HDTV

[hobocamp]

Thanks for the info, Firefly. I'm looking at LCDs, but your story makes me even more nervous than I already am. I've tried to do all the research I can and I've been asking around. I just want someone to tell me what television to buy so I don't have to think about it anymore. I'm willing to pay $1000-$1200, and that's way too much money to be spending on something that's going to fuck up on me. I'd rather just stick to my old timey tv than deal with that kind of stress.

[Atreides]

Well, the truth of it these days is that you need to buy more than just a TV. But you can't get HD channels unless you get an HD set-top box and subscribe to the various HD channels in your area. Then it's time to pony up for an up-converting DVD player as normal players won't look so hot on your shiny new LCD or plasma. And since you now have a great picture, you'll need great sound so here comes the 5.1 speaker/receiver package. Plus there will be some extra cables you'll need that don't come with the equipment to ensure a high quality presentation. Make room on your coffee table as you'll now have about four remote controls. You can then get a nice Harmony universal for about $100-200 to clean up the clutter! Welcome to HD! And have fun setting all this stuff up.

[csmolko]

atreides said:

But you can't get HD channels unless you get an HD set-top box and subscribe to the various HD channels in your area.

This isn't really true anymore...our HDTV has a built-in HD tuner so it doesn't need an extra box (as do almost all the HDTVs presently in stores), and we just bought a big antenna that sits in the attic and we get all the locals in HD with it. You are right that you will need the box and a package if you want HD pay channels like Discovery, Food Network, etc. And while Food Network HD is awesome looking, there's only so much shiny food I can watch for the package fee to be worth it to me. I'm glad that I just bought an antenna that can pick up signals within like a 25 mile range, and get the locals for free. But if you are in a rural area yes, you'd definitely need the package because the signal might not get picked up by your antenna. Also my parents recently got a 52" plasma and their DVDs look fine on it...they DID get an up-converting DVD player which cost about $60, but honestly, I saw the TV with both the regular player and the up-scan player, and it was a difference but not THAT much of a difference where I'd say the up-scan was imperative.

And Hobocamp, I don't want to scare you away from Samsung, I just don't want you to get stuck in the same situation I did, because it sucked.

Sometimes when I'm looking at products I visit my3cents.com, to read both positive and negative reviews on products, company service, etc.

[Atreides]

Yes, sorry. Forgot about OTA (Over The Air). It's always seemed too be a bit too much trouble though with having to aim your antenna to a specific location and only getting a few channels.

[csmolko]

Yeah, if you watch a lot of TV or need all the premium channels in HD an OTA might not be worth it. But I watch TV like....3 times a week and all the things we'd like to see in HD (sports, Heroes, and The Office) are all on the local channels. We're in the city so we didn't really end up needing to point the antenna in a particular direction. We'll be moving to the suburbs soon so it might be trickier, but still doable. With the new house I just can't afford the extra $40 a month plus the $99 for the box.

[topher]

With the new house I just can't afford the extra $40 a month plus the $99 for the box.

Comcast's HDTV box is $10/month and that's it.

I read somewhere that this year you will be able to buy the set top box so you don't have to rent it.

[sjankis630]

Then it's time to pony up for an up-converting DVD player as normal players won't look so hot on your shiny new LCD or plasma.

Don't most of the HDTVs come with upscaling capabilities for regular DVD or are the scalers in the DVD players you mentioned that much better?

[Atreides]

DVD player upscalers are generally superior to those found in TVs.

[Laira]

I watched the last Star Trek movie in HDTV and yikes! Chris Pine's acne scars really stood out. I don't want to see everyone in such detail!