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

[Burninator]

The only way I've got it to work is unplugging my computer monitor and visa versa for getting the computer to turn back on. I'll do a search and see what I come up with.

[browna]

Thanks for advice from Monoprice for the HDMI cable.

Since I am going to be re-doing everything, its probably wise to get an upgraded over the power bar I have right now, which is nothing more then a surge protector.

Again, nothing fancy needed I guess, just something to protect that new TV, of course as well with current receiver, DVD amd cable box.

Also again, not believing in the Monster Marketing Hype for the $, does any heavy duty, home theatre focused, power bar work?
Thanks,

[photon]

Good question! Something I've been thinking about recently.

I guess the question is what do we really need it to do. To me it's basically to protect the equipment from power spikes and lightning strikes.

I read this:

http://www.askthebuilder.com/235_Sur...ear_Out_.shtml

I like the idea of a whole house one.

http://www.apc.com/products/family/index.cfm?id=323

Not sure how much to spend on one though.

Part of me really just wants to get something like this though:

http://www.ecost.com/Detail.aspx?edp=38568283

And at that cost, that's not that bad.

[Vulcan]

Originally Posted by return to the red

so now that you guys have gone waaaayyy over my head lets dumb it down a bit. Seems how there really are only a few actual manufacturers. Does it really make sense to purchase a Pioneer or Panasonic Plasma over a Toshiba, Samsung, etc.

In my opinion the better manufacturers use better components to do their scaling, etc. and this is noticable in their picture.

[Galakanokis]

Hey guys.

Just looking for some opinions on the new Samsung HL-T5687 LED DLP tv. Anybody have one yet?

Also just wondering on average how much did you guys get off of the sticker price? Or were you able to get something included in the deal.

Lastly. Any thoughts on the up converting amps. I have seen them and read some on them just wondering if anybody has one and if it would be a good investment?

Thanks.

[Vulcan]

Here's some more good news on EXpressVues new mpeg4 satellite PVR 9242. When Bell changes over to mpeg4 [2010] they will replace the current HD receivers that subscribers have.

http://www.digitalhome.ca/content/view/2079/206/

[simmer2]

Does anybody own a LG LBX series? I'm looking at a 42" LG 120Hz 1080p Full HD TV, and it's at a pretty reasonable price ($2199). I understand that 120Hz is the way to go, and this television is the only one that offers it at a reasonable price.

Any thoughts?

[Top Shelf]

Originally Posted by Vulcan

Here's some more good news on EXpressVues new mpeg4 satellite PVR 9242. When Bell changes over to mpeg4 [2010] they will replace the current HD receivers that subscribers have.

http://www.digitalhome.ca/content/view/2079/206/

Interesting, I'm curious about this part though:

In early 2008 we plan on opening up the USB port to allow photo applications on the 9242 which means you can use a USB key to do a slideshow on your TV.

So if they are opening up a USB port on the receiver, does that mean that you can hook up a USB hard drive now? I can't imagine they would allow it, but it certainly opens up the possibility.

[TurnedTheCorner]

Hmm - did that say that the 9242 is out already? I'm on the phone with Bell switching my rental 9200 for one right now!

With this thing having an ethernet port, I really, REALLY need to find a wireless bridge to connect all of my HT stuff to my wirelesss network. I'm not running network cable all over the floor in my HT room. This stuff should have built in WiFi.

[I-Hate-Hulse]

I've got an Xbox 360 VGA cable - what kind of an adapter (ie DVI-I, DVI-D), do I need to get it to work with my DVI TV?)

Thanks

[TurnedTheCorner]

Originally Posted by I-Hate-Hulse

I've got an Xbox 360 VGA cable - what kind of an adapter (ie DVI-I, DVI-D), do I need to get it to work with my DVI TV?)

Thanks

One of these should do it...

http://www.cablesbyacc.com/products/...egory=Adaptors

[cSpooge]

Did anyone get the Westinghouse TV that was on sale during Dell days of deals and if you did do you have the built in tuner working with shaw for HD or anything. My parents bought it and they were using my HD box before but my TV is fixed so they have to use the built in one.

[photon]

AFAIK you can't use the built in tuner for Shaw for HD, the tuner is for over the air type HD channels (which I don't think we have here).

My parents have a HD receiver from Shaw on theirs, they have this TV.

[cSpooge]

Originally Posted by photon

AFAIK you can't use the built in tuner for Shaw for HD, the tuner is for over the air type HD channels (which I don't think we have here).

My parents have a HD receiver from Shaw on theirs, they have this TV.

I thought so but I figured I would ask.

[Table 5]

ok, Ive waded through this whole thread, and to be honest, i'm more confused now than ever, ha. But I have a couple of simple questions that hopefully those in the know can answer.

1. I live in a railroad apt. (aka, a glorified hallway), so 32" is the biggest I can realistically have in my living room. The question arises whether to get 720 or 1080p (which only Sharp seems to offer at that size). Is it truly worth it? Some seem to think you can't tell the difference at such a small size, while others argue it's the same. Is it worth the extra money? Seems like you can get a Toshiba for $600 bucks here....is it truly different from a $900 Samsung?

1. Sony vs. Samsung vs. Sharp
These 3 seem to get the best reviews all around, but is there anyone that people here prefer over the other at this size? Or perhaps another brand like Toshiba (which Ive always liked as a brand myself)? Ive read in some places that Sharp's tend to hit the shop more often than the others...is that something to be concerned about?

While I definitely want to get it watch Flames games, I (sadly) do a lot of regular tv watching, so something that looks decent in Standard Def would be nice. Obviously, the more channels switch to HD the better, but seems like there are still lots of SD channels out there. What features should i be looking for with this in mind?

thanks for any help guys, and sorry if I'm asking dumb questions.

[Vulcan]

I think the 1080p at 32" is probably for gaming, so if you're going to hook it up to a console or computer, 1080p would be good. Maybe it will shine at BLue Ray or HD DVD.
I've heard Sony is good for SD but take some looks for yourself.
Try reading some reviews like on CNET and visit forums like AVS and Digital Home Canada.

[photon]

Originally Posted by Table 5

1. I live in a railroad apt. (aka, a glorified hallway), so 32" is the biggest I can realistically have in my living room. The question arises whether to get 720 or 1080p (which only Sharp seems to offer at that size). Is it truly worth it? Some seem to think you can't tell the difference at such a small size, while others argue it's the same. Is it worth the extra money? Seems like you can get a Toshiba for $600 bucks here....is it truly different from a $900 Samsung?

I think it depends on a few things.. distance is the biggest factor though, and if you have a small place and are only 4-5 feet away and have sharp eyes it might make a difference. The only real way to tell is to try it though, buy two and return one Pain in the ass yes, but then you know for sure and won't second guess yourself.

If you were using it as a second computer monitor, for example, you'd be close enough that 1080p would totally be noticeable.

1. Sony vs. Samsung vs. Sharp
These 3 seem to get the best reviews all around, but is there anyone that people here prefer over the other at this size? Or perhaps another brand like Toshiba (which Ive always liked as a brand myself)? Ive read in some places that Sharp's tend to hit the shop more often than the others...is that something to be concerned about?

I think a bit ago there was that survey of customer satisfaction and Sony came out on top. I have to Sony Bravias and they're very nice. I know people with both Sharp and Samsung ones and they all love them too. Not sure about repair rates, but I would suggest maybe trying to get it from Costco, their return and warranty support is awesome.

While I definitely want to get it watch Flames games, I (sadly) do a lot of regular tv watching, so something that looks decent in Standard Def would be nice. Obviously, the more channels switch to HD the better, but seems like there are still lots of SD channels out there. What features should i be looking for with this in mind?

The ability of the TV to upscale a SD picture nicely is something that varies widely from TV to TV, and something that cheaper units typically skimp out on. I really like my 40" Bravia's upscaling, it looks quite good. My friend has a 32" Sharp and I don't like it as much, it just looks more fuzzy to me.

That's something that a detailed review might tell about a specific TV, or check on a place like http://www.avsforum.com/ for people's experiences with a specific TV.

[photon]

Originally Posted by Vulcan

I think the 1080p at 32" is probably for gaming, so if you're going to hook it up to a console or computer, 1080p would be good. Maybe it will shine at BLue Ray or HD DVD.
I've heard Sony is good for SD but take some looks for yourself.
Try reading some reviews like on CNET and visit forums like AVS and Digital Home Canada.

Good point, the source has to be 1080p as well. Funny thing is most PS3 and XBox 360 games aren't 1080p, they're 720p upscaled!

Bluray and HD-DVD are 1080p though.

I watched Pixar's Cars on Bluray a few nights ago on my 720p projector (that has a 102 inch screen) at a distance of maybe 13', and it looks amazing. I could probably tell the difference with a 1080p projector, but not $2000 worth of difference (the additional cost of a 1080p projector).

[TurnedTheCorner]

Personally, I would suggest a 720p set for a 32" screen size. I don't think the difference between 720p and 1080p would noticeable on that screen size.

[Bobblehead]

Originally Posted by TurnedTheCorner

Personally, I would suggest a 720p set for a 32" screen size. I don't think the difference between 720p and 1080p would noticeable on that screen size.

I would concur. Unless you are 5' away from it you probably wouldn't notice a difference on a screen that small.

Check out this link: http://s3.carltonbale.com/resolution_chart.html

According to it, a 32" screen looks like you need to be 4' or closer to notice a difference between 720p & 1080p

As for your other question, how well a TV plays standard definition (SD) is one of the things that cheaper brands tend to skimp on. The good scaler chips aren't cheap. I have heard each of the models listed have some good sets (particularly Sony) but figure out the models you are interested in then look up reviews. Any review worth reading should mention how well it scales SD.