Big Ol' TVs

GenJerDan

GenJerDan

Veteran
Gonna get one, but...

...I haven't been paying much attenion to what's out there and such. What should look for? No need to specify brands at this point. I need a much more basic education on them. Threads here comparing this one to that one and where to buy and all that...not at that point yet.

More like:

LCD vs Plasma vs Projection. 1080p vs 720p (though that might be a no-brainer). Contrast ratio. Inputs. Stuff lke that.

For instance, just saw one with (iirc) 47", 1080p, 1500:1, HDMI AV (component and composite) S-Video and PC inputs. No DVI. Is that a bad thing?

What should my minimum requirements be?

Thanks
 
here's my rule...

Never buy a TV you don't see in person. Or at least are able to return in you don't like it.

Stats and such don't really seem to mean much. It's seems more about processing and quality components (meaning generally that more expensive TV are indeed usually better quality).

I think I'm going to get one too, but I gotta look at them in person.
 
Cheesesailor77 said:
here's my rule...

Never buy a TV you don't see in person. Or at least are able to return in you don't like it.

Stats and such don't really seem to mean much. It's seems more about processing and quality components (meaning generally that more expensive TV are indeed usually better quality).

I think I'm going to get one too, but I gotta look at them in person.
Click to expand...

The problem is most stores have their TV's calibrated at the worst possible, contrast jacked, edge enhanced setting possible, because they think that's what people like.

A 1080p LCD is the way to go. LCD's are lighter than plasma and the new ones with variable backlighting have black levels comparable to plasma, which used to be LCD's weakness. DVI isn't that important unless you want the best interface to plug in your computer, and even then you can get a cheap DVI to HDMI adapter. Processing quality is only important for uprezzing standard def content, but you'd be foolish to get a hi def tv and not get hi def cable. And if you are going to use your TV with an XBOX 360 get one with a VGA input, that way you can get 1080p with the VGA cable.
 
I second the "see it in person"

You can adjust the settings of the TV's on display. I do it all the time. Just ask first, the sales staff don't mind since they think you're interested in buying a TV.

1080P if you are buying today. Might as well as be prepared for the future.
1500:1 Contrast ratio is low. Go big or go home. Very important IMHO.
The more connections the better.

My favourite flat panel TV right now... the 1080P Aquos.
Great sharp image, very high CR, plenty of connections.

I'll be buying soon.

I presently own a 40" HD RP CRT.
I also have a HD DLP Projector in my HT downstairs.

They all have their advantages.

Good luck!

Mike
 
Kyser said:
1500:1 Contrast ratio is low. Go big or go home. Very important IMHO.
Click to expand...

Was just reading about that.

It seems the manufacturers know people will be impressed by big numbers, so they fnd ways of calculating the CR to make the ratio go up...but that's the "effective" ratio under weird testing conditions, not normal use.

Like put the TV in an absolutely black room, measure the light output of a completely black screen and then a completely white screen. There's your ratio.

Um....except for some experimental artsy-fartsy films, that's irrelevent. The ANSI checkerboard test is more realistic...and that pops out numbers like 1500 or 1000 or 2000 or whatever.
 
CRT is still king in that department. When the screen goes black, you can't see the hand in front of your face. With digitals, there is still plenty of light spill even though the screen should be completely black. If the TV is going to be in a light controlled HT... this is very important.

I don't know how many times I've turned off my PVR and left the CRT RPTV on. It's that black. The only way I can tell the difference is due to the little red light on the TV. :)

And yes, a lot of companies fudge the CR. You will see a lot of CR ratios and you will also see a lot of dynamic CR ratios.

Of course, when there is even the slightest bit of light on the screen Digitals really excel. Which is 98% of the time.

Just look at a few good TV's, pick one, and never look back. :)
 
Question about DVI:

Would a DVI-HDMI adapter look as good as a DVI input? Computer connections are pretty important to me for this HDTV.

I'm looking at the 46" or the 52" Toshiba 1080p LCD at Frys. Anyone know about that? I also like the 46" Sharp Aquos from Circuit City.

What does everybody think? Since I can drive now, I'm wanting to stay overnight and get the best deal.
 
DVI = The video part of HDMI.

Or in other words:

HDMI = DVI + Audio (Digital, same as Toslink and/or Coax I think.)


So, no quality loss between the formats. It's just an adapter between connector types, that's all.
dvi-to-hdmi.jpg



- Mikko
 
And if I was going to buy today, I would buy the Aquos.

No question.

Toshiba does make a nice TV but the Aquos is in a league of its own.

EDIT: I do own a nice Toshiba (CRT) HD RPTV though, not knocking them.

Mike
 
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Not sure if the deal still exists, but I was able to pickup a 42" Panasonic 1080p plasma set for $1149 @ BB after Price matching the price of it at Fry's.com.

I decided to go with plasma due to the better viewing angle.
 
arges03 said:
Not sure if the deal still exists, but I was able to pickup a 42" Panasonic 1080p plasma set for $1149 @ BB after Price matching the price of it at Fry's.com.

I decided to go with plasma due to the better viewing angle.
Click to expand...
Just so you know... the viewing angles have changed on the LCD's since the good old days. 176 degrees for the Aquos.

Much like how Plasma's used to be severely prone to burn in. Not so much anymore, but still prone when compared to LCD/DLP.

BTW, Panasonic makes a great TV.

Mike
 
I went with a Sammy plasma this past summer and haven't looked back. It is only 720p, but at 42" and 9/10 feet away I can't tell the difference anyway.

Still wows me any time I turn it on. It's got color mojo like the DVX does.

I have never seen any real high end LCD, but have seen plenty of low and mid grade stuff and I was not impressed.

Just my opinion.
 
Another vote for 1080p Aquos.

The 1080p vs. 720p isn't that big of a deal to me, but all the specs of the picture are better... it isn't only a potential resolution factor... you can see a clear difference in the two pictures (between the cheaper 720p Aquos and 1080p).
 
My experience with LCDs have aonly been the cheaper ones. No doubt the more pricey sets have a good viewing angle. Probably around the same price as a Plasma of the same size ;)
 
Just curious...

How do those projector/screen combos compare to LCD and Plasma?

I've seen some for around a grand, but always on tv, so not sure how crisp the picture is and how the deep the blacks are.

I do like the idea of seeing the upcoming Euros on a 12 foot screen in the privacy and convenience of my own home, though...
 
DeSica said:
Just curious...

How do those projector/screen combos compare to LCD and Plasma?

I've seen some for around a grand, but always on tv, so not sure how crisp the picture is and how the deep the blacks are.

I do like the idea of seeing the upcoming Euros on a 12 foot screen in the privacy and convenience of my own home, though...
Click to expand...
If you have a dedicated (light controlled) room you can't beat a projector/screen combo.

Just make sure that you get a decent HT projector with a good contrast ratio, not a cheap business projector.

I always watch big movies and sporting events in my theatre. It simply blows away any TV. The experience can't be beat.

EDIT: SD TV won't look all that great, but it doesn't look great on any HDTV. :)
DVD's look fine though. HD DVD's look fantastic!


Mike
 
SO many vaiables to consider. Sigh.

and then you read where the "70mm" digital projectors in theaters have contrast ratios of 500:1, which just totally messes you up. :)
 
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