HDTV discussion (deals/advice/questions...)

[jobu18770]

Any comments/suggestions/advise would be great here, people. We're probably looking at a 32-42" range or something close. I've been researching a bit, but confused as hell(MAC education really paying dividends). Thanks in advance

[DetTitan]

we just bought an HDTV. 42 Inch.

We ended up getting one at ABC Warehouse. The Hitachi 42 inch. The panasonic's were higher rated overall (and slightly less $, although our salesman gave us a great price, much better than BB or CC), but the Hitachi's picture quality was higher based on its higher native resolution, so we went with that over the Panasonic.

[SpartanSteve]

I got a Phillips 42' LCD and it's amazing. I would recommend it or any LCD for that matter.

[DetTitan]

oh, ours is a Plasma. Really at this point, there isn't that much of a diff between LCD and Plasma. Plasma's are better for viewing angles and better at producing deeper darker blacks. LCD's usually have a higher native resolution, so they might be a bit sharper picture. It all depends on the TV and brand. So I wouldn't decide on either an LCD OR a plasma, I'd choose which specific TV you like better.

We were looking at a Phillips Magnavox 42 Inch LCD at Walmart, but ended up going with the Hitachi Plasma.

[Go Blue Girl]

We have a Phillips 42 inch Plasma. I know Panasonic plasma tv's get great reviews, and when we were buying ours, it came down to the phillips and the panasonic. Glad we chose the Phillips. My brother recently got a Panasonic plasma, and I have to honestly say that I do not think the picture is nearly as great as the picture on our Phillips.

[jobu18770]

Not trying to get your life story, but can any of you give me the model number of your tv? I want to compare some sets that I've been looking at with your tvs that you've recommended(all of the specs). Or do you think I just need to pick the one with the better picture and buy whatever accessories needed? Thanks again.
BTW, anyone ever see the Olevia tvs that Mike and Mike always pimp on their show?

[The_Real_Right_Way]

Any comments/suggestions/advise would be great here, people. We're probably looking at a 32-42" range or something close. I've been researching a bit, but confused as hell(MAC education really paying dividends). Thanks in advance

Check out Vizio...go to Costco, they have some great deals.

[Willie Mays Hayes]

Let me throw my two cents in for the Samsung 42" HD Plasma. When compared side by side to the Panasonic, Hitachi, and Toshiba plasmas the picture looks a lot better in my opinion. Also, the other bonus is that I think the TV itself looks nicer than the others, it has a nice shiny black.

Link

[JarvikLess]

1. 1080p, though impressive, has lmited/no content available. All major broadcasts are either 1080i or 720p. Nobody is broadcasting in 1080p. So, if you have the extra cash to spend on a 1080p screen, spend it on something else (bigger screen, surround sound, me, whatever).

2. HDMI v Component - there is no clear answer or "best" solution. There is a rather exhaustive review of these technologies, but I'll supply the conclusion...
So, which is better, DVI or component? HDMI or component? The answer--unsatisfying, perhaps, but true--is that it depends. It depends upon your source and display devices, and there's no good way, in principle, to say in advance whether the digital or the analog connection will render a better picture. You may even find, say, that your DVD player looks better through its DVI or HDMI output, while your satellite or cable box looks better through its component output, on the same display. In this case, there's no real substitute for simply plugging it in and giving it a try both ways.

If you are looking for the full article, check...
http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messa...79/122868.html

3. Non-digital pictures on a plasma (or really any HD screen) suck. Once you see what HD really looks like you will dread watching non HD streams. The digital channels may/may not be nice. Not everything is coming at you in HD.

4. There is a difference between 1080i and 720p. And, to make matters worse, the networks are evenly spread between the two. So, regardless of your television, there will be some scaling. Just be sure it can natively show 720p. Again, I think the CNet article does a pretty good job at describing everything.

5. If you are spending additional money on an A/V receiver, make sure it can upscale all sources to "HD". Anything less is already obsolete.

[ACfromtheD]

Here's a 51 inch Hitachi CRT Projection HDTV for 799.99

HIT 51F59A
• CRT projection
• Built-in digital tuner
• 1080i resolution

• Widescreen (16:9)
• HDMI input
• Auto convergence

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Hitac...oductDetail.do

(Click see sale price in cart)

[SportsFromA2]

Here's a 51 inch Hitachi CRT Projection HDTV for 799.99

HIT 51F59A
• CRT projection
• Built-in digital tuner
• 1080i resolution

• Widescreen (16:9)
• HDMI input
• Auto convergence

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Hitac...oductDetail.do

(Click see sale price in cart)

But didn't he say 32"-42"?