Information for buying a HDTV?

Question

I want to buy a new hdtv and I don't know what to look for in one. What is hdtv ready, and what other options are there. Do I need some kind of special box? What about pixiles? I would like to get about a 36" one. I don't have a mint of money to spend, but I don't want to skimp on features and quality. I need help in knowing what type of questions to ask the salesperson. Also will I need to buy a dvd player that is hd ready or are older dvd players fine.

Answer 1

First, don't believe anyone that says there isn't much HDTV programming to watch. Almost every prime time program on the major networks in it HD, and some of the independents also broadcast HD on many programs. All major sports events are in HD including Superbowl. World Series, Olympics, etc. Every week during season there are several sports in HD. In addition, Cable and satellite systems have channels devoted entirely to HD (Discovery HD, ESPN HD, HDNet).

You can get HDTV sets for less than $1000. However, the real value of HD is for large picture sizes. You should find sets in the 32 to 37 inch range for about $1500 (LCD flat panels). Get the biggest screen you can afford--that is more important that what kind (plasma, LCD, projector). Mainly, look at the sets in the store and decide which pictures you like best. Some people will argue strongly in favor of one technology over another, but in fact all modern sets can give you an excellent picture.

You do not have to get a new DVD player. Newer DVD players will take advantage of the features of the HDTV sets (component and HDMI inputs, for example) but you don't have to have them.

Don't depend on the saleperson for techical or quality issues. Go to http://www.cnet.com/ and see what the reviews say. Ask the salesperson about warranties, after-sale service, return policies. That's all. And get the best price.

Answer 2

Well, first off you need to do more research. Check cnet and bestbuy, they both have a HDTV buyers guide that has been helpful. Read a lot of reviews, check amazon and the other sites to hear comments from people who bought the tv you are considering etc...

I have done this and have a good idea of what I want now but have decided to wait until next summer, as they are predicting prices will continue to drop another 20-40%. Plus there really isn't a ton of HDTV programs on tv yet and then you have to get the HD package if you have cable which is another $20/mo on top of what I pay. Then as you said you will want to get a HD upconversion DVD player at some point, or even one of the new HD or Blu-Ray players. And sound will need to get a new receiver that has the hdmi so you can switch video in HD etc.. List can go on.

I am looking at the new Samsung 4096 LCD. It has all the inputs I am looking for plus does 1080p. Unfortunately it is a new model that just came out this month so there are no user reviews on it yet.

Answer 3

There's a LOT of information to be had about this type of stuff, but the fact you're asking this tells me that you're not an enormous geek on the subject, which probably means that you won't notice the difference between 720i and 1080p, for example. What I would recommend, then, is to go to your local Best Buy or Circuity City or whatever and find the one that you think looks the best within your price range. The people who work there are generally knowledgable enough to help you figure out a solution that's right for you, if you can tell them what you're looking for in a TV (e.g. are you going to use it more for TV or movies, are you watching a lot of high definition programming, etc.). The current models stocked at Best Buy and Circuit City, for the most part, are equipped with sufficient features, but just in case, I'd make sure that whatever you end up going with (as long as it's HD capable) has HDMI inputs.

In my opinion, it's kind of dumb to spend in that price range for a TV if you're not going to get plasma. The picture is so much brighter then LCD, DLP, and whatever else. People will argue, "oh, but plasmas have image burn-in issues," but they really don't, at least not in any model that's been made fairly recently. That's just my opinion though. Again, go to the store and see some in person and ask to fiddle with the color, contrast and brightness settings and everything else.

Answer 4

do a thorough research, available by just typing "HDTV" in google search....
get the most recent release as they comes with most advance technology and should be compliant with future tech as well....those 40" LCD out there are quite reasonable priced now, if you can, get those with 1080p (full HD) support with high level of contrast and if possible, those with user adjustable back light.

Answer 5

hdtv ready refers to buiilt in tuner, or not
options are high power low life plasma
better LCD from Sharp (not rear projection)
or heavy but cheap CRT
best is 1080p (pixels are individual dots)
hddvd available in two choices like VHS & Betamax
the best advice I can give is to wait another year or two