Companies are making a killing off high definition TVs, DVRs, and DVDs. I just went through a miserable experience trying to upgrade. I went and bought a High Definition 26" TV for $600 (good price). Then, I found out I had to also upgrade to a HD DVR, which was an additional $300 and a waitlist to get one! Then, I also had to upgrade our Satelite dish! And, I have to get a high definition DVD! Another $400! So, in total I spent over $1300 and this was just for our BEDROOM tv!!! Now, I have to do the same for the family room? The demand is high enough, so we are at their mercy to get it! And, pay an arm and a leg for it! Can you believe that the FCC has mandated that analog signals will not be allowed as of February 17, 2009? Everything will be digital!!! What are your thoughts?
2006-11-02 04:47:20 · 9 answers · asked by Sugar_Mama 3 in Consumer Electronics ➔ Other - Electronics
Well, that's what "economics" is all about--whether something is "worth it" or not. Obviously by 2009 prices will come down and it'll be easier for most to switch to digital (I believe the government will subsidize converter boxes that will convert digital signal to analog, and downconvert HDTV, for those who can't get new TV's). You didn't HAVE to upgrade your stuff this year, nor get all the upgrades available to you. You made the choice to do so, and paid the cost of being "ahead of the game" and having all this cool stuff years before everyone else does.
2006-11-02 04:54:20 · answer #1 · answered by themikejonas 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off, HD channels will be the standard anyway on or before 2010, a Bestbuy salesman told us. Second, a progressive scan DVD player will do just fine with an HDTV, all you need are some good quality A/V cables. As for the HD DVR, you could have waited for some more competition to drive the price down.
2006-11-02 10:31:01 · answer #2 · answered by Hefeweizen 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a HD wide screen TV with built-in HD receiver and use rabbit ears to get the signals. I get all the major networks NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX and PBS in Hi Def when it is broadcast. I’m in L.A. and that matters if you live in a similar high population area. Even the local stations broadcast in hi def. I watched the World Series in Hi Def and it was eye-popping.
What isn’t explained clearly is that the FCC designed Hi Def to broadcast thru the air-not thru cable. I live in the Time Warner cable area and they do not offer all the HD channels that I can receive with rabbit ears.
One thing, all the major local stations have standard definition broadcast still operating and is a choice on my HD tuner. Like you know can tune channel 4 but the same channel will have channels 4.2, 4.3, 4.5 which operate at the same time-I mean while hi-def Heroes is playing on channel 4.0, lo def Heroes is playing on 4.1 while lo-def local weather reports play on 4.2 and lo-def local traffic conditions on 4.3.
Another major point: when there is no signal, Hi Def video will disappear completely-no static, no fuzzy video-just complete blackness. Weak Hi def signals video will appear as a dirty DVD-skipping and freezing and jumping forward unexpectedly.
Is it worth it? Not yet. Give it about a year.
Sorry you had to spend so much. For those who want to give it a try: buy a small wide screen with an HDTV tuner built in and some rabbit ears antennas--see if you can pick up the channels you like to watch. If that works for you go for the bigger screens and hd recorders.
2006-11-02 05:48:30 · answer #3 · answered by Ywhymi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My heavens, I never have been flashed, but I did unintentionally flash a few folks once. I was in the hospital some time back and decided to take a stoll to the vending area. Well, I wasn't thinking about what I was wearing and, let's just say that those hospital gowns don't leave a lot to the imagination on the backside. The nurse came up from behind me and put a blanket over my shoulders . . . I was wondering why it was a little drafty back there!
2016-05-23 17:46:47 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not too expensive. Regular television has about 260 lines of information. Do you remember how much of an upgrade DVD's gave with their 480 Lines? Imagine upgrading to 720 lines of information or more! I installed a 100 inch screen that allows people to see blades of grass during football games! My opinion may be slightly biased since I've had surround sound since 1988. I'm one of those audio nuts.
2006-11-02 05:18:14 · answer #5 · answered by dale e 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well.. my dad and i bought a 42" plasma.. $2700.. i bought a hd upconvert dvd player.. $200.. monster hdmi 1000 for $150.. hd direct tv only no dvr.. $99 for the reciever.. installation and stuff is free.. paying only 10 bucks for the hd content.. i say its worth it.. im watching Discovery HD, National Geographic HD (where available) and the science channel... and the images are mind boggling.. so sweet
2006-11-02 12:40:49 · answer #6 · answered by kwazyliloboy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
look for the rest of your equipment on ebay. you can find some good deals. I bought an off-air HD receiver for 100 bucks, and that gets me the local HD channels w/ a set up bunny ears. the picture says it all. have fun watching discovery channel and sports all day. :)
2006-11-02 05:04:23 · answer #7 · answered by PortReplicator 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not worth it yet, because there is not enough Hi def broadcasting.
But it will be in the future.
2006-11-02 04:52:36 · answer #8 · answered by October 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not to me...regular tv is just fine for me....but I don't watch it all that much.
2006-11-02 04:57:29 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋