hold for 10 minutes or so while she supposedly attempts to call the original technician and his supervisor.
She comes back on the phone to inform me that she had to e-mail both men and explain how to properly process the exchange process to them. She says that they will call me back tomorrow with an update. I defeatedly agree. Then, I call the technician's cell and leave a message for him to please do what he can to expedite this. I also fully expect to call Best Buy back later this afternoon and talk to hopefully yet another supervisor.
So, exactly 3 years from date of purchase, my Best Buy TV-buying experience has come full circle to be a complete pain in the ass. I would actually be totally OK with not having use of a main/large TV for a month or so if it wasn't during the NFL playoffs. I look forward to ranting more about this when I inevitably have more to rant about.
Moral of the story, don't buy a Toshiba, buy a Sony instead.
Quote from: SD_Eagle on January 12, 2006, 02:25:58 PM
Moral of the story, don't buy a Toshiba, buy a Sony instead.
The burn-in was caused by user error. The wife and I preferred to watch 4:3 programming at actual ratio (and thus with bars on the sides). Doing this regularly is apparently a problem on ANY projection TV.
The piss-poor lamp replacement job would have caused the same issue with any other projection TV as well.
The TV itself is an innocent victim here.
Quote from: FFatPatt on January 12, 2006, 02:28:27 PM
The burn-in was caused by user error. The wife and I preferred to watch 4:3 programming at actual ratio (and thus with bars on the sides). Doing this regularly is apparently a problem on ANY projection TV.
That's what i'm having a hard time with. In order to avoid the bars, i have to zoom-in and cut off the top/bottom of the image because the stretched view drives me & my lady crazy.
Quote from: Mad-Lad on January 12, 2006, 02:33:05 PM
Quote from: FFatPatt on January 12, 2006, 02:28:27 PM
The burn-in was caused by user error. The wife and I preferred to watch 4:3 programming at actual ratio (and thus with bars on the sides). Doing this regularly is apparently a problem on ANY projection TV.
That's what i'm having a hard time with. In order to avoid the bars, i have to zoom-in and cut off the top/bottom of the image because the stretched view drives me & my lady crazy.
Hell, even your avatar will soon have burn-in problems.
does watching a non high-def show on a high-def channel (one that has the channel provided bars along th sides) cause the same problems?
Quote from: Sun_Mo on January 12, 2006, 02:36:36 PM
does watching a non high-def show on a high-def channel (one that has the channel provided bars along th sides) cause the same problems?
You mean like FOX and ESPN HD do?
Yes and no. Basically, if you watch a ton of the same channel that does that, then you would eventually start seeing a faint burn-in of the logos on either side of your screen. But, you'd really have to watch a LOT.
The graphics on the sides are slightly better than nothing on the sides, because it causes the center to dim slightly faster than the sides.
Quote from: FFatPatt on January 12, 2006, 02:39:15 PM
Quote from: Sun_Mo on January 12, 2006, 02:36:36 PM
does watching a non high-def show on a high-def channel (one that has the channel provided bars along th sides) cause the same problems?
You mean like FOX and ESPN HD do?
Yes and no. Basically, if you watch a ton of the same channel that does that, then you would eventually start seeing a faint burn-in of the logos on either side of your screen. But, you'd really have to watch a LOT.
The graphics on the sides are slightly better than nothing on the sides, because it causes the center to dim slightly faster than the sides.
so it's not great, but not as bad as watching normal tv in the 4:3 ratio like you did
Quote from: FFatPatt on January 12, 2006, 02:28:27 PM
Doing this regularly is apparently a problem on ANY projection TV.
False - This is only a problem on CRT projection TVs / Projectors. DLP and LCD projection TVs do not have this problem.
LCD Projection tvs won't burn?
Quote from: Mad-Lad on January 12, 2006, 02:59:16 PM
LCD Projection tvs won't burn?
Correct:
CRT, Plasma: Burn (although some plasmas now employ anti-burn in tech)
LCD, DLP: No Burn
Quote from: Cerevant on January 12, 2006, 02:46:42 PM
Quote from: FFatPatt on January 12, 2006, 02:28:27 PM
Doing this regularly is apparently a problem on ANY projection TV.
False - This is only a problem on CRT projection TVs / Projectors. DLP and LCD projection TVs do not have this problem.
That's what I meant. Sorry.
Update: Technician just called me and he thinks he has it straightened out. I'm looking forward to chatting with someone on the phone to see how "straightened out" it really is. No thanks to Best Buy, I give the technician props for trying his damnedest to deal with the farged up Best Buy system.
Well, I just got back from Best Buy to pick out my new TV. What an ordeal.
The problem is they simply do not have a TV comparable to the one I bought. They have a very limited selection of CRT Projection TV's, so I would have either been looking at accepting a 51" TV (which is now a lot cheaper than my 57" was) or going for a 65" TV. Considering my couch is 9.5 feet from the TV, 65" would probably make my eyes bleed. Plus, I saw an opportunity, since technology had improved so much.
This being the case, they have a wide selection of LCD/DLP TV's. Samsung and Toshiba use DLP. Sony uses a system called 3LCD. It was making my head spin. The problem with any of these TV's is no matter where the price of the TV was, they WOULD NOT throw in a stand. A decent stand costs at least $200, so I was not happy about this. Finally, he found a TV for sale for $2499 with a stand built-in (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7276976&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03006&id=1118839101165), and the sales guys couldn't be much more all over it. I'm not a massive fan of JVC, but after some hemming and hawing, I decided to pay the $100 difference between the 1/12/03 sale price of my TV and this one to acquire it. They're coming to take the old one and bring the new one on Sunday.
I still have to work out the warranty on the new TV, because the store was telling me that the old warranty is done and a new one now had to be purchased. Going to have to call on that one. But since I actually only paid $1999 (haggled them down a couple of weeks after initially purchasing the old one), and even after discovering this, they still kept their word and only charged me the $100... I think I came out OK. What a PITA, though.
Mmmmm, pita.
New hotness TV (http://www.jvc.com/product.jsp?modelId=MODL027579&pathId=114&page=1) getting delivered today between 10:30 - 12:30 (and old busted TV being taken away).
Look forward to the Steelers/Colts game being the first thing I watch on it. :yay
Nice. Even swap?
Quote from: Zanshin on January 15, 2006, 09:31:06 AM
Nice. Even swap?
He told the saga a little earlier in this thread, IIRC.
Quote from: Zanshin on January 15, 2006, 09:31:06 AM
Nice. Even swap?
$100. Check the last post on the previous page.
i went to look at plasmas yesterday and the sales rep told me above and beyond the price of the tv i would have to drop another 500-1000 on cables and a power center....how true uis this???...especially re: the power center which he said start at $250
Quote from: ice grillin you on January 29, 2006, 09:29:34 AM
i went to look at plasmas yesterday and the sales rep told me above and beyond the price of the tv i would have to drop another 500-1000 on cables and a power center....how true uis this???...especially re: the power center which he said start at $250
"power center"? Is he talking about an A/V receiver, or some sort of battery backup system?
Anyway, decent cables can be had a lot cheaper than the snobs want you to believe. 99% of us couldn't tell the difference between a $100 Monster "silver" cable (don't buy Monster cables, period) or a $15 Radio Shack cable. It's more about the TYPE of cables you connect with, not the brand/quality.
it was something like this http://stores.tomshardware.com/rating_getprodrev.php/product_id=430926/id_type=M//
im not building a home theater system or anything...im just looking to get a 50 inch plasma tv so that i can get hdtv...other than upgrading to a hdtv receiver what do i need to make all this happen to ensure i get the best picture quality out of my tv
The power center looks to be quite the gimmick. I'm sure you'd be better off with a half-decent receiver and a good battery backup/surge protector. When you buy the plasma, you have to make sure it supports HDTV (many of the cheaper ones only do 'EDTV'), and the receiver would depend on your source. If you use DirecTV, you will need some sort of HD receiver if the TV does not have a built-in receiver, which more and more do. If you use digital cable, HD receivers can be rented just like regular digital cable receivers, and usually for the same price.
I'm sure you'd be better off with a half-decent receiver and a good battery backup/surge protector
when you say receiver here are you speaking of the same kind of receiver as you are here
you will need some sort of HD receiver if the TV does not have a built-in receiver, which more and more do
or in the first instance are you talking about a stereo receiver
the tv im getting is hdtv ready...so in addition to that i need:
hdtv tv receiver
battery backup/surge protector (can you reccomend a good one)
decent cables (recommendation?)
stereo receiver??
will i need new cables for all the av components im hooking up to the tv or can i use standard rca cables
IGY for a reciever if you have cable just get the HD cable box. If you have Dish or Direct Tv just call and you can get upgraded to a new reciever for free right now the H 20 model. A battery backup isnt necessary jut get a surge protector, i bought one for around 60bucks at tweeter and thats what the sales guy backpedaled to after trying to sell me the $150.00 one. For cables just buy a hdmi which has audio and video that run $99 or a four ft cable, and if your going to use a stereo reciever for surround sound you will need a digital optical cable.
Sorry, I should clarify between an A/V receiver and a HD receiver.
Seabiscuit's advice is good. I simply use a decent surge protector for a power source. Usually, you can find ones with a certain dollar amount of protection offered (ie: if it blows up $6000 worth of equipment due to a power issue, they'll pay you $6000).
I would recommend an A/V receiver with at least some decent satellite speakers w/ subwoofer or tower speakers. However, nowadays, you can easily get a quite decent "HTB" (home theater in box) for about $500, which can include the A/V receiver, surround speakers, subwoofer, and a decent DVD player. If you don't have decent sound, why bother with a really expensive TV anyway? As for the picture, digital cable is the easiest HD way to go, as we've said already. If you have satellite, the options for HD receiver ARE getting cheaper and cheaper also.
I know you said you just want to go to HD and aren't worried as much about sound, but you'd be surprised how important sound becomes once the picture is nice and clear. BTW - you 'married' to the idea of plasma? They tend to be pretty expensive. If you have the floor space, you can get a really nice (and longer-lasting) LCD-based projection TV for a lot cheaper (and use the extra money to get HD and A/V equipment). Plasmas kick ass, but if you find yourself worrying about money for cables and ancillary equipment, maybe you should look into cheaper HD-ready TV's.
CRT Projection HDTV's are still out there and are dirt-cheap... and offer the best black levels around. Of course, they're monstrously huge, which is why LCD Projection (ie: DLP, LCoS, etc) is a good compromise between price and footprint.
at this point im not concerned with sound just getting the best picture quality i can...later on when i have the finances to support it ill add on the home theater part of it all....the tv i think im getting is a $4000 pioneer plasma...and i just want to maximize the pic on it
For cables just buy a hdmi which has audio and video that run $99 or a four ft cable
is this the only pricy cable i will need...im assuming this is the one that will run from the cable receiver to the tv...but what about the cables that run from the dvd player that are now generic rca cables...do i need to upgrade those
HDMI will be all that you need for sound from DTV or your Cable box just make sure that your cable box has HDMI, Satellite boxes all do if they're been manufactured in the past 8months. For your DVD player IGY i would go component cables. You will get a much better picture than RCA cables. You can use the RCA cables for the sound on the DVD player to the TV but Definitely get Component wires. They're also a little pricey but have come down since HDMI is the new leader in audio/video. Check out http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/index.php? for all of you plasma questions. The avs forum came up a few pages ago, you can get lost in there but you can really get answers there.
My suggestions:
1.)Buy a decent Surge protector
2.)Buy HDMI cable(for hdtv from cablebox/satellite reciever) and Component cable(for dvd player)
thanks a lot....to both of yous
oh one more question...what about the $400 four year service/warranty plan that places like best buy offer...i normally never get them, but ive also never bought something this expensive either...worth getting or are all those bullshtein
FF knows the deal with them. I bought a 2 year because my TV is the new Sony technology and i dont trust first year products. You may want to check consumer reports or cnet.com for the TV's reviews. Most of the time its wasted money, you can gamble or just pay it upfront and have the piece of mind.
Quote from: ice grillin you on January 29, 2006, 01:23:30 PM
oh one more question...what about the $400 four year service/warranty plan that places like best buy offer...i normally never get them, but ive also never bought something this expensive either...worth getting or are all those bullshtein
Yeah, it's a tough choice. Long-term reliability of plasmas is a little questionable, but you'd have to check what exactly is covered under the warranty. If they don't cover burn-in (or other 'standard' wear & tear items), then it's a definite SKIP. Even if they do, you have to understand that warranties are cash cows for places like Best Buy for good reason. More often than not, you will be throwing your money down the drain. Plus, I think you take better care of something if you don't have the mindset that all is good since it's under warranty.
If you really want to hold off on the sound system, that's cool... HDMI is definitely the #1 right now. You just have to make sure the HD cable receiver you get has it (not all of them do). If not, go with component video and digital coax audio (again, you may have to go with OPTICAL digital, if that's all your cable box has).
The key is what inputs are available on the TV and what outputs are available on your DVD and your cable/satellite HD receiver.
Cable/Satellite:
Choice one - HDMI.
Choice two - component video/coaxial digital.
Choice three - component video/optical digital.
DVD:
Choice one - component video/coaxial digital. (your TV may only have one digital coax input)
Choice two - component video/optical digital.
Choice three - component video/plain-ol' RCA L/R audio.
Your TV will almost definitely have at least: one HDMI input, 2 sets of component video inputs, and 2 digital inputs of some sort. So, what you have to do is make sure the cable/sat receiver and your DVD player both support the cabling you want to use BEFORE you buy more cables. If you're getting a new satellite receiver, it WILL have HDMI.
If you have a TV with an HD tuner built-in, you can get HD via ANTENNA or SATELLITE only. You won't be able to get any digital feed from a cable company without an HD cable box, which isn't really a big deal, because the rental fee, as many of us have said before, is the same whether you have a plain cable box or an HD cable box.
not where i live....but you answered the question
Quote from: ice grillin you on January 31, 2006, 11:52:33 AM
not where i live....but you answered the question
The difference can't possibly be more than $2/month.
$5 a month per box
not for IGY, those bastiches are going to charge him an extra $5 per box for the HD box...
but still, IGY, it's worth it. HD sports rule.
yeah i know i want it bad...but im shook to drop so much cake on a tv
ff...this is what im gonna get if i decide to go with it...if im reading correctly it says it can take digital cable and/or hdtv...overall opinions on the tv??
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7393297&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat31800050028&id=1122655017960
TV looks solid. I just can't understand why someone would buy plasma if he has ANY concerns about the money. The DLP/LCD Projection TV's are less than half the price and about 95% of the picture quality at worst.
Just get the HDTV box from Comcast. CableCard is cool, but you'd have to buy it, and OnDemand goes bye-bye.
gonna spend $5000 on a tv...but then bitch about an extra $5 a month from the cable company....yeah, makes sense.
gonna spend $5000 on a tv...but then bitch about an extra $5 a month from the cable company....yeah, makes sense.
different things
$5000 = tax refund
$5 a month effects my monthly budgetary living expenses...may not sound like a lot but every dollar counts for me
I just can't understand why someone would buy plasma if he has ANY concerns about the money.
because plasmas are newer technology and susceptible to possible problems...or have then been documented problems with them
The DLP/LCD Projection TV's are less than half the price and about 95% of the picture quality at worst.
seemed to me looking at the various pics that the plasma tvs were far superior to the lcds...and the pioneer was especially on another level...can you recommend a great lcd/dlp model
Quote from: ice grillin you on January 31, 2006, 01:19:56 PM
gonna spend $5000 on a tv...but then bitch about an extra $5 a month from the cable company....yeah, makes sense.
different things
$5000 = tax refund
$5 a month effects my monthly budgetary living expenses...may not sound like a lot but every dollar counts for me
so spend $2000 on a tv, and then have enough for 600 months of the extra $5
if i can find a $2000 equivalent to the $5000 tv i will do just that
Quote from: ice grillin you on January 31, 2006, 01:36:23 PM
if i can find a $2000 equivalent to the $5000 tv i will do just that
My favorite was the Sony 3LCD systems, but I ended up with a JVC TV (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7276976&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03006&id=1118839101165), because the stand was built-in, as I explained a few pages ago. The technology is very similar to the Sony and is not subject to the "rainbow effect" that many people get from DLP.
Cheaper Sony - on sale now (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7299014&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03006&id=1118841724921)
teh SUPER HOTNESS Sony (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7461409&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03006&id=1125465419565)
Even with stand, you'll still save over $1000 on the nicer Sony... which is top-edge super awesome LCD technology. The difference would pay for 200+ years of the HD cable box, not including interest you could earn.
I know it's tempting to spend the whole $5k, but if it's a large windfall for you, why? I can see wanting to reward yourself with the tax refund, but a sweet new LCD projection-based TV would be an extremely nice reward too. BTW, my new JVC is fargin' awesome. If you do want to go DLP, the Toshibas are top-rated, and the Samsungs aren't far behind.
Don't you have any debt? If not, cool... Throw the extra money from your IRS refund into a "rainy day" fund... possibly an ING Orange account or something of the like. You'll thank yourself later.
the jvc comes with that stand that is shown?
iyo the lcd pic is really 95% as good as the plasma?...why the sick price difference then?
and if that is true then you would have to admit that the sony lcd is .0005% better than the jvc lcd...no?
btw i have zero debt...another option i was considering is getting a cheaper tv but maybe starting to gather the components for a home theater system by getting speakers or something...anyway btwn me and my girl we have over 10 g's coming back to us courtesy of uncle sam...so its not as if im spending all my loot
another ?
this cable card acts as a digital cable box?...just 'plug' it in the tv and you have digital cable??
how much is it??
this card however will not give you any hdtv capabilities right...for that you have to have the actual cable box
Quote from: ice grillin you on January 31, 2006, 02:35:52 PM
the jvc comes with that stand that is shown?
iyo the lcd pic is really 95% as good as the plasma?...why the sick price difference then?
and if that is true then you would have to admit that the sony lcd is .0005% better than the jvc lcd...no?
btw i have zero debt...another option i was considering is getting a cheaper tv but maybe starting to gather the components for a home theater system by getting speakers or something...anyway btwn me and my girl we have over 10 g's coming back to us courtesy of uncle sam...so its not as if im spending all my loot
the difference in price is just the cost it takes to produce. getting a flawless screen is easier to achieve on a LCD set than it is a plasma set.
i posted a while back, depending on the room size, and how far back you plan to sit from the tv, there is such a minute difference quality, that the big jump in price is unworthy.
then again, talking to a bunch of people on the internet is usually the best way to go! :yay
oh, if your getting that much back in taxes...and you arent newly married, or just had a kid...you're paying too much out of your pay to begin with.
if your room does not have drastic potential viewing angles, there's no reason to buy plasma. if you are outside of 7 or 8 feet from the television, again, no reason to buy plasma. as with either of those parameters set up, there is no difference between any of the technologies.
thanks...looks like you may have just saved me 2500 bucks...tho i doubt i woulda been able to pull the trigger on the plasma anyway
he saved you $2,500? you owe him a taste of that.
Yes, the JVC comes with the stand shown. Had to be assembled, which took me about an hour with no help. BTW, the Best Buy price of the TV was $2499 only 2 weeks ago, and now it's $2249. I would complain, but since I only paid $1999 for the TV I had to have replaced under warranty and another $100 for this TV, I still did alright.
IMO, the LCD projection pic is 95% as good as plasma on average. In fact, LCD flat panel is more expensive than plasma. The reason plasmas are so much more expensive than LCD projection is that...
A. It's 'cool' to have a plasma.
B. The picture is slightly better, so people with a lot of money will pay a lot more just to have the 'best'.
C. Plasmas are tiny and can be wall-mounted. They have a small 'footprint'. LCD projection TV's are about 15" deep and must be on a stand.
I would say that better Sony (the $3500 one) is noticeably slightly nicer than my JVC, and the technology is more advanced (not $1000+ better, but better). However, I would put the JVC up against the cheaper Sony any day of the week. Plus, the bigger JVC is on sale, too... if you want to step up to 56". I would have to say my 52" seems just as big as the 57" CRT projection TV we used to have, because it's that much clearer. Also, I would really look hard at the Toshiba and Samsung DLP TV's. Definitely great sets. Really, it's all about getting the settings just right for your TV. The $30 or less you'd spend on a DVD to set up your audio and video settings is worth every penny. I got the Avia DVD, and after customizing the color/sharpness/etc settings, I couldn't believe the difference. Most of the TV's on display at Best Buy are set up for factory settings.
Again, have no delusions... plasma is super-sexy and will give you the best picture possible in 50"+, but by how much is the question... However, once you start to get burn-in or fade (usually within 5-7 years), your TV is as good as dead. Whereas an LCD projection TV has no known reason to not last quite some time, excepting a bulb replacement (might run you in the $300 range) every 4-5 years or so. And if you aren't amazed my the picture quality (especially in HD) of your LCD TV, you could always go back to Best Buy within 30 days and trade "up" to a plasma.
As for the CableCard, I think you could get HD with it, but not use OnDemand at all. I would recommend starting out with an HD box from Comcast and doing the research on the CableCard later.
P.S. Kudos on having zero debt. Most people at least have a car payment or a mortgage. But why not get a TV that's way nicer than anything you've had before, along with a quality surround-sound system and everything else you'd need with your money, instead of spending so much on a TV that you're worried about $5/month for the HDTV digital cable box?
Quote from: ice grillin you on January 31, 2006, 02:35:52 PManyway btwn me and my girl we have over 10 g's coming back to us courtesy of uncle sam...so its not as if im spending all my loot
As an aside...it sounds like you need to adjust your withholding. It's great to get a nice check from the government, but if you can keep more each payday, you'll probably be better off.
Just a thought FWIW.
Quote from: FFatPatt on January 31, 2006, 03:01:35 PM
IMO, the LCD projection pic is 95% as good as plasma on average. In fact, LCD flat panel is more expensive than plasma. The reason plasmas are so much more expensive than LCD projection is that...
A. It's 'cool' to have a plasma.
B. The picture is slightly better, so people with a lot of money will pay a lot more just to have the 'best'.
C. Plasmas are tiny and can be wall-mounted. They have a small 'footprint'. LCD projection TV's are about 15" deep and must be on a stand.
I think you're coloring things a little to favor your argument, but you're not too far off, I guess. There is an issue of off-center viewing, too. RPs have gotten much better, but they still don't hold a candle to plasma. And my personal experience is that there is a pretty remarkable difference in picture quality. I've had at least 4 different neighbors, all with RPTVs, tell me how much brighter and clearer the picture is on my TV.
QuoteHowever, once you start to get burn-in or fade (usually within 5-7 years), your TV is as good as dead.
Hogwash.
Not hogwash. Even proponents of plasma admit that permanent burn-in and burn-out is a real problem. That said, it all depends on how often you watch TV. A good screen should last 10 years under use on the light side of average. I somehow doubt IGY would watch his TV on the "light side of average", though.
And you talk about RPTV's as if they're all the same. CRT != LCD, especially in viewing angles.
A good LCD projection TV has viewing angles that are plenty wide. Seriously, how "side angle" would anyone want to watch their TV on a regular basis? Also, the LCD flat panels now rival plasmas in viewing angle.
I know, like every other plasma owner, you don't want to feel you threw away money. Guess what? You didn't. You bought what is hands-down the best type of overall big-screen TV available on the market. That said, the price jump to plasma from the best RPTV's out there is still high for anyone that doesn't have/make a ton of money. The bottom line is that the newest LCD technologies put out a picture that is amazingly good and they cost roughly half of a similarly-sized plasma screen. Are you going to sit here and argue that the picture on your plasma screen is literally anywhere close to TWICE as good as the picture on my LCD RPTV? Didn't think so.
The reason I'm suggesting he not go with plasma is that the picture quality will be stunning for him either way, since it's his first HDTV. And since he's even the slightest bit concerned about an extra $5/month for the HD cable box or paying for any kind of adequate supporting sound system, it's obvious that he's not in an income bracket where he might as well get the absolute best available at any cost. You don't have to be dirt poor to appreciate a good value.
Quote from: FFatPatt on February 01, 2006, 07:07:22 AM
Not hogwash. Even proponents of plasma admit that permanent burn-in and burn-out is a real problem.
Sure, if you abuse the screen. But for anybody who actually knows what they are doing, your "in 5-7 years it'll be dead" point is way out of line. And plasma makers these days say that the current screens offer a lifecycle quite comparable with direct-view CRT screens. The current "half brightness" figure is usually 60,000 hours. If you watch 8 hours a day, that's more than 20 years.
QuoteAnd you talk about RPTV's as if they're all the same. CRT != LCD, especially in viewing angles.
I know they're not all the same. But even the better ones still have to rely on a projection system, regardless of how the image is created (CRT/LCD/DLP). There are definitely some good ones, but I still see distortion, even if it is more off-axis that what most people use.
QuoteSeriously, how "side angle" would anyone want to watch their TV on a regular basis?
On a regular basis is one thing, but there are definitely times when it is an issue. Say if you have a room full of people watching football, you really can't park everybody directly on front of the screen. Or in my case, my family room and kitchen are connected via a large opening, and if I want to watch something on the screen while sitting at the kitchen table, I don't want the annoying distortion.
QuoteAlso, the LCD flat panels now rival plasmas in viewing angle.
Agreed, but that's not what I was talking about.
Look, I'm not arguing that your advice to IGY bad. I just wanted to clarify a few things. This is one of those semi-religious issues where I tell people to avoid getting advice from others, because it all comes down to a value judgement based on personal preference. It's best for people to take their time, go out and test drive all the technology out there, and select the best thing, with the features they want, that they can reasonably afford.
As an aside...it sounds like you need to adjust your withholding. It's great to get a nice check from the government, but if you can keep more each payday, you'll probably be better off.
i know this...im bad though...right now i like the lump sum payment and cant get off it even though i tell myself to do so every march
as for the plasma argument...i wont pretend to even know a little bit about it...BUT...the best buy sales associate told me last night to NOT buy a plasma for that burn in reason...he said even he never recommends them...that they are for limited viewing...watching big events...not for extended viewing...he said its for people who have money and tell themselves that they will get the best product on the market and thne in five years they will just buy another one...
anyway
i did it....
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?ProductSKU=KDFE55A20&Dept=tvvideo&CategoryName=tv_hdtv_projectiontv_55%22to80%22
$2399.00
couple questions on the accessories...i got this stand http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?ProductSKU=SURG11M
for $300 bucks...is that generally what youre going to pay...or can i find something more cost effective
dook at the store tried to sell me component cables for $80 per cable...sounded nuts to me so i didnt get them...should i have???
surge protector = http://www.powersystemsdirect.com/Monster_Cable/Monster_Power_MPB1100_Stage_2_Powerbar_Surge_Protector_103.php
will that do what i need??
you need good cables. but they dont have to say MONSTER on the package. radioshack sells the generic equivelant for about $14-$25 and they do just a good of a job as monsters.
radio shacks will be marked as generic component cables??
http://www.radioshack.com/sm-component-cables--fi-2032246_cp-2032058.2032228.html
word em up
thanks
That TV is teh hotness, IGY. BTW, since I really liked the 50" version of the same Sony, I was hoping to find the stand for cheap, so I could justify it. No such luck, so I bought the TV with the stand included to save a couple hundred.
So, the $300 you paid for the stand is expected. Don't know if you needed to spend $200 on a surge protector, but that will definitely be everything you need and then some.
HD box + cables from the "Shack", and you will be straight pimpin'.
the surge protect was actually 170...but oh well
HD box + cables from the "Shack", and you will be straight pimpin'
excellent
thanks again...if we ever run into each other i owe you a beer or six
You owe me nothing, but I learned from a wise man long time ago to never turn down free beer.
Quote from: ice grillin you on February 01, 2006, 10:15:24 AM
excellent
thanks again...if we ever run into each other i owe you a beer or six
what do i get for my misinformation regarding HD TV?
your consolation prize is an official wild bills anti squirrel bird feeder...its my last one...it electrocutes squirrels when they sit on the bar and try to eat the bird seed...because you know...birds cant have their feetsies electrocuted
you also get a years supply of rice a roni the sdanfrancisco treat...a case of turtle wax...and a set of encyclopedia britannica
Good choice, IGY. My neighbors recently got the 50" version of that one. They managed to talk the sales guy into throwing in the stand for free, since there was a very similar unit at the local wholesale club that included the stand in the price.
Quote from: ice grillin you on February 01, 2006, 11:09:14 AM
your consolation prize is an official wild bills anti squirrel bird feeder...its my last one...it electrocutes squirrels when they sit on the bar and try to eat the bird seed...because you know...birds cant have their feetsies electrocuted
you also get a years supply of rice a roni the sdanfrancisco treat...a case of turtle wax...and a set of encyclopedia britannica
thanks man.
do you think i can come over some time and watch Gilmore Girls in HD on your TV?
Oh, and do consider the HDMI/DVI cable route if you can. It might be tricky finding a DVD player or an A/V receiver with 'em, but you should be able to patch a digital cable box right to the TV for a primo picture.
Oh, and do consider the HDMI/DVI cable route if you can. It might be tricky finding a DVD player or an A/V receiver with 'em, but you should be able to patch a digital cable box right to the TV for a primo picture.
english?
thanks man.
do you think i can come over some time and watch Gilmore Girls in HD on your TV?
die
Quote from: Sun_Mo on February 01, 2006, 11:16:09 AM
thanks man.
do you think i can come over some time and watch Gilmore Girls in HD on your TV?
That's retarded.
Gilmore Girls isn't offered in HD.
Quote from: ice grillin you on February 01, 2006, 11:22:50 AM
Oh, and do consider the HDMI/DVI cable route if you can. It might be tricky finding a DVD player or an A/V receiver with 'em, but you should be able to patch a digital cable box right to the TV for a primo picture.
english?
You basically have 4 ways to connect your video source (cable box or DVD player) to your TV:
- A traditional video wire (the yellow connector) on an audio/video cable sends analog composite video signal. It's fine for most regular TVs, but for HD, it sucks.
- An S-video cable. It's a little bit better, because S-video splits the luminance (brightness) and chrominance (color) signals into two separate analog channels, and sends then via two different wires in the cable.
- A component video cable. This has three connectors at either end, usually red, blue, and green. This is better than S-video because the video signal is broken down into one luminance channel and two different chrominance channels. Most HD systems handle component video connections as the standard.
- DVI (also called HDMI). This is a cable that has a modular plug at either end. DVI is an all-digital transmission system, so it eliminates the digital->analog->digital conversion crap that can possibly muck up a nice HD picture. It's also nice in that it also handles digital audio signals, so if you if you use DVI to attach your cable box to your TV, you only have one cable to plug in, and it is the best of all worlds, clarity wise.
The only drawback to DVI/HDMI is that it's not a widely accepted thing, and finding a DVD player with it isn't necessarily easy. And not many low-to-midrange receivers have jacks for it.
Quote from: Susquehanna Birder on February 01, 2006, 01:07:55 PM
The only drawback to DVI/HDMI is that it's not a widely accepted thing, and finding a DVD player with it isn't necessarily easy. And not many low-to-midrange receivers have jacks for it.
He'd also have to make sure Comcast gave him an HDMI-compatible HD box.
does the HDMI plug look similar to the one you find on your computer for the printer? if so, my cable box and tv have it.
how much better is that than the component cables, which is what i have now.
this morning i scheduled with comcast to come out later this month to hook up my hdtv box to the tv
should i call back to put in a 'special' request for an hdmi box...i assume they carry them but only deliver if you specifically ask for it
im quite sure my dvd player does no thave that capability...and lets say for whatever reason i dont get the hdmi cable box...should i still get hdmi cables...will they work like regular component cables if they are hooked to a piece of non hdmi equipment....that way at a later time i can add whatever hdmi components i want
btw...comcast is giving me a hdtv/dvr box for 10 bucks a month
HDMI is a totally different type of plug from component. If your cable box doesn't have the plug, you can't use it.
Quote from: ice grillin you on February 01, 2006, 01:18:45 PM
btw...comcast is giving me a hdtv/dvr box for 10 bucks a month
DVR rules...
no, HDMI cables won't work unless your box has the plug, but mine has it, and i didn't ask for it, i think it's standard...
this is a pic of a HDMI cable...
(http://i.walmart.com/i/p/00/02/66/16/00/0002661600714_500X500.jpg)
this is a HDMI/DVI cable...
(http://i.walmart.com/i/p/00/02/66/16/01/0002661601965_500X500.jpg)
FF...what's the difference between the two? other than the plug? i think i need the HDMI/DVI from what i remember about my TV
Yeah, I think the Motorola DVR boxes that Comast uses all have the HDMI outlet. The only trick is that HDMI and DVI, while they are electrically the same, use different connectors. So if you have HDMI at one end, and DVI at the other, you'll need a special cable to connect the TV and the cable box.
just talked to them...all comcast hdtv/dvr boxes come with a hdmi connector
Quote from: Susquehanna Birder on February 01, 2006, 01:24:28 PM
Yeah, I think the Motorola DVR boxes that Comast uses all have the HDMI outlet. The only trick is that HDMI and DVI, while they are electrically the same, use different connectors. So if you have HDMI at one end, and DVI at the other, you'll need a special cable to connect the TV and the cable box.
SunMo^^^ Your question has been answered.
Hell, I use component video for both my DVD and my cable box, and use digital coax for the DVD but RCA for the cable.
I'd "upgrade", but my wife and I would probably barely notice the difference, if at all.
so, since i have componenet cables for my HD, you don't recommend spending the $50 to get a HDMI/DVI cable
Quote from: Sun_Mo on February 01, 2006, 01:34:19 PM
so, since i have componenet cables for my HD, you don't recommend spending the $50 to get a HDMI/DVI cable
Totally a case by case basis. Do you run your video/audio through a receiver? If straight to the TV, then it might be worth it, depending on how much $50 means to you. Mine's through a receiver that doesn't even have HDMI capability, and my receiver wouldn't switch it, so I'd have to go straight to the TV for the video, but I don't use the TV speakers for audio.
Basically, my picture and sound is already pretty darn good, and I don't feel like worrying about it. But that's just me.
i run the video from the box to the TV with components, and i run the audio from the box to a reciever, i don't use the TV audio as well.
i really can't complain about my HD picture, so i probably won't bother with the HDMI/DVI cable
ff you mentioned that getting a dvd that will maximize your settings is a must...best buy didnt carry one...where do i need to go to get one...one of those top of the line a/v stores??
Quote from: ice grillin you on February 01, 2006, 01:52:54 PM
ff you mentioned that getting a dvd that will maximize your settings is a must...best buy didnt carry one...where do i need to go to get one...one of those top of the line a/v stores??
The one I used was the "Avia Guide to Home Theater" -- widely considered a good choice. There are others out there, I'm sure. You could try to find a used one on eBay, or get a new one here (http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?sHist=19-1%24avia&showAdvanced=true&id=14428), among other places I'm sure.
that dvd is not only for if you have a home theater?
its worth getting just for a tv alone?
Quote from: ice grillin you on February 01, 2006, 02:19:35 PM
that dvd is not only for if you have a home theater?
its worth getting just for a tv alone?
Hell yes. Will make sure you set the video settings on the TV exactly correct. Then, when you eventually add a sound system of some sort, you can really make use of the audio portion of the DVD. Also, in the meantime, you can adjust the audio properties on your TV, FWIW.
There are so many hawtness HTIB systems right now for under $1k, though. Why not pimp out the sound with the money you "saved" from buying the LCD instead of the plasma? Onkyo used to make decent systems with no aesthetic value, but they've started making some better-looking ones (my personal favorite) in the $700-$800 range. I know there are also some out there that are wireless, which can be a big selling point.
But anyway, I digress. With or without a sound system... YES. Get a setup DVD.
Nerds.
Just bought a Sony Bravia XBR '40 HD plasma for $1700. I got it that cheap because it was the floor model, out of the box it goes for $2399. I did a lot of shopping around the past few weeks and opted to go with Circuit City. They had the best selection and best prices. Anyways, this is my first HDTV and I have some questions:
1. Is there anyway to get every Hi Def station the normal size of the screen without those stupid gray bars on the side? I'm watching the Sixers on Comcast HD right now and unless I put the screen on Zoom (also comes with Wide Zoom, Full, and Normal) I get this annoying wavey line on top of the picture. ESPN and some other stations have just regular HD without the shrunken picture which looks unbelievable. I hate the shrunken picture.
2. I can't get sound on my Xbox through a movie or a game. I hooked up a regular DVD player and there's a lot of distortion. A tech is coming out Monday but if anyone knows how to remedy this I can save them a trip.
3. What does 4:3 mean on my TV and what does HD Zoom on my comcast controller do?
4:3 is the picture size. I forget what other sizes there are and I'm too lazy to go in my living room to check my tv. I'm guessing your tv is widescreen? I think 4:3 are the dimensions for a traditional television (square picture).
With my tv (which is widescreen) any time I turn on an HD channel I get those bars on the side of my screen but then after a minute or 2 they go away. Not sure why that is or if it's even supposed to do that but I've never really been too concerned with it. I guess it's possible that your tv may only be able to show HD channels in 4:3 format. Couldn't say for sure though because I'm just taking a relatively unedumacated guess.
As for the X-box and dvd player, I had the same problem with mine when I got it. There's like a million different ports on the back of my tv and the instruction manual was absolutely useless. So I bought a surround sound system and plugged everything into that. Problem solved. :)
Yeah, its a widescreen. I don't want any bars or black on the sides or top, I just want the full screen to be HD like HBO, ESPN, and some of the other channels are...they look much better than the shrunken down HD versions. Some of the stations are like that part of the time then go to a regular format when there's a commercial break.
Think I figured out the X-Box problem, we'll just call it operators error. Any recommendations on a good surround sound so I can get my girlfriend to buy it for me for XMas?
Get Bose! If she loves you she'll spend 2899 for you. :-D I'm not familiar with the Bravia line, so i would suggest mega forum www.avsforum.com (http://www.avsforum.com)
Bose sucks and is generall for people who want to show that they have a lot of money for speakers
the Sony Bravia lines are LCD, not plasma. although you wont see a difference.
make sure you have good cables (they don't have to be monster brand). and make sure that all of your components have the right hookup.
cable box shoud be HDMI
DVD Player should have component output -> tv component input, then go into your dvd players setup menu and tell it that you have a 16:9 Television.
XBox should also be component out to component in (unless you want to use HDMI)
at all costs, avoid S-Video unless it's from a camcorder. S-Video = Sucker Video, it is completely unneccessary.
your black/gray bar issue. Deal with it. the Zooms on HDTV are as useful as the Zoom on your DVD player. sometimes HD Stations show SDTV material. and thats where you get the bars.
However, on 90% of your movies in widescreen format, will have the bars on the top still.
4:3 = Standard Television
16:9 = HDTV, some movies, most current video games
1.85:1 = most movies
Quote from: Wingspan on November 04, 2006, 08:57:03 AM
Bose sucks and is generall for people who want to show that they have a lot of money for speakers
the Sony Bravia lines are LCD, not plasma. although you wont see a difference.
make sure you have good cables (they don't have to be monster brand). and make sure that all of your components have the right hookup.
cable box shoud be HDMI
DVD Player should have component output -> tv component input, then go into your dvd players setup menu and tell it that you have a 16:9 Television.
XBox should also be component out to component in (unless you want to use HDMI)
I'm just using the HD cables that were provided by Comcast and that came with my XBox, should I upgrade? What is HDMI?
the next level of cable.
Quote from: MURP on November 04, 2006, 11:30:23 AM
the next level of cable.
I have a gray HD box with DVR from Comcast, is that HDMI compatible?
For your surround sound system, I've gotta pimp the Sony Dream System (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4810707). You can get it for under $400 and it's worth every penny. I got mine about 2 years ago (so mine looks a little different than the one I posted) and I still love it. Awesome sound and easy to use. And since you've got a Sony television, your Dream System remote will control the TV as well.
I know technology has improved a lot since I bought mine, but I did a lot of shopping around and I felt that it was the best bang for my buck. Since you bought your TV at CC, they probably had them in stock there as well.
Quote from: SD_Eagle on November 04, 2006, 03:36:02 PM
Quote from: MURP on November 04, 2006, 11:30:23 AM
the next level of cable.
I have a gray HD box with DVR from Comcast, is that HDMI compatible?
Genius idea alert... Look on the back to see if it has an HDMI output.
(http://reviews.cnet.com/i/col/fe/HDMI-jack_200.gif)
^^^^Uber geek for posting that.^^^^
Yes. I haX0r3d google image search.
Damnit.
Quote from: FFatPatt on November 05, 2006, 08:55:59 AM
Quote from: SD_Eagle on November 04, 2006, 03:36:02 PM
Quote from: MURP on November 04, 2006, 11:30:23 AM
the next level of cable.
I have a gray HD box with DVR from Comcast, is that HDMI compatible?
Genius idea alert... Look on the back to see if it has an HDMI output.
My next question is is it that much of an upgrade? A TV nerd I know said it looks better but not worth the $100.
it depends on how much of a clarity geek you are.
I would say don't bother with HDMI/DVI for regular HDTV viewing. If, however, you want to hook a PC to the TV, it is the only way to go. If you use component, it never looks quite right...
Also, some general info for those who care: HDMI, DVI, Digital Audio (coax) and Digital Audio (optical) all have something in common: they are DIGITAL signals. As such, there is no such thing as a "good" cable for these types of connections. There is absolutely no reason to go beyond the basic generic cheap-o option for any of these cables - either the connection works 100% with perfect clarity and quality, or it will not work at all. The only exception would be if you are running the cable more than 20'.
As for analog cables - get stuff that seems to have reasonable quality, but don't overkill. Monster anything is overkill. DO match the type of cable to the application: don't use audio cables for component video (especially HDTV), for example.
Wise, wise words.
Quick question for anyone that can help:
My buddy has the same TV as I (Sony Bravia XBR 40') and we both have Comcast. Only difference is his TV in 'FULL' mode takes up the entire screen where mine leaves about 3 inches of black space on the top and the bottom. Also, his picture looks slightly better. I was watching MNF over at his house tonight and I popped up his display and it said 1080i, I get home and mine says 480i. Anyone know what's going on here? Do I need a new cable box?
Can't you adjust to diff. display settings right on the TV? I don't think that has to do with cable box at all, although I could be wrong with the HD cable, but I think most of those settings can be adjusted on TV/remote control.
I would think that the TV would auto-adjust to whatever you are feeding it. What programming did you have on when you saw 480i?
Quote from: Susquehanna Birder on November 21, 2006, 07:44:36 AM
I would think that the TV would auto-adjust to whatever you are feeding it. What programming did you have on when you saw 480i?
ESPN Monday Night Football.
Okay...was it through the HD ESPN channel of your cable box, the regular-def ESPN channel, or right off the cable?
ESPN's signal is in 720i. If your TV was set to the standard-def channel, I think you'd probably see 480i.
Quote from: Susquehanna Birder on November 21, 2006, 09:12:25 AM
Okay...was it through the HD ESPN channel of your cable box, the regular-def ESPN channel, or right off the cable?
ESPN's signal is in 720i. If your TV was set to the standard-def channel, I think you'd probably see 480i.
It was through HD ESPN on my cable box. All of my channels read 480i. My buddies TV reads 1080i on some channels like HBO.
Wound up calling Comcast, here's what you have to do:
Turn the power off on your cable box but not your TV. Hit the Menu button. Go to the second option which will say 480i or whatever your setting is. Click whatever setting you want. Power it off, then power it back on.
LOL...my next question was going to be about the TV and/or cable box settings. Everything okay now?
yeah, picture looks much better and even my regular non HD channels look better. Plus I'm utilizing the entire screen, I hated having bought a 40' TV but only getting 34 inches of picture. Thanks for your help.
Good article on HDMI vs. DVI vs. Component (http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/34579/122868.html)
a friend of mine is telling me this is a great deal and if i have the money to jump on it
is it?
http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=202610940&adid=17653&dcaid=17653
That's a steal.
Make sure you get the extended warranty, though.
Never heard of 'ViewSonic' but $899 for a 37' LCD HDTV with free shipping is a good deal.
http://www.viewsonic.com/
Great price, and I can vouch for the quality of Viewsonic - I've used viewsonic computer monitors for a couple of years now.
i got it
merry christmas to me
jesus dawg...you just bought a big screen this spring
IGY must be stackin' some serious cheddar yo.
jesus dawg...you just bought a big screen this spring
thats how i do....stackin that govt cheese
37 inch isnt exactly big screen tho
It will seem quite big due to the amazing clarity an LCD TV offers.
Quote from: ice grillin you on November 28, 2006, 04:22:13 PM
37 inch isnt exactly big screen tho
oh really? thanks for the heads up
55>37
slapbox > 55
Quote from: ice grillin you on November 28, 2006, 04:22:13 PM
jesus dawg...you just bought a big screen this spring
thats how i do....stackin that govt cheese
37 inch isnt exactly big screen tho
or you never bought the television then, and forgot that you brought it up here, and now you are stuck with the dink little 37"
Wow, I literally spend all of this time and money, that you all seem to spend on toys, on booze. I'm not sure that one is better than the other, but I'm pretty sure we're all wasting our money.
Wow, I literally spend all of this time and money, that you all seem to spend on toys, on booze
im as non toy as one can get...never even had a cell phone and dont know shtein about tv's other than sporting events look pretty damn good in hd...i paid for it but ff literally bought my first tv
in conclusion its possible to be an alkaholic and have nice tv's...i live it
I looked into that deal a little further and that's indeed a steal.
Viewsonic products routinely get high ratings from the consumer magazines and the closest deal I came across was a Magnavox 37" LCD that was on sale for $1,029 at Target.
Here's hoping my Panasonic rear projection HDTV has a meltdown soon.
I've been noticing these "generic" brand tv's at Wal Mart, Target, etc over the last year or so that are priced much less than brand names like Sony or Phillips and seem to have just as much picture quality. I've got my 42" Vega in my living room that's great but am thinking about upgrading my den and bedroom tv.
The tv in the den gets the least amount of use.......mostly when I've got my kids or have friends over. My bedroom tv is mostly used for viewing teh pr0n with ladyfriends so I'd say it's on about 8 hours a day. Any reason to think that buying a generic brand television (flat screen, maybe even a plasma) would be a bad investment?
sarge you may want to look at this
i dont know anything about govideo but the deal looks like it could potentially be very good
GoVideo 32" Widescreen HDTV LCD TV - 1800:1 Contrast Ratio, 16:9, HDMI & VGA
Only $539.95 After Google Checkout
FREE BUDGET SHIPPING
Buy.com price: $559.95
List price: $1,299.99
http://enews.buy.com/cgi-bin5/DM/y/niKN0KmYkn0JE60B3Wd0GM
It's got a display resolution of 1080i. I don't know what that is but I want it.
Thanks for the link though. That's just what I'm looking for to put in my den.
Quote from: Sgt PSN on December 14, 2006, 10:06:13 AM
It's got a display resolution of 1080i.
That's true HD. It's the best widely-available resolution around.
Someone hasn't seen the Jessica Simpson commercial yet.
:-*
ha!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nf9jaZy3pYU
:D
Quote from: Jerome99RIP on December 14, 2006, 10:13:43 AM
Someone hasn't seen the Jessica Simpson commercial yet.
:-*
Actually, I had. But it was relatively non-memorable and unexciting. Oh well.
ive seen it and i dont even watch football
Quote from: FFatPatt on December 14, 2006, 11:07:00 AM
Quote from: Jerome99RIP on December 14, 2006, 10:13:43 AM
Someone hasn't seen the Jessica Simpson commercial yet.
:-*
Actually, I had. But it was relatively non-memorable and unexciting. Oh well.
Jessica Simpson in hot pants = unexciting. [/homo]
I just bought this guy last week...
(http://www.samsung.com/Products/TV/DLPTV/images/b2c_m_hls4266w.jpg)
Samsung HL-4266
42" HDTV DLP for a G at Best Buy. Regular picture is clear, and the HD is sweet.
Quote from: Die-Hard on December 14, 2006, 01:22:39 PM
I just bought this guy last week...
(http://www.samsung.com/Products/TV/DLPTV/images/b2c_m_hls4266w.jpg)
Samsung HL-4266
42" HDTV DLP for a G at Best Buy. Regular picture is clear, and the HD is sweet.
thats what i have. bought it in march of this year. great screen, really wide veiwing angles.
it's not great for games though. at least older generation games (PS2, xBox1, gamecube) because there is a delay in converting the images to 720p that makes some games worthless.
however i can confirm that the problem does not exist in the newer systems that output directly to progressive scan or higher.
I have a Sony SXRD XBR1 50inch i got last november. (http://www.audio-phoenix.com/taiwan/new-data/salesdata/sony-xbr1.gif)My tv is dying rignt now. Apparently they have a problem with the optical block so my screen has a yellow blob on the left side of the screen and one just to the right of center. Luckily i bought the extended warranty thru Tweeter and they are coming out to fix it next monday.
LCD Projection is the way to go right now for bang for the buck.
You pay a ton extra to have the ability to hang your TV on the wall.
Quote from: FFatPatt on December 14, 2006, 01:48:17 PM
LCD Projection is the way to go right now for bang for the buck.
You pay a ton extra to have the ability to hang your TV on the wall.
i dont really understand why people do this. it's kinda neat and everything, but in the end, it does a lot of damage to the wall. and if you ever move, or just rearrange the room, you run into all kinds of problems with either paint color, walpaper...etc...
it just doesnt seem worth it to me.
The only problem with LCD is the crystals can have problems keeping up with fast paced sports such as hockey. They have made drastic improvements to lcd's but its still an issue.
Quote from: Wingspan on December 14, 2006, 01:51:34 PM
Quote from: FFatPatt on December 14, 2006, 01:48:17 PM
LCD Projection is the way to go right now for bang for the buck.
You pay a ton extra to have the ability to hang your TV on the wall.
i dont really understand why people do this. it's kinda neat and everything, but in the end, it does a lot of damage to the wall. and if you ever move, or just rearrange the room, you run into all kinds of problems with either paint color, walpaper...etc...
it just doesnt seem worth it to me.
I agree. When I saw how heavy my screen was going to be, I went out and got a nice little entertainment center with a swiveling top. It holds everything just fine, and I can turn the screen a few degrees (for more apparent viewing area, not for clarity) if I'm in the next room.
Quote from: Susquehanna Birder on December 14, 2006, 02:02:13 PM
Quote from: Wingspan on December 14, 2006, 01:51:34 PM
i dont really understand why people do this. it's kinda neat and everything, but in the end, it does a lot of damage to the wall. and if you ever move, or just rearrange the room, you run into all kinds of problems with either paint color, walpaper...etc...
it just doesnt seem worth it to me.
I agree. When I saw how heavy my screen was going to be, I went out and got a nice little entertainment center with a swiveling top. It holds everything just fine, and I can turn the screen a few degrees (for more apparent viewing area, not for clarity) if I'm in the next room.
the way my room is, the swivel thing is the best accessory to get. if it is just me and my wife watching tv, then there is one position, but if i have a group over, there is a 2nd obvious position that allows for the entire room to see almost perfectly. if it were wall mounted screen, half the people wouldnt be able to see as nicely. (granted i have a DLP set, so there is no wall mount)
my neighbors have a 52" plasma mounted to the wall, and he says he wish he didnt because with more than 6 people in the room, the rest have a hard time seeing without sitting on the floor in front of everyone else.
Yep, the swivel adds a lot of versatility. My screen is a 50" plasma, and it's great even for a crowd in the one room. But that room is directly connected to the kitchen (so it's almost one hugely long room), and if we want to watch the screen while sitting at the kitchen table, swiveling the screen works nicely.
the only acceptable room to have a tv wall mounted is the bedroom
Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on December 14, 2006, 01:55:54 PM
The only problem with LCD is the crystals can have problems keeping up with fast paced sports such as hockey. They have made drastic improvements to lcd's but its still an issue.
The larger the LCD screen, the bigger the issue. That's another reason why LCD Projection makes sense - because the actual LCD is quite small and just being projected onto a larger surface.
Quote from: ice grillin you on December 14, 2006, 02:15:09 PM
the only acceptable room to have a tv wall ceiling mounted is the bedroom
Yes.
Mounting your tv on a wall is great if it's in a small room or a room with an odd layout that might not provide a great deal of floor space. I'd say it's ideal for small apartments or a condo or something. If you have a big house then it's kind of unnecessary. Obviously, if you're a person who rearranges the furniture every few months then mounting a tv on the wall probably isn't the smarted thing to do either. I wouldn't be concerned about it if you plan on moving though. A little spackle will cover the holes up real quick. And chances are the people moving in after you will want to repaint anyway because I have never moved into a new place where I've been satisfied with the wall color so can only assume the same is true for people who move into a place one I leave.
according to comcast if i wanna hook up my hdmi on my tv it takes a special cable box that costs five bucks extra a month....does hdmi vs non hdmi make a huge difference in picture quality
Videophiles will say yes. I say - save your farging money, because that's ridiculous.
thanks
comcast are a bunch of crooks
You already get HD, just with component inputs, right?
HDMI is simply not worth $5 every single month.
Quote from: ice grillin you on December 15, 2006, 02:31:45 PM
according to comcast if i wanna hook up my hdmi on my tv it takes a special cable box that costs five bucks extra a month....does hdmi vs non hdmi make a huge difference in picture quality
You get a DVR and HDMI with that box, the cable costs an extra $50-$100 depending on the length. I was gonna get it but then I watched my buddy's TV with HDMI and the picture isn't any better than mine.
an hdtv/dvr box is 10 bucks extra a month
an hdmi box is an additonal 5 on top of that
which is insane that its a monthly charge...the only difference is that the hdmi box has a connector on the back of it that will accpet a hdmi cable...right?
how is it any different than a rca plug in that sense...comcast acts as tho they have monthly upkeep costs because the box has a hdmi connector on it
Quote from: ice grillin you on December 15, 2006, 03:05:12 PM
which is insane that its a monthly charge...the only difference is that the hdmi box has a connector on the back of it that will accpet a hdmi cable...right?
Yes. I think the price is an extra $5 because the HDMI boxes are all DVR's as well. Comcast is a rip-off.
My DVR box has an HDMI connection on the back (I think)...but I don't use it. The component connection looks great.
HDMI is nice if you want to avoid having 2 wires for sound and 3 for component. Basically its just a all in one package. The picture difference is not noticeable in most cases. I cant believe they are charging more though for that. Gotta love COMCASTIC. >:D
component vs hdmi on a cablebox isnt worth an upgrade. since comcast compresses the hell out of the video before it's converted by the box anyway.
component vs hdmi would have a noticable difference in something that is truly sending a full HD signal from it's source to your tv with no compression/decompression ( some sources that you would see diferences: some satelite dish channels, HD-DVD, Blu-Ray, verizon FiOS tv.
Quote from: Jerome99RIP on November 28, 2006, 08:20:48 PM
I looked into that deal a little further and that's indeed a steal.
Viewsonic products routinely get high ratings from the consumer magazines and the closest deal I came across was a Magnavox 37" LCD that was on sale for $1,029 at Target.
Here's hoping my Panasonic rear projection HDTV has a meltdown soon.
Way to go, jackass. (http://smilies.xibase.com/suicide.gif)
I swear to farging God, I got my wish. My television broke yesterday. I came home from seeing Santa with my kid, and when I turned my television on, it was all farged up. Apparently the convergence stabilizer went and now I can't get anyone out to fix it until next week.
:-D
Quote from: Jerome99RIP on December 24, 2006, 12:00:26 PM
Quote from: Jerome99RIP on November 28, 2006, 08:20:48 PM
I looked into that deal a little further and that's indeed a steal.
Viewsonic products routinely get high ratings from the consumer magazines and the closest deal I came across was a Magnavox 37" LCD that was on sale for $1,029 at Target.
Here's hoping my Panasonic rear projection HDTV has a meltdown soon.
Way to go, jackass. (http://smilies.xibase.com/suicide.gif)
I swear to farging God, I got my wish. My television broke yesterday. I came home from seeing Santa with my kid, and when I turned my television on, it was all farged up. Apparently the convergence stabilizer went and now I can't get anyone out to fix it until next week.
:-D
Time to check those after-Christmas specials! :D
Quote from: Jerome99RIP on December 24, 2006, 12:00:26 PMI swear to farging God, I got my wish. My television broke yesterday. I came home from seeing Santa with my kid, and when I turned my television on, it was all farged up. Apparently the convergence stabilizer went and now I can't get anyone out to fix it until next week.
Perfect excuse to head out to Best Buy. It took me 6 months of wearing my wife down, until yesterday, when she told me to just go and buy it. :)
I had 25 minutes to go 9 miles to Comcast to grab an HD box & am happy I did, as watching the liver spots on Tiki's face wrinkle during today's loss was priceless.
Just got my class schedule and I have class from 6:30-9:30 Monday nights. Problem with that is I love 24 so it creates a dilemna. I'm very unfamiliar with DVR's, TIVO, and all that shtein. I need to find one that can record in HD. Any recommendations?
I got a call from a buddy of mine who is a supervisor at BestBuy and he told be that if I waited unit after 12:00 midnight tomorrow I could get a friggen excellent deal on a new set.
I don't care. I can't get anyone else out until tomorrow anyway so who gives a shtein?
WAR analog!
You know, or something.
Quote from: SD_Eagle on December 24, 2006, 04:26:48 PM
Just got my class schedule and I have class from 6:30-9:30 Monday nights. Problem with that is I love 24 so it creates a dilemna. I'm very unfamiliar with DVR's, TIVO, and all that shtein. I need to find one that can record in HD. Any recommendations?
HD DVR is available from DirecTV. Otherwise, there are only a few models of HD TiVo available anyway. Buy the newest one, because only losers buy old shtein.
Quote from: Jerome99RIP on December 24, 2006, 06:54:45 PM
I got a call from a buddy of mine who is a supervisor at BestBuy and he told be that if I waited unit after 12:00 midnight tomorrow I could get a friggen excellent deal on a new set.
I don't care. I can't get anyone else out until tomorrow anyway so who gives a shtein?
WAR analog!
You know, or something.
Just go out and spend top dollar. You're in the real estate business. You're old and live in Florida. You have plenty of money to blow on a TV, so just do it.
Well, bad news and good news, I guess. The service doode just left. The repairs on my current set were going to cost $435, so I told him to pack his shtein and take a hike.
Looks like I'm off to Circuit City in a few hours. . .
Ripoff City is more like it!!!!!!one
Got a Panasonic surround sound system with a 5 disc changer for Christmas. Just bought an HDMI cable and hooked it up, the picture and sound quality are much better than when I just had the Hi - Def cables hooked up. When I saw the difference at the store it didn't look like that big of a deal, but now that I see it on my own T.V. the difference is noticable.
I just had one of the best experiences ever. I bought this television (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7941212&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat95100050006&id=1152227795761) yesterday at Best Buy. I got a pretty good deal on it because they price-matched it from Sears for $2,579.99. Anyway, I checked Best Buy's website this morning and lo and behold the price dropped from that to $1,999.99! I ended up saving almost six hundred bucks! Also - I had purchased the four-year warranty on it yesterday for $349.99. Well, that dropped to $249.99 since the television itself was under $2,000. Adding tax savings between the two, I ended up saving almost $700 in total.
On top of everything, I was standing there waiting for the guy to finish my price change when a delivery of Playstation3's came in. There was 40 of them on a crate behind the customer service desk and I happened to be first in line for one, so I ended up snagging it too!
What an awesome start to the day. :yay
Quote from: Jerome99RIP on December 31, 2006, 11:45:27 AM
I just had one of the best experiences ever. I bought this television (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7941212&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat95100050006&id=1152227795761) yesterday at Best Buy. I got a pretty good deal on it because they price-matched it from Sears for $2,579.99. Anyway, I checked Best Buy's website this morning and lo and behold the price dropped from that to $1,999.99! I ended up saving almost six hundred bucks!
I bought the exact same TV (size and all) 3 months ago for $1700 (I bought the floor model). The picture is amazing but the only drawback is there's only 1 HDMI hookup if that's your thing. Also, when you switch from a HD channel to a non-HD channel or vice versa the screen scrambles, then goes blank, then tunes the station in.
There's three HDMI hookups on this one, SD. Are you sure it's the exact same model?
That's from the spec. sheet below:
QuoteHDMI Inputs 3
BTW: About the picture, I saw the thing hooked up to a Blu-Ray player (which the PS-3 is equipped with) and it was the most amazing picture I've ever seen. Jesus Christ - it makes standard HD look weak by comparison.
Quote from: Jerome99RIP on December 31, 2006, 12:41:57 PM
There's three HDMI hookups on this one, SD. Are you sure it's the exact same model?
That's from the spec. sheet below:
QuoteHDMI Inputs 3
Yup, exact same model. The XBR is Sony's top LCD. Only difference (in the picture) is yours has a gray border where as mine has a black border.
Quote from: Jerome99RIP on December 31, 2006, 12:46:06 PM
BTW: About the picture, I saw the thing hooked up to a Blu-Ray player (which the PS-3 is equipped with) and it was the most amazing picture I've ever seen. Jesus Christ - it makes standard HD look weak by comparison.
I can't say enough great things about the picture. Do you have surround sound to hook up to it?
I have a Nakamichi controller, a Denon DVD & Paradigm speakers in front and back. I hope all the hook-ups work with the new set, although it shouldn't be a problem.
Best Buy included their home theater set-up package in the price so all I'll have to do is stay out of the way and let them deal with it.
Quote from: Jerome99RIP on December 31, 2006, 12:57:44 PM
I have a Nakamichi controller, a Denon DVD & Paradigm speakers in front and back. I hope all the hook-ups work with the new set, although it shouldn't be a problem.
Best Buy included their home theater set-up package in the price so all I'll have to do is stay out of the way and let them deal with it.
Nice...surround sound setup isn't too hard but if they're gonna do it for you than that's all the better.
I got a Panasonic surround sound 5 disc changer as a Christmas present so it feels like I'm watching a movie in a theater. Wait'll you see the games on that TV in Hi-Def. Only thing that sucks is now everyone wants to come over to my pad to watch the game.
Cool setup, Rome. I always like the Nak stuff.
They just finished setting up the new idiot box.
All I can say is, buy one. BUY ONE NOW.
My wife and i purchased the Mitsubishi WD 65732 Hdtv (http://www.mitsubishi-tv.com/j/i/18326/TelevisionDetails/WD65732.html?cid=518). Its a 65" DLP, we just started finishing our basement today and since Best Buy is running a special of 0% financing thru 2010 if you purchase over 1k by february 3rd. We also purchased Mirage Surround Sound (http://www.hometheatersound.com/equipment/mirage_omnisat6.htm) speakers and a Denon receiver. I'm in farging heaven :)
Just be sure to pay the minimum payment every month. You're slightly late on one payment, and they immediately calculate all your interest and start charging at ~26%. (No, it didn't happen to me, but it happened to a friend.)
That said, you got a sweet-ass TV. Enjoy the shtein out of it.
Thanks FF, i work in the credit card business so i know how quick they are to pull that trigger. The good thing is my wife handles the bills.
You can usually talk them out of it, but my buddy got effed from Best Buy.
Thing was - he sent a check in plenty of time, but they never got it. You know the drill.
I had a knock-down drag-out fight with Capital One over something like that. I had made a payment via their online payment system and for some reason it never registered. I got a letter from them stating that because I had three late payments over a year's time, (which was bullshtein) my interest rate was going from 7.9% to 19%.
I told them fine, then I wrote a check out for the balance and mailed it out with an envelope with a photocopy of me giving them the finger.
I canceled the card immediately after the check cleared.
farg them. They need my business more than I need their card.
When i started at the bank i had to deal with interest rates that were increased because of changes to cardholders Fico's and derogatory stuff in bureaus. IT SUCKED.
The best thing to do with these 0% offers is get an auto biller setup and keep electronic records of everything. But yeah, they can and will try to eff ya.
Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on January 21, 2007, 02:38:39 PM
The best thing to do with these 0% offers is get an auto biller setup and keep electronic records of everything. But yeah, they can and will try to eff ya.
Well, the best thing is really to avoid them, but when you're faced with the expenses of furnishing a new house or refinishing your basement or the ilk, it's a pretty good deal.
Anyway, enjoy your farging TV. Try not to mess up your drawers the first time you watch it in HD.
Im going to wait 3 weeks or so, we are finishing the basement. This is our second HDTV, the first being a sony sxrd 50inch. We've had major problems with the Sony though, Im having the repair guy out for the second time to deal with the Sony and its Optical block issues.
so i'm looking to get a 37"-42" tv.
any good suggestions for this size? i started reading this thread but it's too much. maybe i'll print it out and read it at home.
Looking for a flat panel, or some sort of tube/projection?
flat panel. plasma or lcd i guess. dude from best buy tried to explain the difference to me but it didn't really sink in.
tube/projection just means it's not as skinny? my limit is probably around $1800 or so.
i know there are differences but the tube/projection ones just look like normal old school tvs right?
LCD flat panel would be the best available for that size. Plasma would be a little cheaper.
I'd go with plasma definitely if you don't watch a ton of TV. Otherwise, the burn-in will chap your ass in a few years.
i watch about 2 shows a week, and then sports or movies for the most part. plus i just got a wii so i'm sure that will take up the little time i did spend watching tv.
Quote from: FFatPatt on February 14, 2007, 02:38:39 PM
Otherwise, the burn-in will chap your ass in a few years.
I've had my plasma for several years now, and it gets way more use than I'd like. Maybe 50-60 hours a week (and that's a conservative estimate). It still shows no problems.
make sure you get a remote control, it's so much easier than changing the channel at the TV
We had a bunch of friends over to watch the Super Bowl and my one annoying buddy couldn't shut the farg up about how great the picture was on the set.
Anyway, I get a call from him a couple of days later and he asks me if I can come over and move some furniture for him. I get there and sitting right in the corner of his living room is the exact same tv I got.
:-D
Also - I honestly think the new generation LCD picture is superior to the plasma. I did a lot of looking before I bought my set and the guy at Best Buy even set them up next to each other for a comparison. The LCD just looked better for some reason.
i've got opinions from about 4 or 5 real friend people, and then all you fake internet people, and almost everyone tells me LCD is the way to go. why are plasmas more expensive then?
Quote from: SunMo on February 14, 2007, 02:57:32 PM
make sure you get a remote control, it's so much easier than changing the channel at the TV
good point, never thought of that. thanks. i should probably call comcast and order cable too.
Quote from: phattymatty on February 14, 2007, 03:01:18 PM
i've got opinions from about 4 or 5 real friend people, and then all you fake internet people, and almost everyone tells me LCD is the way to go. why are plasmas more expensive then?
I don't think they're more expensive anymore. I've seen plasma sets around the same size as mine (40") that were cheaper.
Quote from: phattymatty on February 14, 2007, 03:01:40 PM
good point, never thought of that. thanks. i should probably call comcast and order cable too.
don't get crazy though
Let me get this straight, HDTV is just a certain type of signal correct? And LCD and Plasma are 2 diff. screen types, correct? Both LCD and Plasma run HD signals, right?
This should prob be in the ask dumb questions thread, but whatever...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-definition_television (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-definition_television)
QuoteHigh-definition television (HDTV) is a television broadcasting system with a significantly higher resolution than traditional formats (NTSC, SECAM, PAL). While some early analog HDTV formats were broadcast in Europe and Japan, HDTV is usually broadcast digitally, because digital television (DTV) broadcasting provides much greater bandwidth. HDTV technology was first introduced in the US during the 1990s by the a group of electronics companies called the Digital HDTV Grand Alliance [1] [2].
In the 2000s, a number of high-definition television standards are competing for the still-developing niche markets. Current HDTV standards are defined by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU-R BT.709) as 1080 active interlace or progressive scan lines, or 720 progressive scan lines, using a 16:9 aspect ratio. HDTV is also capable of "theater-quality" audio because it uses the Dolby Digital (AC-3) format to support "5.1" surround sound.
The term "high-definition" can refer to the resolution specifications themselves, or more loosely to media capable of similar sharpness, such as photographic film. Currently, approximately 48 million households have HDTVs.
Grand Alliance? bwahahaa
i have a friend who got a Philips 42" LCD for around $1300 and said he could get me the same deal. anyone have a philips TV and is this a good deal?
from what I see that seems to be way below normal price.
Make sure it support 1080p, then go for it.
check buy.com....i got a 37 inch viewsonic for 799 off there a few months back...included in that was $200 rebate....buy.com has great deals popping up all the time
Quote from: FFatPatt on February 14, 2007, 05:49:16 PM
Make sure it support 1080p, then go for it.
i don't think it does:
http://www.buy.com/prod/Philips_USA_42PF7421D_42_Widescreen_HDTV_LCD_TV_with_Pixel_Plus/q/loc/111/203000099.html (http://www.buy.com/prod/Philips_USA_42PF7421D_42_Widescreen_HDTV_LCD_TV_with_Pixel_Plus/q/loc/111/203000099.html)
Wait for a deal like IGY's, then.
my price would be almost $400 less than that though.
The Philips employee pricing is pretty good, agreed. You certainly won't regret making that purchase.
Quote from: Jerome99RIP on February 14, 2007, 03:05:14 PM
Quote from: phattymatty on February 14, 2007, 03:01:18 PM
i've got opinions from about 4 or 5 real friend people, and then all you fake internet people, and almost everyone tells me LCD is the way to go. why are plasmas more expensive then?
I don't think they're more expensive anymore. I've seen plasma sets around the same size as mine (40") that were cheaper.
Yep, from what I've seen, plasma sets are a little less expensive. And the difference increases as screen size goes larger.
Quote from: phattymatty on February 14, 2007, 03:01:18 PM
i've got opinions from about 4 or 5 real friend people, and then all you fake internet people, and almost everyone tells me LCD is the way to go. why are plasmas more expensive then?
LCD is the best bet for any video game playing.
Quote from: FFatPatt on February 14, 2007, 05:49:16 PM
Make sure it support 1080p, then go for it.
there really is no point to worrying about 1080p on a 40" screen.
1080p is overhyped - the only thing that can deliver that kind of signal is a computer/console (the Wii can't do 1080p). 1080i is the best that ATSC (over the air HD) can deliver, and while QAM (cable HD) could probably do it, the cable companies wouldn't waste that much bandwidth. No one is shooting video in 1080p, so it would all be wasted effort anyway.
I'm sure there is someone who can tell the difference, but really...
Has anyone ever bought a TV at Costco? I've been hearinf from a few people that they have good deals and an excellent return policy. The people over at that AVS forum seem to have pretty good reviews of Costco for TVs as well.
I was just looking at consumer reports, and the new Vizio TVs that they are selling at Costco & Sams are crap.
Quote from: Wingspan on February 14, 2007, 11:07:29 PM
Quote from: phattymatty on February 14, 2007, 03:01:18 PM
i've got opinions from about 4 or 5 real friend people, and then all you fake internet people, and almost everyone tells me LCD is the way to go. why are plasmas more expensive then?
LCD is the best bet for any video game playing.
Without a doubt. Plasma's supposedly have the best picture but I can't complain with the picture on my LCD. A lot of people stay away from Plasma's because of the whole burn in issue. Best advice I can give is to 1) shop around 2) Go to BestBuy/Circuit City etc. and see if they have any floor models available. I got a 40' Sony Bravia LCD floor model for $1700. Same model goes for $2400 in most stores.
Quote from: Cerevant on February 15, 2007, 09:11:33 AM
1080p is overhyped - the only thing that can deliver that kind of signal is a computer/console (the Wii can't do 1080p). 1080i is the best that ATSC (over the air HD) can deliver, and while QAM (cable HD) could probably do it, the cable companies wouldn't waste that much bandwidth. No one is shooting video in 1080p, so it would all be wasted effort anyway.
I'm sure there is someone who can tell the difference, but really...
Filmmakers are increasingly shooting in 1080p. George Lucas, for instance, shot the last Star Wars movie in 1080p for theaters with digital projection systems.
(See Below)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1080p
As for being able to tell the difference with the naked eye, trust me, I have the Bravia 40" 1080p from Sony and I can tell the difference. The picture clarity is phenomenal.
can anyone tell me how to hook my laptop to my tv...i know for the video its simply vga on computer to vga on tv
but what about the audio
would it be a 1/8' out of the earphone jack on the computer to a rca into the s-video or audio in on the tv???
Quote from: ice grillin you on February 15, 2007, 11:39:14 AM
can anyone tell me how to hook my laptop to my tv...i know for the video its simply vga on computer to vga on tv
but what about the audio
would it be a 1/8' out of the earphone jack on the computer to a rca into the s-video or audio in on the tv???
Here you go....too lazy to type it myself.
(http://www.movieflix.com/pc2tv.mfx)
EDIT: Use what Rome posted. Radio Shack can hook you up on the cheap.
Be real careful with hooking your PC up to your TV, especially if you have a plasma.
(http://www.ramelectronics.net/assets/images/180-3-5S-RCAX2.jpg)
Quote from: Jerome99RIP on February 15, 2007, 11:28:23 AM
As for being able to tell the difference with the naked eye, trust me, I have the Bravia 40" 1080p from Sony and I can tell the difference. The picture clarity is phenomenal.
No question that HD is clearly superior to SD, but I doubt you can tell the difference between 720p or 1080i and 1080p video, especially since there is no consumer material available at that resolution. Further, according to the wiki article you linked, if & when 1080p is available for broadcast, it will be at 30fps. This is the knock against 1080i - it has half the framerate of 720p (60fps). "Real" 1080p (60fps) would take twice the bandwidth of 1080i, and this would not be real popular with the cable companies. (It would not be possible at all over the air using the current channel allocation)
Again, I'm just talking about video. Computer / console video is a whole different ballgame.
Quote from: ice grillin you on February 15, 2007, 11:39:14 AM
can anyone tell me how to hook my laptop to my tv...i know for the video its simply vga on computer to vga on tv
but what about the audio
would it be a 1/8' out of the earphone jack on the computer to a rca into the s-video or audio in on the tv???
RCA. s-video is video only. see above.
As for video - if your TV doesn't send the nifty plug and play signals back to the PC (most don't) you will have some issues getting the video timings right. Your picture might be shifted slightly one way or the other.
thanks ladies
just got it (http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11118301&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&N=4001382&Mo=25&pos=1&No=5&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=3316&Ns=P_Price%7C1%7C%7CP_SignDesc1&Sp=C&ec=&topnav=)
Quote from: phattymatty on February 15, 2007, 01:27:24 PM
just got it (http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11118301&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&N=4001382&Mo=25&pos=1&No=5&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=3316&Ns=P_Price%7C1%7C%7CP_SignDesc1&Sp=C&ec=&topnav=)
Good deal.
thanks. it seems like it's received mostly really good reviews, that and the fact that i personally know two people with it and they both like it.
and with Costco, I can take it back whenever for whatever reason. although that's changing next month because apparently people were abusing it. the lady said a lot of people bought tvs before football season and then returned them after the super bowl. i wish i would have thought of that.
ha. people actually spend the time to go buy a tv, lug it home, hook it up, then pack it back up, drive back, return it... all to watch the superbowl? fargin idiots.
Quote from: Cerevant on February 15, 2007, 11:52:38 AM
Quote from: Jerome99RIP on February 15, 2007, 11:28:23 AM
As for being able to tell the difference with the naked eye, trust me, I have the Bravia 40" 1080p from Sony and I can tell the difference. The picture clarity is phenomenal.
No question that HD is clearly superior to SD, but I doubt you can tell the difference between 720p or 1080i and 1080p video, especially since there is no consumer material available at that resolution.
During the demonstration I was shown at Best Buy, you could definitely tell the difference.
1080p blew away 1080i. 720p was superior to 1080i as well.
Granted, it was just my own impression, but that's what I took away from it.
Quote from: Jerome99RIP on February 15, 2007, 01:42:10 PM
Quote from: Cerevant on February 15, 2007, 11:52:38 AM
Quote from: Jerome99RIP on February 15, 2007, 11:28:23 AM
As for being able to tell the difference with the naked eye, trust me, I have the Bravia 40" 1080p from Sony and I can tell the difference. The picture clarity is phenomenal.
No question that HD is clearly superior to SD, but I doubt you can tell the difference between 720p or 1080i and 1080p video, especially since there is no consumer material available at that resolution.
During the demonstration I was shown at Best Buy, you could definitely tell the difference.
1080p blew away 1080i. 720p was superior to 1080i as well.
Granted, it was just my own impression, but that's what I took away from it.
Your impression is exactly what they wanted your impression to be. They have a 1080p source for the 1080p demo. Which they probably dont, because they want to sell the 1080p.
There is nothing, as far as what you would watch on a 1080p screen that is actually 1080p source. For a true demo, you should have been shown the same video, from the same source, on the same TV, with different settings for 1080p, 720p...etc...
Color Depth and Contrast ratio are far more indicitive of the image quality than the resolution. But those arent the buzz words, so you never hear about them.
There are no sources for 1080p content. Cable and satelite companys will never show 1080p content, not unless you wanted to double your cable bill. 720p is pretty much what everything is broadcasted in. It is only upconverted to display on a 1080 screen. HD-DVD and Blue Ray are 1080p sources, but the video on the DVD did not originate as 1080p (unless it was shot digitally). (Same thing with PS3 or xbox 360, they are 1080p sources (well not xBox yet) but they are computer generated images...not live motion video...so the purpose of those on BluRay is the storage space and processing power, not the screen resolution.
Quote from: phattymatty on February 15, 2007, 01:27:24 PM
just got it (http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11118301&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&N=4001382&Mo=25&pos=1&No=5&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=3316&Ns=P_Price%7C1%7C%7CP_SignDesc1&Sp=C&ec=&topnav=)
Next step is that you absolutely must get a DVD to properly adjust the video.
Quote from: FFatPatt on February 15, 2007, 01:58:53 PM
Quote from: phattymatty on February 15, 2007, 01:27:24 PM
just got it (http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11118301&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&N=4001382&Mo=25&pos=1&No=5&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=3316&Ns=P_Price%7C1%7C%7CP_SignDesc1&Sp=C&ec=&topnav=)
Next step is that you absolutely must get a DVD to properly adjust the video.
Any THX dvd has a good test for that. If you have any of the Star Wars movies on DVD you can run through the test, and adjust the setting with no problem.
Quote from: Wingspan on February 15, 2007, 01:56:18 PM
Quote from: Jerome99RIP on February 15, 2007, 01:42:10 PM
Quote from: Cerevant on February 15, 2007, 11:52:38 AM
Quote from: Jerome99RIP on February 15, 2007, 11:28:23 AM
As for being able to tell the difference with the naked eye, trust me, I have the Bravia 40" 1080p from Sony and I can tell the difference. The picture clarity is phenomenal.
No question that HD is clearly superior to SD, but I doubt you can tell the difference between 720p or 1080i and 1080p video, especially since there is no consumer material available at that resolution.
During the demonstration I was shown at Best Buy, you could definitely tell the difference.
1080p blew away 1080i. 720p was superior to 1080i as well.
Granted, it was just my own impression, but that's what I took away from it.
Your impression is exactly what they wanted your impression to be. They have a 1080p source for the 1080p demo. Which they probably dont, because they want to sell the 1080p.
There is nothing, as far as what you would watch on a 1080p screen that is actually 1080p source. For a true demo, you should have been shown the same video, from the same source, on the same TV, with different settings for 1080p, 720p...etc...
Color Depth and Contrast ratio are far more indicitive of the image quality than the resolution. But those arent the buzz words, so you never hear about them.
There are no sources for 1080p content. Cable and satelite companys will never show 1080p content, not unless you wanted to double your cable bill. 720p is pretty much what everything is broadcasted in. It is only upconverted to display on a 1080 screen. HD-DVD and Blue Ray are 1080p sources, but the video on the DVD did not originate as 1080p (unless it was shot digitally). (Same thing with PS3 or xbox 360, they are 1080p sources (well not xBox yet) but they are computer generated images...not live motion video...so the purpose of those on BluRay is the storage space and processing power, not the screen resolution.
Whatever. It looked better to me. Whether it was a sales technique or the guy was lying out his ass, I don't know.
I'm happy with the picture and what they claim as being 1080p (PS3 games & the lone Blu-Ray video I have) look spectacular and again, it's my perception that counts.
Quote from: Jerome99RIP on February 15, 2007, 02:04:52 PM
Whatever. It looked better to me. Whether it was a sales technique or the guy was lying out his ass, I don't know.
I'm happy with the picture and what they claim as being 1080p (PS3 games & the lone Blu-Ray video I have) look spectacular and again, it's my perception that counts.
True.
That doesnt change the fact that the "1080p" buzz is extremely overhyped.
The PS3 and/or blu ray video would look just as spectacular on 720p or 1080i on a properly calibrated television.
how do you properly calibrate it? my tv has a button that i can push and it automatically adjusts itself for best picture, is that good enough?
Quote from: SunMo on February 15, 2007, 02:12:01 PM
how do you properly calibrate it? my tv has a button that i can push and it automatically adjusts itself for best picture, is that good enough?
If it looks good to you, then yep.
Otherwise, as FF said above, you can actually buy a DVD that will help with everything.
All HDTVs have your standard settings "Dynamic, Sports, Movies" which are fine. But calibrating it with one of these DVDs (http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-DVD-Theater-Tuning-Simple/dp/B000BF0DH4/sr=8-4/qid=1171567702/ref=pd_bbs_4/002-5664294-2506420?ie=UTF8&s=dvd) gives good contrast results suited for you eyes.
Or the THX thing on any THX movie will pretty much do the same thing. You just move the color sliders around until you see what the DVD says you are supposed to see. It really only takes about 20 minutes.
(http://www.monstercable.com/news/images/JennaDrey_tn3.jpg)
Hit. :D
wow. I want to calibrate my tv so women step out of it and into the room.
Sun, do you have a dvd burner?
no
just helped the ups guy carry the tv up my steps.
boing.
Hot delivery guy?
so dreamy.
but the tv is awesome.
although it has a little crack on the bottom half of the front frame, right by the screen, so we have to get a new one delivered.
i forget, and i'm not going back to find it...what did you decide to go with? LCD or plasma?
42" LCD.
i actually can't imagine going much bigger, my living room isn't big enough.
32" LCD HDTV -- $495 including shipping (http://www.woot.com/)
Today only, and only while supplies last.
Is that FF's site? w00t
I had to return my Mitsubishi HDTV because of a bad lightprocessor and get a replacement. Im going to pick it up tomorrow.
Quote from: Father Demon on February 23, 2007, 01:32:48 PM
32" LCD HDTV -- $495 including shipping (http://www.woot.com/)
Today only, and only while supplies last.
i saw that earlier this morning. i don't know how i feel about a hanspree tv though. never heard of them.
i have a hard on thinking about watching the tourney in HD.
i cant watch the tourney at home...i gotta be at a bar that has the package
i took off friday to do just that...my local pub carries the package and i will be there from friday at noon until sunday at 6 eating and drinking myself into the abyss
i will spend the majority of time at the bar also, but the part of it i spend at home is going to be way better than before.
i'm taking off friday too.
oh yeah no doubt...when its later in the tourney and youre not as worried with competeing games its awesome...the first weekend tho has to be spent at a bar with the package
I cant wait till my damn basement is done to enjoy my TV. Its shaping up as the week before the Draft :yay
hotness (http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,2109363,00.asp)
Great, if you like recording HD over the air. That's right kids, break out the rabbit ears.
Quote from: Cerevant on March 30, 2007, 02:54:45 PM
Great, if you like recording HD over the air. That's right kids, break out the rabbit ears.
I get the HD through my dish, but most "purists" say that the off-air antenna is the way to go.
Antenna's produce better and less compressed HD
it's actually true. especially NBC and FOX, their HD over air signals are a lot better than the cable HD. at least in philly it is.
Quote from: FastFreddie on March 30, 2007, 04:09:41 PM
Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on March 30, 2007, 04:08:24 PM
Antenna's produce better and less compressed HD
^purist
Im too lazy to install an antenna on my house so i just Direct tv's compressed picture
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11182949&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&N=4001382&Mo=21&pos=1&No=4&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=3316&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&Sp=C&ec=&topnav=
this looks like a good deal, any thoughts?
I think you should by me one.
looks good Mussa, Costco is the best place to buy TV's because you can return them at any time if you tv is farged up
i was just at costco looking to see if they had the same deal there, and negative. i went to tweeter, circuit city and costco, this is the best deal i found.
hmm a friend said wait til nxt year, because laser tv's should be released by then and they are going to push the price of high end lcd's down.
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/home-entertainment/laser-tv-technology-plasma-and-lcd-killer-206426.php
damnit, my tv's pretty bad now. i might just buy a 780p now for cheap to hold me over...
HD over the air is probably better quality, HD over cable/satellite is more reliable.
Neither is relevant to my point: you will not be able to buy something off the shelf that will record HD from cable or satellite - the media companies are too worried about you recording that PPV and sticking it on Bittorrent.
If you want to record HD off of cable or satellite, you have two options:
* get a DVR from the company
* (cable only) PCs are coming out shortly that have integrated cable card support. These will be highly locked down Windows Vista computers with TPM support that will be as bad or worse for restricting how you use your recording as the DVRs are.
Manufacturers of the CableCard hardware have made it clear that the CC tuners will only be available to OEMs who create locked down systems.
Quote from: Cerevant on April 02, 2007, 10:24:17 AM
HD over the air is probably better quality, HD over cable/satellite is more reliable.
Neither is relevant to my point: you will not be able to buy something off the shelf that will record HD from cable or satellite - the media companies are too worried about you recording that PPV and sticking it on Bittorrent.
If you want to record HD off of cable or satellite, you have two options:
* get a DVR from the company
* (cable only) PCs are coming out shortly that have integrated cable card support. These will be highly locked down Windows Vista computers with TPM support that will be as bad or worse for restricting how you use your recording as the DVRs are.
Manufacturers of the CableCard hardware have made it clear that the CC tuners will only be available to OEMs who create locked down systems.
I think the HD Tivo would completely disagree with you.
Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on April 01, 2007, 02:09:11 PM
looks good Mussa, Costco is the best place to buy TV's because you can return them at any time if you tv is farged up
costco is great for electronics, thats where we just got our new tv. but...they are in the process of changing their retun policy to 90 days because too many people were abusing it. keeping a tv for the whole football season then taking it back. i know some stores have already implemented the new policy, but i think it's on a store to store basis.
Let me correct:
you will not be able to buy something off the shelf that plugs into your computer and will record HD from cable or satellite
Namely, the USB device that started this conversation. Anything that can record HD will be so laden with DRM that you will have to ask permission to go pee while the commercials are on.
Quote from: Cerevant on April 02, 2007, 10:34:07 AM
Let me correct:
you will not be able to buy something off the shelf that plugs into your computer and will record HD from cable or satellite
Namely, the USB device that started this conversation. Anything that can record HD will be so laden with DRM that you will have to ask permission to go pee while the commercials are on.
Tivo connects to a PC or Mac in about 10 seconds, with software provided by Tivo.
Later this year http://www.replaytv.com/default.asp (http://www.replaytv.com/default.asp)will be offering the abilty to record HD to your computer acting as a DVR
Quote from: phattymatty on April 02, 2007, 10:33:51 AM
Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on April 01, 2007, 02:09:11 PM
looks good Mussa, Costco is the best place to buy TV's because you can return them at any time if you tv is farged up
costco is great for electronics, thats where we just got our new tv. but...they are in the process of changing their retun policy to 90 days because too many people were abusing it. keeping a tv for the whole football season then taking it back. i know some stores have already implemented the new policy, but i think it's on a store to store basis.
the one near me is this advertising 90 day day, 3 yr warranty. phatty, how do you like your TV? I'm thinking of getting the same one you got now. Any regrets, also how long did it take for you to get it?
Quote from: Wingspan on April 02, 2007, 10:48:38 AM
Tivo connects to a PC or Mac in about 10 seconds, with software provided by Tivo.
So, you've never hooked up your PC to a TiVo and gotten the red circle with an exclamation mark, aka: not allowed to download this? Have you read articles about TiVo deleting shows 24 hours after they are recorded? No...this isn't commonplace - yet. But the media companies are much more concerned about HD because of the uncompromised quality.
Also note that TiVo was available on DirecTV for years, but DirecTV would not allow the use of the download functionality on these units, and eventually dropped TiVo for a unit that they could have complete control over.
Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on April 02, 2007, 10:50:32 AM
Later this year http://www.replaytv.com/default.asp (http://www.replaytv.com/default.asp)will be offering the abilty to record HD to your computer acting as a DVR
I would be very surprised if this is not OTA only. CableLabs is only certifying complete recorders (PCs, DVRs) not add-on products (tuner cards). Satellite does not allow this and there's no reason to believe they will change.
My original point was that you shouldn't assume that if something "works with HD" that it will work with the HD you use. There's a good reason why 80% of the population uses cable instead of antennas, but keep in mind that the rules for digital cable (including HD) are and will be very different than for broadcast TV.
Quote from: mussa on April 02, 2007, 11:12:00 AM
the one near me is this advertising 90 day day, 3 yr warranty. phatty, how do you like your TV? I'm thinking of getting the same one you got now. Any regrets, also how long did it take for you to get it?
no regrets at all, other than wishing the UPS guys were a little more careful. firt one came with a little crack in the frame and we had to get a new one. pain in the ass but not a huge deal. only took about a week for it to get here and it's free shipping when you order costco online.
the picture is awesome and you can't beat the price. two of my friends who recommended the tv to me got it through some sort of friends and family deal, and the costco price was about $100 lower than that even.
i think im gonna get it tomorrow. thanks :yay
ordered that shtein today. mmmmm, i can't wait to watch high quality porn!
my tv was shipped today. should get it tuesday. cannot wait.
Have fun, that looked like a good deal.
TV is on schedule to arrive tomorrow. Comcast is scheduled to be here also. Ahhh I can't wait for this shtein :yay :yay
oh lord, my tv came a few minutes ago. wow. i had to slide that bitch up my steps, which wasn't as easy as i though it was gonna be. open it all up and was pretty surprised how fargin big it is. im happy its in perfect condition, not a scratch or chip on it. this is going to be one hell of a project getting it set up on the wall and moving my old set-up. oh i can't wait!
mussa just let the TV sit for at least 2 hours before turning it on. The temperature change can damage the tv
Unless he lives in sub zero temperatures. Or has a flatbed full of snow around it...I don't think it's that much of a risk.
Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on April 10, 2007, 10:56:55 AM
mussa just let the TV sit for at least 2 hours before turning it on. The temperature change can damage the tv
Yea I am. The guide didn't say anything about letting it warm up to room temperature, surprisingly. There's not much I can do by myself anyway other than set it up on the stand and see if my zesty entertainment center can hold it. My buddy who's got two HD LCD's hanging on his walls is off today and is gonna help me set it up later this afternoon. For now it's just sitting on my couch looking pretty. Glad I didn't get the 47". Would of been waaaay too big.
nice dude. so did you get the old costco return policy or the 90-day one? i know all places haven't switched yet.
but enjoy the tv, it's awesome.
yea i got the 90 day. i just realized i never got a packaging slip or receipt for the TV.
comcast guy just hooked up HD cable. I didn't realize the don't use HDMI ? He said they always have used component. He found a HDMI cable though, but realized the comcast box doesn't have HDMI out. It does though have DVI out. So I might get a DVI to HDMI cable. I thought Comcast would have the HDMI. Does everyone else with comcast HD have component also or did I get stuck with a older box?
Comcast will not usually give you an HDMI cable. They'll hook it up the cheapest way they can with the cheapest cable they can. No big deal - component is fine.
You have an older box...but you don't need HDMI anyway.
Comcast compresses HD to the point that Component vs HDMI is irrelevant.
Use the HDMI port on the TV for something that is truly HD (like xbox or an HD DVD player or Blue Ray player...etc...)
Get decent component cables, it's all you need.
Quote from: Cerevant on April 02, 2007, 11:35:22 AM
Quote from: Wingspan on April 02, 2007, 10:48:38 AM
Tivo connects to a PC or Mac in about 10 seconds, with software provided by Tivo.
So, you've never hooked up your PC to a TiVo and gotten the red circle with an exclamation mark, aka: not allowed to download this? Have you read articles about TiVo deleting shows 24 hours after they are recorded? No...this isn't commonplace - yet. But the media companies are much more concerned about HD because of the uncompromised quality.
Actually, no i havent, i put video from tivo onto my laptop or ipod every day of the week...and have never been told i couldnt download something from it.
Mussa buy cables on
www.monoprice.com (http://www.monoprice.com) Its cheap and good.
Quote from: mussa on April 04, 2007, 06:49:54 PM
my tv was shipped today. should get it tuesday. cannot wait.
by the way, anything you ever wanted to know about that tv...
AVS Forum (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=687362)
Thanks for the links :yay
Quote from: Wingspan on April 10, 2007, 03:49:48 PM
Quote from: Cerevant on April 02, 2007, 11:35:22 AM
So, you've never hooked up your PC to a TiVo and gotten the red circle with an exclamation mark, aka: not allowed to download this? Have you read articles about TiVo deleting shows 24 hours after they are recorded? No...this isn't commonplace - yet. But the media companies are much more concerned about HD because of the uncompromised quality.
Actually, no i havent, i put video from tivo onto my laptop or ipod every day of the week...and have never been told i couldnt download something from it.
Take a look at this (http://www.pvrblog.com/pvr/2005/09/tivo_72_os_adds.html). I also saw the red !, but it was probably a "mistake" like the Simpsons event. I suspect that it turns up more with shows recorded off of pay channels.
Still, for the most part, media companies don't care about recordings that are degraded (except for series 3 cable card, TiVo significantly degrades the picture quality, similar to a VCR). I tried to make this point briefly, but since that doesn't seem to be sufficient for the geniuses around here, here is the long version:
As I said before, the meadia companies are throwing the gauntlet down for HD content - which is why I made the comment about a device that allows you to record HD. You can only record HD over the air (ATSC) using such devices. Unless you live in the middle of a city, that means rabbit ears.
You can use a HD cable box to "record" shows using firewire, if the channel is unprotected. In most cases, anything you pay extra for is protected. The cable company can turn off that functionality any time they choose.
Some new TVs have cable card support - this allows the TV to tune digital cable channels (including HD). There is no way to record from the TV.
The TiVo series 3 is the first (that I'm aware of) DVR that can use cable card. This allows the TiVo to record digital cable directly (including HD), without a converter box. However, the channels have the same restrictions as the cable company's box. Most shows from pay channels have the copy once flag set - meaning you are allowed to record it, but you can't make a copy of the recording. Unfortunately, the copy on the DVR is your one copy, and you won't be able to use TiVo ToGo or anything else to get a copy of it.
ATI and other companies are releasing cable card tuners for PCs this year that work with Windows Vista. ATI has publicly stated that they can not and will not release these products for general sale, they will only be bundled in PCs that meet the full spec required by CableLabs. This spec requires the same behaviors I've described for DVRs and other cable boxes.
Because something works today, does not mean it will work tomorrow or next week. Also, results will vary from cable co to cable co - from region to region. But know that these systems are designed to restrict or prevent copying on the cable company or broadcaster's say so. That isn't to say there won't be hacks, but that isn't really in the scope of this for this forum.
Well I am not reading all of that.
But I will say, I will continue to take anything off the tivo and put it on my ipod or laptop whenever i want. And when the day comes that i cannot do that anymore...well that's tough shtein on me.
And I don't think I will be all that upset about it.
(http://www.comics.com/comics/arlonjanis/archive/images/arlonjanis2007366580503.gif)
Did you get that out of a PARADE magazine or some shtein?
Quote from: FastFreddie on May 03, 2007, 08:47:26 AM
Did you get that out of a PARADE magazine or some shtein?
Nope. (http://www.comics.com/comics/arlonjanis/index.html)
i didn't realize anyone laughed at comics these days.
question.
i'm moving at the end of the month and am thinking about ditching comcast and going with direct tv. for those that have it, what do you all pay per month for service?
Quote from: phattymatty on July 16, 2007, 11:03:53 AM
question.
i'm moving at the end of the month and am thinking about ditching comcast and going with direct tv. for those that have it, what do you all pay per month for service?
I have the
PLUS HD DVR service, which is about $70/month....which is about 200 channels, 70 music stations...and 20 or so HD channels.
Quote from: Wingspan on July 16, 2007, 11:09:57 AM
I have the PLUS HD DVR service, which is about $70/month....which is about 200 channels, 70 music stations...and 20 or so HD channels.
cool, thats what i was looking at. they're running some nfl sunday ticket package right now too. direct tv seems way more worth the money than comcast.
I've had it for 1.5 years now (the HD part, i've had directv for 5 years now)...the claim to be adding more HD channels by the winter.
The service is excellent.In 5+ years of directv, i've had maybe 10 outtages that have lasted about 10-15 minutes each that have been in really severe weather, that i probably should have even had the TV on during.
Quote from: Wingspan on July 16, 2007, 11:54:27 AM
I've had it for 1.5 years now (the HD part, i've had directv for 5 years now)...the claim to be adding more HD channels by the winter.
The service is excellent.In 5+ years of directv, i've had maybe 10 outtages that have lasted about 10-15 minutes each that have been in really severe weather, that i probably should have even had the TV on during.
the only reason i've stuck with comcast is because of the internet bundle, but i really really hate them. i figure now that i'm going to be in a condo i can steal my internet off one of the other units.
I get outages pretty frequently during the summer storm season. But, that could be because:
1. I live in Florida
2. My satellite equipment is nearly 10 years old (I first subscribed to DirecTV in 1998).
I really like it. Even with my archaic televisions, the picture is much better with the satellite than it is with basic cable.
Most condominiums have their cable package included in the association fees, matty.
They get a better rate as a result. How much better depends on the number of units in the project. Chances are you'll get basic cable or a middle-tier package and then any upgrades are up to you to purchase separately.
Quote from: Jerome99RIP on July 16, 2007, 12:01:29 PM
Most condominiums have their cable package included in the association fees, matty.
Interesting. I thought of this a while back and then somehow totally forgot to follow up on it. Thanks for reminding me.
Took a picture of my entertainment setup and felt like sharing, enjoy:
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f98/SD_Eagle5/027.jpg)
What the heck, I will too:
(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1407/855991946_5adb2cbd18.jpg?v=0)
looking for opinion, guidance & recommendations on Slingbox. I'm considering setting it up at my parents in So Jersey, to be able to watch CSN in No Jersey. Is it as good as promoted?
Alright fellas... need some opinions.
Was just at Home Depot and saw this 42" Magnavox LCD (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&productId=100593942&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&PID=500871&cm_mmc=CJ-_-nextag-_-D27X-_-100593942&cpncode=09-38330359-2&URL=http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/BuildLinkToHomeDepot?linktype=product&id=100593942&cm_mmc=CJ-_-nextag-_-D27X-_-100593942&AID=10368321&cj=true&srccode=cii_9324560). Apparently it's part of their Labor Day sale and they had them listed for $999. Then they offered no interest, no payments for 12 months by opening up a HD card. Now there's usually no way I'd open up a store CC, but I know for fact that I could have that paid off by Jan when I can cut the card up and close it. I looked the TV up online and it's going for $1,399 everywhere else... but I can't seem to find any reviews. What do you guys think of this? Any experience with any of these?
Quote from: EagleFeva on September 01, 2007, 06:11:43 PM
Alright fellas... need some opinions.
Was just at Home Depot and saw this 42" Magnavox LCD (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&productId=100593942&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&PID=500871&cm_mmc=CJ-_-nextag-_-D27X-_-100593942&cpncode=09-38330359-2&URL=http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/BuildLinkToHomeDepot?linktype=product&id=100593942&cm_mmc=CJ-_-nextag-_-D27X-_-100593942&AID=10368321&cj=true&srccode=cii_9324560). Apparently it's part of their Labor Day sale and they had them listed for $999. Then they offered no interest, no payments for 12 months by opening up a HD card. Now there's usually no way I'd open up a store CC, but I know for fact that I could have that paid off by Jan when I can cut the card up and close it. I looked the TV up online and it's going for $1,399 everywhere else... but I can't seem to find any reviews. What do you guys think of this? Any experience with any of these?
Magnavox is fine. Nothing wrong with the brand. Their TV's aren't considered the "best", but the "best" will cost you hundreds more.
The *problem* is that the TV only has 720p HD resolution. For a main home theater TV, meh (depends on how picky you are)... for a bedroom TV, hit.
Either way, it's a good deal. There are coupons out there for 10% off anything at Home Depot under $2000 if you look for them. However, I would try to avoid the no interest racket. If you don't have $1000 to throw around, you probably should avoid buying a new TV, dook. (Plus, by the time you'll have $1000 in January, the 720p LCD's will all be under that and you can take your pick.)
Quote from: FastFreddie on September 02, 2007, 06:42:03 AM
Magnavox is fine. Nothing wrong with the brand. Their TV's aren't considered the "best", but the "best" will cost you hundreds more.
The *problem* is that the TV only has 720p HD resolution. For a main home theater TV, meh (depends on how picky you are)... for a bedroom TV, hit.
Either way, it's a good deal. There are coupons out there for 10% off anything at Home Depot under $2000 if you look for them. However, I would try to avoid the no interest racket. If you don't have $1000 to throw around, you probably should avoid buying a new TV, dook. (Plus, by the time you'll have $1000 in January, the 720p LCD's will all be under that and you can take your pick.)
agreed, not a bad deal. If you could swing the extra $ for 1080p resolution, go for it. But you'll probably need to save the cash for the HD cable bill, not to mention a monster surround system.
I pulled the trigger on this (http://www.electronics-expo.com/make-a-store/item/TOS37HL67/Toshiba/37HL67/42.html) last night for the bedroom.
Now, all I have to do is buy/lease an HD DVR box. Barf.
Quote from: FastFreddie on September 02, 2007, 06:42:03 AM
The *problem* is that the TV only has 720p HD resolution. For a main home theater TV, meh (depends on how picky you are)... for a bedroom TV, hit.
Aiiight FF, school me here.
Here (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_05771337000P?cat=Televisions&pid=05771337000&vertical=ELEC&subcat=LCD+TVs&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes) (under specifications) it says that the TV is 1080i compatible. Would I need other types of upgrades to get that type of picture? What the deal there?
Quote from: EagleFeva on September 03, 2007, 08:43:26 AM
Quote from: FastFreddie on September 02, 2007, 06:42:03 AM
The *problem* is that the TV only has 720p HD resolution. For a main home theater TV, meh (depends on how picky you are)... for a bedroom TV, hit.
Aiiight FF, school me here.
Here (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_05771337000P?cat=Televisions&pid=05771337000&vertical=ELEC&subcat=LCD+TVs&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes) (under specifications) it says that the TV is 1080i compatible. Would I need other types of upgrades to get that type of picture? What the deal there?
If you plan to sit further than 6 feet away from the television...the human eye can not tell the difference between 720p and 1080i...
What you quoted means that it can accept the signal of 1080i...and then it converts it to 720p.
I was looking at TVs in Best Buy yesterday...they were having huge sales.
If I get this job in Houston, I'll need a new TV set for my place down there. So I'm going to get something badass. What are the best brands out there? Is LG any good?
The best 'name' brands out there are Sony, Panasonic, and Samsung. Shop around and compare picture quality and do some research on consumer feedback. If you go to CC or BB check out the floor models they have available, they're usually 25% less than what you would pay for something in the box.
Quote from: SD_Eagle on September 03, 2007, 10:40:59 PM
The best 'name' brands out there are Sony, Panasonic, and Samsung. Shop around and compare picture quality and do some research on consumer feedback. If you go to CC or BB check out the floor models they have available, they're usually 25% less than what you would pay for something in the box.
Mitsubishi is also very good. I would recommend looking at Cnet.com for reviews to help you with your purchase. One thing to remember when buying a tv is its one of the very few appliances that you use on a daily basis, so its like a bed, splurge a little extra to make sure its gonna last.
Not a huge problem - the visual difference between 720p and 1080i for a TV show is negligible, especially since half the broadcasts are 720p anyway. Now, using a Computer or Console (360 or PS3), I'd agree there's a big difference.
The TV can be 1080i "capable" with a 720p resolution - it just down samples the picture. Most less expensive LCD & DLP TVs do this to be compatible with 1080i broadcasts.
Quote from: SD_Eagle on September 03, 2007, 10:40:59 PM
The best 'name' brands out there are Sony, Panasonic, and Samsung. Shop around and compare picture quality and do some research on consumer feedback. If you go to CC or BB check out the floor models they have available, they're usually 25% less than what you would pay for something in the box.
Well, the best names really do vary based on technology.
Sony is downright overpriced. Even if you get it on sale, you'd probably be better off getting something else on sale. It's a solid 20% over comparable stuff (and yes, I know you have a Bravia, SD). Samsung is the leader in DLP for LCD Projection, but it's not any better on flat panels than anyone else. Panasonic is known for their Plasmas, but they lag behind on LCD et al.
Basically, you won't go much more wrong on any of multiple brands, depending on the technology. Sharp ("Aquos") is still one of the tops for LCD Flat Panel. Toshiba and Mitsubishi are around for some stuff. LG, Westinghouse, Philips, et al are getting into the market pretty well. Even the cheapos (Vizio, Maxent, etc) provide a lot of value for the money.
Frankly, most people don't have the other equipment (cabling, sound) for it to really make much of a difference. However, if you plan on really doing it up, you want to check on two things: black level and contrast ratio. The cheaper TV's usually don't do well here. Also, if you're actually using the speakers on the TV, you have to be careful about the setup there.
As a footnote, I changed my mind on the LCD for the bedroom and decided it was basically a waste of money, which I'm documented to love quite a bit. $950 + $199 for upgrade to the HDDVR from my standard DVR is just a lot of money to blow on a 2nd TV. F that.
The thread that (thankfully) will not die....
I'm getting closer to a new TV to replace the 10 year old RP monster I have now. I think I've decided on LCD HD, even though I will have to shrink from the current 53" to more likely a 46ish". My viewing spots rang from 9.5' to 16.5' away from the TV.
What the Best Buy dude taught me:
1080p
120Mhz display rate
< 8 second refresh rate, especially since I watch a lot of football and some hockey
10,000:1 contrast ratio
I read this entire thread start to finish, so I get the stuff on the connectors. I was leaning towards this one (Sony Bravia KDL-46W3000 46" 1080p LCD HDTV (http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Bravia-KDL-46W3000-1080p-HDTV/dp/B000SBCA6I/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-5505423-0803100?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1189976305&sr=8-1)), but for roughly the same money ($2500-$2600), I found this one on Buy.com (Samsung HL-T5687S - 56" (http://www.buy.com/prod/samsung-hl-t5687s-56-new-slim-depth-led-engine-widescreen-dlp-hdtv/q/loc/111/204087678.html)). It's DLP instead of LCD -- and I don't know much about that at all.
Thoughts and/or opinions??
Quote from: FastFreddie on September 04, 2007, 11:31:50 AM
Sony is downright overpriced. Even if you get it on sale, you'd probably be better off getting something else on sale. It's a solid 20% over comparable stuff (and yes, I know you have a Bravia, SD). Samsung is the leader in DLP for LCD Projection, but it's not any better on flat panels than anyone else. Panasonic is known for their Plasmas, but they lag behind on LCD et al.
Basically, you won't go much more wrong on any of multiple brands, depending on the technology. Sharp ("Aquos") is still one of the tops for LCD Flat Panel. Toshiba and Mitsubishi are around for some stuff. LG, Westinghouse, Philips, et al are getting into the market pretty well. Even the cheapos (Vizio, Maxent, etc) provide a lot of value for the money.
I know a guy down the street who recently bought a Vizio, and the picture looks just as good as my next door neighbors Samsung. Both are LCD HD. I have a 53" Toshiba thats about 10 yrs. old, and these Vizio TV's are priced so low that it's really got me leaning towards heading over Sam's Club and buying one.
Quote from: Father Demon on September 21, 2007, 11:34:38 PM
I read this entire thread start to finish, so I get the stuff on the connectors. I was leaning towards this one (Sony Bravia KDL-46W3000 46" 1080p LCD HDTV (http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Bravia-KDL-46W3000-1080p-HDTV/dp/B000SBCA6I/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-5505423-0803100?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1189976305&sr=8-1)), but for roughly the same money ($2500-$2600), I found this one on Buy.com (Samsung HL-T5687S - 56" (http://www.buy.com/prod/samsung-hl-t5687s-56-new-slim-depth-led-engine-widescreen-dlp-hdtv/q/loc/111/204087678.html)). It's DLP instead of LCD -- and I don't know much about that at all.
Thoughts and/or opinions??
Those two TV's are very different. The Sony is a flat panel TV, and the Samsung is an LCD Projection TV.
Before choosing your next TV, you might want to grab a better hold of thw size you want and where you want to put it. Flat panel TV's are the ones that can be wall-mounted. LCD Projection is much sleeker than the old school RPTV's, though. Mine is on a stand and I can put all the components underneath (DVD/DirecTV box/Receiver).
Basically, if you don't narrow down the search to what kind of TV you want, it will be nearly impossible to compare one to the other.
Well the Philips LCD I bought from costco a few months ago is giving me problems. I just moved it to my new place and went to hook it back up and the cable was not right. so i hooked up the xbox and nothing. hooked up a dvd and nothing. all 3 AVI channels(components) don't work anymore. I don't know how they got messed up. I didn't drop it or bump it hard. it was moved a mile up the road in the backseat of a car. padded and didn't move. this is so frustrating. emailed costco and have been on the line waiting for a representative for the past 15 minutes.....
User error.
But seriously, Costco will do right by you, I'm sure. It might take more than 15 minutes, though.
Costco is great for buying electronics usually. They just swap shtein out
plug it in
My dad just got his xmas gift early today. Its a 52" BRAVIA® XBR® series LCD Flat Panel HDTV (XBR4) (http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665153949)
Quote from: paco on October 24, 2007, 08:58:50 PM
My dad just got his xmas gift early today. Its a 52" BRAVIA® XBR® series LCD Flat Panel HDTV (XBR4) (http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665153949)
Did you buy it for him yourself?
Talked to Costco and talked to Philips about my issue. Seems to be the back panel board which houses the component hookups is what went bad. they gave me a number to call to a local electronics dealer to come out and look at it. thank gawd for the warranty. i will probably be def. purchasing an extended warranty in the near future.
you must have gotten it from costco right after they switched their policy. mine could break two years from now and i could return it for a brand new one.
Quote from: phattymatty on October 25, 2007, 12:10:37 PM
you must have gotten it from costco right after they switched their policy. mine could break two years from now and i could return it for a brand new one.
Did you buy it today?
I'm probably going to be picking up one of the Vizio 37" LCD's pretty soon for a bedroom TV. I don't see the benefit in paying nearly twice as much for a 1080p TV with a "better" brand name. The specs on the Vizio (contrast ratio, inputs, etc) are fine.
my point was i have a lifetime warranty. they changed their policy shortly after i bought it though.
Quote from: FastFreddie on October 25, 2007, 12:06:02 PM
Quote from: paco on October 24, 2007, 08:58:50 PM
My dad just got his xmas gift early today. Its a 52" BRAVIA® XBR® series LCD Flat Panel HDTV (XBR4) (http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665153949)
Did you buy it for him yourself?
Its from both my mom and I. My mom said "I will spend X amount" and I was going to thrown in money for an upgrade. I was thinking a 500 dollar upgrade, but when it was all said and done, I ended up contributing 35% of the cost.
(I was originally going to go with a mid level series, but then the damn salesman at best buy told me "Well, if he watches sports, you got to go with the XBR model". Im a sucker)
Quote from: phattymatty on October 25, 2007, 12:10:37 PM
you must have gotten it from costco right after they switched their policy. mine could break two years from now and i could return it for a brand new one.
yea now its 90 days money back guarantee. philips has a one year warranty so I am covered. i may actually buy the extended warranty. you never know.
Damn... I can't see me spending $4000 on a TV. That's a lot of Franklins, yo....
Quote from: Father Demon on October 25, 2007, 02:15:34 PM
Damn... I can't see me spending $4000 on a TV. That's a lot of Franklins, yo....
Yeah. Basically, for the amount I spent, mom and dad are good for Xmas and next years birthday gifts. If I feel generous, they will get a card.
I assumed the Bravia was ridiculously expensive, but $4000 for a 52" TV? That's just ill, man.
Plus, it doesn't add to your asset column.
Should have just went with a SXRD Bravia 60" (http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665153957) for 2200 beans
I wish I could go with a DLP - they are so damn cheap. My room has so many windows that the room is always bright during daylight hours. The glare in there is a bitch. That also, regrettably, rules out the plasma TVs, leaving me to look for an LCD, which of course are the highest price points.
Quote from: Father Demon on October 25, 2007, 03:33:24 PM
I wish I could go with a DLP - they are so damn cheap. My room has so many windows that the room is always bright during daylight hours. The glare in there is a bitch. That also, regrettably, rules out the plasma TVs, leaving me to look for an LCD, which of course are the highest price points.
Just get a phony DNA test drawn up and tell paco you're his Uncle or some shtein.
QuoteHD DVD vs. Blu-ray: Wal-Mart offers Toshiba player for under $200
Toshiba HD-A2. Image: Toshiba
The battle for the future of the high-definition DVD has taken an intriguing turn: For the first time, mega-retailer Wal-Mart (WMT) has begun selling a player for less than $200.
In various online forums, enthusiasts have reported seeing the Toshiba HD-A2 HD DVD player available for $198, significantly less than its common price of $230-$280.
Such low prices could shift momentum in the high-definition format war between HD DVD and Blu-ray, which are vying to be the successor to today's ubiquitous DVD. Like mainstream DVD players, HD DVD and Blu-ray players accept DVDs. But they also play high-definition discs in their own formats, which look sharper on today's large, flat televisions.
Microsoft's Zune: The sequel (Photos 1-4)
"We reduced our HD DVD Toshiba player, the generation-two, to $198 earlier in the week," Wal-Mart spokeswoman Melissa O'Brien confirmed. "It's happening now, and that's really all I can tell you. We don't give any information on what we're planning to do for the holidays. We know HD DVD and Blu-ray are going to be popular items this holiday season for some of our customers. ... They will be more popular this year than they were in previous years."
O'Brien said rumors that each Wal-Mart store would stock only 18 units of the Toshiba player were false. "There are no limited quantities for stores or purchases."
Samsung P-1400 Blu-ray player. Image: Samsung
If the cut-rate Toshiba HD DVD players prove especially popular, Wal-Mart's move could also set up a holiday-season retail showdown with Best Buy (BBY), Circuit City (CC) and others who rely on popular items to lure shoppers into stores. Those other retailers could feel pressure to stock their own low-cost HD-DVD players to drive store traffic.
The best-designed Bluetooth gear (Photos 1-8)
As I wrote in June:
Blu-ray has an early lead, but that doesn't count for much. What matters is, who will have the lowest-priced high-definition players at a decent quality level when mainstream consumers finally start buying HD?
If the mainstream starts buying HD players this holiday season, expect to see HD DVD surge ahead of Blu-ray in a big way. Market makers like Wal-Mart will run with whatever player they can price below $200, just to draw people into stores. And most people in the mainstream won't necessarily buy 10 HD movies; they'll buy one or two, and wait for the studios to follow the installed base.
And if HD DVD sells big, you'd best believe the Hollywood studios will follow. Aside from Sony, they really don't care with HD format wins – just as long as they get sell a lot more movies.
It's not clear what the Blu-ray camp will do to respond to the price cuts. While the Sony-backed Blu-ray format has more support from Hollywood studios as mentioned above, Blu-ray players also cost more than HD DVD to manufacture. That's why Blu-ray players continue to cost more than $400 while HD DVD is available for half the price.
Apple's new iPod lineup: An analysis (Photos 1/5)
Transformers on HD DVD, released October 16, had a stronger launch week than any HD title so far.
Blu-ray does have its technical advantages. Chief among them: its discs hold more information than those from the HD DVD format, potentially allowing studios to pack more special features and higher-quality audio onto a disc. Blu-ray's manufacturing costs will also come down over time — but if HD television buyers choose this holiday season as the time to seriously consider getting a high-def player, Blu-ray will be at a disadvantage because of some of the choices Sony made in developing the technology.
"Sony has great technology, but Sony many times makes closed technology," said Randy Giusto, group vice president of the mobility, computing, and consumer markets at technology research firm IDC.
Meanwhile, there are signs that this could indeed be the season where holiday shoppers open their wallets for HD equipment.
The summer blockbuster Transformers, released on HD DVD on October 16, has had the strongest debut of an HD movie so far, selling 190,000 copies in its first week.
Also, the large-sized LCD market is expected to reach 370 million units by the end of 2007, according to researcher iSuppli. That could create a hunger for high-definition players that connect to them. "iSuppli expects 20 percent unit growth for monitor panels, 35 percent growth for notebook panels and 51 percent growth for the TV panel market in 2007 compared to 2006," said Sweta Dash, director of LCD and projection research for iSuppli.
The cost of HD players at Wal-Mart are:
Blu-ray at Wal-Mart: Sony ($488), Phillips ($498) and Samsung ($448 and very limited; not in all stores)
HD DVD players at Wal-Mart: Toshiba ($198) and RCA ($298)
Filed under Analysis, Audio, Blu-ray, Digital Home, Gaming, HD DVD
http://bigtech.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2007/10/25/hd-dvd-vs-blu-ray-wal-mart-offers-toshiba-player-for-under-200/ (http://bigtech.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2007/10/25/hd-dvd-vs-blu-ray-wal-mart-offers-toshiba-player-for-under-200/)
Now its gets fun
Quote from: FastFreddie on October 25, 2007, 02:57:30 PM
I assumed the Bravia was ridiculously expensive, but $4000 for a 52" TV? That's just ill, man.
Plus, it doesn't add to your asset column.
Its an XBR baby. Nothing but top of the line for my family. :)
(Plus, the XBR is supposedly the best TV out there for watching sports on, and the majority of TV watched in this house is Football, Golf and Baseball)
Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on October 25, 2007, 03:23:41 PM
Should have just went with a SXRD Bravia 60" (http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665153957) for 2200 beans
Since the wall that is adjacent to the TV is pretty much one big window, we are forced into getting an LCD. Even plasmas will probably not be bright enough.
Quote from: FastFreddie on October 25, 2007, 03:36:15 PM
Quote from: Father Demon on October 25, 2007, 03:33:24 PM
I wish I could go with a DLP - they are so damn cheap. My room has so many windows that the room is always bright during daylight hours. The glare in there is a bitch. That also, regrettably, rules out the plasma TVs, leaving me to look for an LCD, which of course are the highest price points.
Just get a phony DNA test drawn up and tell paco you're his Uncle or some shtein.
If he doesn't live in a trailer park, I won't buy it.
Ended up picking up the Sony Bravia KDF-37H1000 (http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Bravia-KDF-37H1000-720p-Projection/dp/B000P9ZNX0) at Circuit City for $864, including tax. Since we place our bedroom TV on top of a dresser and weren't planning on a wall mount, it actually made more sense to go LCD projection. Flat panels of the same size plus the bases are actually significantly heavier.
Anyway, it's a great TV, and I can see why the high-priced Bravia brand is doing well. If I could have found a TV with similar technology with another brand for a significantly lower price, I might have hit it... but because LCD Projection is being phased out in favor of flat panels, I actually got a great deal on the Sony. The one-time-use 10% off coupon code didn't hurt either.
Alright - I'm finally nearing being ready to get into a HD television myself (barring any money-draining events).
I've saved about 1500 towards a television, and want to get a nice TV for the price. Something that will give me the best sports picture for the price I can afford.
Any recommendations?
I have heard that the Sony Bravia KDF-37H1000 is a great way to avoid having sex.
Quote from: Wingspan on October 29, 2007, 10:51:25 AM
I have heard that the Sony Bravia KDF-37H1000 is a great way to avoid having sex.
I have two children for that purpose.
Quote from: Geowhizzer on October 29, 2007, 10:21:34 AM
Alright - I'm finally nearing being ready to get into a HD television myself (barring any money-draining events).
I've saved about 1500 towards a television, and want to get a nice TV for the price. Something that will give me the best sports picture for the price I can afford.
Any recommendations?
Do you have any restrictions on the type of display due to the way the room/furniture is set up?
How far will you be sitting from the TV?
Are there any glare issues in the room?
Do you already have an HD DirecTV receiver, or are you going to have to factor in the price of one into your budget?
Generally, plasmas are the way to go for sports. LCD TV technology is still getting there as far as movement goes, although anything you could afford for under $1500 should be small enough to be a negligible difference.
Anyway, answer the questions, bitch. :poison
Quote from: Wingspan on October 29, 2007, 10:51:25 AM
I have heard that the Sony Bravia KDF-37H1000 is a great way to avoid having sex.
I'm sure that would be the case if I weren't such a powerhouse sex machine.
Do you have any restrictions on the type of display due to the way the room/furniture is set up? No, most of the furniture is straight on. There is a sofa at about a 40 degree angle, but I'll just make the kids sit there. My computer is at a 40-degree angle the other direction, so if I'm working (or doing game-day chats), I'd be here.
How far will you be sitting from the TV? About 10-12 feet.
Are there any glare issues in the room? Not really, unless the sun is directly over the skylight (why someone puts a skylight in a house in Florida, I'll never know.)
Do you already have an HD DirecTV receiver, or are you going to have to factor in the price of one into your budget? We have to get one, but that's not really in this budget (this is pure TV money). Since my DirecTV system is nearly 10 years old, it's probably time to get a new one anyway.
How big is the TV you're replacing? Is it an old-fashioned large projection TV? You certainly don't want to go smaller, even if the picture is clearer. Also, you're looking at $200 or so for a stand or a wall mount. LCD's and plasmas come with small stands, but they aren't for placing directly on the floor.
It sounds like basically all kinds of TV's are in play, though - Plasma, LCD Flat Panel, LCD Projection. Are you planning on fitting the TV into some sort of entertainment center? Could it be mounted to the wall?
Since you're new to HD, you really don't need something that's 1080p ("Full" HD) compatible. Keep in mind everything's moving toward LCD Flat Panel, and you should be able to get a nice 42" one inside your budget. If you go LCD Projection, you could easily find a 46" or even 50".
Quote from: FastFreddie on October 29, 2007, 11:44:00 AM
How big is the TV you're replacing? Is it an old-fashioned large projection TV? You certainly don't want to go smaller, even if the picture is clearer. Also, you're looking at $200 or so for a stand or a wall mount. LCD's and plasmas come with small stands, but they aren't for placing directly on the floor.
It sounds like basically all kinds of TV's are in play, though - Plasma, LCD Flat Panel, LCD Projection. Are you planning on fitting the TV into some sort of entertainment center? Could it be mounted to the wall?
Since you're new to HD, you really don't need something that's 1080p ("Full" HD) compatible. Keep in mind everything's moving toward LCD Flat Panel, and you should be able to get a nice 42" one inside your budget. If you go LCD Projection, you could easily find a 46" or even 50".
My current TV is a 36" SD set I picked up right before the Eagles Super Bowl for $300. I haven't decided about whether to put it on the wall or to buy a new stand. Since my current entertainment center will probably go with the old TV into the family room (which will be fun as it weighs about the same as a small truck), I'll need to do something to put the new one on.
I've seen a few 1080ps in my price range (around $1500), but I'm just worried that they'll be piece of crap TVs I'll regret buying in 2 years. Kind of like when I bought an AMD-chip computer a few years back to save a few hundred dollars (damn thing even had Windows ME, piece of crap computer). And I've seen some 720p TVs where the picture looks better than some of the 1080p. Since this TV will have to last at least 5-7 years, I want to make sure it's a good one.
FYI: In order to get a 16:9 TV that is just as tall as your current 36" 4:3 TV, you would need a screen size of at least 44". In some ways, the TV may appear smaller if you get any less than that.
Basically, I would go for either a very highly-reviewed name-brand 42" LCD flat panel or plasma, or a ~50" LCD projection TV. Plasma is certainly on its way out, because burn-in is a real problem... but it still kicks the shtein out of LCD flat-panels for movement/sports. Plasma's at least worth looking into as a possibility.
I'm admittedly partial to the projection models, seeing as I now have two of them, and you could get more screen size for the money. The biggest drawback is the bulb, an expensive part that will cost you upwards of $300 to have replaced somewhere between 5,000 and 10,000 viewing hours. Also, no option ever to wall mount.
And, as I said, you might as well get a better-reviewed high-quality TV with 720p resolution than a relative piece of junk at 1080p. Take a look at brands like Sharp and Philips. Sony is probably pushing your price range at 42", and Samsung is overrated and overpriced on flat panels. Panasonic is generally known as the best for plasmas.
Thanks. I'm looking at either picking one up in the pre-Christmas sales, or waiting until spring. I have an after-school gig that gives me a little off-budget money I can sock away.
Quote from: FastFreddie on October 29, 2007, 12:38:46 PM
Panasonic is generally known as the best for plasmas.
This is incredibly true. I bought a 42' Panasonic TH-42PX60U on closeout at Sears for $1100 about four months ago. The model that came after it had an SD card in it so a lot of places were trying to get rid of them to make room. You almost can't go wrong with the Panasonic stuff, they are comparable to the higher end Sony's and Pioneers for a lot less money.
Nice Panasonic plasma's can be had in the 1000-1500 range. They are "only" 1080i, but I still don't think 1080p is worth the price hike.
Here is a review for the one I purchased: http://www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com/plasmatvreviews/panasonic-th42px60u-review.html
Most of the places I read about it had it scored the same, sometimes higher, sometimes slightly less that a Pioneer that was roughly $1700 more.
Anyone have a camorder or know anything about them? I tried reading up on them but am in the dark. I wanna buy one soon and am looking for something basic and easy to use in the $300 price range.
looking to shoot some home-made porn are ya????
Who doesn't?
Well, I finally bit today (not in time for the big game, but who cares since it wasn't the Eagles).
Costco had a Panasonic PT-61LCZ7 with a stand for a total of $1249. 61" LCD television - 1080p. Too good a deal to pass up.
By next weekend I'll have it set up, and hopefully will be converting my DTV to HD soon afterwards.
damn 61 inches...that is awesome
how much bigger do hd tv's come in than 61...like tv's that you can get in best buy or normal places like that
Well, the LCD Projection ones come a bit bigger, but 65" is about the biggest you'll see. They start to get a bit unwieldy after that, because the stand would be so damn big.
I heard a 100" flat screen was being unveiled, if it hasn't been already.
Still, nice deal for Geo.
DLP's are available thru 73 inches, as FF said some LCD and Plasma's are up to around 103 inches, but they also run about 35k.
I'm about to buy my first flat screen in about two weeks. I've pretty much settled on a Vizio or a Samsung 42". I've started researching them and a lot of that stuff is like a foreign language to me. I saw a 42" Vizio LCD 1080p at Target last night for about 800.
Do I need an HDMI cable?
Anyone else have a Vizio?
my buddy has a Vizio, hasnt had any problems, Honestly, they are cheap but do the job. If you arent looking to put together a ridiculous setup, i'd recommend the Vizio. If you want a little more quality, but at a higher price, then go with the standard Samsung/Pioneer
If you have to buy a cable anyway, go HDMI.
So there is a regular cable and an HDMI cable? What is the benefit of HDMI?
http://www.amazon.com/LG-42LG50-42-Inch-1080p-HDTV/dp/B0016PCPNS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=audio-video&qid=1233526909&sr=1-1#
This TV plus the HDMI cable is like 900.
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-LN40A550-40-Inch-1080p-HDTV/dp/B001418W2C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=audio-video&qid=1233527716&sr=1-1
Hmmm...the Samsung is 35 more than the LG.
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240&cs_id=1024004&p_id=3662&seq=1&format=2
Dont waste your money on HDMI cables from stores, Monoprice always has the best deals and quality. Monstercables and any of the name brand shtein is a total waste and a sham
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on February 01, 2009, 05:14:23 PM
So there is a regular cable and an HDMI cable? What is the benefit of HDMI?
HDMI is top-quality video and sound with one simple plug. And there are plenty of good cables out there for a low price.
Component and HDMI are the same, except HMDI has one cord and the high definition sound. component has same quality picture
The HDMI cables price discrepancy is absurd. Anyone paying more than $10 is getting jacked.
Actually, I noticed yesterday that the volume on my standard def channels is higher than the high def. Is this true for all HDTVs? I'm not sure why that would be the case.
Quote from: mussa on February 02, 2009, 08:55:59 AM
Component and HDMI are the same, except HMDI has one cord and the high definition sound. component has same quality picture
HDMI has a slightly higher signal strength. Plus as FF said, its just easier to have one cable running sound and video rather than Component with 3 cables, then RCA's for audio
Quote from: Zanshin on February 02, 2009, 08:57:38 AM
Actually, I noticed yesterday that the volume on my standard def channels is higher than the high def. Is this true for all HDTVs? I'm not sure why that would be the case.
yeah, my tv does the same. I'm not sure the exact reasoning, but its the norm.
HDMI and component diff. are so close, that its next to impossible to recognize it unless your a trained eye. and sound diff. can be that you have your sound set up diff. on the diff. channels. go into menu and look zanshin. one might be set-up for multimedia or whatever...could make diff. in sound
Quote from: Zanshin on February 02, 2009, 08:57:38 AM
Actually, I noticed yesterday that the volume on my standard def channels is higher than the high def. Is this true for all HDTVs? I'm not sure why that would be the case.
This is very much the case for me also. I don't understand the reason behind it either.
i just started using HDMI cables, and it's just going from my cable box/blu-ray player to my tv. but once i get a receiver with an entertainment center...how does that work? do you run the hdmi through the receiver and then from that to the tv?
yep, you run HDMI To and From
so if i wanted to do blu-ray and cable box, i would need a receiver that had multiple hdmi ports
Yep, i think so
Quote from: SunMo on February 02, 2009, 09:42:06 AM
so if i wanted to do blu-ray and cable box, i would need a receiver that had multiple hdmi ports
Yes, you definitely would.
I pulled the trigger yesterday at Best Buy on a Samsung 40" 1080p LCD. They had it on sale for $899.
http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/samsung-ln40a550/4505-6482_7-32815314.html
I am going to get my HD box from Comcast on Monday and order the HDMI cables as well.
Now I need info and opinions on Blu-Ray players....help me out y'all.
Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on February 01, 2009, 05:59:12 PM
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240&cs_id=1024004&p_id=3662&seq=1&format=2
Dont waste your money on HDMI cables from stores, Monoprice always has the best deals and quality. Monstercables and any of the name brand shtein is a total waste and a sham
Thanks man.
I just bought two. One for the HD box and one for whenever I get a Blu-Ray player.
The Best Buy guy tried to sell me a Dynex 6ft one for 29.99 and the Monsters were upwards of 70 bucks.
Get a Playstation 3. You not only get a good game platform but you also get a Blu-Ray player too.
Alright tech freaks...help me.
Last night I hooked up my HD/DVR box with the HDMI cables. The problem is that the picture being broadcast on most every channel, for lack of a better explanation, is too big for the TV. I was watching the basketball games on TNT last night and the score box in the lower right is cut off; I could not see the time.
I have used every picture size option from 16:9. 4:3 and the recommended version on Samsung of "Just Scan" where you can move the screen up, down, left and right. Even with adjusting that I cannot see the whole picture in the screen.
I have no issues with DVDs.
I called Comcast and they reset the box and it did nothing. So they said they are sending a tech out this weekend. I have a hard time figuring out what he can do, but we shall see.
Any help on why this is like this?
You wouldn't have that problem if you had bought the 41" screen, peasant.
:-D
All I know is the picture is amazing. I wish I would have made the purchase a long time ago. I just want to see the whole damn thing!
Do a google search of your TV type and overscan. SunMo had a similar overscan issue i think
Most of the stuff seems to be generated around using it as a PC monitor; and on the TV I do not see any options for overscan settings.
I read those too, but it does seem like something you might want to farg around with. I'd start by making sure it's set at 0%
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on February 13, 2009, 11:41:53 AM
Alright tech freaks...help me.
Last night I hooked up my HD/DVR box with the HDMI cables. The problem is that the picture being broadcast on most every channel, for lack of a better explanation, is too big for the TV. I was watching the basketball games on TNT last night and the score box in the lower right is cut off; I could not see the time.
I have used every picture size option from 16:9. 4:3 and the recommended version on Samsung of "Just Scan" where you can move the screen up, down, left and right. Even with adjusting that I cannot see the whole picture in the screen.
I have no issues with DVDs.
I called Comcast and they reset the box and it did nothing. So they said they are sending a tech out this weekend. I have a hard time figuring out what he can do, but we shall see.
Any help on why this is like this?
You're probably not in the correct HD setting. Turn the power off on your cable box but not your TV. Hit the Menu button. Go to the second option which will say 480i or whatever your setting is. Click whatever setting you want (probably 1080i). Power it off, then power it back on.
Quote from: Tomahawk on February 13, 2009, 01:52:32 PM
I read those too, but it does seem like something you might want to farg around with. I'd start by making sure it's set at 0%
I cannot find an overscan setting on my cable box or on the TV. The only options I have on the TV, that I can find (and I have been through every menu) is the picture setting which is 16:9. 4:3, wide1, wide2 and Just Scan.
SD,
I will try that.
It's on the cable box/directv remote control, Jay. On mine it's the # sign. It sounds like you're watching it in zoom mode instead of regular mode.
Well I'll be damned...thanks Jef. I'm such an idiot...I didn't even see the button there.
All good now.
Although on some SD channels I can see a flickering line at the top of the screen....like on the SD FOX channel; but in HD its all good.
To clarify on some points made in the last couple of pages:
1) The flicker at the top of the SD signal is actually the closed captioning code and/or time code - it shouldn't be visible, but the cable company is including too much of the analog picture.
2) HDMI carries a digital signal while component is an analog one. You will probably only notice on video games or when you hook up a PC, but it does make a difference.
3) There is a difference between overscan & zoom. Overscan is an artifact of an analog signal/analog TV (won't happen with HDMI) when the TV doesn't handle the timing of the analog signal properly, resulting in picture information being lost (picture chopped). Zoom is a trick used to get a SD picture 4:3 to fill a 16:9 screen. This is most useful with DVDs where you can use the zoom feature to reduce/eliminate the black bars of a wide-screen movie.
4) Know the native resolution of your TV. Most TVs today are 720p or 1080p. Note that a TV can be "capable" of receiving a signal at a higher resolution than what it can display - it just down-converts it. You will get a better picture if you set the output of the device (HD box, Blue-Ray, PC) to the native resolution of the TV (even if it is 720p).
Yeah, mine is 1080p and I made sure to set the box to reflect that.
I think I have it all set up and working now. The only thing I need is a surround sound and an HD DVD player.
and a next gen game system
and get your woman a good vibrator so she doesn't miss you
Get her an OhMiBod so she doesn't have to hear you yelling at Madden.
Quote from: Diomedes on February 15, 2009, 02:24:49 PM
and a next gen game system
and get your woman a good vibrator so she doesn't miss you
A vibrator might actually satisfy his woman. Bad idea.
ZING!
:-D
I may have to go find another woman...she is locked in front of the TV more than I have been so far.
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on February 15, 2009, 07:28:56 PM
:-D
I may have to go find another woman...she is locked in front of the TV more than I have been so far.
Is that how she's learning English?
She's like Daryl Hannah in Splash.
Nah, she was already fluent. There are still come long or complicated words that give trouble, but she has done well.
I've heard of this brand until I started looking at TVs the other day, but Sceptre's are really cheap, i can't imagine they are great quality.
http://www.retrevo.com/samples/Sceptre-TV.html
the only words she needs to know are yes master. anything you want master and i like it in the backdoor master
Or, if you'd prefer, master can be substituted with papi.
Sorny, Panaphonic
Do all TV stations not broadcast in 1080i? Each time I change the channel I get "searching for signal" message for about a second and then the screen comes up with the details in the top left. ESPN and FOX only come through in 720p.
Not all stations use 1080i - some would argue that the higher frame rate of 720p is better for sports and other fast action (1080i is 30fps while 720p is 60fps).
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on February 22, 2009, 10:56:16 PM
Do all TV stations not broadcast in 1080i? Each time I change the channel I get "searching for signal" message for about a second and then the screen comes up with the details in the top left. ESPN and FOX only come through in 720p.
if youre getting "searching for signal" every time you change the channel--check your connections or call your provider
you should only get that when you turn your tv on or change sources
I know i've talked about this before, but I bought my Sony 50inch SXRD back in November 2005, I've had problems from about a year after buying it, where the picture would get all weird, had pink/green/purple blobs show up in light backgrounds. Ends up the tv had a major flaw, and Sony had two class action suits against them. I didnt sign up for the class action suits because i would have gotten like 60 bucks from it all, when i had dropped $3500 on the tv, and i didnt want the lawyers to get anymore dough. Well i found out Sony is offering a replacement program now, i get to keep my old tv, and i got a Sony KDL 52XBR9 LCD tv for 1300 bucks when it retails for 3k and i can only find it on sale for 2k now. Not bad.
(http://www.productwiki.com/upload/images/sony_bravia_kdl_52xbr9-200-200.jpg)
I just picked up this bad boy:
Samsung 55" LED 240hz (http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/tv-video/televisions/led-tv/UN55B8000XFXZA/index.idx?pagetype=prd_detail)
Nice, I really want to get a LED tv to replace our old tube tv in the bedroom. I figured there's no point of buying it yet since i'll have to wall mount, and we're in the process of moving soon hopefully.
Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on October 28, 2009, 12:24:17 PM
Nice, I really want to get a LED tv to replace our old tube tv in the bedroom. I figured there's no point of buying it yet since i'll have to wall mount, and we're in the process of moving soon hopefully.
No need to rush, they are only going to keep droping (My dad's sony 52" Sony XBR was over 4k when we bought it 2 years ago).
When you do shop, try amazon. Free shipping, no tax. Plus I got an additional 300 off (my sister got 500 knocked off hers) on a sale (and the original selling price was equal to what best buy charges when its on sale)
I had this (http://di1.shopping.com/images1/pi/72/a0/91/21170069-260x260-0-0_RCA+32F530T.jpg?) (32" heavy ass tube TV) because I'm cheap, but it took a dump on me on Wednesday.
Now I have this (http://base0.googlehosted.com/base_media?q=http://digitalcontent.cnetchannel.com/e6/7f/e67f694f-7f0c-4f21-96fe-c0a01962abc4.jpg&size=20&dhm=439e8342&hl=en) (50" Plasma). Significant upgrade, and I'm glad I got to break it's cherry with the Eagles game
Nice!
Just curious, what made you go the plasma route over LCD?
I read somewhere the picture is better on plasmas and all comparably sized plasmas were more expensive than LCDs so I figured that must mean they're better too
Picture wise, the advantage Plasma has over LCD's is that the blacks are richer. Movies like "The Dark Knight" you will really notice the difference. (Also, plasma's have a higher HZ, so if this is an apples to apples measurement, that means reduced motion blur)
The advantage LCD's have is that they are much brighter. My parents have a bay window, so they were forced to get a LCD. Also, LCD's are more energy efficient.
Glad you are loving it man. Scrapping my 27" tube for my LED may have been my all time favorite purchase.
I did have to move a lamp a little to the side so it wouldn't reflect in the screen but other than that it's all golden. Thanks for the suggestion of Dark Knight - looked awesome. Now I'm going to have to buy a PS3
If you have netflix, you can stream directly to your tv via your ps3. Its an awesome feature
http://www.netflix.com/InstantStreamingDisc
I know Thawk said he was getting a PS3...but you can also do Netflix over a Roku player (http://www.roku.com/). I also just picked up a Samsung Blu-Ray player that has Netflix, Blockbuster, and Pandora built in.
My sister has a samsung blue ray player with pandora, netflix, youtube, etc. The only thing that was a pain in the butt is that she had to buy this little usb wireless adapter for it, which was an additional 80 bucks.
(Thats why I bought a ps3 over buying a blue ray. For 299, you get a gaming system, blue ray, and can stream netflix all out of the box. )
How do you like Roku?
My player is about 3 feet from my router, so its running wired. And my son is using the Roku in his room. With the wireless built in, its pretty cool.
the projection bulb on my sony wega finally went out yesterday. not too bad considering i bought the tv in aug 2004 and was told that the bulbs usually last 3 yrs on average. but now i need to get a new bulb and install it. any of yous ever done that before? from what i heard, it's practically as easy as changing a regular light bulb. is this true?
here's the tv
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41CEJ6VC0CL._SL500_AA280_.jpg)
here's the bulb
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51s3GcqD-AL._SS500_.jpg)
for the most part yes. It depends on the TV, but i just did mine in my mitsubishi, and it took all of 2 minutes
you better call a technician monkey face
Make sure to touch the bulb with your fingers before you put it in. The oil from your fingers will help provide a better picture
wouldn't it be better if i jerked off on it?
Isn't that what broke it in the first place?
good point.
Its pretty much pointless in getting stuff like this "fixed". As cheap as LCD's are now, its worth buying a newer better TV for not much more than what they rape you to fix.
not going to pay to have it done, just going to order the bulb and put it in myself.
aye captain. aye
what are you, a faring pirate?
Quote from: Sgt PSN on January 21, 2010, 05:43:22 PM
what are you, a faring pirate?
Did you just try to spell farg to preempt the filter and fail at it? Holy god man.
yeah. i do it all the time with farg and hoyda. those 2 words are ingrained in my vocabulary and make their way into spoken conversation sometimes.
have fun ripping me a new one with that.
quite normal, no worries
The Marines have programmed you well.
for once someone else gets shtein on for writing. sheesh!
Quote from: Sgt PSN on January 21, 2010, 06:44:59 PM
yeah. i do it all the time with farg and hoyda. those 2 words are ingrained in my vocabulary and make their way into spoken conversation sometimes.
I don't even know what to say. You're a sad sad man.
I was checking out the Sony/Google tv the other day. Holy shtein, that thing is pretty awesome. They basically added a web browser to the tv. It's also go a bunch of usb ports so you can plug in external memory devices to view pics, video or listen to music. It comes with a QWERTY keyboard remote control, which imo, has way too many buttons/functions crammed into such a small space. But you can also hook up wired/wireless keyboard and mouse too which was pretty neat. Very reasonably priced too....$1400 for a 46" and the picture quality was top notch. Best Buy was offering 36 month no interest on any tv over $999 and I seriously thought about jumping on it but I'll wait to see if there's any bugs or glitches with it first. Not to mention that my current tv is still working just fine.
The Google TV thing is a natural progression. The networks and Hulu are shteinting all over it, though, over the ability to broadcast web-based material which is both expected and retarded.
Just use your ipad for your viewing, and you'll be fine.
LOL....it's got pretty good picture quality but I'll take a 46" screen over the ipad any day.....well, except for the other day when I opted to buy an ipad instead of the tv. So, yeah.
Looking to take advantage of the Super Bowl deals and find something in the $150 range, maybe 200+ if they allow me to pay in installments, for my bedroom. So 19 inch LCD's pretty much.
Are they all virtually the same, or does a different brand really matter? Here are a few quick examples I've found...I don't understand any of the technical crap.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Dynex%26%23153%3B+-+19%22+Class+/+720p+/+60Hz+/+LCD+HDTV/9602913.p?id=1218129862699&skuId=9602913#BVRRWidgetID
http://www.amazon.com/FAVI-19-inch-HDTV-720p-F19BL-TV/dp/B003W4IIZU/ref=sr_1_21 tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1296628049&sr=1-21
http://www.amazon.com/Philips-19PFL3505D-F7-19-Inch-Black/dp/B003JTGMKQ/ref=sr_1_2 tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1296628049&sr=1-2
I've never even heard of "FAVI"
Don't keep a television in your bedroom idiot.
Try to find something used or buy a floor model, you'll get a better TV for half the price. I saved $1000 on my flatscreen buying a floor model, 5 years later it still works as good as the day I bought it.
If your budget is that tight, I wouldn't spend money on a TV at all. Also, if you're just looking for the cheapest small TV you can buy, get exactly that.
For xmas, I bought a 55" Vizio with all the internet apps. I love it. The picture is phenominal. It's amazing how far HD technology has come in such a short time. The Samsung my neighbor bought five years ago doesn't come close to the picture I have. Also, I can stream movies from Netflix with my wireless modem without any kind of extra box because everything is built right into the TV. It's neat with a keyboard the slides out on the romote.
Ended up going with a 22 inch LED 1080p Haier from QVC. They have the flexible payment option that amazon and other sites didn't offer without signing up for a credit card, so I was able to increase my budget to $300 and pay it off in installments.
Solid investment for the bedroom and my zombie killing needs :yay
I'm looking for a small TV for the kitchen. The only caveat is I need it to have a built in tuner so I can hook in an ota antenna. Anyone know if they even have TVs that have the tuners built in to receincve ota HD but for a TV sized 19-25 inches?
Scratch that. Walmart has listings of TVs that have atsc /qam tuners
Quote from: shorebird on February 03, 2011, 06:58:54 AM
For xmas, I bought a 55" Vizio with all the internet apps. I love it. The picture is phenominal. It's amazing how far HD technology has come in such a short time. The Samsung my neighbor bought five years ago doesn't come close to the picture I have.
you mean technology advances....who knew?
Quote from: SD on February 02, 2011, 11:00:49 AM
Try to find something used or buy a floor model, you'll get a better TV for half the price. I saved $1000 on my flatscreen buying a floor model, 5 years later it still works as good as the day I bought it.
i did the same thing but you BEST get an extended warranty because replacement bulbs can be very expensive and the floor models are on 10plus hours a day everyday.
Quote from: smeags on February 03, 2011, 12:58:00 PM
Quote from: SD on February 02, 2011, 11:00:49 AM
Try to find something used or buy a floor model, you'll get a better TV for half the price. I saved $1000 on my flatscreen buying a floor model, 5 years later it still works as good as the day I bought it.
i did the same thing but you BEST get an extended warranty because replacement bulbs can be very expensive and the floor models are on 10plus hours a day everyday.
hes had it for five years...and didnt bulbs in tv's go out like 20 years ago with projection screen models
yeah, they just magically light up.
Quote from: ice grillin you on February 03, 2011, 01:00:15 PM
Quote from: smeags on February 03, 2011, 12:58:00 PM
Quote from: SD on February 02, 2011, 11:00:49 AM
Try to find something used or buy a floor model, you'll get a better TV for half the price. I saved $1000 on my flatscreen buying a floor model, 5 years later it still works as good as the day I bought it.
i did the same thing but you BEST get an extended warranty because replacement bulbs can be very expensive and the floor models are on 10plus hours a day everyday.
hes had it for five years...and didnt bulbs in tv's go out like 20 years ago with projection screen models
yup
and lol at buying an 'extended warranty' on anything. They wanted $650 for a 6 year warranty which - if I had wasted my money and purchased - would have expired next year. I'd rather put that money towards a new TV if this one breaks. It's a 40 inch Sony Bravia LCD XBR which is their top model and should give me 15 years of service.
ummm, there aren't bulbs in the LCD & plasma units? you sure ? thought they still used bulbs or lamps in t.v.s still and they are exspensive. when buying a tv new in the box, no i would never get a warranty but when a buying floor model you're taking a big chance and the warranty i bought was only $49.99 and it already paid for itself as the bulb in my DLP (yes five plus years old) was covered.
since projection tv's in the 80's ive ever ever heard of someone having to replace a bulb in a tv at all...much less before its lifespan which is like 25 years...worst case a floor models lifespan might go down to like 15 years...and 49.99 is not buying you a 15 yar warranty
only a sucka would buy an electronics warranty...doing that is basically like buying a really expensive lottery ticket and then betting on yourself to win
It's been 5 years so I'll either buy a new TV or replace the bulb if it burns out. So far that hasn't been a problem and the tv works great. I bought a 27 inch Sony Wega rear projection tv in 2003 and have never had a problem with the bulb.
put it like this...retailers wouldnt offer those warrantys if the customers actually needed them
DLP's are done with but LCD's do use bulbs. obviously with plasmas using a gas they dont fall under this. but the life of these bulbs are not typically i think somewhere around 2k-3khrs which if you buy a floor model tv a lot of that life is taken away.
Bulbs are only in projection (including DLP-type LCD projection) TV's. Haven't heard about having to replace the bulb in a plasma/LCD flat screen. Also, the warranty is a great way to improve the bottom line of the place you buy the TV. They make much more money on warranties than on the televisions themselves.
Quote from: ice grillin you on February 03, 2011, 01:13:36 PM
since projection tv's in the 80's ive ever ever heard of someone having to replace a bulb in a tv at all...much less before its lifespan which is like 25 years...worst case a floor models lifespan might go down to like 15 years...and 49.99 is not buying you a 15 yar warranty
only a sucka would buy an electronics warranty...doing that is basically like buying a really expensive lottery ticket and then betting on yourself to win
I bought a Sony Wega in 2004 and last year had to replace the bulb. Cost me about $200.
(http://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/vanns/750521209?wid=350&hei=350&op_sharpen=1)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51QYY6B8BML._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
I think you're getting confused with the difference between tube tv's (the ones we grew up with) and LCD rear projection tv's which are more recent technology. Rear projection tv's were kind of like the bridge between old tube tv's and current flat panel tv's. My Wega for example has a 42" widescreen display, but is only about 14" deep, so you can put it up against a wall and it's not going to stick out into the middle of your room. But it's not thin/light enough to hang on the wall like you can do with flat panel LCD/Plasma tv's.
i never bought a warranty on an piece of electronics before but the samsung dlp unit which i bought had been on the display floor for a few months and the way my luck had been lately then i didnt want to take a chance. had it for just over a year and sure enough the bulb went. save about $130.
yeah, its like buying a lottery ticket but i guess i hit.
so, does anyone have a 3d tv? havent looked at one but are they worth it to look into now or maybe just wait a bit ?
From what I understand, the "experience" watching 3DTV is pretty good. The problem is that (to my knowledge) no shows are being filmed in 3D and no networks are broadcasting in 3D, so the time you'd really use the 3D technology is through 3D BluRay/DVD. So Avatar would probably be really cool but there just isn't a giant selection of stuff out there right now that you can watch in 3D.
Kind of like when HD first came out and there were only a couple of channels broadcasting in HD quality. Why spend the extra money on this new technology when there are serious limitations as to when you can use it? Personally, I'll give it a couple of years until the majority of what's on tv is broadcast in 3D before I buy a 3DTV.
thats what i'm thinking besides i get an incredible picture as it is and my tv's "should" have plenty of life.
Quote from: smeags on February 03, 2011, 03:42:02 PM
so, does anyone have a 3d tv? havent looked at one but are they worth it to look into now or maybe just wait a bit ?
Not worth it. Not enough content, price will come down, technology will get better.
In fact, Toshiba has created a 3d laptop that doesnt require using those stupid googles, and they plan on using the same technology in their TV's in the near future. (While the laptop 3D works only for one person at a time, the TV will support (I think) 14 people)
http://www.mobile-computing-news.co.uk/mobile-computer-news/9359/toshiba-unveil-3d-sandy-bridge-laptop.html
I feel bad for the 15th guy.
Actually, it looks like they have already rolled out a glasses-less tv:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-20018421-17.html
In 5 years, those glasses will look as out of place as a VCR does today.
Quote from: reese125 on February 03, 2011, 04:02:26 PM
I feel bad for the 15th guy.
F him, thats what he gets for showing up late.
So I finally decided to upgrade my bedroom tv to something a little more modern. Pulled out my old 27" tube tv and picked up a 32" Dynex for like $300. Nothing special, but I don't need anything elaborate since it's a bedroom tv. However, while we were shopping we saw a Samsung 3D Blue Ray player in the open item section for $179 and it has built in wi-fi so I figured I'd grab it as well, but it didn't have a remote control. That was a good thing though because they gave it to me for $129....at least I thought it was a good deal.
So I get home and hook all this shtein up and the farging Blue Ray player doesn't work. It powers on, but that's it. I had it plugged into HDMI 1 port and had the tv on the proper setting but when I power up the Blue Ray, there's nothing. Tried the other HDMI port and nothing there either. On top of that, the disc tray doesn't even eject. I've bought several open items from electronics stores before and had little/no problems with them. This farging this just flat out doesn't work. I'm not even sure how the hell they could put it on the shelf in that condition.
PT Barnum knows how the hell they could put it on the shelf in that condition.
Yeah, it's a circus. BTW, the moral of the story that I somehow forgot to actually post is that if you are considering purchasing an open electronics item, have them plug it in first and test it out. Or don't be a cheap ass like me and just buy something new out of the box for full retail.
Not the PT Barnum reference I was making, but whatever. I blame myself.
The reference seemed to be a little simple for you. Then I remembered you were talking to me. So yeah, I don't get it now.
Sucker.
Wow, how did I miss that? Oh...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/There's_a_sucker_born_every_minute
Yeah, I picked up on that as soon as I saw Sus' post. Totally missed it the first time though.
Quote from: Sgt PSN on March 21, 2011, 07:11:42 PM
Yeah, it's a circus. BTW, the moral of the story that I somehow forgot to actually post is that if you are considering purchasing an open electronics item, have them plug it in first and test it out. Or don't be a cheap ass like me and just buy something new out of the box for full retail.
cmon buying a Dynex tv for christs sake!
back it up further:
don't put a television in your bedroom
bedrooms are for farging sleeping reading and dressing....that's it.
white trash weirdo
my man buys a state of the art 3-D blue ray player and plugs into a dynex.
its like putting $5000 spinner rims on a prius.
I bought an open item for $129 that doesn't work so it doesn't really matter what I have it plugged into, does it?
Quote from: Diomedes on March 21, 2011, 09:53:22 PM
back it up further:
don't put a television in your bedroom
bedrooms are for farging sleeping reading and dressing....that's it.
white trash weirdo
So having a TV in the bedroom = white trash?
yeah i dont quite get that one....who doesnt watch television in bed?
nothing better than putting your girls dome thru the headboard while you watch a porn
Quote from: ice grillin you on March 22, 2011, 09:18:17 AM
yeah i dont quite get that one....who doesnt watch television in bed?
nothing better than putting your girls dome thru the headboard while you watch a porn
This is 99% of the reason we have a tv in the bedroom. Plus I like laying in bed at night to watch the news and then turn it on in the morning for more news in the morning while I'm getting ready for work.
Quote from: ice grillin you on March 22, 2011, 09:18:17 AM
yeah i dont quite get that one....who doesnt watch television in bed?
nothing better than putting your girls dome thru the headboard while you watch a porn
Read a book while you do that!
Quote from: Diomedes on March 21, 2011, 09:53:22 PM
back it up further:
don't put a television in your bedroom
bedrooms are for farging sleeping reading and dressing....that's it.
white trash weirdo
farging doesnt make the "dio" bedroom list but sarge is the weirdo ?
edit: ^ stupid
hmmm...pretty sure the word "farging" is right there.
so it is.
slowly walks away.
carry on.
Quote from: smeags on March 22, 2011, 12:17:02 PM
Quote from: Diomedes on March 21, 2011, 09:53:22 PM
back it up further:
don't put a television in your bedroom
bedrooms are for farging sleeping reading and dressing....that's it.
white trash weirdo
farging doesnt make the "dio" bedroom list but sarge is the weirdo ?
edit: ^ stupid
Apparently I'm a weirdo for plugging a high tech blue ray player into a not so high tech tv.
Also, when I was in Best Buy the other day, I finally decided to check out the 3D tv display they have and holy hell that thing is amazing. Once networks are using that technology for filming I'll be all over that. One thing I don't understand though is why do you still have to put on those big ass goggles? Can't they just take the lenses on the goggles and make them the actual screen or something? If they are able to do away with the goggles then it would be simply amazing.
I'll never put a television in my bedroom or my living room. Low class dummies gotta have one everywhere.
So where the farg do you put one? Laundry room?
In the den. But it ain't like an oven..you don't gotta have one. And you certainly don't have to inflict it on your guests.
When I have people over, we sit in the biggest most comfortable room in the house, with chairs and couches and music and talk to each other. We drink, we do drugs, whatever. We don't watch motherfarging antisocial teevee, and we don't surrender a whole corner of the best room in the house to the unblinking eye.
shtein creeps me out.
You go into a house, and every room is organized around the television...so now matter what you're doing, you can see it. Awful.
Have some class, fools. Show some self respect.
Also....when I want to farg with porn...we farg in the den.
You don't have to put the television in your bedroom to farg to porn.
I don't see how putting a tv in your bedroom shows a lack of class or self respect. And I don't have a separate living room and den, so unfortunately for guests, they are forced to socialize in front of my tv. Luckily, they still make them with on/off buttons so I have the option to shut it down when company comes over. Otherwise, I'd have to throw a blanket over it.
dio was clearly the first and possibly only person to ever have people over and listen to music
and the reason you never hang around the tv is because your friends are hipsters who hate sports.....with the probable exception of the occasional uefa match
Don't get me wrong, when I have company over it isn't so we can sit around and watch tv...unless it's a gathering to watch sports. Other than that, we usually have music going when people come over.....from the XM stations on Directv. So yeah, I listen to music through my tv. Choke on that you hipster prick.
Quote from: Sgt PSN on March 22, 2011, 08:13:37 PMOtherwise, I'd have to throw a blanket over it.
as long as my wife and I have lived together we've kept the television beind some kind of screen, curtain, etc.
I built it into a closet in our other bedroom/guest room. [we have two bedrooms and a very small (5 by 10) third room in which we keep the child, for now. Chained up. Being taught about the joys of gay love.
I digress.
I put a rod across the opening and we hang a nice curtain in front of it. when we want to use the television, there it is. in the living room no tv. in our bedroom, no tv. in the kitchen...no tv.
in the car...no tv.
f'n shocking I know.
What's more, we don't pay for any television service at all. We get some unscrambled shtein through the cable line that runs into our house. The channels that work change from time to time, and we usually don't gain any channels, but neither do we really care.
wow thats something. you bring out the tv on a friday night from behind a curtain like your monte hall.
one of my biggest hang ups is walking into my house and having silence. I got to push the power on the tv to hear and see something going on. It comforts me. walking in and just hearing kids high pitched voices doesnt cut it. I need to mesh that shtein in with espn or something.
i just had a party on saturday and the tv was on in the living room for people to check out the flyers or the tournament, but most of the time was spent in the kitchen listening to music playing drinking games. in short, congrats on your life being so awesome, Dio
You're right, it is pretty awesome.
I took the defective blue ray player back to Best Buy and the sales manager gave me a pretty nice deal on a replacement. Sold me the newer version of the same player for $99 and hooked it up in store and did a complete function check. Also threw in a 2yr replacement plan for free. So I ended up getting a player with more features and 2 yrs protection for $30 less than the one I picked up on Sunday.
And yes, reese, it's hooked up to my Dynex.
I hope your replacement plan was free for your Dynex too.
I think we've officially run out of things to talk about.
We could talk about Selena Gomez & Justin Bieber.
Is a Plasma screen 720p 43 inch screen a better option then a 42 inch LCD 1080p? The plasma is 600mhz apparently, while the LCD will only be 60 Mhz.
I barely know what any of those numbers mean, BTW
The plasma TV is twice the price as the LCD TV....but they'er both Black Friday deals so relatively cheap for the technology...
The 60 LCD is pretty much the bottom of the barrel right now. Not that it's not a good television, but you can do much better.
Figured as much, but for 42 inches and 199 dollars, it's a hard deal to pass up. That's of course if I can get in line soon enough thanskgiving evening. The guys at the store seemed to think I'd have a decent shot of being towards the front, but we'll see.
This is apparently the most ridiculous black friday deals they've ever seen.
#OCCUPYLINESWAITINGFORTVS
Phreak had a thread about GPS's a while back, can't find it so I'll just throw this in here. Gonna get my mom a GPS for xmas, any recommendations and what am I looking at as far as price goes?
I haven't been paying attention to the latest improvements on them as far as what new features are available. However Garmin is the leader of the pack by far so start scoping them out.
Also - look for one that announces the street names specifically rather than a generic "turn left in point two miles". Makes a huge difference especially when driving in a city.
theres actually gps's that dont give the street name?
wow
$199 is insane for that teevee. I'd buy two of them minimum.
haha even though it's bottom of the barrel?
I wish I could afford to buy two.
Quote from: Diomedes on March 21, 2011, 09:53:22 PM
back it up further:
don't put a television in your bedroom
bedrooms are for farging sleeping reading and dressing....that's it.
white trash weirdo
say wha?
Quote from: ice grillin you on November 23, 2011, 12:16:55 PM
theres actually gps's that dont give the street name?
wow
Yeah the lower model ones do.
My mom bought one - as soon as I heard it I went out and bought her a new one.
Quote from: Rome on November 23, 2011, 01:08:11 PM
$199 is insane for that teevee. I'd buy two of them minimum.
shtein, i'd buy two just to have one in my garage and one in the sunroom.
If you have to wait for 10 hours on Thanksgiving to save $100, your time is clearly worth very little.
Quote from: FastFreddie on November 24, 2011, 07:54:12 PM
If you have to wait for 10 hours on Thanksgiving to save $100, your time is clearly worth very little.
Best Buy in NE Philly this morning:
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/390958_2689777290069_1425581527_32909785_612192103_n.jpg)
Sad.
At least they were entertained by the prospect of horrible, deadly car accidents at that intersection.
Quote from: FastFreddie on November 24, 2011, 07:54:12 PM
If you have to wait for 10 hours on Thanksgiving to save $100, your time is clearly worth very little.
and your bank account is worth even less
If you have that little money, you shouldn't spend it on a TV. Wait for an idiot like me to buy a TV I don't need, then buy my old one on craigslist for pennies on the dollar.
But anyway, BLACK FRIDAY!
Been looking to upgrade from my 8 yr old Sony Wega for a few months now. Came across a 51" Samsung @ Best Buy yesterday. Reg price $1100, on sale for $800. Has all the bells and whistles...3D, Smart TV w/web browser, 1080, 600hz, etc. also has a 2D to 3D converter that gives regular channels some nice 3D depth, but you don't have things popping off the screen at you. But it's a plasma. I looked up reviews while in the store and saw overwhelming positive reviews. I know a few years back there were issues with images burning into the screen but they seem to have resolved that for the most part.
Hooked it up last night and the pic is amazing. 3D conversion is pretty cool but after a few minutes wearing the goggles my eyes start to hurt a little. I assume it'll take some time to get used to them.
Anyway, anyone have thoughts on plasmas? They seem to be a lot more stable than when they first came on the scene. Should I be worried at all? I can return in 30 days, hassle free.
Also, I saw on BB's website today that they knocked another $100 off the price so I'll be collecting that tomorrow.
Don't leave anything paused for several hours and you should be fine.
Holy Christ, unemployment and living at Mom's sounds good.
Quote from: General_Failure on January 20, 2013, 10:28:33 PM
Don't leave anything paused for several hours and you should be fine.
Seems like sound advice.
Quote from: Diomedes on January 21, 2013, 06:21:11 AM
Holy Christ, unemployment and living at Mom's sounds good.
So does 24 mo interest free on my Best Buy card.
The "stability" thing was hogwash. The 50" Panasonic I bought almost 10 years ago is still going strong. The only problem with it (besides the ungodly weight) is that it doesn't do 1080p and that it only has one HDMI input. But as far as performance goes, it still looks great.
So you have an older plasma and never had any problems with it? That's good to know.
Here's the tv on BB's website. Seems to have all the bells and whistles on it (at least, the ones I was looking for).
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Samsung+-+51%26%2334%3B+Class+-+Plasma+-+1080p+-+600Hz+-+Smart+-+3D+-+HDTV/4846783.p?id=1218551143252&skuId=4846783&st=samsung%20plasma%2051%22&cp=1&lp=1
Seems like a pretty good buy for $700.
Just make sure you buy the extended warranty on that beast.
Or hit it with a hammer. Whatever.
Quote from: Rome on January 21, 2013, 09:34:48 AM
Just make sure you buy the extended warranty on that beast.
Usually don't, but I did in this case. 4 yrs full service warranty. Basically bumper to bumper. In home repair and if they can't fix it, they'll send it back to the factory for repair or replacement. $170 I think the price was for that. Not bad for about $43/year.
You're paying it off interest free too. 170 bucks is nothing when you consider it's actually free money (more or less) for two years.
True.
Now I've got to decide what to do with my old Wega. Still has a pretty nice picture to it, but the bulb is going to need to be replaced soon. I can't even sell it for 10% of what I paid for it ($2500 for the tv, $300 for the stand) so I'm thinking it's just going to go in the attic and once I plant roots somewhere, I'll use it either for a guest room tv or if my future home has a separate family room and den/living room, then I'll just throw it in the room that gets the least amount of use.
Don't ever buy an extended warranty. All tvs come with a one year manufacturers warranty and anything that's going to go wrong with it will within the first year. I bought a Sony HDTV xbr which was the highest end LCD you could buy in 2006. It retailed for $2800 but I bought the floor model for $1600. 7 years later and the tv works as good as ever.
My Wega still works fine too other than the bulb is starting to go on it. I did buy a 4 yr warranty on that tv as well because it covered the replacement cost for the bulb. Bulb costs $200 and the warranty cost me about $125 I believe and the average bulb life is 3-4 years, so it seemed reasonable. Shortly before my warranty expired I contacted Sony and told them my bulb burned out (it hadn't but was getting ready to go) and they sent me a new one free of charge. A few months later, the bulb went and I had a replacement ready to install and saved myself about $75 in the process.
These are the only warranties I've ever purchased on electronics. Hopefully I don't ever need to use the warranty on my new tv, but if I do, the fact that I get in home repair and free shipping to/from the factory will be worth it.
I'm officially staking my claim as the biggest loser on :CF. I bought a wireless keyboard with a track pad on in and I'm posting from my tv. Yeah, I'm using my tv's web browser post on a message board. And I have picture in picture, so I'm not missing a thing on tv. Doubt I'll actually post much from my tv, but now I can watch all the free interweb porn I want without streaming or mirroring.
im trying to buy a tv today and get a superbowl deal....dont need anything special....someone give me a solid buy in the 40-50 inch range
No complaints on the Samsung 51" plasma I just bought. On sale for $699 (reg $1099) @ Best Buy.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Samsung+-+51%26%2334%3B+Class+-+Plasma+-+1080p+-+600Hz+-+Smart+-+3D+-+HDTV/4846783.p?id=1218551143252&skuId=4846783&st=samsung%20plasma%2051%22&cp=1&lp=1
thats a nice price....but i dont need ells and whistles like 3d and smart tv and shtein
this tv will be going into a room that dont use often....all i really need is a the best picture i can get for a price and a good amount of inputs
speaking of inputs is it possible to hook up two video game systems to one tv...and when i say video games i mean old ones...i have the nintendo and sega game systems from the early 90's....ie tecmo and nhl 94
Quote from: ice grillin you on February 02, 2013, 09:13:27 AM
thats a nice price....but i dont need ells and whistles like 3d and smart tv and shtein
In that case, you should be able to pick up a basic LED tv in the 50-60" range for under a G. Sony, Samsung and Sharp are all excellent. LG and Vizio aren't bad either. Obviously you want to make sure it has 1080p and a minimum of 120hz for the refresh rate.
Quotespeaking of inputs is it possible to hook up two video game systems to one tv...and when i say video games i mean old ones...i have the nintendo and sega game systems from the early 90's....ie tecmo and nhl 94
Both have coax hookups, right? You'll need to buy a 2 in, 1 out coax switch. Plug each console into one of the in ports, then run the out port to your tv's coax jack. Use the selector switch to open the signal from one console to the other. Here's an example. You should be able to find them at Best Buy, Radio Shack, Wal Mart, etc if you don't want to wait for shipping.
http://www.amazon.com/Parts-Express-Coaxial-A-Switch/dp/B0002ZPIQ4
best deal on a flat screen ever
(http://i.imgur.com/cnj0sTG.gif)
haha... that is freaking great.
Holy shtein that's awesome. Like 15 years ago I worked pt @ Boscovs in loss prevention. Caught an extremely obese woman stealing a 19"ish tv. She squatted on it and lifted it up between her thighs and started waddling her way to the exit. Saw the whole thing on camera.
Quote from: Sgt PSN on February 02, 2013, 09:31:07 AM
Quote from: ice grillin you on February 02, 2013, 09:13:27 AM
thats a nice price....but i dont need ells and whistles like 3d and smart tv and shtein
In that case, you should be able to pick up a basic LED tv in the 50-60" range for under a G. Sony, Samsung and Sharp are all excellent. LG and Vizio aren't bad either. Obviously you want to make sure it has 1080p and a minimum of 120hz for the refresh rate.
Quotespeaking of inputs is it possible to hook up two video game systems to one tv...and when i say video games i mean old ones...i have the nintendo and sega game systems from the early 90's....ie tecmo and nhl 94
Both have coax hookups, right? You'll need to buy a 2 in, 1 out coax switch. Plug each console into one of the in ports, then run the out port to your tv's coax jack. Use the selector switch to open the signal from one console to the other. Here's an example. You should be able to find them at Best Buy, Radio Shack, Wal Mart, etc if you don't want to wait for shipping.
http://www.amazon.com/Parts-Express-Coaxial-A-Switch/dp/B0002ZPIQ4
good lookin sargent
No prob. Just make sure you get a coax SWITCH and not a splitter. The switch allows you to run 2 different components (NES and Sega) into a single input on your tv. The splitter would do the exact opposite, which is take a single component (cable/satellite box for example) and split the signal so it could be seen on 2 different tv's.
Ordered a new tv yesterday. Went to bestbuy Saturday, sales guy knew nothing about tv's. He didn't seem to understand the difference between a 120hz and 240hz, and made zero effort to have the tv we wanted shipped to the store or to our house. Basically he said they only can sell whats in stock in the store. Ended up looking on amazon, found it two dollars cheaper, free shipping, no sales tax, and it'll be here friday. Moral of the story, box stores are dying, for good reason.
Well wtf kind of teevee did you get?
I was stuck in a Best Buy upgrading a phone for my wife. While I was there, there was an Ultra HD TV on display nearby. They're cost prohibitive at this point, but holy shtein the picture was almost too good.
shtein, I think the picture on regular HD tvs with the motion capture or whatever the hell its called turned on look 'too good'...makes everything look like its a soap opera or something.
Quote from: Sgt PSN on February 03, 2014, 02:40:21 PM
Well wtf kind of teevee did you get?
Ended up with a Samsung UN65F7100, great picture, 240hz, LED which was a must for our house since we have windows everywhere. The old tv is a sony SXRD which is nearly 10 years old, and it was time to upgrade.
I looked at the 4K tv's too Zan, and like you said, its unreal. But that price just wasn't going to cut it.
Don't worry about 4k tvs, there's still no content for them.
Exactly. Hell, 3D ran its course with minimal adoption.
I saw the 4K today at Best Buy. It's beyond phenomenal. My Sony was the absolute best television you could buy 6 years ago and now it's a dinosaur. It's still a good television and it works fine, but goddamn the 4K is insane. It was $4,500 which is 100% out of my price range, but when they get down to the $1,500 to $2,000 range I'm ALL IN.
Quote from: Rome on February 03, 2014, 05:04:38 PM
I saw the 4K today at Best Buy. It's beyond phenomenal. My Sony was the absolute best television you could buy 6 years ago and now it's a dinosaur. It's still a good television and it works fine, but goddamn the 4K is insane. It was $4,500 which is 100% out of my price range, but when they get down to the $1,500 to $2,000 range I'm ALL IN.
My old sony was top of the line as well Rome, but Sony had issues with the light engine overheating and it created this weird pink hue which on some tv's morphed into a green or purple blob. Sony settled a class action suit, offered us a Bravia on the cheap. We kept the old one and it just kept going. At this point I'm not sure what I want to do with it once the new one shows up friday.
Anyone have a 4k tv? Worth the extra coin? Saw one at best buy and the picture was unreal
i was at my buddy's place last week and he had one.....it was pretty solid
essentially its a risk because if 4k doesnt take off youll be SOL. if it does youll be in on the ground floor, whatever that means.
it comes down to how much you want to spend. if you want to go big, go for it. if you want to go smaller, get a placeholder and wait a few years for the technology and market to work itself out.
Amazon has them in the $1500-2000 range right now. Why would it be bad if they don't take off? The picture isn't going to change is it?
They'll make 1080p stuff look a little nicer, but wait a year until there's some actual 4k content.
Just a shade over a year ago when I posted that they were three times what they are now. The Sony 55" 4K is on sale for $1,499 at Best Buy.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/sony-55-class-54-5-8-diag--led-2160p-smart-3d-4k-ultra-hd-tv-black/5005006.p?id=1219106275392&skuId=5005006
Unfreakingreal.
Quote from: General_Failure on April 04, 2015, 03:14:46 PM
They'll make 1080p stuff look a little nicer, but wait a year until there's some actual 4k content.
I'm admittedly ignorant to most tech stuff but are there certain stations that show 4k? Figured hd channels would suffice
The networks will stick with 1080p for a while. Hell, I think Comcast still transmits 720p, the bastiches. Netflix will let you watch House of Cards and a couple other shows in it. Sony will let you rent stuff, if you have a Sony 4k tv. Amazon isn't doing anything until October.
As with all things, keep an eye on porn because they're always the sign if something's going to take off or not.
Money shots in 4k! You'll see each little swimmer as it blasts the chick in the face!
is there such a thing as a bluetooth television?
Quote from: ice grillin you on April 09, 2016, 11:20:23 AM
is there such a thing as a bluetooth television?
Yes. You can connect bluetooth headphones to them or stream music from your phone to your tv. Probably a couple other functions I have no need for so I don't know what they are.
I meant the other way....like could I get a tv and have the tv sound go thru another speaker wirelessly
If you can connect bluetooth headphones to it, I'm not sure why you couldn't connect a bluetooth speaker.
bluetooth seems standard on a lot of stuff now....is that the case with TV's or is a bluetooth tv way more expensive
It's probably pretty standard on most tvs now and doesn't jack up the price.. What exactly are you wanting to do?
sometimes I like to sit on the deck and listen to the phillies game but I have the EI package on cable not the mlb.com one so I was thinking it would be dope if my tv was Bluetooth where I could send the game to my speaker outside...I don't do it a ton and wouldn't buy a new tv just for that tho..I was more curious if it was even possible
i saw an ad that said if you have ei you also get mlbtv
id look into that you geezer
Quote from: MDS on April 09, 2016, 01:08:32 PM
i saw an ad that said if you have ei you also get mlbtv
id look into that you geezer
just called and got it.....thanks pal
so you get radio broadcasts with mlb.tv as well?
Yes
I listen to LA and Franzke on it a lot
j and i are going to split mlbtv for the rest of our lives. its the bond that will never break us.
Sonny & Cher.
Lolol
Yeah I'll never go back to EI
I love being able to watch at work and listen to the radio whenever
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on April 09, 2016, 02:35:52 PM
Yeah I'll never go back to EI
I love being able to watch at work and listen to the radio whenever
we literally just discussed the fact that if you get EI you get mlb.tv for free
being able to listen or watch wherever is not a reason to not get EI because with EI you can still watch/listen where and whenever you want....the reasons to not get EI is if you don't care about being able to have the package on cable and have the ability to flip around with a normal handheld remote btwn programs/games and/or if you cant afford it or if you don't have cable
the mlbtv app on apple tv is actually really good for flipping btwn games...no its not like a normal tv set up for its pretty damn close
Quote from: ice grillin you on April 09, 2016, 02:42:13 PM
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on April 09, 2016, 02:35:52 PM
Yeah I'll never go back to EI
I love being able to watch at work and listen to the radio whenever
we literally just discussed the fact that if you get EI you get mlb.tv for free
being able to listen or watch wherever is not a reason to not get EI because with EI you can still watch/listen where and whenever you want....the reasons to not get EI is if you don't care about being able to have the package on cable and have the ability to flip around with a normal handheld remote btwn programs/games and/or if you cant afford it or if you don't have cable
I like paying half the price.
Bought a 65' inch Samsung about 3 years ago, TV turns on but it only has sound. You can see the picture flicker. At some point the TV will come on and it works fine. Did some research and this is very common with Samsungs. (my old man bought a new washer and dryer from samsung and they only lasted 2 years...Samsungs are pieces of shtein) .I did everything recommended (swapped cables etc.). With football season approaching I need a reliable tv. In the market for a 55-65 inch smart tv. Any recommendations? Not looking for anything ridiculous just something in the $500-$1000 range...definitely not a Samsung. I like the look of the curved TVs but not sure about their reliability.
Sidenote: bought a Sony Bravia XBR in 2006, it's still mounted in my bedroom and still has the best picture of an tv I've seen.
My Samsung is still working great. It's only a couple years old. The high-end Sony I saw in Best Buy recently was astoundingly beautiful. Way too rich for my blood, though.
Would it be impolite to point out that my 15 year old plasma is still going strong?
Only if it's made by Samsung.
Quote from: Diomedes on September 04, 2018, 08:33:42 AM
Only if it's made by Samsung.
lol
I bought a 55 inch TCL 4K ultra HDR Roku off Amazon (free shipping with Prime) for $379. I'm downgrading size wise (65 to 55) but it's a cheap price and almost every review was positive.
Quote from: Rome on September 04, 2018, 08:00:22 AM
My Samsung is still working great. Its only a couple years old. The high-end Sony I saw in Best Buy recently was astoundingly beautiful. Way too rich for my blood, though.
Give it a few years, do some research on Samsungs. What's happening with mine is an extremely common problem. Last time I pay decent money for a TV.
So Nuke Korea then?
My Vizio keeps working.
New tv speakers are average so I bought a soundbar. Started out with a Vizio DTS which sounded great, but the speaker kept getting static so I returned it, replacement did the same thing. Bought a Wohome sound bar, it sounded ok but there was a humming noise which drove me crazy. I returned it and left them a bad review. They kept contacting me saying they'll send me a replacement which I ignored. Finally they send me an email saying they shipped a replacement, please try it out and update your review. I was pretty pissed because I don't feel like going through the hassle of returning another soundbar. I call amazon and they said the company sent me the soundbar on their own and I won't be charged. They'll sometimes ship you a replacement for free so you'll leave them a good review.
ive been looking at the 55in TCL, good picture ? got a 32 in for my lil last year that works perfectly.
my Samsung went but not because of crap manufacturing. somebody had a candle burning under it and fried it. no picture now. sound only.
Quote from: smeags on October 12, 2018, 04:10:12 PM
ive been looking at the 55in TCL, good picture ? got a 32 in for my lil last year that works perfectly.
my Samsung went but not because of crap manufacturing. somebody had a candle burning under it and fried it. no picture now. sound only.
It's as good if not better than the Samsung I spent 3x as much on.
The replacement soundbar they sent me doesn't work at all. It's going in the trash. farging Chinese.
Spent a little extra and bought a JBL soundbar. Worth every cent.
I love me some Sony, always have.
I don't know about paying basically double the price for a Sony teevee though...
Our dryer stopped spinning. I tried taking it apart to see if there was anything I could see/do but I don't really know much about this stuff. Belt seems fine, don't really know how to test out the drum bearing but it seemed to spin fine on that when I had everything opened up. It miiiiight be the drum glides, they look worn, so I ordered some.
BUT, assuming it doesn't work, I'm gonna be in the market for a new dryer. GOnna shop online and have it no-contact shipped. Sticking with electric as gas isn't an option without getting work done that I'm not willing to get done right now. What are some good, hopefully energy efficient dryers out there?
We just did washer and dryer shopping.
Originally we were going for a samsung set but eventually went with a GE set.
The samsung dryer we were looking at originally was $478 at Lowe's (model #dv40j3000ew). The GE one we ended up going with was $498 at Lowe's (model #gtd33easkww)
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on April 30, 2020, 10:06:09 AM
We just did washer and dryer shopping.
Originally we were going for a samsung set but eventually went with a GE set.
The samsung dryer we were looking at originally was $478 at Lowe's (model #dv40j3000ew). The GE one we ended up going with was $498 at Lowe's (model #gtd33easkww)
I think we got the same model. 10-year-old dryer kicked the bucket about two weeks ago, and our washer was already working at about 2/3 capacity. Next step is our 20+ year old refrigerator.
Quote from: Geowhizzer on April 30, 2020, 10:25:00 AM
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on April 30, 2020, 10:06:09 AM
We just did washer and dryer shopping.
Originally we were going for a samsung set but eventually went with a GE set.
The samsung dryer we were looking at originally was $478 at Lowe's (model #dv40j3000ew). The GE one we ended up going with was $498 at Lowe's (model #gtd33easkww)
I think we got the same model. 10-year-old dryer kicked the bucket about two weeks ago, and our washer was already working at about 2/3 capacity. Next step is our 20+ year old refrigerator.
Some of those washer and dryer sets are expensive as hell! Fridges too.
We figured $1000ish for a set was fair for a mid range set. I was iffy about Samsung so that's why we went GE. Love their TVs but appliances not sure of
Weird, we just had to get a washer and dryer, too. Previous owner took all the appliances with him.
We went with the Maytag pair (MED6630HW for the dryer), which was more expensive but pretty nice. The only complaint I have about it is it wouldn't auto-sense my one blanket because it was too light, so it wouldn't run with it on its own.
Have the same dryer that was here when I moved in. The door wouldn't stay closed, spent $6 on parts off amazon, took me an hour to take it apart and replace the broken parts (YouTube instructions were useless in my situation).
Anyone have an Oled? Worth the price?
I've heard nothing but good things from the people who own them.
My 55 inch TCL with Roku I've had for 4 years went black screen but still had some audio. Tried every YouTube hack I could to fix it but knew it was toast. Only spent around $300 on it so no big loss. Wanted to upgrade, ran to Walmart to see what they had. I just wanted to browse. Their employees are worthless 99% of the time but some nice older gentleman asked if he could be of assistance. This guy knew his tv's. Wound up with a new model 65 inch Samsung crystal UHD for $600. Picture is just as good as the oled TVs I've seen. Mounting was a bit of a pain because Samsung recommends spacers so the bolts they recommend are longer than needed. Bought a few guesstimate bolts and found the right size. Set up was fairly easy. Only complaint is there's only 2 hdmi ports and I have a soundbar. I don't game much anymore but it'll be a pain to switch chords every time I want to play.
Was in the process of buying a new fridge at Best Buy and was told the minimum wait for it would be 3 months and more likely late September. I asked if I would have to make payments on it, and was told yes, so I chuckled and said, let's go girls, we out.
Imagine the balls on these big box fargers asking people to pay for shtein for three months without having it. Are people really that stupid to agree to that?
Anyway, went to a local store and bought one. It'll be here Friday. Free delivery, setup and they'll haul the old one away too.
It's that time of year.
I think I'm ready to upgrade our living room TV to a bigger screen. Kind of lost on all the "new" HD technology though, crystal vs. OLED vs. UHD vs. QLED vs. etc.
Anyone out there able to simplify it for me? Also would love to find a big screen high quality picture TV that isn't also a smart TV. We've got a firestick and I have no interest in connecting my TV to the internet, but it seems that tech is in all of them these days.
Bought this 6 months ago after my other tv took a shtein. Great price, great features, great picture, reasonably priced for a name brand
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung-65-class-7-series-led-4k-uhd-smart-tizen-tv/6401722.p?skuId=6401722&ref=212&loc=1&extStoreId=577&ref=212&loc=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAv_KMBhAzEiwAs-rX1Cmab2eOYXTy-ND29o6tm3LecRrTZOCVkVOukTWbVE_BlpXPcU4uRhoCtdEQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Got the 55" OLED LG.
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/lg-55-class-c1-series-oled-4k-uhd-smart-webos-tv/6453324.p?skuId=6453324
It's incredible. Makes my old Samsung look like a '70s RCA by comparison.
Best Buy is awful but their Black Friday deals are great.
Quote from: Munson on November 23, 2021, 01:32:02 PM
Anyone out there able to simplify it for me? Also would love to find a big screen high quality picture TV that isn't also a smart TV. We've got a firestick and I have no interest in connecting my TV to the internet, but it seems that tech is in all of them these days.
Smart TVs show ads, so they're a revenue stream that's here to stay. If you can afford an OLED screen, you'll get amazing picture quality. I don't know how available they are in 1080p TVs, but there's still not a lot of 4k content. Comcast is capping bandwidth at 1 terabyte a month next year, so those of us using them won't have the bandwidth for 4k streaming very often. Even with video games that have quality and performance modes, there's still not that many of them and you might want the framerate from performance mode anyway.
We have all smart TVs and one of them is on a firestick. It works just fine on the stick without using the smart options.
I did learn that some streaming services are exclusive to brands. Like I can't get HBO Max on our living room TV bc it's an LG. But the others are all Samsung and they have it.
Looks like our oven/stove may be crapping out. anyone got brands or styles they like? Probably gonna try to go with induction top
None of what they make is made to last anymore. Do you have a relationship with an appliance repair shop? (If not, you should.) Ask their opinion.