Yet another HDTV question

wpw721 · Post by **wpw721** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 3:09 pm

I am wanting to spend as little as possible what do I need to get? I'm thinking 26 inches or smaller, what resolution is needed for a 360 or PS3 to look good?

Upgrading to a new gaming system and purchasing a new high priced TV is really going to hurt my wallet. Man this hobby is becoming very expensive.

Sport73 · Post by **Sport73** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 5:30 pm

You need at least 720p resolution, or 1280x720. Some sets may have resolutions more common for computers, such as 1024x768 etc, but should be fine. Just make sure your vertical resolution exceeds 720 pixels. The best displays will be 1280x720, which is a perfect match for broadcast standard 720p and the 'default' output of the XBox 360.

Given your spending concerns, I'd probably recommend the following. It's not the set for AV enthusiasts, but for the average viewer its got good specs and solid performance...

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp ... 4703181662

wpw721 · Post by **wpw721** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 8:18 pm

Thanks for the information.

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 8:55 pm

CRTs, especially in that screen size, is still the best bang for the buck. And probably best picture still.

Just make sure to get HDMI inputs so that you can enjoy it for other things besides games.

Slumberland · Post by **Slumberland** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 10:16 pm

I picked up a panasonic 26' CRT over the holidays for under $400... they stopped making them, but you still might be able to track some down, priced to move. Has HDMI inputs and does 1080i (no 720p though). A nice starter set, before we get the inevitable big daddy HD setup.

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 6:25 pm

Do any of you HDTV experts know anything about this set:

Samsung 27" SlimFit HDTV (TXS2782H)

http://www.circuitcity.com/rpsm/oid/145 ... on.do#tabs

It has glowing reviews and sits at $569.00 - being 27" allows me to keep our current entertainment center, which is great for the wife.. plus will allow me to pick up an Xbox 360 for a total of $1000. I think she'll go for that setup.

Thanks for any help I can get.

Kazuya · Post by **Kazuya** » Tue Jul 18, 2006 11:37 am

MizzouRah wrote:Do any of you HDTV experts know anything about this set:

Samsung 27" SlimFit HDTV (TXS2782H)

http://www.circuitcity.com/rpsm/oid/145 ... on.do#tabs

It has glowing reviews and sits at $569.00 - being 27" allows me to keep our current entertainment center, which is great for the wife.. plus will allow me to pick up an Xbox 360 for a total of $1000. I think she'll go for that setup.

Thanks for any help I can get.

I still haven't been able to properly evaluate the SlimFit because everywhere I go they have them set up looking like dogshit. Of course the stores have no incentive to properly set them up when they are trying to sell you an LCD panel that costs 2-3 times more. At the very least, I agree with the strategy. Break into HD as cheap as you can, and wait awhile for this jumbled-up ass market to clear itself up before you buy something that's going to be in the living room for a decade.

wpw721 · Post by **wpw721** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 10:58 pm

http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productD ... keycode=66

Thoughts on this one? I want it to last a while. Are there any other things/hookups I need?

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 11:47 pm

wpw721 wrote:http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productD ... keycode=66

Thoughts on this one? I want it to last a while. Are there any other things/hookups I need?

If you're going to spend around $660 for a 23" on a Samsung, you can upgrade to a 32" for just a little bit more money but with a lesser brand name, like Westinghouse or Oleva.

snaz16 · Post by **snaz16** » Tue May 15, 2007 9:28 pm

Now that the spare bedroom has been converted to the wife's office, I'm tryin to talk her into getting the 46" Sony Bravia,for the living room.
First, what is the difference between the xbr 2 and 3 ? And second, there is a 3rd set, the KDL-46V2500, which is also a Bravia.
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSH ... ept=tvvide

Then the wife complicates matters finding a 46" Bravia.....KDL 46 25L. Is this the same as the V2500? She found it at Sams Club for $2400. They are all 1080p,which is what we want. As far as I can gather from the AVS forums ,is the better up conversion of the standard signal via the DRC-MFv2.5 digital video imaging the only difference?
And are there other 1080p brands I should be looking at?? Thanks in advance.

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Tue May 15, 2007 9:42 pm

First, do not pay full retail for the 2006 models at Sonystyle.com. The 2007 models are due in late August so there should be discounting going on.

Second, there is a long thread about the current models at AVSforum.com, in the Flat panel displays forum over there. It's stickied.

There is also a thread about the 2007 models.

I've not shopped these models but following the threads on and off, I think the main difference between xbr2 and xbr3 is cosmetic, the design and color of the bezel. But read the thread or pose questions there.

Also, look up stuff about clouding issues with the Bravias. The non XBR bravias, not sure the difference.

Samsung reportedly will have models which use LED backlights instead of flourescent. The potential is for local dimming so that portions of the screen the backlight is turned off to produce higher apparent contrast.

Would be leery about first-gen implementation (from a major manufacturer, because a startup has been selling these for a couple of years). If other makers adopt it, then you know it's for real.

Airdog · Post by **Airdog** » Fri May 25, 2007 3:12 pm

Well, I've finally entered the world of HD. I got the 32" Sony Bravia XBR (2006 model, KDLV32XBR2).

What makes it even sweeter is that I got it free from Sony for selling so much stuff, but they were supposed to send me the plain S200 series. Because they ran out of stock of that one they upgraded me to the XBR, and it has performed phenomenally so far.

The Wide Color Gamut seems to be making a decent difference, as flesh tones are quite good. The only blurring I've seen in video games is if you make really sharp turns in GOW or some camera movements in NHL 2K7. I definitely wasn't expecting perfection in video gaming, but it's been performing quite nicely. I also hooked my laptop up to it via VGA and the image quality is also good. I have to see about changing the resolution to widescreen though.

btmmayor · Post by **btmmayor** » Sat May 26, 2007 2:19 pm

Airdog wrote:The only blurring I've seen in video games is if you make really sharp turns in GOW or some camera movements in NHL 2K7. I definitely wasn't expecting perfection in video gaming, but it's been performing quite nicely.

Do you have the "game mode" option on your XBR? I have a 40" Bravia XBR2 and once I switched game mode to on all of my video games perform without a hitch. It eliminates the processing lag and I don't see any blurring in any of my sports games or action games like Gears. The nice thing is that unlike most HDTV's that have a game mode, turning it on with the XBR2's does not gimp the features of the set. DRC is the only thing that is disabled on the XBR's in game mode, and thats a feature I have set to off anyway.

Some of the enhancers if set to high or very high levels can cause blur or artifacting in video games as well. Out of the box I was not happy with the performance of some of my games. I played around with the settings for a while, but now I couldn't be any happier with the way my games look and I wouldn't trade my XBR2 for any other TV.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 12:42 pm

Instead of starting a new thread, I thought I would propose a couple questions in here.

My 32" Westinghouse LCD has a DVI connector on it. Am I correct in that I can purchase a DVI to HDMI cable? My dvr has one HDMI slot. Is there any real advantage by connecting the cable from the tv to the dvr?

Also, I recently purchased an inexpensive Sony home theater system in the box. It has an input for a digital optical cable as does my PS3. Do I necessarily need this cable to watch Blu-Ray movies? If not, what is the significance of this cable?

Thanks.

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 12:56 pm

Yes you can get a HDMI to DVI cable, 2 meters, for about $15 shipped on Amazon (if you order at least $25 worth of stuff).

Some people think there is an advantage or think they see better picture quality.

Only way that would be is if you have a 1080p panel and the signal source can output 1080p via HDMI and you can get 1:1 pixel mapping.

But for a cable DVR, you don't get 1080i. So not better than component but it's a much smaller cable than 3 component cables.

In theory, some cable channels could enable HDCP which would only output HD resolutions through DVI or HDMI ports while "downrezzing" to 480p for component.

That is especially true of Blu-Ray and HD-DVD players.

The optical cable is for AC-3 or Dolby Digital surround sound. You need the cable and a receiver with a port.

But HDMI carries audio and is capable of carrying higher quality audios and 7-channel surround sound formats. You would need a receiver which can decode those new formats as well as have HDMI ports.

There is some expectation that Sony will update the PS3 to decode or pass these new formats (Dolby True HD or DTS Master HD) with a future firmware update.

Now the downside with HDMI. There are handshake issues between displays with HDMI and devices like PS3 with HDMI. Particularly with the latest HDMI which is version 1.3. There are reports of dropouts with certain TVs where you're watching a movie and the TV will lose the signal and say No Signal. Growing pains I believe and there is every indication that HDTV makers like Samsung will actively put out firmware updates to address the situation.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 1:15 pm

Thanks Wco. I don't have a 1080p panel so I don't know whether or not it would make much sense in purchasing a DVI to HDMI cable. I do intend to pick up an optical cable though.

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 1:19 pm

They are coming way down in price. My parents just got a Samsung 4065, which for now has the best reviews of LCDs (that will change with the new Sony XBRs in a couple of months as well as newer Samsungs) and it was just under $1800 from Amazon delivered.

But in about 2 weeks, it's gone down another $80 in price.

jcalvert · Post by **jcalvert** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 8:02 am

Three quick points. First, my opinion is that you really need a larger set to notice how great Blu-ray (and I guess HD DVD) and HD broadcasts really look at 1080p (and 1080i). I am sure a small set (uner 32") still shows off Discover HD, but 40" or more is beautiful.

Second, I love my Sony BRAVIA KDL-40V2500 - great set, and the price keeps falling (getting ready for the 2007 models). Some people have had issues with "clouds" - but I have a hard time picking up on that. The LCD gives me no problems with the PS3 games I have placed - GT HD, F1CE, and Resistance. wco81 mentioned the AVSforum.com thread on these sets (40 and 46 models), which is located here:

cloud issue:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=748779

owners thread:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=739241

Third, monoprice.com has great HMDI cables at excellent prices. You can get a 6' gold-plated cable for under $15.50 that works as well as the $100+ cables that you would get at Circuit City or Best Buy.

Just wrote more than I intended, but I love my TV and monoprice.com has great prices and solid service. I have written at length about both (just search RB). You may or may not find the posts useful, but you will see why I love my KDL-40V2500. I will be more than happy to answer any additional questions here or offline.

wpw721 · Post by **wpw721** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 11:28 am

Does anyone here use their HDTV as a pc monitor? I have a Samsung 23" that is pc compatible and wanted some opinions on the quality level I would get. Here are the specs:

Screen size 23"
Display type HD monitor
Flat panel technology LCD flat panel
Built-in tuner NTSC
Widescreen Yes
Comb filter 3D Digital
Maximum viewing angles H:170 / V:170
Resolution 1366 x 768
Picture-in-picture Yes
Contrast ratio 3000:1
Audio
Audio type Stereo
Speakers Yes
Inputs and outputs
Component video inputs 2
S-video inputs 1
# A/V inputs (composite) 2
# RF inputs 1
DVI (Digital Video Interface) Yes
HDMI inputs 1
PC compatible Yes

WillHunting · Post by **WillHunting** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 1:00 pm

Monoprice.com monoprice.com monoprice.com

I love that store.

Did I tell you how awesome monoprice.com is?

Oh yah. I don't work for them, just a very happy customer.

Anyway, I use my 52" Rear Projection HDTV as a monitor. I built a HTPC a year ago and never looked back. I just downloaded some x264 movie to see true HD movies and it is really spectacular. I might get a Bluray (PS3) at some point.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 11:04 am

wco81 wrote:the new Sony XBRs in a couple of months

Our contractor started work on our basement much earlier than I expected so I'm kind of scrambling for electronics. I really like the 52 inch Bravia XBR2. What will the new XBR do for me that the XBR2 can't and what would be the approximate price difference? Are the clouding issues with these resolved? The Samsung is also nice but there appears to be a bit of a gloss to the screen.

I'm leaning towards these speakers. Anyone have them or know much about them. I love the sound and the customer service at Tweeter was outstanding.

http://www.tweeter.com/product/index.js ... age=search

Also, I'm assuming I'll need some kind of surge protector or like device. Any recommendations concerning what I need/should buy and where would be *greatly* appreciated.

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 11:37 am

Best place is to look at AVS forum. There is a thread about the new 2007 Bravia XBRs and there is some confusion about features, especially compared to the non-XBRs.

Some off the top of my head include 120 Mhz scanning rate. That means that if you have a Blu-Ray or HD-DVD player which can output at 24 fps, you don't have any 3:2 conversion.

The claim is that since 120 is a multiple of both 24 and 30/60, you won't have the "judder."

I think other features are HDMI 1.3 (although there are growing pains with that, with handshake issues reported) and the same XMB interface used on PSP and PS3.

They also revise the DRC and other signal processing circuitry each year.

Nobody will know about clouding until they're out in the field. Sony supposedly hasn't admitted to clouding problems so who knows.

Yes you will pay a hefty premium compared to 2006 models which will be discounted. There may be discounting here and there though.

Long term, LED backlights with local dimming is coming to this market. Not from Sony apparently though, except on their 70-inch model which costs tens of thousands. Samsung is suppose to have LED backlight models later this year.

Thing is, you can spend $5k for an XBR and see it eclipsed by other brands in a few months or Sony themselves next year. LCD displays are still in a state of flux. I'd be leery about putting down a lot of money unless you can live with the notion that a couple of years later, you will get better and cheaper. That is something we're used to with computers and other tech but not necessarily with consumer electronics or TVs especially, where people are used to living with a TV for 10, 15 or 20 years.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 11:55 am

wco81 wrote:Thing is, you can spend $5k for an XBR and see it eclipsed by other brands in a few months or Sony themselves next year. LCD displays are still in a state of flux. I'd be leery about putting down a lot of money unless you can live with the notion that a couple of years later, you will get better and cheaper. That is something we're used to with computers and other tech but not necessarily with consumer electronics or TVs especially, where people are used to living with a TV for 10, 15 or 20 years.

Thanks, wco. Yeah, I'm definetly not going to put $5k into a TV. More like $3-3.5k. I don't have to have the best and it won't worry me that I don't have the latest/greatest.

Do I need an extended warranty? I *never* buy them and *knocks on wood* never needed them (even the cost of getting my 360 fixed isn't that much more than the cost of the warranty). I just wondered if there is something about LCD that makes it essential or particularly risky.

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 12:11 pm

I've never bought them either. Always relied on the free extended warranty from a gold or platinum card.

The thing is, my XBR, which is a CRT, had a 2-year in home warranty, parts and labor. So my gold Amex extended it to 3 years. Haven't had any problems, even though Sony's reliability rep. isn't the highest.

But my understanding is the LCD XBRs only have a 1-year warranty. So a gold or platinum card would extend it to two years. In the second year, you would probably get an estimate, have the credit card warranty co. authorize the price of the repairs, pay for the repairs and get reimbursed.

One thing I did was to order a Samsung LCD for my folks from Amazon. Was taking a chance because if there are dead pixels (have to be a lot of them for the manufacturer to take it back), it would be a hassle to return. But some people on AVS said Amazon did eventually send box to return, some with prepaid shipping, some where customers might have to pay.

If you go to a local retailer of course, it's easier to return.

But the savings at Amazon was fairly considerable. Not only that, it's gone down about $80 since I ordered and they gave me two $41 credits after I asked for it.

The other advantage of local stores is that they can hook you up with installers if you want to mount the panel on a wall. It's very expensive ($500 and up) but people like the aesthetics. If you order online, you're on your own if you want it wall-mounted.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Sun Jul 08, 2007 11:23 am

Man, I didn't know you could watch other peoples Video on-demand with the tuners in these HDTVs. It's hillarious watching people fast forward to the action in their porn. There were some good movies and HBO shows on last night that kept me up until 3AM. I turned it on this morning and some people were already watching shows like Cathouse on a Sunday morning...LOL. It's also interesting that I get some more channels that aren't available in my area (lot of spanish channels, ESPN Desportes, and some Philly local channels). I'm probably going to switch to DirecTV in a month, but it's still cool. It might be worth it to keep the cheapest cable package (do they still have the super cheap plans with like 10 channels?)as well until they start encrypting everything.