flat screen tv question.

[Semidevil]

a couple of questions about buying a flat screen tv.

I want one that can be mounted to a wall? Is there a size restriction on that? If I get a 50inch, is it still mountable?

720i, 1020p, etc etc. I'm really not a hardcore tv person. Just want a decen size so I can watch tv and occasional movies. Do I really need the best technology available? for normal viewing, will I be able to tell the difference?

If I buy an HD tv, but dont get the HD service, will viewing still be clear??

Is Black friday really the best time to get an HD tv? I mean, if I wait till next summer for example, will the prices still be higher then BF??

 

[jpeyton]

Originally posted by: Semidevil
I want one that can be mounted to a wall? Is there a size restriction on that? If I get a 50inch, is it still mountable?

Yes.

720i, 1020p, etc etc. I'm really not a hardcore tv person. Just want a decen size so I can watch tv and occasional movies. Do I really need the best technology available? for normal viewing, will I be able to tell the difference?

No.

If I buy an HD tv, but dont get the HD service, will viewing still be clear??

No.

Is Black friday really the best time to get an HD tv? I mean, if I wait till next summer for example, will the prices still be higher then BF??

No.

 

[akshatp]

Next summer the prices will be lower than BF, and you won't have to fight all of the soccer mom's and other freaks waiting in line...

We mounted a 58" to the wall last month, 50" surely won't be a problem.

You can get away with one that does 1080i. The newer ones that are coming out do 1080p, but if you arent hardcore, you probably wont tell the difference, and not that many broadcasts in 1080p yet anyway.

 

[jpeyton]

Originally posted by: akshatp
and not that many broadcasts in 1080p yet anyway.

I don't think any broadcasts are 1080p.

 

[akshatp]

Originally posted by: jpeyton

Originally posted by: akshatp
and not that many broadcasts in 1080p yet anyway.

I don't think any broadcasts are 1080p.

You are probably right. 1080p is for HD-DVD and/or Blu-ray right? I dont want to misinform OP

 

[Semidevil]

Is Black friday really the best time to get an HD tv? I mean, if I wait till next summer for example, will the prices still be higher then BF??

No.

The reason I ask this is because my parents have a sony flat screen tv, and the picture is not clear when viewing channels. Is it because they do not have the hd service?

So for a flat screen tv to have clear picture as a CRT, I'm pretty much requred to have HD service??

 

[Slew Foot]

Virtually any HD will look grainy when looking at SD TV signals.

 

[MrChad]

I want one that can be mounted to a wall? Is there a size restriction on that? If I get a 50inch, is it still mountable?

You'll want to look at LCD (not LCD projection) and Plasma options. Both are wall-mountable up to 60"+. Just make certain that you buy a proper wall mount and install it correctly.

720i, 1020p, etc etc. I'm really not a hardcore tv person. Just want a decen size so I can watch tv and occasional movies. Do I really need the best technology available? for normal viewing, will I be able to tell the difference?

1080p is the state-of-the-art, but as of now only HD-DVD and BluRay formats utilize it. There's a lot of debate as to whether or not 1080p is worth the extra money. If you are not interested in the absolute state of the art, a 720p/1080i TV should suit your needs just fine.

If I buy an HD tv, but dont get the HD service, will viewing still be clear??

Different plasmas and LCDs display non-HD (or "SD") content better than others. Our Panasonic 42" plasma does pretty well with SD content.

I highly recommend HD service, however. Once you see the difference, you'll be hooked. If you watch any sports at all, you DEFINITELY want HD.

Is Black friday really the best time to get an HD tv? I mean, if I wait till next summer for example, will the prices still be higher then BF??

Prices are falling so rapidly on these sets, I can't imagine prices being higher next summer than they are now. The set I bought in July can be had for $500 cheaper in some places now.

 

[Whoozyerdaddy]

Originally posted by: akshatp

Originally posted by: jpeyton

Originally posted by: akshatp
and not that many broadcasts in 1080p yet anyway.

I don't think any broadcasts are 1080p.

You are probably right. 1080p is for HD-DVD and/or Blu-ray right? I dont want to misinform OP

Right. 1080i is the highest broadcast standard. 1080p is for perephiral devices only.

And for the OP... August/September is usually the best time to buy. Older models go on clearance and can be 30-50% less than the holiday season. Yes, there will be newer, better things available then. Just remember how bad you wanted it now.