Thoughts on this Sharp HDTV?

[Draug]

Agreed with Vulcan entirely. Less than 7-8ft, you'll benefit from a 1080p. For me, I think its about 8.5 feet where I can start to see an improvement in visual quality.

But, keep in mind that all HDTV is currently broadcast at 720p. Only the Blu-ray, Hd-Dvd, PS3/Xbox, and a computer benefit from the 1080p. But, even though a broadcast is 720p, if you are close enough to the screen, it will look better on a 1080p screen simply because there are more pixels.

But . . .

All that being said, I am close to pulling the trigger on the TH-58PH10UKA Panasonic. Its only 720p, but is only $3150 including Shipping/GST to my door. In comparison, the best I can do on a 65", is the 1080p TH-65PZ750U from Montana, which will cost me $6000 Cdn total, including driving down there to pick it up. The TH-65PF10UK, which I like better, and has 24p processing is about $7600 when to get it home. Too much.

Given what I really want is $7600, I am thinking the 1 year stop gap solution would be the 58". Am I crazy?

[nik-]

yes you're crazy, the 65" isn't going to reduce in price by $3200 in one year so you're definitely going to be wasting money.

There's nothing worse than regretting a major electronics purchase, I would buy the TV you want.

[metallicat]

Thanks for all the help guys, it turns out I can't buy this TV as planned now. But if it's still around when I am able to, I'll probably pick it up. Everything just looks right about it.

[NuclearFart]

Not sure if it matters anymore, but I have this exact TV, and I have no complaints. Back when I was researching it, I also bought the comparable Sony Bravia and this one, and set them both up in my living room to see if the Sony was worth the extra few hundred more. The sharp was pretty much identical to the sony Bravia for HD, but the Sony looked slightly better for SD (but not enough to justify the extra cost, plus I prefered the look of the Sharp). The Sharp also had the widest viewing angle for this bracket, which is a bonus when you've got lots of friends over.
________
Leather live

[metallicat]

No, I appreciate the comments NF. Thanks.

[metallicat]

I'm going to buy this TV tonight. What is the consensus on extended warranties?

[Dion]

Originally Posted by Russic

I also have this model and I will agree with the above post . . . it rocks. I have my shaw hd and ps3 hooked up to it. Absolutely amazing, you're going to love video games on it.

My one comment is this: pay attention to the minimum distance specs. This isn't going to make or break it, but I actually am shocked at how much it can matter.

There is currently 10.5 feet between my couch and my screen. According to the guidelines I read, at that distance the max screen size you should get is 46". I went with the 42" purely because of financial restrictions. Anyways, I set up my system and everything is beautiful. However, when i stand up and take a step towards the tv I notice some artifacts so the picture doesn't look as "clean" as it does when i'm literally 2 feet further back. I had no idea the difference could be that dramatic and I'm very happy I didn't go with a bigger screen.

The distances was something i was going to ask. Thinking about upgrading to HD TV. Just not sure if i should get LCD or Plasma.

[Vulcan]

Originally Posted by oilers_fan

I'm going to buy this TV tonight. What is the consensus on extended warranties?

The consensus is, don't buy them as 'everybody knows' if things are going to go wrong, they'll go wrong in the first year, but it's a personal decision and YMMV.

Another thing, some credit cards double warranty period so check on that.

[Vulcan]

Originally Posted by Dion

The distances was something i was going to ask. Thinking about upgrading to HD TV. Just not sure if i should get LCD or Plasma.

Personally, I've revised my views on sitting distances and think that as close as possibe is best. I'm planning on getting a 46" or 50" 1080p TV and I'll be sitting 6' to 7' away. I'll probably be only watching HD on this TV so I think it will work well for giving more of a cinema experience.

I currently have a 32" 1366x768 [720p] in my computer room and it is only 4' away [1 1/2 distance of screen size] and it is fine as a TV at that distance and is good enough to be used as a computer screen.

The pixel pitch of a 32" at 1366x768 is .511
The pixel pitch of a 42" at 1920x 1080 is .4845
The pixel pitch of a 46" at 1920x 1080 is .531
so at 1 1/2 distance the picture on the 46" TV will be slightly worse than my 32" TV.
For reference a 19" widescreen computer monitor has a pixel pitch of.285 and lower is better.

We've all grown up with watching CRTs at a far distance and expect a certain size of image at that distance. I think it's time to change our viewing ideas to get more of that cinema experience.

Check out this viewing distance calculator and note the THX [4.7'] and SMPTE [5.7'] distance recommendations for a 42" TV. The maximum viewing distance for a fully resolved 1080 picture is 5.5'

[Dion]

Originally Posted by Vulcan

Personally, I've revised my views on sitting distances and think that as close as possibe is best. I'm planning on getting a 46" or 50" 1080p TV and I'll be sitting 6' to 7' away. I'll probably be only watching HD on this TV so I think it will work well for giving more of a cinema experience.

I currently have a 32" 1366x768 [720p] in my computer room and it is only 4' away [1 1/2 distance of screen size] and it is fine as a TV at that distance and is good enough to be used as a computer screen.

The pixel pitch of a 32" at 1366x768 is .511
The pixel pitch of a 42" at 1920x 1080 is .4845
The pixel pitch of a 46" at 1920x 1080 is .531
so at 1 1/2 distance the picture on the 46" TV will be slightly worse than my 32" TV.
For reference a 19" widescreen computer monitor has a pixel pitch of.285 and lower is better.

We've all grown up with watching CRTs at a far distance and expect a certain size of image at that distance. I think it's time to change our viewing ideas to get more of that cinema experience.

Check out this viewing distance calculator and note the THX [4.7'] and SMPTE [5.7'] distance recommendations for a 42" TV. The maximum viewing distance for a fully resolved 1080 picture is 5.5'

Some excellent points Vulcan. I should have added that the TV will not be used for gamming but more so for watch DVD and and TV. Mosty like a 42" for the den upstairs. Gotta raise some funds first though.

I did get a chance to watch my brothers 42" HD TV while at his place while on vacation. The bigger screen and HD progaramming got me quite interested. Watching the Deadliest Catch on HD was an eye opener. Coming back home to CRT really sucks!

[Vulcan]

Originally Posted by Dion

Some excellent points Vulcan. I should have added that the TV will not be used for gamming but more so for watch DVD and and TV. Mosty like a 42" for the den upstairs. Gotta raise some funds first though.

I did get a chance to watch my brothers 42" HD TV while at his place while on vacation. The bigger screen and HD progaramming got me quite interested. Watching the Deadliest Catch on HD was an eye opener. Coming back home to CRT really sucks!

As Ken has said make sure you get a HD STB with your HDTV and yeah, HD is like going to a stronger drug. SD just doesn't cut it anymore. Wait till you watch HD hockey and football.

[Dion]

Originally Posted by Vulcan

As Ken has said make sure you get a HD STB with your HDTV and yeah, HD is like going to a stronger drug. SD just doesn't cut it anymore. Wait till you watch HD hockey and football.

Forgive my ignorance but what is an HD STB?

Blonde moment - got it!

[metallicat]

I am so sick and ing tired of Futureshop and their moronic commissioned salesmen. I have 500 dollars in Futureshop gift cards to spend, so I want to buy my TV there. Futureshop #1 tonight...salesman with the worst sales tactics EVER. I told him specifically what I wanted, and he proceeded to act like an idiot while parading me all around the store telling me flat out why I was making the wrong purchase.

Store #2 had two employees chit chatting away while I stood around and looked at the TVs for about 20 minutes. Finally he asked me if I had any questions, and I told him that I didn't anymore, and told him why.

Store #3 was fine, but the TV I settled on (a Samsung, not the Sharp) was out of stock.

I swear to God I could make a killing selling TVs. These people don't know how to deal with people.

[Dion]

Originally Posted by oilers_fan

I am so sick and ing tired of Futureshop and their moronic commissioned salesmen. I have 500 dollars in Futureshop gift cards to spend, so I want to buy my TV there. Futureshop #1 tonight...salesman with the worst sales tactics EVER. I told him specifically what I wanted, and he proceeded to act like an idiot while parading me all around the store telling me flat out why I was making the wrong purchase.

Store #2 had two employees chit chatting away while I stood around and looked at the TVs for about 20 minutes. Finally he asked me if I had any questions, and I told him that I didn't anymore, and told him why.

Store #3 was fine, but the TV I settled on (a Samsung, not the Sharp) was out of stock.

I swear to God I could make a killing selling TVs. These people don't know how to deal with people.

You just listed the main reasons why i will never buy any electronics from Futureshop. Worst customer service i have ever experienced.

[Russic]

sorry to hear your experience didn't go well. Do keep us updated.

[Jiggy]

I have this model as well. Shaw HD looks beautiful, so does my PS3. I haven't had any problems with it, it's a great choice! Hopefully you will get your hands on one soon!!

[metallicat]

Anyone here by chance want to compare these two TVs for me? One is the Sharp I have been looking at, and the other is a Samsung.

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...gon=&langid=EN

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...gon=&langid=EN

The Sharp TV is at Best Buy today for 1199, if that makes the decision any easier. I like the Samsung more, but the price difference is quite a bit.

[Vulcan]

Myself, I'd go for the bigger 46" Samsung. I like the Samsung's high contrast but the Sharp is good too.

[CaptainCrunch]

Originally Posted by oilers_fan

Anyone here by chance want to compare these two TVs for me? One is the Sharp I have been looking at, and the other is a Samsung.

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...gon=&langid=EN

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...gon=&langid=EN

The Sharp TV is at Best Buy today for 1199, if that makes the decision any easier. I like the Samsung more, but the price difference is quite a bit.

Believe it or not, I just bought that Samsung T.V. and its a pretty awesome rig, I added the blue ray and the HD box. The picture is great, the lighting in the living room doesn't affect it and the picture is crystal.

I actually had really good service at the Deerfoot FutureShop, the sales person was very professional, I gave him my budget figure and he did some minor math to make sure that I fit into my budget while getting everything that I wanted. Stand, T.V. DVD HD box with PVR and kit.

Samsung T.V.'s have a very good market reputation in the LCD market.

[metallicat]

Yeah, I think I've decided on the Samsung. The Sharp is at an amazing price right now, but I just like the bigger TV a little better.