Archived Calgarypuck HDTV, LCD, TV, etc. Help/Advice Thread

[Regulator75]

Which television would you chose, if you weren't paying for it?

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0770HDS0010076427&catid=23526#
50 inch Pioneer Plasma 1080i / 1366x768p / $4199.99

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0770HDS0010083750&catid=23527
52 inch Samgsung LCD 1080P / 1920 x 1080 / $3999.99

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0770HDS0010079998&catid=23527
52 inch Sharp Aquos LCD full 1080P / 1920x1080 / $3999.99

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0770HDS0010078386&catid=23524
46 inch Sony XBR LCD 1080P / 1920x1080 / $4299.99


Help me decide. :w00t:

[ken0042]

As I always say- make sure you are comparing apples to apples. A 52" TV is 27% bigger than a 46".

http://www.cavecreations.com/tv2.cgi

My biased opinion says get the Sony if that will be big enough for you. I would also get a 1080p TV if I was dropping that kind of cash.

[TurnedTheCorner]

Of the ones listed, I would go for the Sharp. The Aquos line has an outstanding reputation amongst LCDs.

[Vulcan]

From what I've read all the LCD's over 42" have banding, clouding and or backlighting issues. If you can find a Sharp Aquos without banding, that's my pick.

If you aren't hooking up to your computer or playing games on your TV, the Pioneer sounds good.

[KevanGuy]

We seem to get at least a couple of these threads a week in OT from people looking for HDTV, LCD, etc. help and advice. I think it would be a good idea to have just one thread for all these and other TV questions.

[Old Yeller]

It depends on a variety of factors.. where are you setting the TV up. Is it a well lit room or darker (LCD's handle lighter areas better)?

Plasma's tend to have better viewing angles and handle black levels better as well.

How far back from the TV are you sitting? All TV's that are 50" or less, you won't notice 1080p unless your face is pressed up against the glass.

[MaDMaN_26]

Which television would you chose, if you weren't paying for it?

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0770HDS0010076427&catid=23526#
50 inch Pioneer Plasma 1080i / 1366x768p / $4199.99

Help me decide. :w00t:

1080i no question

[Regulator75]

It depends on a variety of factors.. where are you setting the TV up. Is it a well lit room or darker (LCD's handle lighter areas better)?

Plasma's tend to have better viewing angles and handle black levels better as well.

How far back from the TV are you sitting? All TV's that are 50" or less, you won't notice 1080p unless your face is pressed up against the glass.

The TV would be going in our family room on the main floor.
The windows face North, there isn't too much direct sunlight, plus we do have decent blinds that keep that room fairly dark...

The TV would sit about 9-11 feet from the closest couch.

[Old Yeller]

I've been doing quite a bit of research as I plan on buying one soon and I just don't see the point of 1080p yet. Broadcasters are having enough bandwidth issues pushing out content at 720p... maybe one day they'll figure out their issues and work on pushing out 1080p content, but that's not going to happen for at least 3 years.

You're sitting far enough away that you honestly won't notice 1080p on a 50" unless you've got better than 20/20 vision, although if you want to get a 1080p set just to stay current I can understand, but just go to a store and eyeball a couple of sets of similar build quality but one being 1080i and one being 1080p.... see if you really notice the difference.

I really like the Pioneer you've got listed, the 5070 has gotten rave reviews, but just to offer you a cheaper alternative:

Panasonic 50" plasma (http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926HDS0010086251&catid=23249)

My buddy has the TH50PX60 (last years model) and the standard definition channels look great and HD of course looks amazing. He has no real complaints as it's got all the inputs he needs. The picture quality on the Pioneer is better, but I don't think it's $1000 better.

Edit: one other thing, the MRSP prices that futureshop has listed, you can probably bargain a HD/PVR tuner out of them with the TV for a package deal for relatively cheap. Just don't let them push monster cables on you, it's ridiculous how much of a markup they have on them and that's where they make a lot of their money.

Go to monoprice.com and order your cables there. I ordered cables and a wall mount from them, my package was here in a week, the cables are great quality, and you'll save at least $200.

[Regulator75]

Feel free to move my last thread to this new sticky.

Thanks.

[Kaon]

I bought this one earlier this week at A&B Sound for $2,550.00 and I love it. It is set pretty damn bright out of the box though so turning on the auto adjuster, or just dulling it down is a good idea.

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0770HDS0010080000&catid=23524&logon=&langid=EN
46 inch Sharp Aquos 1080P / 1920x1080

Personally just walking around I loved the image on the Sharp a lot more than other TV's. The Sony's have a killer picture, but are expensive as hell for the size you get. The difference was not big enough for me to warrant spending $1,500 more for the same size TV. The Samsungs were nice, and I almost walked out with one, but liked the blacks on the Sharp better.

As for plasma, I play video games and found that sometimes I prefer watching a show with letterbox, so the LCD was the smarter choice for me. I didn't want to risk burn-in wrecking my new TV even if the colours tended to look better. (Honestly I didn't like the Panasonic LCD or Plasma screens I saw).

Oh and when the guy at A&B got to trying to sell cables he came straight out and said he wouldn't recommend monster cables as they are a waste of money even if he does get a better commission. Reasoning offered at the time was he was more interested in repeat customers, or people referring him to others so he could keep future comission streaming in. I'd already done my research and wasn't going to buy them, but it was nice to not hear the push I was expecting. I can send you his name in a PM if you'd like. At the least he was awesome to talk to TV's about, as he knew what he was talking about and wasn't trying to force a sale.

[Hack&Lube]

A plasma is never going to deliver 1080p at the price of an LCD.

The plasma you have listed is 1366x768 resolution only for 1080i! That's much less than the standard 1080p which is 1920 pixels wide x 1080 pixels high.

[Vulcan]

How far back from the TV are you sitting? All TV's that are 50" or less, you won't notice 1080p unless your face is pressed up against the glass.

The way I understand it is a 1080p TV allows you to sit closer and still get a good picture.

[Vulcan]

A plasma is never going to deliver 1080p at the price of an LCD.

The plasma you have listed is 1366x768 resolution only for 1080i! That's much less than the standard 1080p which is 1920 pixels wide x 1080 pixels high.

I like 1080p myself but resolution is only one aspect of a picture. Plasma's have better blacks and higher contrast and you don't have to worry about response time.

[Bill Bumface]

A plasma is never going to deliver 1080p at the price of an LCD.

The plasma you have listed is 1366x768 resolution only for 1080i! That's much less than the standard 1080p which is 1920 pixels wide x 1080 pixels high.

The difference in resolution isn't detectable at normal viewing distances. Things like black levels, contrast ratios and many other aspects of picture quality are harder to measure to put on the nice glossy brochures, but much more important in delivering a good picture. My LCD runs a wicked resolution but looks crappy and dull compared to every Samsung and Panasonic LCD I've ever seen.

[ken0042]

1080i no question

I am curious why you would suggest 1080i over 1080p- other than to try and steer somebody into a bad buying decision.

[Shazam]

Lots of misinformation about what 1080p is.

Read this:

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_14_1/feature-article-1080p-3-2007-part-1.html

[Peanut]

I was under the impression Sharp had a bad reputation. Could be wrong though.

Bought a 55" Sony 1080 SXRD on boxing day. Went into the whole process undecided between plasma and LCD, and ended up with neither! We're really happy with it.

My suggestion would be to just get what looks the best to your eye and complements your TV room (light vs. dark, distance from couch, etc.).

One other thing I found interesting is that Sony is out of the plasma market, all their focus is on LCD.

[chummer]

When you decide on a TV,check to see of Costco carries it.
They have the best return policy by far.

I just bought the Sharp Aquos(37 inch) there last week for $1299...it was $1699 at FS....great TV.

[Vulcan]

I have a HD CRT TV and an LCD. The CRT gives a great picture but it is subject to burn in like a plasma. To protect the TV I stretch or zoom the picture on SD broadcasts but this causes distortion and a lower quality picture with parts of it cutoff and believe me I don't want a lower quality picture on a TV that already shows all the defects in a SD broadcast.
With the LCD I can leave the SD picture in it's 4x3 format, enjoy a better picture and not worry. To me LCD is the best until something like SED comes along but even this has burn in.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surface-conduction_electron-emitter_display

[HelloHockeyFans]

My only suggestion to you is to SHOP AROUND and wait for a deal.

Deals will happen, and when they do, you get a very good deal.

I recently bought a 50" LG Plasma HDTV which was selling for about $2599 (I think?) and was on clearance for $1999. A little bargaining, and I ended up getting the unit for $1699.

[jschick88]

I just bought a new LCD TV a few weeks ago and just wondering what others use to clean the screen?

thanks

[Bobblehead]

To me LCD is the best until something like SED comes along but even this has burn in.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surface-conduction_electron-emitter_display

I agree, but because of the court cases it doesn't look like SED will hit mainstream for a couple more years.

I'm trying to figure out which LCD TVs are going to use LED backlights. That is supposed to give real improvement in contrast and black levels. A good compromise until SED arrives.

[Shazam]

I just bought a new LCD TV a few weeks ago and just wondering what others use to clean the screen?

thanksLook in your manual. I'd use whatever they suggest.

[Regulator75]

Which television would you chose, if you weren't paying for it?

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0770HDS0010076427&catid=23526#
50 inch Pioneer Plasma 1080i / 1366x768p / $4199.99

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0770HDS0010083750&catid=23527
52 inch Samgsung LCD 1080P / 1920 x 1080 / $3999.99

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0770HDS0010079998&catid=23527
52 inch Sharp Aquos LCD full 1080P / 1920x1080 / $3999.99

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0770HDS0010078386&catid=23524
46 inch Sony XBR LCD 1080P / 1920x1080 / $4299.99

Help me decide. :w00t:


After much deliberation and going back and forth...I am happy with my final decision. Funny, it's none of the previous choices I named.

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0770HDS0010079165&catid=
46 inch Sony Bravia LCD 1080P $3299.99

After viewing them side by side and investigating "known problems" online, I feel good about this Sony.

The Sony XBR2/3 series has been having a lot of white / clouding issues.

Pioneer Plasma, glass is way too reflective for my liking. Sharp contrast and colours though...

Sharp Aquos, nice LCD still too reflective though. Plus known horizontal / vertical banding problems.

Samsung, didn't care for the high glossy piano black trim. Great picture though, very similar to the Sony.

Plus the 46 inch is a better fit in our living room, the 52 inch will be too large after all the measurements were done.

Thanks for the input CP!

[Vulcan]

After much deliberation and going back and forth...I am happy with my final decision. Funny, it's none of the previous choices I named.

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0770HDS0010079165&catid=
46 inch Sony Bravia LCD 1080P $3299.99

After viewing them side by side and investigating "known problems" online, I feel good about this Sony.

The Sony XBR2/3 series has been having a lot of white / clouding issues.

Pioneer Plasma, glass is way too reflective for my liking. Sharp contrast and colours though...

Sharp Aquos, nice LCD still too reflective though. Plus known horizontal / vertical banding problems.

Samsung, didn't care for the high glossy piano black trim. Great picture though, very similar to the Sony.

Plus the 46 inch is a better fit in our living room, the 52 inch will be too large after all the measurements were done.

Thanks for the input CP!

Sounds like you made a great intelligent choice. To me half the fun of buying something like this is doing the investigating so I find what suits my needs.

[nieuwy-89]

I have a 42" Toshiba DLP. I've had it for about 6 months, and it recently started making a low tone "buzzing" sound whenever it is turned on. Sometimes it will go away after an hour or so.

Does anyone know what it could be, and if it is a quick fix?

I am going to phone Toshiba since it is on warranty, but I'm curious if anyone else has had this problem.

[Vulcan]

Don't know but I'd check out the rear projection section at digitalhomecanada.

[mrdeeds]

I just bought a new LCD TV a few weeks ago and just wondering what others use to clean the screen?

thanks

http://www.consumer.philips.com/catalog/SV/SVC2540_27_webImage370.jpg

http://www.consumer.philips.com/consumer/catalog/tree/en/ca/consumer/home_entertainment_gr_ca_consumer/he_accessories_ca_ca_consumer/ce/_productId_SVC2540_27_CA_CONSUMER/Plasma___LCD_Screen_Cleaner+SVC2540_27?proxybuster =JBC2DP5BOODFPJ0RMRESHQNHKFSEKI5P

[mrdeeds]

I have a 42" Toshiba DLP. I've had it for about 6 months, and it recently started making a low tone "buzzing" sound whenever it is turned on. Sometimes it will go away after an hour or so.

Does anyone know what it could be, and if it is a quick fix?

I am going to phone Toshiba since it is on warranty, but I'm curious if anyone else has had this problem.

I would phone Toshiba. It is probably something to do with the fan. I bought a 52" Toshiba last year and out of the box it was noticeable. Of course not like in the store. Got it replaced in the after 1 week.

About 3 months later, the bulb went. Got it replaced under warranty and has been good since. I would check out your model on Toshiba's website to see if it might be covered just in case.

[Devils'Advocate]

Situation:
- I take possession of a house on May 31st and will be moving out of my tiny apartment. I currently have no place to put a 50 inch TV, so right now I'm just browsing. I'll be putting the TV in the entertainment room, which is in the finished basement where the lighting is dim.

Now, one of my projects for the next month is to convert all my hockey games (Wings series, Stars series, Ducks series) from VHS to DVD so I can junk all the tapes rather than move them so I purchased a DVD recorder at Future Shop this morning. While I was there I was perusing what they had to offer. I started checking out the 50 inch Panasonic plasma they have on sale:
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0770HDS0010072626&catid=23526&logon=&langid=EN

Well, buddy sees I'm interested so he comes rushing over to tell me that it's $500 off plus they are throwing in the $500 stand (as it says in the ad). I don't really want the stand as I was hoping to wall mount it and he's all "but the stand is free, so take it and throw it in a closet somewhere, so whenever you want to sell the next owner can have the stand". I ask if I can get a free wall mount instead of the stand - the wall mount is cheaper. He tells me that they can't do that. Then he starts telling me that I have to buy it today because he only has one left and they are not going to be selling this model anymore so it's no good to get a raincheque and that if I don't take it right now, it's going to be gone quickly because it's such a good deal. Nothing is more of a put-off to me than a pushy salesman, so I was outta there.

So with all that setting and mostly useless information:
(1) Can Future Shop salesman change the deal so I get the wall mount instead of the stand? Or was he just being difficult?
(2) Can I buy something now and ask for it to be delivered in June? I guess, worst case scenario I could leave it at a friends place for 2 months.
(3) And I guess most importantly, that I'm not sure about that "not selling this model anymore". I'm concerned that if Future Shop is dropping this model, there is something wrong with it? Or maybe the guy made that up to force the sale?

[Vulcan]

Hey DA, [1]. I'd guess that the stand is a deal from Panasonic.
[2] I'd wait, prices are generally going down and quality going up but
[3] as new models come out, last years models [which is what I'd guess this Panasonic is] can be grabbed for a good price.

If you don't buy now, you'll have time to investigate and pick what type of format and model is right for you.

Here's a link for pricing on that TV. It's a long read so maybe skip to the last few pages.

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=42863

[Vulcan]

I'll add there is a 10% off sale on online TVs at Future Shop this weekend so maybe you can get this TV for $2250.

[ken0042]

Situation:
- I take possession of a house on May 31st and will be moving out of my tiny apartment. I currently have no place to put a 50 inch TV, so right now I'm just browsing. I'll be putting the TV in the entertainment room, which is in the finished basement where the lighting is dim.

The reason you are seeing huge deals on TVs right now is that the end of the model year is upon us. So you will see $2000 TVs on sale for $500 off, because the model to replace it will sell for $1300 with more features.

If you don't have a need for it for 2 months, then don't buy it.

Have you ever known consumer electronics to go up in price?

[rockstar]

Someone on CP mentioned the other day that he/she likes to unplug the centre speaker when the game is in HD, and thus does not have to listen to the commentator.

I tried this the other day. The play-by-play guy is definitely quieter, but I could still hear him out of the front left and right speakers.

Do I not have my sound field on the right setting? Was it perhaps not true 5.1 surround (or whatever it is)?

Thanks.

PS - It was the NBC broadcast of Philly/Buffalo.

[Bobblehead]

Yeah, simsubbing is a constant thorn with Bell. It seems everytime it's happening I get the picture freezing, sound troubles, etc. The Global and City stations out of Toronto have no reason to exist on satellite. There programming is almost all simsubbing and I never watch it. CTV is almost as bad.

The Sharp Aquos at Costco is a good choice. I hear it's a great TV, I'd like the 42", but has banding problems. At Costco you can keep returning it with no questions until you get a good one.



Yeah, I hear the lc52d92u was supposed to have corrected that (at least in the current ones). The ones before Christmas or the 62u had issues.

I've read the black levels on this TV are supposed to be some of the best around, and black levels have been a big knock against LCD.

The room I would put the TV is pretty bright, so a plasma isn't ideal for that situation.

I was hoping to see LED back-light units starting to filter down, but either they are rare or I don't know how to read the model numbers to identify them.

(PS - Vulcan - I grabbed your quote from the EVU/SC thread so not to muddy that discussion)

[Vulcan]

I've found most of my information [sometimes to much information] on the Sharps at the AVS Forum. Check it out if you haven't already.

[habernac]

not sure if anyone else has ever experienced this.

I have Bell Expressvu. No complaints so far, but something strange on the HD side. All of my American HD stations come in just fine. NBC, ABC, etc. Even TSN or Sportsnet are fine. But my CBC sucks. It pixilates every 15 seconds or so, making a CBC HD broadcast unbearable to watch. Any suggestions?

[Bobblehead]

I've found most of my information [sometimes to much information] on the Sharps at the AVS Forum. Check it out if you haven't already.


I have, but the stickied thread on AVS about these models (well, the 62u predecessors) has 9600+ posts!

[ken0042]

Habby- tune to CBC-HD, then select <Menu><6><1><1>. This will bring you to the aiming screen. Tell me what is says in the bottom for signal strength; a number between 1 and 100. It should be above 70, but if it's below, that could be the issue.

Other than that, I do find CBC to be the worst of all my HD channels. I was actually shocked on Saturday to see it looked good then.

[SebC]

Okay, not an HD question but I couldn't find a quick and dirty answer on Google (probably not knowing what search terms to use) so here goes:

I have a 13" CRT that I won (hey it's my first TV). I'll be getting my own place soon so probably buying a flat screen anyways... but it would be good for a kitchen or bedroom or something. Anyways, it's virtually new, but the blue is completely gone already (it was there, the TV made an noise, and then it was gone). Is there a potential quick fix for this and is it even worth getting it looked at? Or is it just junk?

Thanks,
SebC

[Bobblehead]

Okay, not an HD question but I couldn't find a quick and dirty answer on Google (probably not knowing what search terms to use) so here goes:

I have a 13" CRT that I won (hey it's my first TV). I'll be getting my own place soon so probably buying a flat screen anyways... but it would be good for a kitchen or bedroom or something. Anyways, it's virtually new, but the blue is completely gone already (it was there, the TV made an noise, and then it was gone). Is there a potential quick fix for this and is it even worth getting it looked at? Or is it just junk?

Thanks,
SebC

Junk.

13" TVs cost less than $100, it would be more expensive to fix it, and it sounds like a component would neet to be replaced.

[Bobblehead]

Toshiba and Matsua have announced that within three years they plan to introduce organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panels for use in televisions. (http://news.digitaltrends.com/article12666.html)

OLED panels emit light from electroluminescent films stored on the display's glass substrate; OLED displays consume very little power, provide wide viewing angles, thin profiles, and high contrast.

I wonder how expensive these will be? OLED are already used in phones (for their low-power consumption) so there should already be a fair amount of production knowledge by the time these hit store shelves.

[habernac]

Habby- tune to CBC-HD, then select <Menu><6><1><1>. This will bring you to the aiming screen. Tell me what is says in the bottom for signal strength; a number between 1 and 100. It should be above 70, but if it's below, that could be the issue.

Other than that, I do find CBC to be the worst of all my HD channels. I was actually shocked on Saturday to see it looked good then.

69%. How can I improve that?

[Vulcan]

69%. How can I improve that?

As far as CBC goes, I think Bell compresses their signal too much. Saturday had a great picture but I seem to be back to the same old crap picture tonight. It looked more like an upconverted picture than true HD.

If you want to better your signal, you'll have to go out and tweak your dish. Tune in CBC and go to your signal strength screen again. Hopefully you'll be able to see your TV from your dish. If not you'll have to yell at your wife and vice versu or use a phone. You'll have to loosen off a couple of bolts and move your dish very slightly. I'd try it up and down first. Tighten it down and if not satisfied, than adjust left and right. I wouldn't adjust the skew. I'd suggest putting a mark where the dish is set now in case you screw up. I screw up regularly and I've been putting off adjusting my dishes for a while since the last storm because it can be frustrating. That's right dishes because to get a decent signal where I live I use a 24" [for the SD sat. 91]and a 30" for the HD sat. 82]. Well that's how I set them up on a warm summer's day but after the last storm, with my help, each one is pointing at the wrong satellite like a crosseyed kid but I get a half decent signal so sue me.

So that would be your next step, buy a bigger dish for you HD [82] satellite. I found my 24'' in a pawnshop for $25. I bought my 30'' for $50 from a friend but stores do carry them, just make sure they're compatible with Bell.

Probably too much information, but you get the picture.

[Rerun]

Glad to see this thread got stickified. Lots of helpful info here for those of us who currently don't own an HD tv and are looking to buy one.

[Rory_B._Bellows]

Question for those in the know, what are some good numbers for a contrast ratio? I have seen them all over the map and wonder if it is much of a priority

[Vulcan]

Question for those in the know, what are some good numbers for a contrast ratio? I have seen them all over the map and wonder if it is much of a priority

Depends on what kind of TV you're looking at. Plasma's are noted for their good contrast ratio, so it's not a problem.
LCD's have more of a problem with contrast ratios and response times. Manufacturers have now muddied the waters by introducing Dynamic ratios. As near as I can figure I'd divide by 5 to find the static contrast ratio. Myself, I'd be looking for a TV that had a static contrast ratio of at least 1000 and a response time of 8 or less for fast moving sports but the final judge is your own eyes, so I'd take these numbers with a grain of salt.

[Rory_B._Bellows]

Depends on what kind of TV you're looking at. Plasma's are noted for their good contrast ratio, so it's not a problem.
LCD's have more of a problem with contrast ratios and response times. Manufacturers have now muddied the waters by introducing Dynamic ratios. As near as I can figure I'd divide by 5 to find the static contrast ratio. Myself, I'd be looking for a TV that had a static contrast ratio of at least 1000 and a response time of 8 or less for fast moving sports but the final judge is your own eyes, so I'd take these numbers with a grain of salt.


Thanks Vulcan....

[ericschand]

I have a question relating to the cheap cheap LCD TV's you can find
on sale here and there.

Most (if not all) of them say they are "refurbished".

What does this mean? If a pixel or few are blown on the TV, how
can they refurbish it? Or are they talking tuner/power boards?

I'm wary of refurbished, unless it's something simple (ie. front
bezel is damaged), but what can they possibly refurb on a
LCD or Plasma TV?

ers

[Hemi-Cuda]

After much deliberation and going back and forth...I am happy with my final decision. Funny, it's none of the previous choices I named.

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0770HDS0010079165&catid=
46 inch Sony Bravia LCD 1080P $3299.99

After viewing them side by side and investigating "known problems" online, I feel good about this Sony.

The Sony XBR2/3 series has been having a lot of white / clouding issues.

Pioneer Plasma, glass is way too reflective for my liking. Sharp contrast and colours though...

Sharp Aquos, nice LCD still too reflective though. Plus known horizontal / vertical banding problems.

Samsung, didn't care for the high glossy piano black trim. Great picture though, very similar to the Sony.

Plus the 46 inch is a better fit in our living room, the 52 inch will be too large after all the measurements were done.

Thanks for the input CP!

well Regulator i just wanted to say thanks for your update on which TV you bought. i was in a similar situation, and was leaning towards the Sharp until i saw that post and then started looking into the Sony. after comparing them side by side i went with the Sony and managed to get that same TV at A&B Sound for $2650 (sometimes commision stores are good, this guy was desperate to get a sale out of me). this forum and your thread made the process much simpler

[Regulator75]

well Regulator i just wanted to say thanks for your update on which TV you bought. i was in a similar situation, and was leaning towards the Sharp until i saw that post and then started looking into the Sony. after comparing them side by side i went with the Sony and managed to get that same TV at A&B Sound for $2650 (sometimes commision stores are good, this guy was desperate to get a sale out of me). this forum and your thread made the process much simpler

I am glad that my post and research helped.

I've had my Sony 46V2500 for about 2 weeks now, I love it.
No complaints at all.
HD and a PVR is a thing of beauty.

[HelloHockeyFans]

Has anyone here paid to get their HDTV calibrated? I had a friend do it down here recently and he said it's made a world of difference. Prices range from $100 to do it yourself with a step-by-step DVD to higher for a professional calibrater.

[Juventus3]

I'm wondering which output most people have their SAT/Cable boxes set to? Both our TV's have 1080i capability, but I was just at soundsaround (I think that's what its name is) and the guy kept telling me 720p was better. I know that progressive scan is better, but wouldn't more resolution win out?

[Hemi-Cuda]

I'm wondering which output most people have their SAT/Cable boxes set to? Both our TV's have 1080i capability, but I was just at soundsaround (I think that's what its name is) and the guy kept telling me 720p was better. I know that progressive scan is better, but wouldn't more resolution win out?

i'm wondering about this as well. from what i've read 720p appears to be better overall, but when i set my cablebox to output in that, i notice text is a lot jaggier than in 1080i (especially noticable in the Shaw guide). 1080i seems to give me the better overall picture

oh and is it just me, or is the TSN SportsCenter HD feed terrible? i see random snowy artifacts pop up everywhere, and if the anchor is wearing a pinstripe suit it plays havok with my display. i don't notice those issues on any other channel, and not even during an HD TSN hockey broadcast

[Vulcan]

I've heard, if you have a 1080p TV, that 1080i is better. I don't have one, so I don't have practicle experience. I have an older 1080i TV and it's better in its native resolution despite the fact that Bell [so I hear] broadcasts everything in 720p. For a regular 720p or 768p TV, I'd experiment. Pass through, if you have it may be best. Pick the best picture for you, as the provider and it's STB may vary.

[Juventus3]

i'm wondering about this as well. from what i've read 720p appears to be better overall, but when i set my cablebox to output in that, i notice text is a lot jaggier than in 1080i (especially noticable in the Shaw guide). 1080i seems to give me the better overall picture

oh and is it just me, or is the TSN SportsCenter HD feed terrible? i see random snowy artifacts pop up everywhere, and if the anchor is wearing a pinstripe suit it plays havok with my display. i don't notice those issues on any other channel, and not even during an HD TSN hockey broadcast

Yea I know what you mean...It almost looks like an image you over sharpen on a photo editor program. The highlights look amazing, but the in studio set needs some adjusting.

I've set both my STB's to 720p after reading that Bell does in fact output in that res (Called a rep and asked). Watching the canuckleheads lose last night on CBC was much better IMO. There was no big digital blocks on the screen when the camera was fast moving...something that I noticed happened quite often in 1080i during sporting events (sans golf).

I've also read that 720p is the preferred resolution for sports because of that reason, but 1080i is better for movies, video games, tv shows...

who knows, it looks amazing in either one! Im loving HD way too much...I watch more TV than I ever have.

[Hemi-Cuda]

who knows, it looks amazing in either one! Im loving HD way too much...I watch more TV than I ever have.

yep, i'm addicted to HDTV. i watched a special on crickets for christ sake on Discovery HD, and i even find myself purposfully watching the HD commercials on shows i record before fast forwarding the rest, simply because it looks so good

i'm sure i'm gonna have to buy a bigger hard drive for my PVR though, because with all the stuff i'm recording now i know 160gb won't be enough

[Juventus3]

I'd just like to point out that I love HD commercials. I make a point to watch them before getting up to do whatever.

[Devils'Advocate]

Okay. I made the plunge today. My Panasonic TH50PX75 comes next week. Future Shop has it on sale for $2799. I asked Audiotronic to match and the guy said, "I'll do you one better and make it $2699". I'm, like, okkkkaaayy.... I thought since we were negotiating I was supposed to be the one negotiating down.

Anyhow, long story short, I was blown away with the picture and I thought I had researched everything. Except that I forgot that at times I may want to hook up my computer. There is no VGA jack on the TH50PX75. However, I also am going to need to upgrade my computer soon and the latest Macs come with DVI output. Which I have never heard of. Can you convert DVI to HDMI? Is there an easy way to convert VGA to component?

[cSpooge]

Okay. I made the plunge today. My Panasonic TH50PX75 comes next week. Future Shop has it on sale for $2799. I asked Audiotronic to match and the guy said, "I'll do you one better and make it $2699". I'm, like, okkkkaaayy.... I thought since we were negotiating I was supposed to be the one negotiating down.

Anyhow, long story short, I was blown away with the picture and I thought I had researched everything. Except that I forgot that at times I may want to hook up my computer. There is no VGA jack on the TH50PX75. However, I also am going to need to upgrade my computer soon and the latest Macs come with DVI output. Which I have never heard of. Can you convert DVI to HDMI? Is there an easy way to convert VGA to component?

You can get DVI to HDMI or vice versa computers all over the place, they are fairly common place now.

[cSpooge]

Anyone know how to adjust the alignment on a TV more specifically a Toshiba 52HM84? The alignment on TV is off and I have no idea how to fix it and my googling hasn't come up with anything. Any ideas?

[Vulcan]

Anyone know how to adjust the alignment on a TV more specifically a Toshiba 52HM84? The alignment on TV is off and I have no idea how to fix it and my googling hasn't come up with anything. Any ideas?

If you mean your TV suffers from overscan and the picture on SD is barrel shaped and is not centered, I have the same problem. I use zoom, so I don't notice it but to correct it you have to go into your TVs sevice menu. This isn't recommended as you can do easily do permanent damage to your TV but if you do, write everthing down before you change anything. Another option is to get your TV professionally calibrated. Here is a list of calibraters.

http://www.imagingscience.com/isf_search.cfm

[cSpooge]

If you mean your TV suffers from overscan and the picture on SD is barrel shaped and is not centered, I have the same problem. I use zoom, so I don't notice it but to correct it you have to go into your TVs sevice menu. This isn't recommended as you can do easily do permanent damage to your TV but if you do, write everthing down before you change anything. Another option is to get your TV professionally calibrated. Here is a list of calibraters.

http://www.imagingscience.com/isf_search.cfm


I mean the that if I watch sports the bar at the top with the score etc slants from left to right... its not much but it still fing annoying. And this is on my HD chans.

[Vulcan]

I mean the that if I watch sports the bar at the top with the score etc slants from left to right... its not much but it still fing annoying. And this is on my HD chans.

On my Toshiba I go to Menu-Setup [tools]- Image Tilt. Hope that helps some.

[cSpooge]

On my Toshiba I go to Menu-Setup [tools]- Image Tilt. Hope that helps some.



If only I had the option to do that... my TV has barely any setup options in the main menu...

[Canada 02]

I mean the that if I watch sports the bar at the top with the score etc slants from left to right... its not much but it still fing annoying. And this is on my HD chans.I had a CRT TV that tilted left or right depending on how the TV was oriented relative to the Earth's magnetic pole. Moving the TV so that it faced approximately north or south (IIRC) would straighten the picture - Not exactly a convenient solution.

[Vulcan]

I had a CRT TV that tilted left or right depending on how the TV was oriented relative to the Earth's magnetic pole. Moving the TV so that it faced approximately north or south (IIRC) would straighten the picture - Not exactly a convenient solution.

There's a good thought. cSpooge, do you have any speakers or other magnetic sources near your TV.

[Canada 02]

There's a good thought. cSpooge, do you have any speakers or other magnetic sources near your TV.now that you mention it, I could partially straighten the picture by moving my sub-woofer to one side or the other

[cSpooge]

There's a good thought. cSpooge, do you have any speakers or other magnetic sources near your TV.


My sub and my LF is 6 inches to left of my TV but like a foot below as well. I have my centre speaker on top of the TV and my RF speaking is off to the right of my TV by a couple feet.

[Vulcan]

My sub and my LF is 6 inches to left of my TV but like a foot below as well. I have my centre speaker on top of the TV and my RF speaking is off to the right of my TV by a couple feet.

I'm no expert on this but maybe try moving them farther away from your TV. I should do the same.
e

[cSpooge]

I'm no expert on this but maybe try moving them farther away from your TV. I should do the same.
e


I have no idea where I would move the centre speaker though.....

[Juventus3]

that shouldnt matter. TV's these days have compensation for magnetic fields created by speakers for that exact reason. Also, I'd be shocked if the speakers weren't magnetically shielded.

If you're using a cable or SAT box, do they not have an image adjusting setting?

[cSpooge]

that shouldnt matter. TV's these days have compensation for magnetic fields created by speakers for that exact reason. Also, I'd be shocked if the speakers weren't magnetically shielded.

If you're using a cable or SAT box, do they not have an image adjusting setting?


Unless I'm missing it the shaw PVR's only have the option to change the type (ie 1080i/720p/etc).

[ken0042]

Just to clarify- centre channel speakers are typically magnetically shielded. However your front speakers or sub can still cause interference as often those are not shielded.

[Cerebral]

I'm looking to buy a PS3 and a new HD TV some time this summer - would it be wise to buy a TV soon or should I wait a little while longer? Are there going to be big price drops any time soon or should I just buy one when I have the cash available?

[ken0042]

As a general rule, price drops happen right about now; as spring is when the new "model year" starts for TVs.

Of course with anything electronic anything could happen; and you could find your TV cheaper exactly 8 days after you buy it.

[Bobblehead]

HD is so last year. Super Hi-Vision (http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/inadequacy/super-hi+vision-makes-your-hdtv-obsolete-already-264077.php) is where it is at!Japanese broadcaster NHK (http://www.gizmodo.com/gadgets/nhk/) has come up with what they call Super Hi-Vision (http://www.gizmodo.com/gadgets/super-hi_vision/), and it puts HD to shame with an insane resolution of 7680x4320. Yeah, that's the equivalent of 16 HDTVs crammed into one.

By about 2020 this may be the standard!

[Doctordestiny]

Compusmart is closing its Edmonton stores and everything is on sale starting tomorrow. I'm considering upgrading my TV. I'm wondering what CPers think about these products and prices:

Sony Bravia 32-inch LCD TV - reg. 1600, sale 999
Sony Bravia 40-inch LCD TV - reg 2500, sale 1499
Sony Grand Vega 50-inch LCD TV rear-projection - reg 2000, sale 1300
Sony Grand Vega 55-inch LCD TV rear-proj - reg 2500, sale 1500
Samsung 40-inch LCD HDTV - reg 2500, sale 1599

Should I be going HDTV (I suppose so) for my next set? Should I go rear-projection? I've always thought Samsung was a poorer make, but the above set is the highest-priced of all of those TVs. What about Samsung?

Any and all advice appreciated.

[photon]

Samsungs are pretty good LCD TVs, and that $1599 for a 40" is a pretty good price (depending if it's a current or really old model I guess). The Sony 40" is probably the tunerless model, I think FS has it for the same price.

The Bravia 32" for $999 is pretty sweet, I'm actually gonna go check that out today, I need a new 32" TV.

Any new TV should be HDTV, and if you game or watch lots of movies I'd probably suggest getting a 1080p set just to futureproof yourself (though there's lots of things that show 1080p at reasonable viewing distances doesn't add a whole lot).

Rear projection you have to worry about bulbs over time, but you can get a much larger TV for the same price.

For prices of LCDs, I've been reading that LCD panel prices have actually been going up recently, but TV makers are holding the line on prices (increasing TV prices is usually suicide), so the opinion I've been reading is that LCD TV prices will probably stablize for a while, so no big drops in the immediate future. That's what I've read, who knows for sure.

[Cerebral]

Compusmart is closing its Edmonton stores and everything is on sale starting tomorrow. I'm considering upgrading my TV. I'm wondering what CPers think about these products and prices:

Sony Bravia 32-inch LCD TV - reg. 1600, sale 999
Sony Bravia 40-inch LCD TV - reg 2500, sale 1499
Sony Grand Vega 50-inch LCD TV rear-projection - reg 2000, sale 1300
Sony Grand Vega 55-inch LCD TV rear-proj - reg 2500, sale 1500
Samsung 40-inch LCD HDTV - reg 2500, sale 1599

Should I be going HDTV (I suppose so) for my next set? Should I go rear-projection? I've always thought Samsung was a poorer make, but the above set is the highest-priced of all of those TVs. What about Samsung?

Any and all advice appreciated.
It this only in Edmonton or will similar sales be happening in Calgary?

[photon]

The Compusmart in Deerfoot Meadows is also closing and having this sale, I was there on opening day and they didn't have any prices anywhere close to that, but maybe they're reducing things as they go along.

[Cerebral]

The Compusmart in Deerfoot Meadows is also closing and having this sale, I was there on opening day and they didn't have any prices anywhere close to that, but maybe they're reducing things as they go along.
Interesting - is there any website that lists when stores like Best Buy or Future Shop will be having their future sales? I'd love to get a good deal on a TV as I'm not going to have a whole lot of cash to spend.

[photon]

The best deals site in Canada is RedFlagDeals.com (Disclaimer, I'm a moderator over there), sometimes they have info on upcoming stuff (but not usually). Very active forums.

PriceNetwork.ca is also good.

[Draug]

Interesting - is there any website that lists when stores like Best Buy or Future Shop will be having their future sales? I'd love to get a good deal on a TV as I'm not going to have a whole lot of cash to spend.

Check these sites regularly - They dont list upcoming sales of the Big Box Stores, but do have great deals on flat panels:

http://www.complete-it.ca/
http://www.avdeals.ca/

They sell 'industrial' versions of flat panels (no attached speakers - you want real speakers and audio receiver anyway), and are often as cheap as it gets. They sell some other A/V stuff also. They are Canadian so that makes sure all the manufacturer's warranty applies here.

I've ordered big ticket items from both of them and can vouche for their validity.

[photon]

I picked up one of those 32" Sony Bravias from the Compusmart sale, will unpack and install it today.

[photon]

$999.. You can get a 32" Daytek from Costco for $650, but I had one of those Dayteks die on me so I'm trying a bit better brand name (mind you Costco's return policy is the best ever).

[Cerebral]

What are everyone's thoughts on DLP's? I can get a 56' Samsung S5665W for about $1800 from Costco which strikes me as a decent price.

However, Futureshop has a sale on for the next few days on their Toshiba 42HL167 (for $1699) which is obviously a better TV. Would I be better off to go Plasma/LCD or is a cheaper DLP a viable option? I don't mind spending some money in a few years to replace the lamp but would it be more cost-effective just to get a better TV?

I'm leaning towards the Toshiba right now, it has received some great reviews and that is a pretty decent price for it. Given that it is already on sale, is there any way I could bargain the Futureshop guy down a little/get a bargain on a TV stand?

[Hemi-Cuda]

What are everyone's thoughts on DLP's? I can get a 56' Samsung S5665W for about $1800 from Costco which strikes me as a decent price.

However, Futureshop has a sale on for the next few days on their Toshiba 42HL167 (for $1699) which is obviously a better TV. Would I be better off to go Plasma/LCD or is a cheaper DLP a viable option? I don't mind spending some money in a few years to replace the lamp but would it be more cost-effective just to get a better TV?

I'm leaning towards the Toshiba right now, it has received some great reviews and that is a pretty decent price for it. Given that it is already on sale, is there any way I could bargain the Futureshop guy down a little/get a bargain on a TV stand?

i don't like projection TV's due to the sheer size of them or how the viewing angle has to be perfect to get the best picture. they also don't seem to handle bright rooms as well as LCD does (plasma is the worst there though) so for me the extra $$ was worth it to go with my Sony Bravia

[Bobblehead]

Dell is getting out (http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070607/tc_nm/dell_tvs_dc_3;_ylt=At6TkTCYQxMqYwhlLNA_snUE1vAI) of the LCD-TV business.

[photon]

Compusmart is still having their sale, though it's now pretty picked over. There was a Panasonic 32" Viera TV for $999 though which I thought was pretty good.

[photon]

Dell is getting out (http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070607/tc_nm/dell_tvs_dc_3;_ylt=At6TkTCYQxMqYwhlLNA_snUE1vAI) of the LCD-TV business.

Or are they? :D

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/dell/rumor-smashed-dell-not-leaving-lcd-tv-market-266974.php

[Cerebral]

i don't like projection TV's due to the sheer size of them or how the viewing angle has to be perfect to get the best picture. they also don't seem to handle bright rooms as well as LCD does (plasma is the worst there though) so for me the extra $$ was worth it to go with my Sony Bravia
That's what I'm leaning towards doing now. I think I messed up pretty bad not getting that 42' Toshiba for $1699 (it's 1080p as well) so I'll just have to wait for the next few months and hope that another awesome deal pops up.

[TurnedTheCorner]

DLP technology just fascinates me. They're doing super slim models now that are wall mountable. They're doing "home theaters in a box" where you can have a projector with a DVD player and 5.1 sound output in a single unit that will give you a 10' viewing screen with the projector a mere 4' away from the wall.

I have noticed viewing angle issues with my set compared to LCDs my friends have, but I still prefer having the bigger screen. Even the older DLPs are not that big if you have a dedicated theater room.

[Cerebral]

DLP technology just fascinates me. They're doing super slim models now that are wall mountable. They're doing "home theaters in a box" where you can have a projector with a DVD player and 5.1 sound output in a single unit that will give you a 10' viewing screen with the projector a mere 4' away from the wall.

I have noticed viewing angle issues with my set compared to LCDs my friends have, but I still prefer having the bigger screen. Even the older DLPs are not that big if you have a dedicated theater room.
Samsung also apparently has these LED DLP TVs out now that don't even have the lamp life problems of previous DLP TVs. I'm still doing some research on what TV I want to get - I'm leaning towards a 40' Samsung LCD at this point in time but I wouldn't mind checking out a few decent DLPs as well.

[lifer]

OK, I've posted this in the Blue Jays thread, but I thought i might get a quicker answer here. I'm watching the Jays game on sportsnet HD on Bell. I have the view set to HD normal. In this setting it is cutting off the sides of the tv screen so it's like I'm watching an old TV. Does this mean I'm not getting the game in HD? I put it to HD stretch and the picture quality is significantly worse.

[Vulcan]

OK, I've posted this in the Blue Jays thread, but I thought i might get a quicker answer here. I'm watching the Jays game on sportsnet HD on Bell. I have the view set to HD normal. In this setting it is cutting off the sides of the tv screen so it's like I'm watching an old TV. Does this mean I'm not getting the game in HD? I put it to HD stretch and the picture quality is significantly worse.

Yeah, the game is not being aired in HD even though it's on the HD channel. Most away games seem to be in SD as the expense of renting a HD truck seems to be out of reach. HD content is increasing but it's still not 100%. If you've got an LCD, my advice is to leave it on normal. If it's a plasma or CRT, a stretch mode may help prevent burnin.

[lifer]

thanks. that's sort of what i figured, but I wasn't positive.

[alltherage]

Hey guys, we just got a 42" plasma TV with all the inputs available today, and I'm wondering if I would kill the TV by hyooking my laptop into it. Does anyone have any useful experience with using a plasma as a monitor?

How long would it take for the start bar to burn in, and why would they even include a VGA input if the risk of burn in is there? Thanks in advance!

[cheung31]

In a recent Future Shop flyer, they had those Ask an Expert and apparently newer Plasmas are not susceptible to burn ins. Although there's an apparent initial 2 or 3 hour "work in" period for the plasma to get to the correct brightness.

[alltherage]

nm

[TurnedTheCorner]

Samsung also apparently has these LED DLP TVs out now that don't even have the lamp life problems of previous DLP TVs. I'm still doing some research on what TV I want to get - I'm leaning towards a 40' Samsung LCD at this point in time but I wouldn't mind checking out a few decent DLPs as well.
The LED sets look promising IMO as well. Some forums I visit talk about an even newer Laser DLP technology on the way? :huh: It's nothing I've heard of personally - I'm sure my children will enjoy it. ;)

Also - DLP isn't susceptible to burn in.

[Bobblehead]

The LED sets look promising IMO as well. Some forums I visit talk about an even newer Laser DLP technology on the way? :huh: It's nothing I've heard of personally - I'm sure my children will enjoy it. ;)

Also - DLP isn't susceptible to burn in.

There's a few different laser/led technologies. One LEDs replacing the lamp, one with laser's replacing the lamp and colourwheel. Another where the LCD flatpanel, but replacing the backlight with white LEDs. All are a year or two away from hitting retail channels (at least that was the last estimate I read)

[Log]

Need some help here.

I have an opportunity to pick up either a 42" Plasma for $1200 or 50" Plasma for $2100. Both are brand new Panasonics. Not sure on the model number or anything.

Does anyone know if all Panasonic Plasma's come in full 1080p resolution?

Thanks for any help.

[photon]

For sure not. It's probably these ones:

http://www.panasonic.ca/english/audiovideo/plasma/specs_px75.asp

Some of them are, but only 50" ones or larger.

http://www.panasonic.ca/english/audiovideo/plasma/index.asp

[Cerebral]

I'm still debating which direction I should go in for a TV - I pretty much have three options:

1. Buy a decent 46-56' DLP TV - it won't be 1080p but it should still be decent enough.

2. Buy a decent 37' LCD TV - again, likely not 1080p.

3. Save up and buy a 40' LCD TV (likely a Samsung model that is 1080p).

I'm tempted to go the DLP route due to the price but I'd be curious to hear what others think. Size isn't really an issue for me, I'd ideally like something around 40' or so but a little bigger or smaller wouldn't be a huge deal.

[Hemi-Cuda]

I'm still debating which direction I should go in for a TV - I pretty much have three options:

1. Buy a decent 46-56' DLP TV - it won't be 1080p but it should still be decent enough.

2. Buy a decent 37' LCD TV - again, likely not 1080p.

3. Save up and buy a 40' LCD TV (likely a Samsung model that is 1080p).

I'm tempted to go the DLP route due to the price but I'd be curious to hear what others think. Size isn't really an issue for me, I'd ideally like something around 40' or so but a little bigger or smaller wouldn't be a huge deal.

DLP's are cheaper for a reason, the LCD will give you the better picture and no restrictions on viewing angle. you should just go to a store though and look at some, you may find the viewing angle not that much of an annoyance

[Cerebral]

DLP's are cheaper for a reason, the LCD will give you the better picture and no restrictions on viewing angle. you should just go to a store though and look at some, you may find the viewing angle not that much of an annoyance
Yeah, viewing angle is something that I'm not really all that concerned with. I'll primarily be using the TV for a PS3, hockey and movies which will likely all be observed from almost straight-on.

I've scoped out a bunch of TVs at the store so far - the best I've seen is a 40' Samsung LCD that is 1080p (I forget the model number but I know it's a brand new TV) but it's a little outside of my price range at $2300.

Is this image quality very different between a LCD and DLP outside of viewing angle?

[LockedOut]

I'm so tempted to buy this. According to people at Red Flag Deals this TV from Westinghouse has gotten good reviews. Anyone have any opinions or has this set.

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0926INGFS10090235&logon=&langid=EN

[Cerebral]

I'm so tempted to buy this. According to people at Red Flag Deals this TV from Westinghouse has gotten good reviews. Anyone have any opinions or has this set.

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0926INGFS10090235&logon=&langid=EN
Woh, that's dirt cheap. I'd be curious to hear any thoughts on this TV as well.

[Antithesis]

Wow, that is super cheap ... interesting to hear that it's received good reviews as well ...

[Finner]

I bought a 37 inch Envision from futureshop for $700 and it has been absolutely awesome. Its only 1080i, but the picture looks great, got tons of plugins for my xbox, wii, dvd player. It also came with a cable to plug into my laptop and computer so i can watch movies off my computer.

Great investment, no problems since i've had it for about 3 months. Extremely light weight and very favorable reviews before i bought it.

I'm looking at seeing if i can find a bigger envision lcd.

I would definately recommend it.

The 32 inch (looks the same, same specs) is on for $600 at futureshop right now. You can see it here:

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10078597&catid=

[GoFlamesGo]

I purchased a Samsung 1080P 52'' Widescreen LCD from Futureshop yesterday and have decided to go with the HDPVR with Bell. This is the first time I'll be setting up an HDTV. I’m a newb to all this and hope some of you guys can give me some tips/advice/best practices:

1. Would you consider getting the Product Service Plan on this lcd tv? ? I think Futureshop charges $499 for 2 years. I’m usually the kind of guy who always cheaps out of this kind of stuff, but since this is a pretty high-end tv, do you guys recommend it?

2. The sales guy highly recommended the Monster Power outlet. Is this really necessary? The unit he was trying to push to me was about $215.

3. Do I have to purchase HDMI cables to hook up the HDPRV to the tv? If so, where’s the best/cheapest place to get this kind of stuff. I know retail stores have a huge markup on these things.

4. Is there anything else that I would need to get this going?

5. Would you guys rather rent or purchase the 9200 HDPVR terminal with Bell? I'm going to need 2 of these units. The units cost $600/ each to buy or $20/ month/ each to rent. $1200 is a lot of money to dish out for 2 units, but paying an extra $40/ month to rent the terminals is pretty pricey too. I'm leaning towards buying the units because the rental fees will pretty much pay itself off in a little over 2 years. Then, I was doing some research last night and Bell is supposedly releasing a new HDPVR (MPEG-4) unit later this year. I really don't know what to do.

Thanks in advance.

[Vulcan]

I purchased a Samsung 1080P 52'' Widescreen LCD from Futureshop yesterday and have decided to go with the HDPVR with Bell. This is the first time I'll be setting up an HDTV. I’m a newb to all this and hope some of you guys can give me some tips/advice/best practices:

1. Would you consider getting the Product Service Plan on this lcd tv? ? I think Futureshop charges $499 for 2 years. I’m usually the kind of guy who always cheaps out of this kind of stuff, but since this is a pretty high-end tv, do you guys recommend it?

2. The sales guy highly recommended the Monster Power outlet. Is this really necessary? The unit he was trying to push to me was about $215.

3. Do I have to purchase HDMI cables to hook up the HDPRV to the tv? If so, where’s the best/cheapest place to get this kind of stuff. I know retail stores have a huge markup on these things.

4. Is there anything else that I would need to get this going?

5. Would you guys rather rent or purchase the 9200 HDPVR terminal with Bell? I'm going to need 2 of these units. The units cost $600/ each to buy or $20/ month/ each to rent. $1200 is a lot of money to dish out for 2 units, but paying an extra $40/ month to rent the terminals is pretty pricey too. I'm leaning towards buying the units because the rental fees will pretty much pay itself off in a little over 2 years. Then, I was doing some research last night and Bell is supposedly releasing a new HDPVR (MPEG-4) unit later this year. I really don't know what to do.

Thanks in advance.

My thoughts

1. I'd consider it but it's usually thought of as not a good deal.

2.Anything labeled Monster is usually overpriced.

3.You can use component cables instead. I'm not sure what cables Bell supplies with their 9200. I can't remember the name but there is a cable store in the notheast that has good prices, otherwise a computer store should have something cheaper than futureshop. Internet stores are also a good option. Monoprice has a good reputation and very cheap prices.

http://monoprice.com/home/index.asp

4. A good stereo?

5.Tough question.

[RyZ]

Picked up a 37" Sharp Aquos after dinner tonight and am very happy with it so far. I did alot of reading up in the past few days and am not sure if 1080p is worth the price for me.

[GoFlamesGo]

Thanks for responding Vulcan.

I went to Monoprice and picked up a bunch of HDMI wires for less then $5 each with shipping!

I'm still having a very tough time deciding if I should Rent or Buy the Bell HD PRV system. Who here rents or owns the receivers?

[ken0042]

I own. Mainly because I keep my receivers for more than 2 years.

Keep in mind the rental is like leasing a car- not like renting a telephone like back in the AGT days. When a newer better midel comes out it's not like you can switch. Whereas if you own the receiver you can sell it privately when the new model comes out.

[Vulcan]

Thanks for responding Vulcan.

I went to Monoprice and picked up a bunch of HDMI wires for less then $5 each with shipping!

I'm still having a very tough time deciding if I should Rent or Buy the Bell HD PRV system. Who here rents or owns the receivers?

I don't follow the market for the 9200 but you may be able to pick up a used one or two. If you go this route, check with Bell, before laying your money down, that there is no money or monthly charges owing against the STB. You'll need the serial number. This way you may not have to sign up for two years but you may have to pay for installation and a start up fee. Maybe buy or rent one from Bell so you get their deals, such as free installation, and buy the second used.

Another suggestion is to turn down the TV from vivid mode and maybe buy or rent a set up disc such as Digital Video Essentials.

[RyZ]

I read that from 8 feet away or more on a TV that is 50" or less the human eye can't detect the difference between 1080p and 720p. Any truth to this?

I have a 37" Sharp Aquos (720p) and my friend ha s 42" Samsung (1080p) and I can't tell the difference from where we sit (Appx 10' at both houses). As a matter of fact (may be biased towards my own gear) I think my TV has a better picture when watching HD content and playing HD video games.

[photon]

Yeah there's quite a bit of info on viewing distance..

http://www.myhometheater.homestead.com/viewingdistancecalculator.html

I've heard minimums of 2x diagonal for HD content, and 3x diagonal for SD content. Of course it also depends on if you are trying to go as big as possible without it looking crappy, or as small as possible and still benifit from the higher resolution.

[Bobblehead]

I read that from 8 feet away or more on a TV that is 50" or less the human eye can't detect the difference between 1080p and 720p. Any truth to this?

I have a 37" Sharp Aquos (720p) and my friend ha s 42" Samsung (1080p) and I can't tell the difference from where we sit (Appx 10' at both houses). As a matter of fact (may be biased towards my own gear) I think my TV has a better picture when watching HD content and playing HD video games.

True.

The human eye has only so much ability to detect detail.
There are charts (http://www.engadgethd.com/2006/12/09/1080p-charted-viewing-distance-to-screen-size/) the give rules of thumb for minimum resolutions at certain screen sizes and certain distances. If you sit pretty close to a big screen, you may notice the pixels on a 720p, whereas on a 1080p it would be fine.

If you are 10' away, you really won't start to notice a difference until the screen size is 50" or greater.

On top of that, each screen can have different colour levels, contrast, black levels, and so on that will make a huge difference in your enjoyment.

So between you and your friend, you probably won't notice a resolution difference (at least not until you sit a lot closer), but you probably do notice your TV is either set up better, or gives much better colour and contrast.

[Mike F]

I bought a 32" Sharp Aquos LC-32D62U a couple of months ago and have been extremely happy.

I'm not yet willing to go to a Blu-Ray or HD DVD, so am looking at upconverting DVD players like the Samsung DVD-HD960.

Any opinions on the technology in general and possibly that model in particular?

[cSpooge]

anyone know what I can use to clean my DLP TV screen? The guys who installed it said not to use any spray etc to clean it. But something dripped on the screen so now it has a couple streaks on it. Anyone know the best way to get rid of it?

[photon]

Hm, not sure but I use monitor wipes to clean my LCD TV, I assume they'd work on that too.

[WessThompson]

I am biased...but go with the Sony :D

I have the 46" XBR2...1080p (the only way to go) personally I think it's nicer than the XBR3...not much electronic differencehttp://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/Zester76/MISC.090.jpg

[photon]

Nice TV!

I just got my projector in today! Can't wait for my basement development to finish so I can set it up. Hello 92" screen!

[Bobblehead]

Nice TV!

I just got my projector in today! Can't wait for my basement development to finish so I can set it up. Hello 92" screen!

What type of a screen are you going to use?

[photon]

Heh, I don't know yet. I'm not positive on the size yet, so I haven't got the screen. want to set it up and play around with it to see how big/small I want. I could go down to 80", or if I go off centre on my wall (might have to to make it look natural with what else is there) I could even go over 100" I think.

And they're so expensive too. I've been reading the DIY section on avforums too, might go that route.

[Bobblehead]

I was reading someone on Ars who was talking about putting the centre channel in the wall behind and using an acoustically invisible material. I'm guessing that would be expensive.

[photon]

Yeah I've read about that too.. I don't think it's too bad compared to a good quality screen. In my case I'm not taking up the whole wall vertically with the screen so I have lots of room for a centre channel (I have 9' ceilings in the basement where this is going).

Some people do it so that dialog seems to come from the centre of the screen instead of above or below it. In that case, I'd rather just spend a few hundred on a second centre channel speaker and mount it so that there's one below and above the screen, then dialog sounds like it comes from the centre. Of course you need an amp then that'll handle either 2 centres or a 4 ohm centre if you wire them in parallel.

[photon]

http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2004391712124636532

Pics of the basement, there's paint and stuff now I'll post some more current pics later.

[Bobblehead]

Do you have good blinds to block out the light from the windows?

That has always been my concern about a projector - how dark does it need to be?

[photon]

Yeah that's going to be interesting, I'm curious too. I've read though that the newer ones have a much better contrast ratio and throw out more light so it's less of an issue, plus the screen is a factor as well. If you have a perfect light sealed room you can get grey screens with gains below 1.0 to get better colour and blacker blacks, or if you have a room with not perfect light control (like mine is) then you can get screens with gains from 1.1 to 1.4 to compensate (at the expense of contrast and black depth).

My wife wants curtains on there too, so between some good cellular blinds with the light stopping backing and thicker curtains I think we can do a pretty good job of it.

[ken0042]

I was reading someone on Ars who was talking about putting the centre channel in the wall behind and using an acoustically invisible material. I'm guessing that would be expensive.

That's also where the centre speakers are in a movie theatre. The trick I use when setting up a home theatre is to place the centre speaker as far behind the screen as possible; for example with an old style rear projection TV I would get a cheap shelf and place it on the wall.

It's also one of the reasons I don't want to mount my LCD on the wall; on a stand I can still have the centre channel placed correctly.

[Barnes]

What's the thing in the corner? Pizza oven?

Ceiling looks awesome. I am glad I am not your friend though. Would be a bitch to mud and tape. :)

[photon]

Lol, that's a fireplace. Got a really nice face for it too, and we're going to tile that whole part that it's on, will look really nice I think :)

Yeah, my dad's doing all the work. We're paying him well of course, because he's the only one I know that I can trust with doing the work.. and yeah that was his comment about it to, it was a real pain to do. He does good work though :)

[Sample00]

I need the help of the CP faithful.
wifey has given the go ahead to purchase a new TV for our new home.
I am just a little bit confused as to what the difference is between these two seemingly similar TV's

Sharp Aquos 1080p 46" LCD HDTV** (LC46D82U) $2799.98 at Best Buy

Sharp Aquos 1080p 46" LCD HDTV** (LC46D62U) $2499.98 at Best Buy

besides about a $300.00 difference in price. Will I actually notice the difference? I own a StarChoice Dish and will of course upgrade to the HD receiver.

And can these TV;s be purchased anywhere cheaper???

[photon]

Yeah there's a pretty big difference between the two. The 62U is a normal 60Hz refresh LCD, where the 82U is a 120Hz panel. That means two things. Images look smoother on the 120Hz panel (less wipe when fast movements happen).

The big thing for movie freaks is while 60Hz can't evenly be divided by 24, 120 can be. Movies are filmed in 24fps. So while a normal DVD has to go through a conversion (3:2 pulldown I think it's called) to convert the number of frames per second from the original source, the new high def movies can be displayed properly on 120Hz LCDs.

So for Starchoice viewing, there probably won't be a huge difference (though I think it would be noticable), while with movies I think it'd be a pretty significant difference. I've never seen a 120Hz panel live myself though, and everyone is different (some people would see a huge difference, some would see none).

Do what I did, just buy both and try them out! :D Annoying to return a 46" TV, but then you can be sure you like it.

For prices, Best Buy/Future Shop are usually pretty good, sometimes other places like Visions, Sounsurround, etc have sales on and they're cheaper. Costco has a 52" Aquos on for $3600 on their site, they may ones in store as well.

www.redflagdeals.com is a good site to go to to check out deals for TVs and stuff.



I need the help of the CP faithful.
wifey has given the go ahead to purchase a new TV for our new home.
I am just a little bit confused as to what the difference is between these two seemingly similar TV's

Sharp Aquos 1080p 46" LCD HDTV** (LC46D82U) $2799.98 at Best Buy

Sharp Aquos 1080p 46" LCD HDTV** (LC46D62U) $2499.98 at Best Buy

besides about a $300.00 difference in price. Will I actually notice the difference? I own a StarChoice Dish and will of course upgrade to the HD receiver.

And can these TV;s be purchased anywhere cheaper???

[Sample00]

For prices, Best Buy/Future Shop are usually pretty good, sometimes other places like Visions, Sounsurround, etc have sales on and they're cheaper. Costco has a 52" Aquos on for $3600 on their site, they may ones in store as well.

www.redflagdeals.com (http://www.redflagdeals.com) is a good site to go to to check out deals for TVs and stuff.

Thank you for all the good information, Photon. I had absolutely no idea there was such a difference.

[photon]

Actually I'm suprised that the difference is only $300!

[ken0042]

^^ Is it because the better model is newer; perhaps?

[Flames_Gimp]

Heh, I don't know yet. I'm not positive on the size yet, so I haven't got the screen. want to set it up and play around with it to see how big/small I want. I could go down to 80", or if I go off centre on my wall (might have to to make it look natural with what else is there) I could even go over 100" I think.

And they're so expensive too. I've been reading the DIY section on avforums too, might go that route.

I just set up a 130inch screen for my projector..i love it. where you getting your screen? i ordered the screen material from ebay and built the frame.

[Flames_Gimp]

Yeah that's going to be interesting, I'm curious too. I've read though that the newer ones have a much better contrast ratio and throw out more light so it's less of an issue, plus the screen is a factor as well. If you have a perfect light sealed room you can get grey screens with gains below 1.0 to get better colour and blacker blacks, or if you have a room with not perfect light control (like mine is) then you can get screens with gains from 1.1 to 1.4 to compensate (at the expense of contrast and black depth).

My wife wants curtains on there too, so between some good cellular blinds with the light stopping backing and thicker curtains I think we can do a pretty good job of it.

it has to be pretty dark with mine, any regular light blocking blinds or curtains work fine though. which projector you get? I have the Optoma HD70

[photon]

I just set up a 130inch screen for my projector..i love it. where you getting your screen? i ordered the screen material from ebay and built the frame.

Lol I got the same stuff! Just ordered it today.

I got the Sanyo Z5 projector, seems to be about the best 720p projector for that price range.

[Flames_Gimp]

Lol I got the same stuff! Just ordered it today.


lol good man!

im happy with the HD70...i love it

[Sample00]

well I picked up the

Sharp Aquos 1080p 46" LCD HDTV** (LC46D82U), I told the Brick about the best price I could find and they beat it by a $100.00. I got it for 2699.00 plus they are including it with my shipment from my original order.
so I am happy with that.
yahoo, HD here I come!!

[Thor]

lol good man!

im happy with the HD70...i love it

I'm looking to get that one, my H31 is getting old and since its almost $350 for a new bulb, may as well pony up for native 720 for not much more :D

[Da_Chief]

Have'nt gone into HD world at all yet.

So can someone walk me through? Who should i subscribe with? what reciever to get? What channels are worth and how much the service will cost me?

It seems like the best place to buy an HDTV would be Visions? Better options?

Mostly watch the sports and the news.

Any help will be much appreciated.

[photon]

Your choices for who to subscribe to are (in Calgary anyway) Shaw, Starchoice or Bell ExpressVu. They all have their positives and negatives, but in general the prices are about the same. I have Starchoice because their HD channels are free (or were, now you have to pay for some). The receivers are a couple of hundred bucks for an HD one, or more if you want a DVR.

Check out their websites and it'll give you an idea of what you are looking at for monthly fee, it all depends on what channel you want.

Visions is ok, Future Shop and Best Buy are also fine. I really like Costco since their return policy is so excellent.

[photon]

Does anyone know where in town I might be able to get a ceiling mount for a projector? It needs to be at least 12 inches long. Future Shop had one but it was very close to the ceiling.

[Ro]

well I picked up the

Sharp Aquos 1080p 46" LCD HDTV** (LC46D82U), I told the Brick about the best price I could find and they beat it by a $100.00. I got it for 2699.00 plus they are including it with my shipment from my original order.
so I am happy with that.
yahoo, HD here I come!!

You won't be disappointed sample. I LOVE my Aquos, and pimp it pretty hard to everybody I know looking for a TV. Get yourself a nice DVD player and even if you're not a videophile and don't get too technical/play around with the settings much, things are gonna look sweet.

[Mccree]

Ok I am looking for a TV for my basement.

Uses:

1: for the kids when they are annoying us
2: watch sports when my wife does not want too
3: Something that will be ok for a home theatre

Not looking to spend a huge amount( under 1500 ish) but I think we want nothing bigger than a 42 - 46 inch.

No expert on 720/1080 stuff but would like HDTV.

Any advice/recommedations.

Thanks

[Vulcan]

Ok I am looking for a TV for my basement.

Uses:

1: for the kids when they are annoying us
2: watch sports when my wife does not want too
3: Something that will be ok for a home theatre

Not looking to spend a huge amount( under 1500 ish) but I think we want nothing bigger than a 42 - 46 inch.

No expert on 720/1080 stuff but would like HDTV.

Any advice/recommedations.

Thanks

I haven't seeen any name brands like Sony, Sharp or Samsung 1080p LCDs for under $1500.
The Samsung 40" 4061 is on sale at the Brick on Tue. and WEd. for $1698. Other deals are out there and I hear a big sale is happening in Calgary soon.
Dropping down to a 720p set could save a lot of money and plasma would also be cheaper.
Costco has a good return policy and carries some of the second line brands.

Oh yeah, you get an upconveritng DVD player with that Samsung 1080p set. Best to look around at the various models to see what looks good to you.

[Mccree]

Dropping down to a 720p set could save a lot of money and plasma would also be cheaper.
Costco has a good return policy and carries some of the second line brands.

Oh yeah, you get an upconveritng DVD player with that Samsung 1080p set. Best to look around at the various models to see what looks good to you.

is there a huge difference between 720p and 1080 ?

[Vulcan]

is there a huge difference between 720p and 1080 ?

They say not. The closer you sit the more you might notice it. The 1080p sets are usually the top of the line so they may have better components. Other things to consider are contrast and response time and ability at showing standard definition TV signals. On the negative side, LCDs sometimes have problems with banding and backlight bleeding causing cloudiness. The best thing is to go look at a number of models yourself.

[Mccree]

Thanks.

[InSutterWeTrust]

So Im looking at a new tv, I was thinking going plasma, because I like to watch alot of sports and glare wont be aproblem Im putting the tv in my basement. I was in futureshop looking at tv's today and I understand the 720p, 1080p things, but one of the guys working there mentioned if I like sports I should look for at tv's with 120Hertz instead of 60. Is this infact true?
He said the faster hertz would help the tv keep up with sports, but I thought that was part of the reason why plasmas were better in the first place?

[Bobblehead]

Well, 120Hz is better, but not for the reason the salesman gave.

120Hz divides evenly into 60Hz(traditional NTSC frequency - that is how North American TV signals are broadcast (Europe and Japan use 50)), and 24Hz (the speed at which movies are filmed - 24 frames per second go through the projector).

It would be nice if there were more frames per second, but it doesn't come to your house that way so more 120Hz isn't a factor for sports.

[photon]

It does have a bit of visual impact though, I've read a few side by side reviews of 120Hz TV's and they said there is somewhat reduced ghosting and motion blur on 120Hz panels than 60Hz ones, it isn't that significant and the purchasing decision should be based more on the desire to see 1080p/24 movie content.

[kermitology]

Does anyone have an opinion on this set?

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0770HDS0010080000&catid=23524&logon=&langid=EN

[photon]

Visions is having that TV on sale on Saturday (flyer in today's Sun) for $1788!

30 units only though.

[kermitology]

Visions is having that TV on sale on Saturday (flyer in today's Sun) for $1788!

30 units only though.

Sweet jesus! But is it a good TV? Also.. is that 30 per store?

[TurnedTheCorner]

Well, 120Hz is better, but not for the reason the salesman gave.

120Hz divides evenly into 60Hz(traditional NTSC frequency - that is how North American TV signals are broadcast (Europe and Japan use 50)), and 24Hz (the speed at which movies are filmed - 24 frames per second go through the projector).

It would be nice if there were more frames per second, but it doesn't come to your house that way so more 120Hz isn't a factor for sports.
I was wondering if there was a real reason for 120Hz, not just salesmanship. Would the even division with film frame rate get rid of pulldown or whatever it's called?

[ken0042]

Kermit- I almost pulled the trigger on that TV last weekend. Not sure if it was that one or it's 720p cousin but Bestbuy had it on for $1499.

But as I said I didn't check to see if it was 720p or 1080p. For me it isn't that big of a deal; I don't watch movies; only broadcast TV. And by the time we get to 1080p broadcasts, there will be some newer, better, more areodynamic TV available; and the $500-700 I save today will pretty much cover that new TV.

I know I'm likely in the minority with my line of thinking.

[photon]

Sweet jesus! But is it a good TV? Also.. is that 30 per store?

I think it's a good TV, Aquos is usually very good.

[Bobblehead]

I was wondering if there was a real reason for 120Hz, not just salesmanship. Would the even division with film frame rate get rid of pulldown or whatever it's called?

3-2 pulldown (although there are a few methods).

And yeah, it should remove the need for that, but I haven't had a chance to work with anything like that, so I don't know if it just senses that pulldown isn't needed, or if there is a menu option in your DVD, or how specifically it works.

[Vulcan]

Sweet jesus! But is it a good TV? Also.. is that 30 per store?

Aquos, so I've heard, are considered top drawer TVs but some do have a problem. Go look at them and if you buy one and take it home and if it satisfies you, be happy. I've considered buying one but I'll stick with my 30" for now.

[kermitology]

Thanks all.. I think I'll be going to check them out tonight, and if I like it, then I'll buy something this weekend.

[Bobblehead]

Aquos, so I've heard, are considered top drawer TVs but some do have a problem. Go look at them and if you buy one and take it home and if it satisfies you, be happy. I've considered buying one but I'll stick with my 30" for now.

Yeah, I've read the LCD Black level is almost equal to a plasma, although that was the 82U version and this is the 62U version.

[Vulcan]

Yeah Bobblehead, if you get HD fever, nothing less than 1080p, 120Hz, 15,000 contrast level, 65 inch, 3 HDMI inputs, 4ms response, 93U will do. I like but

http://www.sharp.ca/products/index.asp?cat=30&id=687

[cal_guy]

Does anyone have an opinion on this set?

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0770HDS0010080000&catid=23524&logon=&langid=EN

Here's the CNET review.

[photon]

Finally updated pics on my basement HT development. Still a bit messy with some cleaning still to be done, and I have to clean up the cables on the hung projector, hang the screen, as well as get some furniture :D

At the bottom of the stairs (there's a bedroom behind but who cares about that):
http://aycu32.webshots.com/image/28391/2000797214734316898_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2000797214734316898)

Bathroom:
http://aycu10.webshots.com/image/25689/2000788400351961701_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2000788400351961701) http://aycu27.webshots.com/image/27826/2000711652100283942_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2000711652100283942)

Looking back at the hallway (one of my surrounds there):
http://aycu35.webshots.com/image/26194/2000713410714855410_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2000713410714855410)

Towards the bar area (light installed, bar coming later):
http://aycu34.webshots.com/image/27473/2004335537264450336_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2004335537264450336)

Towards the front:
http://aycu35.webshots.com/image/26274/2004387346635953908_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2004387346635953908)

The nook:
http://aycu33.webshots.com/image/28152/2004357698086201507_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2004357698086201507)

[photon]

And the rest:

The front where the screen will be:
http://aycu21.webshots.com/image/26220/2004360152599362620_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2004360152599362620)

The front again:
http://aycu14.webshots.com/image/28733/2004323155957287464_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2004323155957287464)

[kermitology]

Party at photon's!

[photon]

So I stopped by Future Shop on my way home from work today.. Visions is having a sale this weekend (they all are, this used to be that big Stampede sale weekend), and in the paper they advertised the Toshiba HDA2 HD-DVD player for $188!

So I ask FS to pricematch, and they did it. $178 (they beat by 10% of the difference) for an HD-DVD player!

Hooked it up to my projector tonight, and wow does it ever look sweet. Upscales regular DVDs pretty nicely as well (at least better than my projector was doing).

Soundsurround's flyer is coming out tomorrow in the Herald I think as well.

[Mccree]

So I stopped by Future Shop on my way home from work today.. Visions is having a sale this weekend (they all are, this used to be that big Stampede sale weekend), and in the paper they advertised the Toshiba HDA2 HD-DVD player for $188!

So I ask FS to pricematch, and they did it. $178 (they beat by 10% of the difference) for an HD-DVD player!

Hooked it up to my projector tonight, and wow does it ever look sweet. Upscales regular DVDs pretty nicely as well (at least better than my projector was doing).

Soundsurround's flyer is coming out tomorrow in the Herald I think as well.

Ya futureshop is matching everything and no line ups :)

[jayswin]

Damnit! That HD DVD player was on sale last weekend at futureshop for $199 and I missed it. Then I saw it at Soundsaround for $188 or whatever, but couldn't make it out to the sale Saturday morning. My first thought was 'hey, I wonder if futureshop would match the price', but then I thought they would just find some loophole because ity was a huge sale at soundsaround.

[Thor]

Hey Photon, nice setup. Just curious what projector is that?

Also how come you have the center channel so high instead of below the screen?

Regards to the ambient lighting, what will you do to limit the light from all the windows down there?

Looks great though, can't wait to see the final look.

[photon]

It's the Sanyo PLV-Z5. Came highly recommended by quite a few people, and I like it a lot. The best feature is there's a door which covers the lens and stuff and it's motorized. Keeps the lens clean and no need to climb on furniture to put the lens cap on.

Centre channel is high because the screen is going to sit fairly low.. middle of the screen at about eye height sitting down and the screen is 48 inches high or so. Plus I prefer the sound coming from above than below. I wired in a wire so I can put the centre channel below if I want, or even have two. Some people use two so the sound comes from the centre of the screen.

For light, will have to get blackout blinds at the very least, and probably drapes that have blackout fabric in them. During the day I can hardly see the projector image at all; it's very bright down there! :D

[DuffMan]

what is the best way to hook up a HDTV to a Shaw digital box, or SD -> dvd -> hdtv. I mean cable wise. I just hooked up HDTV yesterday, and I must say NFL looks kind of crappy. I'll get a shaw HD receiver, but probably not until next year. I only have the video cables (V & LR) hooked up at the moment.

[ken0042]

An SD signal will almost always look worse on an HDTV than it will on an HDTV. It's like listening to AM radio- if it's a basic radio and speakers it doesn't sound too bad. On a $3000 stereo system it sounds like crap.

Me, I would hook it up the way you have it; allowing the TV's internal processor take the analog signal and try to clean it up. Others will tell you to use an S-video cable to take advantage of the higher quality signal.

My bottom line; week 3 of the NFL and NHL just about to start- the time is now to get an HD box. Even if it goes on the credit card; the interest you pay will be worth it. Or go with Shaw's no interest plan.

[photon]

Yeah it can look pretty crappy depending on the TV and how far back you sit.

I have a 40" TV and SD actually looks not that bad on some shows like discovery and stuff, but on sports it looks bad. The model of TV can make a pretty big difference as well, I've got a Sony Bravia which has pretty good upscaling hardware in it so it does a decent job of making it look better. Play around with things like sharpness in your TV to see if you can make it better too.

An SVideo signal is still analog, just a better quality one so at the very least use an svideo cable (or component if your cable box has it) to get the signal to the TV.. the yellow ended composite is the worst possible one to use.

[ken0042]

An SVideo signal is still analog, just a better quality one so at the very least use an svideo cable (or component if your cable box has it) to get the signal to the TV.. the yellow ended composite is the worst possible one to use.

There you go- two opposite opinions. My suggestion is to try both S-video and composite; and see which you prefer. My thing against S-video is even though it is analog; it will also disable any filtering that is built into your TV.

[photon]

That used to be the case but with a newer HDTV I don't think it disables anymore; it has to convert it from 480i to the native res of the TV.

[Bobblehead]

As far as analog signal delivery goes:
cable < composite < svideo < component

Edit: and there can be a big difference between TVs as to how well they process the SD signal (scaling and deinterlacing).

[Hack&Lube]

repost

[CRXguy]

Hi Everyone,

I have a Samsung LNR329D(pretty sure that's the correct model #). Anyways, my HDMI connection on the back of the TV has come loose. So basically, if I plug the HDMI cord into the back of the TV, the picture does not show up. All I get is a green screen, but if I wiggle it and hold it without letting go, all is well.

Can anyone recommend a repair shop that can fix this? I think the connection is on a circuit board, so I'm not too comfortable trying to do the repair myself. If anyone can pass on some leads, that would be great.

Thanks.

[photon]

I don't know anyone, but a good bet would be to find out from Samsung who the warranty repair shop in town for them is, and give them a call.

[burnin_vernon]

Is there a difference in quality of HD between using component cables or one with an HDMI end on it?

[photon]

As with all things like this the answer is it depends. Component is more limited in bandwidth so it really will only do 720p / 1080i. If you have a 720p TV then there will be very little difference between the two (as long as your cables are decent).

But if you are running new HDDVD or Bluray stuff, then with component you can definately be sacrificing some quality. The newer HDMI 1.3a specs allow for 1080p/24 which is 24 frames per second movies (the frame rate that movies are actually shot in). It also allows for more colours, so if you have a display that supports it you can get more colours.

Another aspect of it is copy protection. HDMI supports HDCP which allows encrypted materials like HDDVD and Bluray to play on the TV. Right now players will also send high def signals over component, but the option is there for them to turn that off in the future, meaning to get high def content your only choice would be HDMI (or DVI I guess, HDMI is just DVI with a different connector and audio).

One other consideration is the audio. I think most high def players require HDMI to be able to output their highest quality audio. If you are using the speakers in the TV it's not a big deal, but if you have a home theatre it might be. Without HDMI and an HDMI receiver, you'd be limited to Dolby Digital and DTS, where with HDMI and an HDMI receiver you can get the high def lossless audio.

Clear as mud eh? If you post the specifics of your setup we can probably give a more specific answer.

[Cube Inmate]

Looking for cheap (a.k.a. reasonably-priced) HDMI cables. Can anyone recommend a supplier?--I'm looking for advice from your personal experience only...not simply reputation. I'd prefer something brick-and-mortar, but if online ordering is the only option for reasonable pricing, I'll take it.

Thanks

[Burninator]

If you choose to buy from online, I ordered a 6ft HDMI cable from monoprice.com. It was only $15 for a HDMI cable and it works like any other HDMI cable, but doesn't cost $200. Shipping did take a little longer than I was expecting. But if you don't need it right away then check them out. (I think shipping was a little over 2 weeks)

http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240

Here I actually started a thread about them and got some questions answered if you'd like to investigate more.

http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showthread.php?t=45435

[photon]

Monoprice! Great cables, I have a 35 foot HDMI one in my walls running a projector and it works perfectly, plus a bunch of others from them.

[Cube Inmate]

Thks guys. Will order tonight!

[Cerebral]

drr wrong forum.

[Cube Inmate]

Allrighty then...I'm feeling a little stupid, so I'll ask another one:

To connect TV to DVD/Receiver...6-foot lengths or less...which of the available products would you, the HD oracles, recommend? Selection of monoprice HDMI cables is here. (http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240)

I see cheap-ass ones at 28 AWG, and a couple of more expensive ones at 24 AWG.

[Burninator]

If it's any help I bought this one (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240&cs_id=1024002&p_id=2219&seq=1&format=2). Might as well go with 6ft. 3ft can be too short depending on your setup.

[Devils'Advocate]

Okily dokily. I just bought a PSP 2001 which has a video out port. You have to buy a Sony specific cable that plugs into the PSP on one end and then has component cables on the other end. Now here is the problem.

My flat screen plasma is nicely mounted on the wall and difficult to move. However, I was wise enough to realize that I might want to expand one day so I dropped down a spare composite set of cables and a spare HDMI cable.

Can I get a female-female cable so that I can plug the male component cable from the PSP into the male component cable already plugged into the TV?

Edit: Come to think of it, maybe what I really need is a component switch box. That way I can have the component VCR, component Wii and the component PSP all hooked up at the same time. That would work, eh?

[Devils'Advocate]

Never mind. I have everything working now. I ran to the nearest "Source", found a component selector on sale, and the PSP is working wonderfully on my Viera.

All set for next week's Final Fantasy Tactics - PSP. But tomorrow I'll go out and get Twisted Metal-Head On and Pirates!.

[Bobblehead]

Well, Sony has released (http://www.i4u.com/article11857.html) the first OLED display commercially.

The stunning XEL-1 is what Sony teased on Friday on their site in Japan. The XEL-1 is an 11 inch display that is only 3mm thin.
Other stunning performance indicators include a dramatic 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio and a low 45W power consumption.

Crazy expensive and only 11" but it is the first one. It'll only get better from here.

And Samsung is supposed to have released their LED Backlight displays, but I haven't seen any reviews yet.

[Incinerator]

Well, Sony has released (http://www.i4u.com/article11857.html) the first OLED display commercially.



Crazy expensive and only 11" but it is the first one. It'll only get better from here.

And Samsung is supposed to have released their LED Backlight displays, but I haven't seen any reviews yet.

That'd look sweet in my bedroom :D I think a quick weekender in Japan is in order

[Cube Inmate]

Has anybody bought an HDPVR box from Shaw lately using the "easy pay" plan? From the website, it looks like it's $21+tax / mo for 36 mo, but I'm not really clear whether or not "administration fees" are on top of that or what..?

Any voices of experience would be welcomed. Thanks

[photon]

I just got my Starchoice PVR installed today! I was going to switch to Shaw to take advantage of their free PVR for switching deal, but then Starchoice offered me a PVR to stay with them ($199, not free, but I wanted to stay with SC anyway).

I must say it's pretty cool, being able to record one channel while watching another, or programming it to record something at 3am. I already see the benefit for my kid's shows, he'll get to see more of his favorites.

Anyway, highly recommended.

[DuffMan]

I just got my Starchoice PVR installed today! I was going to switch to Shaw to take advantage of their free PVR for switching deal, but then Starchoice offered me a PVR to stay with them ($199, not free, but I wanted to stay with SC anyway).

I must say it's pretty cool, being able to record one channel while watching another, or programming it to record something at 3am. I already see the benefit for my kid's shows, he'll get to see more of his favorites.

Anyway, highly recommended.

I'm amazed at how fast an 8 yo learned to work the pvr. Now I have to go through pages of Lizzie Mcguire type shows to find Ultimate fighter recordings.

[burnin_vernon]

I just got back from helping a friend hook up his new home theatre (in a box) and while these things are idiotproof...well, nevermind.

I don't get it. We wanted to hook it up to his satellite receiver (starchoice) and that's it. However, the amplifier unit has one video OUT (yellow) and 2 audios (red white). How the hell does this work? Don't you need an IN on the satellite as well?

After staring in disbelief at the lack of connectivity options, I wondered if what he bought was just a DVD player with a built in amp that comes with speakers. Does that make sense? Would somebody knowingly buy this unit for the sole reason to play DVDs? Without any other connecting options, I can't see what more good this does than that.

Or I'm a meathead for not seeing something so simple.

Here is a link to a similar product (his is a model 55 instead, but the instruction manual shows this model as well in it). He bought it from Costco and oddly, when I google his model, there are only 4 or 5 results.

http://www.samsung.com/ca/products/hometheatres/hometheatres/ht_tx52txac.asp

Here is the PDF of a similar model's manual. The rear view on page 5 (8,9) is what his looks like.

http://downloadcenter.samsung.com/content/UM/200704/20070421083852515_X70_TX75T_ENG_CA_0323.pdf

[photon]

Going by that PDF, on page 5 the rear panel view, item #8 says AUX IN 2 which should be audio in (even though it's right below the video out), as well as #4 Digital Optical Input, which probably could also be used to hook up the Starchoice receiver.

The digital optical output is probably the better choice, if he's got a capable receiver from Starchoice then he'll get Dolby Digital 5.1 with the optical cable.

And make sure you aren't using the yellow video out as well, use the component or HDMI cable (unless he's got a really crappy TV).

[DuffMan]

Has anybody bought an HDPVR box from Shaw lately using the "easy pay" plan? From the website, it looks like it's $21+tax / mo for 36 mo, but I'm not really clear whether or not "administration fees" are on top of that or what..?

Any voices of experience would be welcomed. Thanks

I have to talk to them today about getting the hdpvr, but I'd wager that the fee is on top of it. you are talking about the $29 fee right.

edit - It's 21/month with a 1 time admin fee of 29.95

[Top Shelf]

Hi Everyone,

I have a Samsung LNR329D(pretty sure that's the correct model #). Anyways, my HDMI connection on the back of the TV has come loose. So basically, if I plug the HDMI cord into the back of the TV, the picture does not show up. All I get is a green screen, but if I wiggle it and hold it without letting go, all is well.

Can anyone recommend a repair shop that can fix this? I think the connection is on a circuit board, so I'm not too comfortable trying to do the repair myself. If anyone can pass on some leads, that would be great.

Thanks.


I know the Samsung Plasmas come with a 2-year manufacturer warranty, that should be covered on there.

[Hemi-Cuda]

question here to those using HDMI cables. currently i have my PVR hooked up to my HDTV with HDMI for video, and then a fiber optic cable running from the PVR to my receiver for audio. since i have extra HDMI cables, should i instead run 1 HDMI cable from the PVR to the receiver, and then the 2nd HDMI cable from the receiver to the TV? (it's a Harmon Kardon receiver with HDMI switching) is there any benefit to doing this?

[photon]

I doubt there's any benefit. The only time you don't want to use the optical audio out and use HDMI instead is if the source is high def audio, such as Dolby True HD or DTS HD or whatever, but your PVR likely won't have those (and your receiver has to be able to decode them as well).

For a HD DVD or Bluray player yes (assuming your receiver supports the high def audio and the player can actually stream the digital audio, which not all can), but for your PVR I don't think it's necessary.

[ken0042]

To me, the only "benefit" is that if you always use your amp, it makes switching easier; ie if you have another HDMI device. It's also handy if you have more HDMI devices than inputs on your TV.

But then if you want to watch the news and not have to run that audio through your amp, you'll be SOL.

[Juventus3]

Are there any devices which are made just for HDMI switching? I'm really starting to regret not buying an HDMI switching receiver last year.

[photon]

Yeah, OPPO has a good inexpensive one actually.

http://www.oppodigital.com/hm31/

Cheap too compared to some out there.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10110

There are some others, make sure and get one that's HDMI 1.3a.

[Juventus3]

Yeah, OPPO has a good inexpensive one actually.

http://www.oppodigital.com/hm31/

Cheap too compared to some out there.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10110

There are some others, make sure and get one that's HDMI 1.3a.

Thanks!

[Burninator]

Not sure if this should go in the computer thread or this one...

Ok, so I want to hook up my computer to my TV. I would like to keep a high quality connection between the two. My TV has one HDMI input which is currently being used by my PVR. My graphics card (8800 Ultra (http://www.memoryexpress.com/index.php?PageTag=&page=file&memx_menu=EmbedProductDetail.php&DisplayProductID=10279&SID=)) has two DVI slots and a VGA with adaptor. My TV however does not have a DVI slot. What is the best way to wire this up? Monoprice sells this (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10113&cs_id=1011303&p_id=2523&seq=1&format=2), but I don't know if it's any good, or if I should use one of those power units. Any suggestions?

[photon]

That takes a signal and splits it, what you need is an HDMI switcher like Juventus3 was asking about, and a DVI to HDMI cable. Then you can switch between the HDMI sources. You'll have to add audio cables as well.

[Burninator]

Thanks Photon. Dang I was hoping I wouldn't have to buy all that. Maybe I'll buy all that stuff in a couple weeks. Does DVI not have audio, because HDMI does have audio, right?

[photon]

DVI doesn't have audio no.

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=12855&vpn=50.J2401.001&manufacture=BENQ

Some screens will accept 1080p over component, so something like that might be worth playing around with.

[ken0042]

Just to throw a potential wrench into things- isn't the DVI output from your computer different than the DVI output from something like a satellite receiver?

All I know is the DVI out from my receiver would not go into a DVI monitor. Or maybe I was doing something wrong.

[photon]

There's different kinds of DVI (single link, dual link, etc) so yeah sometimes you have to get the right cable. But I use the DVI for my satellite receiver for my TV now. I used to use a DVI cable with a previous TV, and now I use a DVI to HDMI cable.

[Kerplunk]

Hey guys. I recently bought a new 42 inch LCD TV, primarily for my PS3, movies, and a XBOX360 in the future. These all show really well on the TV, since they are in HD. I will also occasionally watch SD channels, and this is where my question comes in. Right now I have the regular SHAW cable box, not the HD one. Does anyone know if getting a HD cable box will improve the SD output, or is it mainly to convert the HD channels correctly? Right now SD looks like it's running at 480 and motion sometimes looks blurry, and if the HD box improves the SD quality it would better justify the cost of the new box.

[photon]

The HD box won't improve the SD quality by very much.. SD is 480 and very poor quality to begin with, it's just more evident now that we have higher quality displays.

An expensive video upscaler (Silicon Optix Reon (http://www.siliconoptix.com/products/ReonVX/Features.cfm) for example) might be able to do a better job of it, but I've not seen a comparison in terms of SD television.

The receiver I want to get, the Onkyo 875, actually has that chip built into it.

[Vulcan]

Hey guys. I recently bought a new 42 inch LCD TV, primarily for my PS3, movies, and a XBOX360 in the future. These all show really well on the TV, since they are in HD. I will also occasionally watch SD channels, and this is where my question comes in. Right now I have the regular SHAW cable box, not the HD one. Does anyone know if getting a HD cable box will improve the SD output, or is it mainly to convert the HD channels correctly? Right now SD looks like it's running at 480 and motion sometimes looks blurry, and if the HD box improves the SD quality it would better justify the cost of the new box.

Like Photon says it probably won't improve your SD picture but I'd still get the HD box. I find I rarely watch anything in SD anymore except for hockey and news shows and only because I don't have a choice. SD 480i is just not made for big screen TVs and is on it's way out.

[Bobblehead]

And there go the analog tube TVs (in the US, at least).

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071017/ap_on_hi_te/best_buy_analog_televisions;_ylt=Aqfbheow88h5Ns1Sl fuNmt6s0NUE
MINNEAPOLIS - The nation's largest consumer electronics chain says it has pulled all analog televisions off store shelves. Flat panel and high-definition screens have taken their place.

[ken0042]

Keep in mind- in the US all broadcasts are going digital in 2009. Meaning there's an advantage to not selling a TV that won't work in 18 months.

Digital TVs are not always HDTVs.

[kermitology]

Question:

What TV service is best?

The condo building I'm in the process of moving to has Bell available to all units (no dish needed) so I'm wondering which is a better service to be with. Bell or Shaw?

I'm also planning on getting an HDTV (1080p) shortly (maybe tomorrow). So HD is a must

[TurnedTheCorner]

You'll find supporters and detractors of both services. My personal opinion is that Bell offers a superior product, in terms of channel selection and especially HD selection. I've read recently that Shaw has added more HD channels, so the availability of channels on each service is likely more similar now than in the past, if not the same.

Bell (via Dish Network in the States IIRC) has new MPEG4 HD receivers in the pipeline, which means more HD channels should be a possibility soon. But the old receivers won't work with this compression, so I'd be leery aboout buying a Bell HD receiver now without some serious thought and investigation.

Bottom line - avoid Telus TV! ;)

[photon]

Yeah Bell seems to have more channels.

Starchoice has been adding many HD channels as well, plus no contract and no extra fee for HD, and no extra receiver fees if you get a certain level of package.

Starchoice HD receivers are also ready for the new compression without having to swap out receivers or anything.

[kermitology]

Yeah Bell seems to have more channels.

Starchoice has been adding many HD channels as well, plus no contract and no extra fee for HD, and no extra receiver fees if you get a certain level of package.

Starchoice HD receivers are also ready for the new compression without having to swap out receivers or anything.

Starchoice isn't an option though. Not allowed to have dishes on the balcony and each unit can receive Bell.

[ken0042]

Just to qualify there Kermit- be sure they are offering Bell Expressvu satellite TV, and not the "Bell for condos" that is popping up all over Toronto. Easiest way to ask the question "So, if I already own a Bell receiver, then that's all I need- right?"

[kermitology]

Just to qualify there Kermit- be sure they are offering Bell Expressvu satellite TV, and not the "Bell for condos" that is popping up all over Toronto. Easiest way to ask the question "So, if I already own a Bell receiver, then that's all I need- right?"

Well there is some deal offered through Satellite City, so I'd hope so!

[Vulcan]

Well there is some deal offered through Satellite City, so I'd hope so!

Check to make sure that the Bell service offers HD. I've also heard that if your balcony is facing the right direction, you can disguise your dish to make it look like a plant or something. http://forum.calgarypuck.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

[browna]

In preperation for our new HDTV coming in a month, where is the best place to get cheaper, quality HDMI cables, here in town? I never bought into the Monster hype, there has to be other options for HDMI.
Just using component cable on our current HD...

[photon]

In town, not many cheap options unfortunately :(

Monoprice.com is your best bet. It takes a bit for them to come in but it's worth the wait.

Otherwise, check out PS3 HDMI cables actually, I think I saw them for pretty cheap at EB Games. Also maybe Home Depot, Wal Mart, or Radio Shack.

[Burninator]

/\ I second monoprice.com. I bought a 6ft HDMI cable from there and it works no problem. Just a couple days ago I put through another order and a 6ft HDMI was just over $11.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240&cs_id=1024002&p_id=2219&seq=1&format=2

[simmer2]

I'm finally looking at buying a flat screen TV, as prices have come down to a pretty affordable level.

We're going for a 42" TV because the room is a little smaller and I really don't know whether to go with Plasma or LCD. It looks I can get a 1080p LCD for the same price as a regular plasma without the 1080p.

The one that has kind of peaked my interest is the LG 42LB5D 42" 1080p LCD HDTV. It has a refresh rate of 5ms and a 7000:1 contrast ratio, both of which seem quite good. The price is also reasonable at $1699.

I guess these are my questions:

1) Should I go with 1080p LCD if I can, or a plasma that doesn't have 1080p? Plasma's with that technology are getting out of my price range. (Looking to spend around $1700).

2) Does anybody have the LG TV I'm talking about? All the reviews I've read sounded good, except for the CNET one which has me worried.

3) Can anyone recommend something better than what I've found, or at least send me on the right direction? I'm going to be watching movies and sports, that's about it.

[photon]

I had an LG for a short amount of time (returned it for a Sony).

The quality was decent to me, though it did have some back light consistency issues (when the TV is showing all black or a dark scene the screen brightness is uneven). The Sony is much better, though it should be for the extra $$ it was.

LG isn't a top of my list brand, but I still think their stuff is good.

Interestingly enough there was a recent report put out by J.D. Power and Assc. about customer satisfaction, and the results were kind of surprising to me:

Customer Satisfaction Index Ranking
37- to 49-inch HDTV Segment
(Based on a 1,000-point scale)

Sony BRAVIA LCD................815
LG LCD.........................799
LG Plasma......................794
Samsung Plasma.................793
Samsung LC.....................791
Average........................789
Panasonic Vieta Plasma.........788
Sharp AQUOS LCD................783
Philips Plasma.................775
Hitachi Plasma.................769
Vizio LCD......................765
Philips LCD....................765
Westinghouse LCD...............763
Sony BRAVIA Plasma.............761
Toshiba LCD....................760
Olevia LCD.....................722

http://boston.stockgroup.com/sn_newsreleases.asp?symbol=MHP&newsid=9307969

Not the be-all of LCD quality, but interesting.

[TurnedTheCorner]

I'm surprised to see Toshiba and Sharp so low on that list. LG's placement surprises me too, personally.

[photon]

Me too!

On their site you can see the different criteria:

http://www.jdpower.com/electronics/ratings/hdtv/37-to-49

Even by display quality, LG is still higher than I would have thought.

[burns2002]

You should look at the replacement warranty. Does it take 1 or 5 dead pixels before you get a replacement. I went with a sony over LG for that reason.

[simmer2]

Me too!

On their site you can see the different criteria:

http://www.jdpower.com/electronics/ratings/hdtv/37-to-49

Even by display quality, LG is still higher than I would have thought.

Thanks for the info photon. This gives me a bit more information to make a decision with.

burns2002You should look at the replacement warranty. Does it take 1 or 5 dead pixels before you get a replacement. I went with a sony over LG for that reason.

I'll have to check that out. Is it dependent on the place I buy it at? The problem is Sony's are quite a bit more expensive.

[Cerebral]

Erp, wrong forum! :)

[Vulcan]

Here's a 40" Samsung 1080p for $1698 for your consideration.
http://www.thebrick.com/Application/Cart/BuyRoom.asp?TraderID=34DC92B9-3DBD-438F-AA0B-BD0F699D5896&Code=LNT4061F&ProductID=13E4B3CD-C6DE-45B6-9784-34DAC173C656&SellOrderId=57699D98-B09D-4C1D-ACB0-B0D928A0F453&CategoryID=0DFE7B6E-D62A-49D6-8E82-C9388E596770&SiteCode=EN&CategoryTracking=AC663499%2DC457%2D425B%2DBA96%2D8 DF1C5E99539%2C0DFE7B6E%2DD62A%2D49D6%2D8E82%2DC938 8E596770

Here's a better one for $1798
http://www.thebrick.com/Application/Cart/BuyRoom.asp?TraderID=34DC92B9-3DBD-438F-AA0B-BD0F699D5896&Code=LNT4065F&ProductID=1095B6B3-60BD-4332-94BB-A884B8F40A50&SellOrderId=27BC6D07-9ABE-4E24-9E08-3B27F0E3F899&CategoryID=0DFE7B6E-D62A-49D6-8E82-C9388E596770&SiteCode=EN&CategoryTracking=AC663499%2DC457%2D425B%2DBA96%2D8 DF1C5E99539%2C0DFE7B6E%2DD62A%2D49D6%2D8E82%2DC938 8E596770

[Top Shelf]

I'm finally looking at buying a flat screen TV, as prices have come down to a pretty affordable level.

We're going for a 42" TV because the room is a little smaller and I really don't know whether to go with Plasma or LCD. It looks I can get a 1080p LCD for the same price as a regular plasma without the 1080p.

The one that has kind of peaked my interest is the LG 42LB5D 42" 1080p LCD HDTV. It has a refresh rate of 5ms and a 7000:1 contrast ratio, both of which seem quite good. The price is also reasonable at $1699.

I guess these are my questions:

1) Should I go with 1080p LCD if I can, or a plasma that doesn't have 1080p? Plasma's with that technology are getting out of my price range. (Looking to spend around $1700).

2) Does anybody have the LG TV I'm talking about? All the reviews I've read sounded good, except for the CNET one which has me worried.

3) Can anyone recommend something better than what I've found, or at least send me on the right direction? I'm going to be watching movies and sports, that's about it.

My buddy at work is looking at a home theater package and he found what looks like a decent deal at the Brick. It's a pretty sweet TV, and the sound system is almost like a throw-in, check it out.

http://thebrick.com/Application/Cart/BuyRoom.asp?SiteCode=EN&ProductCode=KDL40VHTP

I know some people will say negative things about the Home Theater in a Box, but if you're looking for bang for your buck, that deal looks pretty good. For $1998, a decent deal I think.

The Sony Bravia LCD also happens to be at the top of Photon's list :)

I guess what makes this a deal is if you have an existing sound system.

[ken0042]

I know some people will say negative things about the Home Theater in a Box, but if you're looking for bang for your buck, that deal looks pretty good. For $1998, a decent deal I think.

That same TV is on "sale" for $1999 at Best Buy, so getting the HTiB for free makes it a good deal.

I also echo the choice of the Bravia as well. I borrowed one for Superbowl just prior to getting my TV (A Dell branded Phillips TV) and I found the Sony to be much better.

[simmer2]

My buddy at work is looking at a home theater package and he found what looks like a decent deal at the Brick. It's a pretty sweet TV, and the sound system is almost like a throw-in, check it out.

http://thebrick.com/Application/Cart/BuyRoom.asp?SiteCode=EN&ProductCode=KDL40VHTP

I know some people will say negative things about the Home Theater in a Box, but if you're looking for bang for your buck, that deal looks pretty good. For $1998, a decent deal I think.

The Sony Bravia LCD also happens to be at the top of Photon's list :)

I guess what makes this a deal is if you have an existing sound system.

Yeah, we do have a sound system at home we're likely going to hook it up to, so I don't know if I'd spring for the boxed deal. It is a pretty good deal, but I'll likely just spend my money on the TV itself. But which one to get...it's a good problem to have I suppose.

[TimSJ]

I am looking at the following package at Futureshop..

Any comments on whether this is a good investment for me. It is on for a price of $2999

Samsung 1080p 46" Widescreen LCD HDTV** (LNT4661F)
Samsung Blu-ray Player (BD-P1400) (http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0665000FS10091581&catid=25323&logon=&langid=EN)
Yamaha Speaker Package (NSAP7800PKG) (http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0665000FS10094084&catid=14700&logon=&langid=EN)
Yamaha 5.1 Channel A/V Receiver (HTR6030B) (http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0665000FS10085833&catid=10551&logon=&langid=EN)

Thanks for the help as always CP

[ken0042]

There are some others, make sure and get one that's HDMI 1.3a.

Just curious, what is the difference?

I'm guessing better speed which will make a difference as we go towards 1080p and 1440p- is that it?

Just have a buddy who wants me to help him fish some HDMI cable, and he's current balking at the price.

[Bobblehead]

Just curious, what is the difference?

I'm guessing better speed which will make a difference as we go towards 1080p and 1440p- is that it?

Just have a buddy who wants me to help him fish some HDMI cable, and he's current balking at the price.

Bandwidth is the main difference. It will allow up to 16bit colourspaces (even though everything HD right now is 8bit). I also allows some Audio improvements to allow things like Dolby-TrueHD to be passed to an external decoder.

So really, all 1.3a does is futureproof yourself.

Here is a good explanation
http://www.audioholics.com/education/display-formats-technology/understanding-hdmi-ver-1.3

[ken0042]

Thanks Bobblehead. I'm just trying to talk my buddy out of running component cable and getting HDMI instead.

So would you agree with the following:
Component <<<<<<< HDMI 1.0 << HDMI 1.3a