Buying an HDTV

[Arky]

The changes look good!

I want to cast a vote for an off-topic forum.... For example, I think I am going to take the plunge to HDTV and was wanting to solicit some recommendations and opinions from some of the forum members but alas, there isn't really a good forum to post something like that in.

Perhaps a "bullxxxx" forum? Hehe...

[popanot]

Originally Posted by Arky

For example, I think I am going to take the plunge to HDTV and was wanting to solicit some recommendations and opinions from some of the forum members

Do it!!! You'll never regret the decision and you'll wonder how you ever lived without it. I hardly ever navigate off my HD channels anymore. TV's on the other hand can be confusing. Just get the best and biggest set and name brand your budget will allow. You can't really go wrong with Sony, Sharp, Samsung, Pioneer or Panasonic. I'd probably stick with LCD or DLP over Plasma at this point. I'd also recommend getting something 1080p compatible.

[Arky]

Originally Posted by popanot

Do it!!! You'll never regret the decision and you'll wonder how you ever lived without it. I hardly ever navigate off my HD channels anymore. TV's on the other hand can be confusing. Just get the best and biggest set and name brand your budget will allow. You can't really go wrong with Sony, Sharp, Samsung, Pioneer or Panasonic. I'd probably stick with LCD or DLP over Plasma at this point. I'd also recommend getting something 1080p compatible.

Thanks for the reply and thanks for the new forum, Keith!

So yeah, I've just begun my research and I think I have narrowed it down to a Samsung LCD/1080P. (I have become a big fan of Samsung-made LCD computer monitors after years of being a Viewsonic user).

I have my computer desk butted up against a wall and my plan is to wall mount the new TV just slightly above the viewing angle of my computer monitor so I can work/surf on the computer while I am watching TV. So, that puts me about 4-5 feet away from the TV. From what I am reading is, I dare not go over a 32" else I will be looking at pixels. It is only a couple of hundred dollars more to go all the way up to a 40" but that may be too big for being so close. Any comments about this? I believe a 32" is the smallest I can get the 1080P resolutions....

I am on Dish network so I will have to upgrade my receiver to a HD receiver. I will probably keep my standard def TV in the living room and from what I understand, that is no problem - to run one TV on SD and the HD compatible TV on HD from the same receiver.

Also, I would love to be able to hook my computer to both the monitor and the TV so I could switch computer output to the larger TV for the occasional computer game. Is anyone doing this? Can it be accomplished just by hitting a button on the remote? I would be less likely to do this if it involved swapping cables at each instance....

TIA

[topher]

Arky,
A couple of things to note here. Most AV guru's will tell you that 1080P is wasted on TV's less than 50-55 inches. Basically the human eye isn't equipped to differentiate that high a resolution on a screen that small. As for the size, bigger is better, no matter what my wife tells me. At 5 feet I would go for the 40. I sit 1 foot from a 23 inch monitor and wish it was bigger (ahem).

Source switching will depend a lot on the video card you have in the PC and the inputs on your new TV. If your new box has 2 HDMI inputs and your video card has an extra HDMI output, you should be good to go. Most PC's these days have 2 DVI outputs (except for laptops which typically have one), so you may want to make sure your new TV accepts DVI. Once hooked up you should be able to just switch inputs on the remote and play Madden in 40 inches of glory.

Topher

[Arky]

Originally Posted by topher

Arky,
A couple of things to note here. Most AV guru's will tell you that 1080P is wasted on TV's less than 50-55 inches. Basically the human eye isn't equipped to differentiate that high a resolution on a screen that small. As for the size, bigger is better, no matter what my wife tells me. At 5 feet I would go for the 40. I sit 1 foot from a 23 inch monitor and wish it was bigger (ahem).

Source switching will depend a lot on the video card you have in the PC and the inputs on your new TV. If your new box has 2 HDMI inputs and your video card has an extra HDMI output, you should be good to go. Most PC's these days have 2 DVI outputs (except for laptops which typically have one), so you may want to make sure your new TV accepts DVI. Once hooked up you should be able to just switch inputs on the remote and play Madden in 40 inches of glory.

Topher

Doh! Just saw this. Thanks for the reply.

Hmm, so maybe the 1080P is not necessary. Sounds like what I've been reading about the new 120 hz refresh rate TV's (also not necessary). I know with LCD monitors, it is all about the response time and the TVs I've been looking at are mostly 5-6 mS response time which should be fine....

Yes, I usually have a near top-o-the-line vid card. Currently have a Gigabyte 8800GT and have an ASUS 9600GT on the way. These newer cards usually have double DVI with S-video and some even have HDMI output. You get all kind of cables and adapters with these cards so I should be able to figure something out. That would be way cool to switch the computer output to the TV with just a touch of the remote....

BTW, I've never played Madden. I'm more a fan of shooters (Quake series, UT series, etc.). Thanks.

[sinnister]

Hey! I am not sure if you are still looking, but if you are buy one now! If I were you, I would buy a plasma. I own a Pioneer Elite 50" plasma, but any of the Pioneers, as well as Hitachi, Panasonic, Sony, or Mits are great also. I wouldnt worry about 1080P yet, mainly because you have to hook up with HDMI, and it is still a little quirky. Also, your sat or cable source isn't going to be 1080P. I will tell you that I bought a Hitachi 42" for my mom last Christmas, and with discounts plus Black Friday pricing, I got it for $600. I think you will be able to do better this year. I am an investor in a home theater store, and that price was well below our cost. I did have to open a Sears card, and charge it to get that price.