Didn't buy HDTV

S

Shann

Joined
Sep 2, 2004
Messages
5,250
:I had posted looking for some information about HDTV's the other day and thanks for the replies. First of all, they do look incredible. Second, I couldn't make myself pull the trigger on a 2,000.00 tv set (Sony 50" rear projection LCD).

I bought a cheapie RCA for a couple of hundred bucks instead. I confess the picture isn't great, but I couldn't justify the price difference. My wife was relieved to say the least, although she didn't put too much pressure on me not to buy it. :rolleyes:
 
I was seriously looking at a high end tv about 2 years ago---and they really didn't have all the bugs worked out then---nothing I looked at seemed to really work "right".

Bought a cheapie Sylvania 32" for $250 and resolved to wait till HD got reasonable(say $500)--and got all the issues resolved.

Maybe I'll look again in another year or 2.
 
The FCC has mandated that all broadcast must be in digital starting on February 17, 2009. Of course they have moved the deadline before, so they may do it again. If by that time prices on HDTVs drop more than the couple hundred you spent on your television, then you will have done well for yourself.
 
Many (most?) HD sets that are sold are monitors, not televisions in the purest sense in that the tuner is not uncluded. You're still buying a set top HD tuner. In fact, the advice I've given thru work, has been to be certain you're buying the monitor and tuner separately. As PSIP (Program & Station Information Protocol) evolves, older tuners won't be able to take advantage of the newer features. Basically, the HD tuner will be outdated & obsolete well before the montor.

I still use an analog, NTSC television with a good external LG HD tuner that downconverts the HD (1080i/720p) or SD (480p) signal to analog outputs.

I don't pay for satellite or cable but I receive 12 distinct program feeds (1 Fox, 1 CBS, 2 NBC, 4 PBS, 2 WB, 1 ABC, & 1 UPN) in dvd quality. No monthly cost. :D

So... Until prices come down, if you're being frugal, purchase those great deals on analog NTSC televisions and buy yourself an off-air HD ATSC tuner. Even when we (the TV stations) are forced to turn off our analog transmitters, you'll still be able to use that same combination and buy a nice 720p/1080i monitor when prices go down.

Good luck!

(BTW - avsforum.com is a great place to go and pick up digital tv info.)
 
I’m a cable guy and just wanted to clarify what Suicycoprowler said,

The mandate for all channels to be digital does not mean that all will be HD. Many cable systems are all ready Simul-Casting the analog pictures in digital quality and you only need a digital set top converter box to get them.

Most of the analog TVs in service today will not be able to display any digital channels without the set top box.

As Paddling_man says, the best advice right now is to buy a nice HD Monitor and get a tuner either from the Cable Company or elsewhere.

I second the note for avsforum.com - great place for info.

Later, Andy
 
When you upgrade your cable service on my provider (Adelphia) They make you rent a converter box (or at least they used to) and as I understand it that converter box acts as the HD tuner. Is that correct?

Adelphia also offers "digital" cable but I don't have it. What difference does it make?
 
if you like football hd is a must-
i bougt a tube hd tv a few years ago ,added cable,but they didnt carry fox in hd-being a giants fan i had to buy a set top box and a good rooftop antanna -still have cable but use the box whenever i want fox in hd
 
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