Home audio & video: After all the HDTV research, still some ??'s
After all the HDTV research, still some ??'s
by Talenthound - 11/4/05 8:39 AMAbout to make the HDTV plunge. Read as much as I could find but am still left with a few questions after some conflicting feedback. Keep in mind I am limited to a 42 inch set because of a built-in media cabinet.
1. Most of the sets seem to be 720, 1080p content is nill but isn't there 1080p content and more coming soon on DirecTV? Are there 1080i, not 1080p sets out there or is 1080...1080? Also, since I'm looking at the 42 inch panasonic commercial plasma, will I be able to tell a difference in picture quality between 720 and 1080i?
2. I'm amazed at how poorly most showrooms have their HDTV connected and therefore the signal quality. Most are using component connections and the pictures are less than impressive. Will HDMI connections through an DirecTV HD receiver make a big difference or probably not?
3. I can't get a straight answer from DirecTV on how soon they will be upgrading everyone to the new format (MPEG3) receivers. Anyone know or know where to get info?
Thanks for any help. Much appreciated.
Troy
After all the HDTV research, still some ??'
by jcrobso - 11/4/05 8:56 AM In reply to: After all the HDTV research, still some ??'s by TalenthoundOk, most DLP/LCD/LCoS are 720p. Some of the Highend HDTVs, read as BIG$$$$$$ are 1080i and 1080p.
CRT and CRT rear projection are 1080i.
FYI the new compression format is MPG4. Remember IT IS COMPRESSION, it's goal to alow for more channels NOT better picture quality.
OTA is mainly 1080i and 720p. NO 1080p sources as of yet.
"will I be able to tell a difference in picture quality between 720 and 1080i?" It will be very hard to tell once you get your set. since it WILL rescan everthing to 720p.
I have been watching OTA on my 19" CRT monitor with a ATI HDTV wonder card. On live programs both look great.
Item#2. YEP conditions can be bad.
Item#3. Both Dish Netwrok and DirectTv are planing to switch to MPG4,, any one have crystal ball????? John
Rethinking...
by Talenthound - 11/4/05 10:37 AM In reply to: After all the HDTV research, still some ??' by jcrobsoAfter reading your message John and some other articles I am now thinking that a rear projection CRT may be the best way for me to go. Since I already have a built-in cabinet I don't need a thin or leight weight set. Looks to me that a CRT RP offers as good if not better picture quality than the other technologies, 1080i, and less expensive. Anyone disagree that this might be the way to go? Also, any recommendations on 42-44 inch CRT RP sets, Mitsubishi is the one that looks best at first glance.
Also, any recommendations on 42-44 inch CRT RP sets,
by jcrobso - 11/4/05 11:25 AM In reply to: Rethinking... by TalenthoundWell, also Panasonic, Samsung, Toshobia, Phillips, RCA and Hatchi make them. The hard part is finding stores that cary them. So check web sites for info. John
My 2 cents .............
by BONSPEED - 11/4/05 12:04 PM In reply to: Rethinking... by TalenthoundMy 1st HDTV was a higher end Hitachi 52" RP. Although I was very happy with the pic quality, I did later switch to a 42" ED plasma for the 360 degree viewing capabilty. RPs do have better pic quality in general, but the limited viewing angle was a problem for me.
If your limited to a 42" size plasma, I would be extra careful in your choice since many brands consider 42" an entry level size. I have since upgrade to a very nice 50". Good luck.
WHOA A 360 DEGREE VIEWING ANGLE....
by masterying01 - 11/4/05 11:15 PM In reply to: My 2 cents ............. by BONSPEEDin actuality though, just keep in mind that tv's are different shape and sizes. one 42 inch can fit while other 42 inches can't. get your maximum width, dept, and height and see what you can do.
if you throw a lot of parties..or have a really big room thats connected to the kitchen and living room without walls and you might be watching tv all around the room....go with a plasma cause of the viewing angle. if you're going to be looking at it straight on most of the time...the crt rp is definitely the best thing to go with.........if u can find one that small.
360 Degs?????
by jcrobso - 11/5/05 8:30 PM In reply to: My 2 cents ............. by BONSPEED90deg off center ia as good as it gets so the max would be 180. John
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