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11/28/2005 11:55:53 AM · #1 |
We're about to take the plunge and buy a new TV. I'm relatively ignorant about the finer points of technological distinction, but I'm curious to know what others own or would buy if you were making a purchase decision now. It seems that EDTV will give a fine picture (big improvement over what we're watching now) at a savings over the cost of an HDTV. What are the downsides? What to watch out for??
Any help or advice, TIA. |
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11/28/2005 12:21:55 PM · #2 |
Originally posted by strangeghost:
We're about to take the plunge and buy a new TV. I'm relatively ignorant about the finer points of technological distinction, but I'm curious to know what others own or would buy if you were making a purchase decision now. It seems that EDTV will give a fine picture (big improvement over what we're watching now) at a savings over the cost of an HDTV. What are the downsides? What to watch out for??
Any help or advice, TIA. |
We got a Sony Grand Wega 50" last Christmas. It's HD and has a built in tuner. Lovely picture quality...
Skip the EDTV. It's more gimick than anything. Half the resolution of HDTV, which is more than standard TV, but not worth the money, from what I saw...
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11/28/2005 12:36:59 PM · #3 |
| If you want an indept article about this subject read this article and it's followup. |
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11/28/2005 12:51:06 PM · #4 |
I agree with kudzu.
We have two big TVs in our house, a 52" CRT rear projection HDTV, and a 42" EDTV Plasma.
I think CRTs have fallen out of vogue, which is too bad, because they still provide the best possible picture quality, as long as the tubes are fresh and they are well calbirated/alligned. They are much smaller than they used to be, though still a good bit bulker than the other alternatives.
The EDTV plasma isn't bad, but one thing I really notice is "banding" of colors in shadows and dark areas. I'm also not 100% up on the technology, but to me, whenever I'm watching something where there's a large shadow or gradient into a dark color, there is a definate blocky line where the grey bands into black, and so on. Kinda like the old 256 color monitors, it doesn't have enough SHADES of grey to accuratley display those kinds of scenes. It shows up really badly on people's faces.
Just my $.02, I wouldn't bother with EDTV. The difference is readily apparent. |
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11/28/2005 12:51:47 PM · #5 |
I went for ED Plasma a few yaers ago due to the vast difference in price between it and HD -> This has reduced a lot over the last year or so.
ED is about the same quality as the current generation DVD but less than the HD broadcasts that you might (or might not) be able to get.
If you watch each using a HD input you can tell the difference but when feed with a lower res input (cable tv or video e.t.c.), I found it hard to tell much difference.
I don't know prices well but I would probably go for HD now - there is more access to HD programs and some discussion of a HD DVD format but it depends on what you watch. |
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11/28/2005 01:20:24 PM · #6 |
I need a new TV too. But I have a plan. I'm gonna go and buy me a nice new 32 or 35 in flat screen TV for about $600. Then by the time I need a new TV again, that $4000 plasma HDTV that I would rather have will be $1800 +/- instead or maybe even less.
I always get burned paying top dollar for electronics. I have a "ohhhh look at that, I need it right now mentality". If I would've just waited a year or so, half the stuff I own could have been purchased for half of what it cost.
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11/28/2005 01:21:49 PM · #7 |
We have a sony vega too. People that spent more on their tv has seen mine and thought it was better.
Note that all tv's must be HD in the next few years, so if we like it or not, that will be the standard.
Also note, that it you get a TV with an HD tuner, like the vega, (not just HD ready like a lot of tvs) you can pick up all your local channels in HD with a rabbit ear antenna (for free!). And once you see the difference you will never be able to watch football without HD!!!!
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11/28/2005 01:55:27 PM · #8 |
i agree, my sister and brother-in-law have a samsung hd-plasma. and sports in HD are by far the sweetest. i mean, it's really cool to see the wrinkles on jay leno's forehead, but far better to see michael vick sweating.
Message edited by author 2005-11-28 13:55:50.
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11/28/2005 09:57:57 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by dsmeth:
I need a new TV too. But I have a plan. I'm gonna go and buy me a nice new 32 or 35 in flat screen TV for about $600. Then by the time I need a new TV again, that $4000 plasma HDTV that I would rather have will be $1800 +/- instead or maybe even less.
I always get burned paying top dollar for electronics. I have a "ohhhh look at that, I need it right now mentality". If I would've just waited a year or so, half the stuff I own could have been purchased for half of what it cost. |
But then you'll want OLED wich will be replacing Plasma at that time. Thinner with more definition better color. Somebody then will think that it may be a good idea to get the plasma for now and upgrade for the OLED in a few years when the price will be cheaper...............
My suggestion for being an electronic salesman for 12 years is if somebody want to get the best someday, the best is always going to be expensive and there will always be something better coming your way so you want the best, get it now.
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11/28/2005 10:00:22 PM · #10 |
Within the next couple years all programs will be digital so regular tv's will be useless without a tuner. Get a HD.
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11/28/2005 10:25:48 PM · #11 |
I bought a Plasma HDTV in 2003 and have no regrets (well, except for the fact that they are now almost half price). Almost all the top shows are now broadcast in HD and it makes a heck of a difference.
Only issue is make sure you have a dark room or a way of cutting the light from windows and doors. Plasma screens have wicked reflection and if there are bright windows around it screws the picture. I ended up putting tight fitting blinds in all my windows in that room. |
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11/28/2005 10:44:26 PM · #12 |
Originally posted by louddog:
Also note, that it you get a TV with an HD tuner, like the vega, (not just HD ready like a lot of tvs) you can pick up all your local channels in HD with a rabbit ear antenna (for free!). And once you see the difference you will never be able to watch football without HD!!!! |
you will not get hd content with an HD tuner unless it was recored and is broadcast in HD.
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11/28/2005 11:09:40 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by Steveo77z:
Originally posted by louddog:
Also note, that it you get a TV with an HD tuner, like the vega, (not just HD ready like a lot of tvs) you can pick up all your local channels in HD with a rabbit ear antenna (for free!). And once you see the difference you will never be able to watch football without HD!!!! |
you will not get hd content with an HD tuner unless it was recored and is broadcast in HD. |
True...but most of the channels I pick up here in San Dag (I get 18-20) do show made for HD HD broadcast... It's the old shows that are digitally remastered and all they are doing to simulate HD is create a shallow dof (soften the background). The PBS channels that broadcast here are made for HD... 1 channel 1080i the other 720p and a third is standard digital. Fox, CBS and NBC are showing a ton of stuff that is filmed in HD. Check out //www.titantv.com to see whats on the air in HD.
If you got 21" monitor, grab an ATI HDWonder for 99 bucks and throw it in your pewter (is a video capture card as well) and staple the antenna to the ceiling (I actually had it duct taped to the wall til the wife seen it). I get some awesome shows on LCD and if you got 2G of RAM or better you can even edit photos while watching football. Even David Letterman is better in HD.
Actually I'm watching Pittsburg get smeared on my PC as I type this... :)
Message edited by author 2005-11-28 23:17:52. |
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