I find it funny that the only time you will see this warning is if you are watching the original (pressed) DVD. Any ripped copies out there will have those stripped out.
If the Toshiba (DR320KU...couldn't find it online) doesn't have a built in tuner, you can't record from the "output" of your TV. Most TV's outputs are limited to the audio (to send to a stereo). I haven't see a modern TV with video out from the tuner.
I transported mine flat on the bed of my truck, but the trip was only about 10 miles, too. It has been 5 years and no problems.
Because of the shape of the box, it was wanting to fall over in the bed when upright, so I would take the chance of the plasma flat versus falling over in the back...
Don't rule out the HTPC at this point if you really want it. I have a Dell Studio 540s that blends in nicely with my other equipment.
It is the small one seen in the photos here
http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/23/dell-rolls-out-studio-desktop-studio-slim/
I use it to do full internet surfing...
I would second that on the Plasma. Longevity on a plasma? They are rated for the same number of hours as an LCD (regardless of backlight).
I have a nearly 5 year old Vizio plasma (LG Panel inside) that is going strong and just as good as the day I bought it.
The last I heard the Insignia...
I have an antenna very similar to that in my attic. (actually two of them, one split to two locations) and it picks up all of my locals (about 20 miles from the tower) and all but one of the next nearest town (about 40-50 miles from the tower).
The more distance channels have a tough time in...
From what a Best Buy manager told me is that Insignia's are made by Samsung. It is basically their QC reject panels, so they may have a worse contrast ratio or some other spec.
Along with different features and firmware.
I saw Fry's had a 42" 1080p LCD today (not sure of other specs) for $299. Worth checking out if you have a Fry's nearby.
http://cdn.travidia.com/rop-sub/35703034
I know that with Windows 7 Media Center you can set a different resolution when it is running (versus your desktop).
I haven't really used the music functionality of W7 MC, so I can't really comment there.
I'm not aware that any manufacturer in the US is making DVD recorders with hard drives any longer. (My Panny E80H is still going strong).
If you can do without the hard drive, look at any major brand name. If you need the hard drive, eBay may be your best bet (or locally craigslist)
Hey, you could be using the LG BH200 like I am. I have to add a USB stick to the front of the device to use any BD-Live features. It will play music and pictures from a USB drive, but no other special features. Of course the one thing it has going for it is that it will play DVD, Blu-ray and...
As far as firmware goes, my motto is..."If it ain't broke, don't break it."
I normally don't upgrade until something won't play or a feature I want to use won't work.
I've got an old LG ATSC tuner / DVD player just sitting in the closet :) I guess I should sell it.
What the others have said should work. Just make sure to get an antenna that does both UHF and VHF. Just because the stations channel number is a UHF/VHF channel, it doesn't necessarily mean...
My brother and I both have Onkyo receivers. His shows volume in a negative number and mine is a positive, so I don't see how the "volume level" means anything, unless you actually measure it. I don't have that ability.
I listen at a volume that is comfortable for me :)
Free OTA HDTV is great. Even looks better than some cable systems compressed feeds. I haven't had cable (or pay TV) in 5 years and I don't miss a thing. (I do have an HTPC to use as a DVR for the 3 shows I watch each week)
My blu-ray player takes about 30 seconds before you can open the tray (old LG HD-DVD / Blu-ray combo device). However, my projector takes about 30 seconds to turn on and show an image, so I can live with it :)
My brother has a 1 year old Samsung that is pretty fast at loading discs. After all...
Plus, with the optical out, you still need a device to decode it.
The analog outs are probably full range stereo which you wouldn't want to feed to a subwoofer anyway.
Look for a cheap all-in-one with a decent sub. Nothing says you have to use the front speakers
I'm leary of the 2.0 to 5.1 conversion. I prefer listening in the theatrical release format myself. I.e. Texas Chainsaw Massacre just sounds fake when the attempted to create the 5.1 sound. At least on those they give me the options. Options are always good as long as it doesn't hurt picture...
I haven't seen one like that, but some CE companies are releasing QWERTY keyboards on their remotes to control their equipment.
I just use a combination of the following:
Windows 7 Media Center
Media Browser
Harmony Remote Control
Zinc (http://www.zinc.tv/)
I hardly ever use the QWERTY...
Just like every car is tuned slightly differently (even across the same model), a TV will need its own calibration. Also, your eyes may not be tuned the same way a reviewer's eyes. If they used a calibration disc, you are relying on their eyes and not professional equipment (nothing wrong with...
This :cool:
My Plasma (cheap Vizio circa 2007) shows very little image retention (even when running the PC for an hour or so) and no burn it at all.
As far as glare, the only time I have a problem is when the blinds are open and the sun is shining in directly on the screen. Then again...
Why discs?
You could spend $50-$80 on a program or $90 on a 2TB external drive. Use FBackup (free) and your backups are quicker to create and really quick to update.
Just curious...
I don't have brand loyalty, but strong disloyalty :)
Either because I have had bad experiences with multiple products from the same brand or don't agree with the way they run their business. Or a combination of both (cough...Sony...cough)
I prefer the more natural look of DLP to LCD. Have only seen the rainbow effect once on an all white screen with a cartoon object.
Also, no filters to clean with DLP. Mine is 4+ years old with about 1300 hours on the original bulb.
I was thinking this too when I bought mine. Called Amex and their "extended warranty" starts at the same time as my Costco extended warranty (i.e when the manufacturers warranty ends). Maybe things have changed since 2007?
Last I checked Costco doubled or extended the manufacturers warranty by 1 year, whichever is lesser. So, that would be a 2 year warranty on most Vizio TV's. (at least that is what mine (circa 2007) had applied)
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