Is it true that SDTV looks horrible on an HD display? I'm getting a new TV but can't afford to upgrade my programming and receiver at the same time. If so, is there a certain display type that is better for SDTV but will still be good for HD? I'm looking at a 42" Samsung DLP for around $1000. It's either that or a 32" LCD for the same price. Also wondering about Nintendo Wii. Since it doesn't display HD (but does display in 16:9), how will that look?
2007-01-30 09:44:03 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Consumer Electronics ➔ TVs
Since standard TV comes in 480i, and HD displays usually in either 720p or 1080p, the video has to be upconverted. Therefore you want a TV that has a very good upconvert engine in it to display standard definition TV. The Sony's with the XBR or Sharp Aquos are the best.
2007-01-30 13:53:08 · answer #1 · answered by mysticman44 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I currently have the 57" Mitsubishi DLP with SDTV. I won't be getting HDTV (or even digital tv) for a few more months. I won't say that it looks "horrible" but it sure doesn't look as good as it did in the store. Right now I have basic (analog) cable plugged into my Tivo which is then plugged in to the tv by S-Video. You'll learn to live with the "lesser" quality. Movies look AWESOME though on the upconvert DVD player.
I am looking forward to the day that I get the Dish HD plugged in though.
2007-01-30 17:50:22 · answer #2 · answered by HomSupLo75 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The bigger your TV the worse it will look. SD from my 57" DLP looks significantly worse than on my 32" non-HD CRT TV. I wouldn't say that it's unwatchable, but it doesn't look good. As long as you're prepared for that and are willing to live with it, it shouldn't be a problem. We still watch SD programs on the big screen--there aren't a ton of HD channels out there anyway.
2007-01-30 19:02:36 · answer #3 · answered by Cinco13 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do not buy a DLP. You will pay for it in the end. Every two years you will with out a doubt have to replace the bulbs at $300 a pop because they burn out. My husband and I recently purchased a 42" plasma LG brand wide screen HDTV after doing research for about two months. We should have bought an LCD because we are constantly worrying about "burn in". We do love our tv though. We have basic non- high def. cable and our picture looks really good. Obviously its not going to look as good as high def. though. The wii will look great in 16:9 format on your tv. Definitely do NOT buy a DLP. Do research and compare televisions on the internet before you buy.
2007-01-30 20:25:42 · answer #4 · answered by mommasquarepants 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
THe Wii will look fine because it supports progressive scan (480p). However SOME games look worse through component cables in SD vs thru S-video. But, I'm pretty sure all Wii games support 480p so you should be fine though.
2007-01-30 19:20:12 · answer #5 · answered by pjack160 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well on my 46" SDTV does look pretty bad but certainly not bad enough for me to doubt my decision. The bigger the T.V the worse it will look so I think 42" would be fine.
2007-01-30 17:48:42 · answer #6 · answered by Ballzy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It should look fine...but keep in mind, once you start watching HD, you will think all SD looks bad.
2007-01-30 18:29:30 · answer #7 · answered by Tanner 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋