HD questions

[silviomossa]

I don't plan on buying, but with people raving I thought I'd look around and consider it if a good deal arose. My current JVC is about 32", 10+ years old and has never had a problem. So...

1. What is a good price for a quality TV of at least that size?
2. How much "extra" does one have to spend on cables, HD montly cable costs, etc.?
3. Are they durable? As I noted, I've never had a problem with my TV, and another thread noted (I think) a standard $200 repair on an HD of only a few years old.

I don't watch that much TV, so it's an unlikely buy. But who knows. Thanks.

[Tristan]

i dono about there but over here you have to sell your left nut to be able to afford Lcd screens and electronics.but id go Sony if i was gonna buy i have never had problems with there stuff.

[Bollux]

i bought a 32 sony lcd for 400, the hdmi cable can be pricey. ranging from like 30-150. as for cable tv i dunno we are about to drop comcast like a bad habit for our phone and cable cause they suck @$$. cant justify paying 50 bucks a month for tv when we barely watch anything AND we can hook the pc up to the tv and get shows online.

[Don-Dad]

Many cable companies give you hd for free as part of their standard service, I think, Time Warner does, you just need the digital box.

I don't think the newer tv's have the same life span as the ld tube tv's, we have a 15 year old tube tv that is just now not working quite right.

You can pick up a nice 32 inch lcd for under $500. with any luck you can get 6-10 years out of it. I think plasmas have come along way too as far as life span.

You might not need cables, Time Warner game me the cables needed for HD.

[mogwai dad]

When you sign up for Comcast that will provide the component cables to run from the digital box to the the TV to handle the video. I believe they will also provide the red and white analog cables for the audio. I would imagine Time Warner is the same way. If you want the digital signal for audio you can either buy an coaxial plug in for the digital or an optical connection and decent ones can be bought at radio shack relatively inexpensive. The digital optical is about $18 for a 6 ft cable and coaxial is about $16.50 for the same length. HDMI cables are expensive. Around $40 for a six ft cable.

I actually bought my TV at BJ's. I got a Sony rear projection LCD microdisplay. Not a flat screen, but the cabinet is much smaller than my previous rear projection which wasn't HD. I am quite pleased with it, but if the projection lamp goes it can be about $200. I am not sure if they make these rear projection sets anymore.

[seattle]

I don't plan on buying, but with people raving I thought I'd look around and consider it if a good deal arose. My current JVC is about 32", 10+ years old and has never had a problem. So...

1. What is a good price for a quality TV of at least that size?
2. How much "extra" does one have to spend on cables, HD montly cable costs, etc.?
3. Are they durable? As I noted, I've never had a problem with my TV, and another thread noted (I think) a standard $200 repair on an HD of only a few years old.

I don't watch that much TV, so it's an unlikely buy. But who knows. Thanks.

1. A good price for a 32" LCD is between $400 - $550. I might recommend a 37" or larger TV since you are used to a 4 by 3 TV and when you switch to 16 by 9 regular non HD will look smaller than your 32" TV.

2. Cable price vary wildly but do not spend too much. HDMI cables should be less than $20.

3. Pick a fairly good brand and I don't think you will have much trouble. We bought ours at Costco since they have great service.

[MrBean]

Anything less than 40" and HD isn't worth it. The picture is too small for your eyes to discern a difference unless you are sitting within 5 feet of the screen.

Also, do not buy the component cables at the store, you will get raped, specially on monster cables. There are places online to get cables for less than $20 no matter the length or size. The cable companies realized that lamens are really that stupid and will fork out easy over $100 for the same cables, just packaged better, that do the same work and carry the same signal.

edit: there it is.... Monoprice.com :

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240&cs_id=1024004&p_id=2412&seq=1&format=2&style=

6 Ft HDMI cable for $4.03.

Compare that to Monster Cables from BB :

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8473546&st=monster+hdmi&type=product&id=1188558642139

4 Ft. Monster HDMI for $103.99

[Bollux]

Anything less than 40" and HD isn't worth it. The picture is too small for your eyes to discern a difference unless you are sitting within 5 feet of the screen.

See now thats exactly why i got a 32....the distance between couch and tv unit is about 5' or just under.

[Hockeyfan]

32" is plenty. They are quite large. Don't be put off by other people's thoughts. I have a 32 and sit about 10-12 feet from it in the BR and it looks pretty big. Even standard 4:3 television. I have no complaints. I have 2 large HDTVs too (plasma and LCD) so it's not like I don't know what a larger TV looks like. As was said...around 5-6 bills for a great brand. Only buy a 720p for that size. You won't notice much difference to a 1080p except the extra hundreds of dollars.

Get the cables elsewhere like monoprice.com. I've heard nothing but good things. As Don-dad said though TW gives you component cables for free. It's the HD service that might cost you. You can get them over the air for free. Digital cable includes them for free on TW. Just depends what you want. It is worth it. Your crappy Big East love baseketball games will look fantastic. As will your UK games. Call your service provider and see what they say.

As far as durability. I've had 3 HDTVs and I still have 3 HDTVs. They last a LONNNNGGG time. They are made very well. IT's been noted in many articles. Don't worry about the bulbs going either. They are rated to be watched 5 hours a day for 5 years straight or more. IT's pretty sick. I've been to many bars that have 7 year old plus HDTVs that are still going. They have been on since day 1 likely 14 hours a day or more.

Good luck. Plus you can plug your computer into them now so you can get your hate on (just busting) in bigscreen! LOL

[Mark B.]

What ever the cost is it is worth it!! (as long as the budget allows it) Sports in HD are unbelievable. Like being at the game with much cheaper beer.

[silviomossa]

Anything less than 40" and HD isn't worth it. The picture is too small for your eyes to discern a difference unless you are sitting within 5 feet of the screen.

Interesting point. Anyone else? My couch is 8-10 feet from the TV.

Pick a good brand, cool, but what are the good ones? And bad ones?

Money is an object, so I can't go to whatever the cost, which is while I will wait and bargain hunt. That said, you bring up an interesting point. When watching games, I split time between the living room and bedroom. If I get an HD, will the older upstairs TV no longer suffice? For those that have it, is anything less a "ruined" experience, so to speak? Thanks.

[Hockeyfan]

Interesting point. Anyone else? My couch is 8-10 feet from the TV.

Pick a good brand, cool, but what are the good ones? And bad ones?

Money is an object, so I can't go to whatever the cost, which is while I will wait and bargain hunt. That said, you bring up an interesting point. When watching games, I split time between the living room and bedroom. If I get an HD, will the older upstairs TV no longer suffice? For those that have it, is anything less a "ruined" experience, so to speak? Thanks.

I already said this, but I'll say it again. My 32" HD is 10-12 feet from me when I watch it in bed. It looks incredible. Much better than standard def. It is true as you get further back you will loose a bit of the clarity. That is the case with anything. Even a monster. I can tell you it is simply much better as Mark said. Sports are amazing.

Personally I like Samsung and Sony. You can't go wrong with either. You can get some great deals out there. Especially in the upcoming months. Look at the ratings. Any other major brand should be fine. Just look at what some reviews. You could snag a nice set for 4 bills. I just paid 550 or so for mine and am very happy. I also own a SONY 42 LCD and it's a champ. Going on 4 or 5 years old and still looks amazing. Also have a 42" Panasonic plasma and it too looks great. Neither of those two are on HDMI. My 32" is. You won't regret it. Unless you can no longer watch on your crappy TVs after watching in HD. Remember not all content on your TV will be HD. There is only a limited number of channels. Most of the good ones though. Lots of sports, science, major networks, even your beloved CNN (LOL), which I have been forced to watch lately as my FOX channel and NOGGIN don't work on my one receiver. Need to get a new one, but have been too lazy.

GO GET YOU ONE. You'll love it. I still have a tube TV up on the wall and one on the floor as 2nd and 3rd TVs to put games on in the game room. So when you have folks over to play pool or watch sports and enjoy a beer you can catch all of the games. Hockey, football, or whatever.

[Mark B.]

32" HD TV in the bedroom @ about 13-15 feet. Love the view!

[Cubfan]

I dont see the point in NOT getting HD nowadays. TVs are affordable, the HD service itself isn't that much more money. And yes, it makes a difference! All you have to do is toggle back and forth between HD and SD to see the difference.

+1 to monoprice.com cables. Fools spending money on Monster Cables soon part ways with said money.

[MrBean]

Hey, if you guys can see the difference on your 32" ers at 10-12 feet so be it.

I was just going off many reports I have read and also what I have seen. Although I do have crappy eyesight.

And I have a 32" westinghouse LCD that is crystal clear and works great. Had it for about 3 years now and no problems.

http://www.westinghousedigital.com/details.aspx?itemnum=52

[silviomossa]

I glanced around at a store today. They are smaller, so 37" or 40" would be more comparable. It may be in my interests to buy sooner (long story), so I'm going to look out for deals. Brand, and LCD vs. plasma is the next issue.

[Bollux]

i know one problem with plasma is if you have grabby kids. if they like to touch things be careful as they can potentially screw up the tv.


least thats what i heard.

[Hockeyfan]

I glanced around at a store today. They are smaller, so 37" or 40" would be more comparable. It may be in my interests to buy sooner (long story), so I'm going to look out for deals. Brand, and LCD vs. plasma is the next issue.

I'd go with LCD. If you doing the 37/40 route...sweet. They are better. Oh yeah. 32" TVs can display reg definition television when used in zoom or fit modes. I personally prefer the side bars and have no problem watching standard def TV if I have to on my 32.

[Mark B.]

I glanced around at a store today. They are smaller, so 37" or 40" would be more comparable. It may be in my interests to buy sooner (long story), so I'm going to look out for deals. Brand, and LCD vs. plasma is the next issue.


Better buy it before you get into a fender bender like Maddox. As I and others have pointed out before, the biggest problem I have with Plasma screens is the reflection you get from lights behind you. Next time you are out looking, get on an angle to see the lights on the ceiling reflect off the screen and you will see what we mean. It is hardly noticeable with LCD's. Happy shopping.

[silviomossa]

Yeah, that's pretty much what the sales guy said -- LCDs have no reflection, while plasmas do but are a bit quicker in image regeneration. Or maybe I have it backwards. Either way....

[Hockeyfan]

Yeah, that's pretty much what the sales guy said -- LCDs have no reflection, while plasmas do but are a bit quicker in image regeneration. Or maybe I have it backwards. Either way....

Plus plasmas cost more money typically. Mark is right. Listen.

[MrBean]

Plus plasmas cost more money typically. Mark is right. Listen.

And generally use more power to run.

Go with LCD.

[seattle]

It used to be any under 37" was LCD and anything over was Plamsa. I don't think any plasmas were made under 37". Plasma used to cost much less than a same size LCD but the price is getting closer to the same. I have two plasmas and one LCD TVs. The plasma have deeper blacks and work better with movies. I would not discount plasmas since they still have a great picture. Check all of them at the stores.

[CTdadof3]

My neighbor, a bit of a technogeek whose judgment I trust, has 2 Samsung LCDs. He started with a 42"(about) and recently added a 52". Of course, that runs about$2-3k. But Samsung is his brand of choice.

Comcast HD costs me $95/month. They provided all the cables.

As a sportsfan, you will appreciate the HD.

I am also the guy with the repair on my HDTV. I have a 4yo rear projection model, and the convergence boards went. Repair is $400 ($200 of which was for the "home visit" and "diagnostics"). But the CBA says repair is the way to go (the upgrade we would want would cost about $2k). Anyway, this is probably not indicative of LCDs.

[Mark B.]

Mark is right. Listen.


WTF!

[Mark B.]

I think I might have found a way to save you some big $$ on that TV set you want Silvio. It is just going to take some really good timing. Circuit City announced to it's employees yesterday morning that if someone does not buy the company by the end of next week they are shutting down and going into liquidation. If you dash out of the store late next Friday with the set you want there might be a good chance the employees will not even care or that Circuit City will have the money to prosecute you.

[goingrey]

I've always hated how they measure TVs by diagonal distance.

[Bollux]

sam's club offers auctions, kinda like ebay. the fil got a decent lcd for like 500.


http://auctions.samsclub.com/?&atg=4458&iid=01-29-08_HomePage|LeftNav|Auction (http://auctions.samsclub.com/?&atg=4458&iid=01-29-08_HomePage%7CLeftNav%7CAuction)

[silviomossa]

Circuit City announced to it's employees yesterday morning that if someone does not buy the company by the end of next week they are shutting down and going into liquidation.

Yikes, that's where I was looking the other day. I didn't intend to buy at that crappy place, but maybe I'll check on Friday to see if there are any deals.

OTOH, perhaps prices will be better after the Super Bowl. Since every TV ad touts how great the game will look in HD, prices might be a bit inflated now. Who knows.

[Mark B.]

Yikes, that's where I was looking the other day. I didn't intend to buy at that crappy place, but maybe I'll check on Friday to see if there are any deals.


They will not be looking to unload anything cheaper than they are right now. Wear your running shoes. I plan to check out our local CC next Friday to feel the mood. The employees might be walking stuff out the back door themselves. Who would buy anything there this week?

[jeffus]

They will not be looking to unload anything cheaper than they are right now. Wear your running shoes. I plan to check out our local CC next Friday to feel the mood. The employees might be walking stuff out the back door themselves. Who would buy anything there this week?

Why would anyone buy CC (the company) right now if they can just wait 1 week and get it at fire sale prices after they go belly-up?

Althought BestBuy is going through tough times too, they've announced that they will allow early retirements and offer buyouts for their associates and then they'll see if or how many lay-offs might be required. I seem to remember CC taking a different tack a while back.

[silviomossa]

Yeah, CC was pretty cavernous when I was there. They used to have three registers open, not even one now -- someone just wandered over in the odd occasion that someone had something to buy.

[Mark B.]

Why would anyone buy CC (the company) right now if they can just wait 1 week and get it at fire sale prices after they go belly-up?

Chances are someone might just buy their inventory at a huge discount. Getting involve in restructuring hundreds of leases for the stores would be a nightmare as they have found out. Their Internet business was not that bad from what I hear.

[silviomossa]

Just went to CC today, link to their closing was posted in the other thread. Samsungs are already on sale at $200-$400 off through tomorrow, supposedly, not sure how much lower it will go. i.e, 42" plasma, $799 46" LCD at 1080, $1199, Sony 40" LCD, $999. Most are comparable to the low prices at online stores. May wait it out, we'll see.

[Mark B.]

Just went to CC today, link to their closing was posted in the other thread. Samsungs are already on sale at $200-$400 off through tomorrow, supposedly, not sure how much lower it will go. i.e, 42" plasma, $799 46" LCD at 1080, $1199, Sony 40" LCD, $999. Most are comparable to the low prices at online stores. May wait it out, we'll see.

The CC by me had alot of cars in the lot. I think people are doing recon misssions for the weekend. Pull the trigger Silvio.

[silviomossa]

Mine was still near empty. Looks like it will be a good opportunity, now I'll just need to guess on the "right" time.

[Hockeyfan]

Good luck!

[Don-Dad]

I hear CC is selling a lot of their crap to liquidation centers who in turn mark the shit up to retail price.

[Hockeyfan]

I could see that. Good for them I guess. Today is the day the liquidation begins. May swing by there later on tonight to take a gander and feel out the deals. Then sit on them for a while until the really good sales come. Have to time it right so you don't miss out on the good products you actually want are gone.

[silviomossa]

I was wondering about that as well. I couldn't see the stores around CC let a bunch of $1500 TVs go for half priced. They are better off buying them up directly in bulk, or through a side company. Perhaps a stray or two will get left behind. I won't be able to make it out there for a few days, so I'll look then.

[Will'sdad]

My wife stopped by and said it was a big meh...lot's of people looking, not many buying and the prices weren't so good. I think it's too early to expect anything really cheap.

[MrBean]

No deals will really be had.

The liquidation company that is doing CC's liquidation is the same one that did CompUSA's and Linen N Things' liquidations.

By law, they are allowed to mark the items fully back to the original manufacturers SRP. That means if it's a 3 year system, it can still be marked up to what it originally costs at that time, and then they do their flashy 30% off the whole store off those prices.

So... I.E. They can mark PS3's back up to $600.00 and then take 30% off that. So you would still be getting it at $420.00 which is still overpriced.

[mogwai dad]

No deals will really be had.

The liquidation company that is doing CC's liquidation is the same one that did CompUSA's and Linen N Things' liquidations.

By law, they are allowed to mark the items fully back to the original manufacturers SRP. That means if it's a 3 year system, it can still be marked up to what it originally costs at that time, and then they do their flashy 30% off the whole store off those prices.

So... I.E. They can mark PS3's back up to $600.00 and then take 30% off that. So you would still be getting it at $420.00 which is still overpriced.

That's kind of a bummer

[MrBean]

That's kind of a bummer


A local news channel was doing investigations into the Linen N Things liquidation and they would peel back a liquidators price tag of 49.99 and reveal a Linen N things sale sticker of 19.99.

Worst part is, it's all legal.

[Mark B.]

I drove by CC a couple of times today and there was not a parking spot to be had. I would guess when prices get down and people buy out their stock the other stores in the area will feel the effects a bit for 6 months to a year.

[Hockeyfan]

I got crazy deals at Linens and Things. Spent hundreds of dollars there and saved a few hundred. I am very happy I went numerous times. Seems the one here had fantastic prices. I'd assume the CC will have the same. I wouldn't buy during the 20-30% off "deals", but later into the game there will surely be great deals to be had. Just depends what's left. I'll be buying if the right item strikes my eye. Would love a nice little 20 something inch LCD HDTV. Then I could get rid of my old tube TV mounted on the wall that all but jumps at you. LOL. A cheap computer wouldn't be bad either for the kids.

Don't be dissuaded by this talk of bad prices. Sure all companies use the MSRP to go by and it's accurate, but as is usually the case most items in any store are sold below that price. Just keep your fingers on the pulse and monitor the situation. Just compare with BB or other type store before you buy.

[Hockeyfan]

I drove by CC a couple of times today and there was not a parking lot to be had.

Guess that's why they are going out of business. :icon_razz: I wouldn't stop either if there was no lot to park in.

[Mark B.]

Guess that's why they are going out of business. :icon_razz: I wouldn't stop either if there was no lot to park in.

Thanks Mr. editor.

[Hockeyfan]

Thanks Mr. editor.

Ah, just keeping you in check. :zap:

[silviomossa]

I drove by CC a couple of times today and there was not a parking spot to be had.

Me too, and I stepped in there. Thing is, the prices aren't down much at all on the good sstuff -- 10% on the TVs, but their sale prices on TVs are 2-3 times that, and they weren't any lower. Lots of people. If they were buying things for 10%-20% off, that's dumb since they can find online sales well below those prices. Disappointing.

[Mark B.]

Ah, just keeping you in check. :zap:

Didn't you mean "cheque".

[Hockeyfan]

Didn't you mean "cheque".

Sorry Mr. Editor. A cheque is something you write or cash. A "check" is exactly what I used it for Pansyass.

[Hockeyfan]

CC here is only doing up to 30 percent off. Most crap is only 10 still. Ours here was a packed house with 70 percent or so of people not buying anything. I'll wait a few more weeks when they get the 40 and 50 percent off of everything before I buy.

Silvio...didn't do any research, but Best Buy has an LG 37" LCD for $599 I think it was in this weeks add. Not sure how it rates, but LGs aren't bad TVs typically and the price is great for that size.

Uh oh...crying kid.

[silviomossa]

Yeah, CC isn't worth it at all yet. Looked at the adds today, was surprised that HH Gregg, a store that I've never been in and I thought cost a bit, had some better prices than BB. It also seemed to me that for the screen size, plasma prices were cheaper.

[stretch]

Yeah, CC isn't worth it at all yet. Looked at the adds today, was surprised that HH Gregg, a store that I've never been in and I thought cost a bit, had some better prices than BB. It also seemed to me that for the screen size, plasma prices were cheaper.

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2009/01/Circuit_City_logo.jpg

[TuffDogStudio]

http://snpi.dell.com/sna/images/products/mlrg/A1982697NFL.jpg

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/Video_Conferencing/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A1982697

32" Sharp at Dell for $469. There is a 20% coupon that should get this to $375... now thats a decent deal!

Coupon good till the 22nd:
C2$F7S4W96J$T1
http://www.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/search_coupon_lookup?c=us&l=en&s=dhs

[silviomossa]

Thanks for the tip. Dell sometimes has some good deals -- got my Sony camera there last year for 20% cheaper than all of the other advertised prices.

[Mark B.]

I just talked to a neighbor who was let go by CC last Friday. The deal is, for those in the headquarters who were let go Friday, they will be paid 2 months severence unless thay find a job sooner. For those who stay for the final 60 days, they will not be paid beyond that. So basically they are working for free. Nice! That is one way to take a shot at those at the top.

[silviomossa]

Why would anyone buy CC (the company) right now if they can just wait 1 week and get it at fire sale prices after they go belly-up?

It'll take more than a week, it seems. Still just 10% off. So, the $999 TV that was on sale for $799 two weeks ago is now 10% off at $899. Oh boy! Samsung 50" $1399 is on "sale" at CC for $1269, at HHG for $899. CC can't run a healthy business or a liquidation! Dumb arses.

Plus plasmas cost more money typically. Mark is right. Listen.

Talked to an HHG guy today, said that for the bigger models, plasmas run about $300 cheaper for the screen size, which was my impression as well. I like the pic too, so I'm leaning that way. Just a question now as to whether or not I'll wait out CC.

[Hockeyfan]

If you've lasted this long, give CC another month or so. I would assume what is on sale at that time may be a good deal, but the pickings may be getting slim. Otherwise go with HHG or BB.

BTW- Plasmas used to be much more than LCDs, but they have come down in price. It's been a long time since I've shopped around for them. They have their place, no doubt. Just depends where you are putting it and other factors. Viewing angle and such. Crutchfield is a great place for all of that info. CAn't wait to see your reaction to HD. Don't forget you'll need to upgrade to digital cable or make an HD antenna. Enjoy.

Mark...don't blame them for leaving. I would. Give them more time to look for a job. May take a long time in Richmond as there will be a plethora of execs looking for high paying jobs. I doubt Richmond can support that.

[Mark B.]

Mark...don't blame them for leaving. I would. Give them more time to look for a job. May take a long time in Richmond as there will be a plethora of execs looking for high paying jobs. I doubt Richmond can support that.

For the board (did I spell that right?) room guys it will be tough. But hopefully not as tough for the rest of the former CC guys to find work locally eventually.

http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/05/cities-jobs-employment-leadership-careers-cx_tw_0105cities_slide_5.html?thisSpeed=15000

I stopped at 4. Not bad.

[Hockeyfan]

Yeah that's great. I wouldn't have guessed it.

[MrBean]

It'll take more than a week, it seems. Still just 10% off. So, the $999 TV that was on sale for $799 two weeks ago is now 10% off at $899. Oh boy! Samsung 50" $1399 is on "sale" at CC for $1269, at HHG for $899. CC can't run a healthy business or a liquidation! Dumb arses.



Talked to an HHG guy today, said that for the bigger models, plasmas run about $300 cheaper for the screen size, which was my impression as well. I like the pic too, so I'm leaning that way. Just a question now as to whether or not I'll wait out CC.

Plasma's also run hotter and take way more energy to run than LCD's, so think about extra power consumption costs not just for the TV but also possibly air conditioning in the summer.

No point in saving $300 up front when you pay that back in a year in extra energy costs.

[silviomossa]

Okay, I'm a day or two away with two finalist. One, according to the reviewers, has lousy sound, but assume that you'll hook it up to another source. So, does one need a sound system, or can you just use your current speakers? Thx.

[Hockeyfan]

Depends what you have as far as "current" speakers. I use the TV speakers in my bedroom and they sound fine on the Samsung. My other two both have Yamaha receivers with 5.1 surround. Never went with 6.1 or 7.1.

If you are getting digital cable if sounds SOOO much better with surround sound. Your movies will be fantastic. You need to elaborate on what you have or it's hard to help you.

[silviomossa]

A pair of bookshelf Paradigm speakers. Nothing more. I'm not a big movie watcher, mostly sports, news and the like. And Noggin, of course.

[Hockeyfan]

Those can be pretty nice speakers. If you don't watch much mainstream TV and only watch news and noggin and other similar shows, then you won't get much out of surround sound. Sports is a bit better, but honestly it's really only a benefit for watching shows like 24, Lost and others, as well as movies. OTher than that...not so much. You must have a receiver then to power the speakers I assume. You can always set your TV to be the center channel speaker and use your 2 bookshelf speakers as your front left and rights. Personally I love surround sound and that is the only way I watch, but that's just me. And a system ends up costing a bit of coin. You can buy those home theater in a box package deals pretty cheap though, but if that isn't what you like, then don't bother.

[Mark B.]

The speakers on my set are fine (LG 42 and sharp 32). I do have a set of Bose on the larger one that I only use for movies and concerts.

[TuffDogStudio]

Okay, I'm a day or two away with two finalist. One, according to the reviewers, has lousy sound, but assume that you'll hook it up to another source. So, does one need a sound system, or can you just use your current speakers? Thx.

Don't do anything on sound until you get a TV, if the sound is terrible then start with the bookshelf speakers and if that is still terrible, then buy some sort of dedicated surround sound system.

I watch without surround sound on my Sony most of the time, it has decent sound though, I use the surround for movies mostly, my surround system at the moment isn't so great so it has to be pretty loud to enjoy it and I just don't watch TV at very high volume.

[silviomossa]

Thanks for all the help. It's finally done.

[Will'sdad]

Thanks for all the help. It's finally done.

Well? What ya get?

[Hockeyfan]

Yeah what? Pics? Ever so curious. Watch it be a 22" silvania. LOL.

[stretch]

He looks happy with his purchase. Enjoy man!

http://gizmodo.com/assets/images/gallery/4/2007/08/medium_1227305702_29e781b8b6_o.jpg

[Hockeyfan]

WOW. He's not as mean and evil looking as I had thought. :icon_razz:

Wouldn't that be the bomb.

[Mark B.]

Thanks for all the help. It's finally done.

Silvio won't buy and tell!! Enjoy it man. They are worth every penny.

[silviomossa]

Hey, I've been parenting all day. And HF, my real hippy pic would scare you a bit, so don't fret, your instincts are dead on. :icon_wink:

So, I went from an "unlikely" buy at a certain budget two weeks ago, to a rabid sell at twice that budget two weeks later. I'm weak! But a few things changed. We have three TVs, which would down to one shortly. The old rabbit-ears one in the kitchen isn't digital, and not worth the converter box, so it has about a month left. My 2nd one in the bedroom had this problem (http://dadstayshome.com/showthread.php?t=8891), and it's getting more frequent. In fact, it just turned on correctly today, after three days of not working. It's at least 15 years old, not sure if it's worth the "major repair". And finally, I fell into a decent bit of cash since a bill that I received and paid in April was a double charge (the correct part paid by an agency), and I received the refund for that last week.

Anyway, my choice was to repair or upgrade TV #2, or set #2 aside, drop the sat. converter box for it (saving $5 a month), save the former #1 for a friend, and get a nice new one as the primary, probably sole TV in the house. There is *never* a time in which two TVs are on in the house, so that's really not an issue. And, I'm better off reading in bed instead of watching TV. So, when one of my top three choices dropped $200 at BB the other day, I jumped. The BB site is down, but here it is: http://tinyurl.com/consp8.

FYI, I'm not crazy to pay that, as it's $700 cheaper at BB than the list price, and half of what it was 11 months ago when the TV first came out. Anyway, I spent *hours* a day researching, going to stores, comparing specs, tracking prices, etc. I even cut some pieces of cardboard representing the different sizes to see how it would fit in the living room! It's nice to be done. I loved the plasma pic, and though I wanted an extra feature or two, but it was right for the price. I've measured it for the room, rearranged furniture for a new location, and it'll be delivered and set up later this week -- in time for the Super Bowl, darn shame that I don't care this year! Seeing The Boss at halftime and the new screen will be fun, though.

[jeffus]

It's good ju-ju. Enjoy!

[Hockeyfan]

Congrats. Please don't post the "hippie" pic. I have a Panasonic Viera too. Mine is only a 42". I have TV envy of you Silvio. LOL. Enjoy the game. IT should knock your socks off. Just make sure you have your digital cable or whatever your using to get HD ready by the time of the game. Buy the right cables too. Makes a difference.

[seattle]

He looks happy with his purchase. Enjoy man!

http://gizmodo.com/assets/images/gallery/4/2007/08/medium_1227305702_29e781b8b6_o.jpg

Our local audio/video store has the 103" plasma on display and it is huge!

[silviomossa]

Well, Best Buy has done nothing for a full week now, so I told them to take their TV and I'll go elsewhere, along with all of my future business.

To recap, the TV arrived with a broken tube, easily visible. That's fine, it happens. I called three days in a row, told it will take 7-10 days to even figure out when I'm getting another one. I called Friday to gripe, told corporate would call me in 15 minutes. No call. I called today, told someone higher up would call me right back. No call. So I called back several hours later, was told the 7-10 day thing (again, just to determine when I'd get, which could be another few weeks past that), so I said no thanks, pick it up ASAP and give me my money back. Which they figured out in under a minute! Pickup/exchange would take weeks to figure out, but just a pickup? 60 seconds. It made me wonder whether or not there was some financial advantage to them to just take the return. Either way, bye-bye Best Buy! And I mean it -- I maintained a 20 year grudge against Circuit City, I'll keep this one too (even though I do like the store -- damn!).

Fifteen minutes later, I completed my purchase of the same TV, but the next model up (high contrast ratio, PC input are the ad-ons) for $30 more through Amazon. It will be here within a week. Hopefully the screen won't be broken.

[jeffus]

NICE! :wtg:

[Mark B.]

Silvio, hopefully it wont take 20 years of your grudge to fold Best Buy. Go figure. Sometimes you can't give you money away. F 'em. I wonder why the economy is so bad? I would have tried Costco next. They have a pretty good concierge service. Hopefully the next set will go smoother.

[silviomossa]

There's a fairly new Costco on the other side of town. I'd probably join if I lived closer, but given my shopping patterns (see the Grocery thread), it probably wouldn't be my best move.

[Mark B.]

I think the basic membership plan is about $50. 1 to 2 large purchases a year (i.e. LCD TV) would more than cover it in savings IMO. The rest would be gravy.

[stretch]

How much is their gravy and is it covered by the no-questions-asked return plan?

[mogwai dad]

How much is their gravy and is it covered by the no-questions-asked return plan?

I believe Costco has one for the computers and I think it is the same for Televisions if I am not mistaken.

[Mark B.]

How much is their gravy and is it covered by the no-questions-asked return plan?


The gravy is free! You just spit it out if you do not like it. No questions asked.

[4wdparakeet]

I spent the last couple years installing HD theater systems, home audio etc and this is my experiance. Before you decide what your are going to get here are a couple things to think about. LCD's are better in well lit rooms. Plasmas become washed out in a sunny room. LCD's and plasmas to some extent will look worse than a tube tv on analog signal. It will often look like you are watching it through a screen door. If I were going to buy one right now it would be an LCD. If you plan on wall hanging it you will spend a good chunk of change on a mount for it.

Now brands Sony is about the best out there in my book. Closely followed by phillips, and pioneer makes a pro line that is really pricey but well worth it. Stay away from visio they are crap and wont last.

Also when you buy a TV from sams or costco the manufacturers strip off some features and give it a unique part# so that you can't go to Best Buy and price match.

Also the technology is coming a long way really fast. As HDMI become more the norm everything is going to run via HDMI. We are just now starting to tap the potential for the HDMI's. So buying a TV with one or two HDMI ports will just cause you more money down the road. There are ways around it but usually cost a pretty penny (Surround Sound receivers that act as A/V switchers, or HDMI switchers that aren't that reliable.).

If you are running a xbox 360, blueray, etc you want those ran HDMI they look beautiful in 1080P. HDMI's are expensive and don't skimp on the cables. I have seen the difference between a $20 HDMI and $100 HDMI. That difference isn't great but you can see it. Key Digital brand is a really nice HDMI that is pricey but will work with all the HDMI formats.

If you don't want to pay for HD then go get an HD antenna and that will get you your local networks in HD.

Oh yeah and quite often the HD channels you will notice that some are 16.9 format and fit your screen while others are 4.3 and you have to zoom in to make the image fit the screen. When you are watching American Chopper on Discovery and it's in 4.3 even though you are watching the HD channel then it wasn't filmed in HD. Video that is filmed in HD will have a native 16.9 format.

Sorry for the novel I just hope some of this helps someone get a TV they are happy with.

And yes sports in HD are beautiful. If you already have the tv and the bluray player then the next thing you need to get is the Planet Earth series. Stunning is all I can say.


Parakeet

[Hockeyfan]

http://www.usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/4560.asp

I'm going to get this on the weekend. Can't wait. Then I can upgrade my downstairs receiver and the downstairs receiver will go in the bedroom. Sweet! Never used Denon before, but this one rates very well most everywhere I look, has all the features I want, and is at a great price.

I've never seen any 4:3 HD feeds, only 16:9. I love HD. Those Pioneers are the Cat's meow. Absolutely love them. Sony is next for sure. I buy alot of Sony gear. They do make great TVs. My next one will likely be a Sony, once something in the house dies. It may take a while though.

Parakeet. Did you do High End stuff too? What speakers are your favorite? What speaker brand is your top dog for more budget friendly lines from your experiences? Were you at a BB or CC or other large dealer doing installs or at a more high end place? I usually buy the less expensive HDMI and component cables. Never saw much difference myself. I could see if you had a top notch TV with a superior components, that it would make a little difference, but I'm not sold on it. HDMI cables have to perform at a certain level from what I understand regardless of cost. I do like the shielding on high end cables though especially when ran near power and such. When I do upgrade my downstairs TV and need an HDMI cable, there is no way in Hell I will buy Monster or other $$ brand. I need a 20 footer and them babies are expensive!!! Almost as much as a TV! LOL

[4wdparakeet]

I did mainly high end systems. I worked for a company that shamed anything BB or CC could wish to sell. No to sound conceided but I've seen thier work. I have helped set up a few million dollar theaters.

Denon, Pioneer Pro, Sony, all those you can't go wrong. I will say that sony screwed up when they got rid of thier rear projection line. Those were the best looking TV I have seen. The only thing close to it was the Pioneer Pro Plasma in the 60" variety. If I could find a used SXRD I would jump on it like crabs on a hooker.

When you say budget it's all relative in the home theater arena. But bang for your buck I would look at Canton, Klipshe, both are a little pricey but thier quality for the price is a great deal. If you want home audio through the house then Speakercraft is the way to go. B&O is about the best that I have heard out of the high end speakers. 12k a pair for some models but DAMN so crisp and clear. Martin Loan (I think i got the name right) are another higher end brand that looks as cool as they sound.

Monster is over priced crap. Yes you are correct about HDMI havin a certain bandwidth but the cheap ones aren't alway rated at 1080p. Also when I got laid off HDMI were starting to become unidirectional to support some of it's capabilitys.

And the 4.3 hd isn't filmed in hd. It would be filmed in sd and upscaled to 1080i usually. Watch the Simpsons or Family Guy on the HD channel and it should be a 4.3 signal unless your tv is set up to strech or zoom. T check this watch one of those shows and hit the format button you should see the difference. Non native hd shows at this time will be 4.3 native hd is always 16.9.

oh yeah get an rti remote to control it all with one remote. RF instead of IR so all your gear can be hidden. One button control of all features. Want to watch a DVD hit one button on one remote rather than 3 remotes and 2 buttons. Easy to program as it's all pc based. Makes the harmanys look like poo. Once again though it's expensive. Oh well what seperates the men from the boys is the price of thier toys.


Parakeet

[Hockeyfan]

Sounds cool. I've heard that Klipsch is pretty good, even though they are inexpensive. May look at them when I upgrade. I have a Polk system that is okay, and unless your a true audiophile you won't notice any difference. Unless you go side by side with them up against something quality. Heck on my one system I have a sony set and they sound pretty good and for what we use it for it's perfect.

My Family guy is broadcast in HD. All of my HDTVs are set to display in 4:3 for non-HD feeds. I can't stand stretch or zoom, but on the TBS (I think it is) it shows the Family Guy in 16:9. I love that show. Can't say what it's filmed in though....it's a cartoon! LOL.

Haven't heard about the rti remote. Know lots of people who love the Harmony ones. My neighbour had the IR one with his components tucked in a closet. I like them in front of me for access honestly. Plus I like to look at them. Besides, I would need a long-assed HDMI cable from the receiver to the TV and again...$. Although if you can afford all the other crap a cable isn't going to break the bank. :icon_lol:

I think I'll stay and play with the boys though. I can't drop 10 large on a home theatre setup. No way. Would I? Hell yeah. Would my wife let me? Hell no. Not unless we became wealthy. My friends old man has all that top of the line stuff in his home theatre room, complete with the sweet chairs with subs inside of them. Very sweet indeed. His receiver was 5K or more alone. The speakers were some brand I didn't know about, but man it was sweet. It would be the type of setup you would have worked on.

I wish I was rich.

[4wdparakeet]

Some of the houses I've worked in are amazing. My favorite theater was close to a mil complete. This guy had 140" auto roll up screen, Canton subs (yes 2 12" 500w subs.) I think the speakers were Martin Logan or M&K's 7.1 surround, Sony's Quallia projector (30k projector that blows 50 or 60k Runcos out of the water). The A/V side of this theather was mind blowing. He had a company out of Texas that sound treated the room. The chairs not only had buttkickers in them but they would move with the movie. Watching Days of Thunder and the chair starts climbing the banking is sensory overload. If you have a week stomach don't watch A Perfect Storm with them on. :icon_oak:

So when they weren't watching a movie the screen rolls up and there is a camera. LED stage lights lasers a fogger that's piped to different areas of the theater, wireless mics and a 42" LCD for the kareoke. They even gave you a copy on DVD by the time you hit the door to leave. Oh yea it was also wired to hook laptops, 360's and PS3 etc.

This was all controled by the Crestron system. He could watch anything that was playing on another TV in the house at any other location on the house. And when I say location I mean TV's, His Touchpanels in the walls, and his 15" tablet that was the theaters "remote" You can do amazing things with a good programer and Crestron.

I really miss working in that industry. My universal crapped out and I can't afford to pay 900 bucks retail for the one I want. I'd rather put that in my jeep.:icon_wink:


Parakeet