Give me a good reason not to buy this LCD TV

EliteXen

Senior member
Nov 13, 2003
426
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I need a good LCD TV >30'' for a reasonable price (aka as cheap as possible.) This is going for 750 shipped at outpost. Plus I can open up a new VISA card and get another $100 off.
First, I know it does not have a HD tuner. That's not a big issue, to me the difference between HDTV and SDTV is negligible. If it's possible I wouldn't mind getting a HD tuner in the future (or borrowing my brothers), but I won't feel cheated without one.
Second, I know it doesn't have DVI or HDMI, but I don't see much of a drawback from that since it has VGA.

I'm gonna use this tv as a second display for my pc which is in my bedroom. TV will be in the next room. 90% of the time it'll be used as the extra display. The other 10% of the time will be split between playing my gamecube, sega saturn, and watching live SDTV. While it's acting as my PC monitor it will be used for light gaming (RTS) 10% of the time, watching TV shows record by my computers TV tuner 25% of the time, watching fan subbed anime 50% of the time, and general computing the remaining 15% of the time.

So for $650 do you think this display will suit my needs?

EDIT:
I currently have 19'' Sony SDM-HS95 in my room and use Samsung 27'' CRT in the other room. Samsung is fine for watching anime and tv shows, but horrible when used for general computing because it does not have a high enough resolution.
I also prefer 4:3 (i really hate widescreen), but since all larger displays are widescreen I have to get a slightly larger display to make up for it.
 

openwheelformula1

Senior member
Sep 2, 2005
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NO NO don't fall for the Emprex. A quick glance: There is no digital connection (DVI or HDMI) which is a big NO NO. No digital connection means no HDCP. I got my Westinghouse from Bestbuy for a little more than that Emprex when it was on sale. It is a very good set w/ Faroudja technology and DVI-HDCP. For this kind of price trust me people know their HDTVs. I had to go through 3 Bestbuys locally to get one. There are of course 26-27' Samsungs/Sonys/Sharps you can look at if you don't mind a smaller set. Keep in mind though if you "NEVER" plan to use BlueRay, HD-DVD, or even home theater PC, you can always go w/ the Emprex. It will display your stuff, but not as well and not as future proof as others w/ better built quality.

BTW SDTV content will look like crap on HDTVs, especially LCDs. You are better off w/ CRT for SD content. If you are going to buy an HDTV do yourself a favor and get digital tuner as well. Once you go high def you never go back. You will get used to widescreens as movies/tv show/games will adapt to the format slowly. Just my 0.02.
 

EliteXen

Senior member
Nov 13, 2003
426
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Originally posted by: openwheelformula1
NO NO don't fall for the Emprex. A quick glance: There is no digital connection (DVI or HDMI) which is a big NO NO. No digital connection means no HDCP. I got my Westinghouse from Bestbuy for a little more than that Emprex when it was on sale. It is a very good set w/ Faroudja technology and DVI-HDCP. For this kind of price trust me people know their HDTVs. I had to go through 3 Bestbuys locally to get one. There are of course 26-27' Samsungs/Sonys/Sharps you can look at if you don't mind a smaller set. Keep in mind though if you "NEVER" plan to use BlueRay, HD-DVD, or even home theater PC, you can always go w/ the Emprex. It will display your stuff, but not as well and not as future proof as others w/ better built quality.

BTW SDTV content will look like crap on HDTVs, especially LCDs. You are better off w/ CRT for SD content. If you are going to buy an HDTV do yourself a favor and get digital tuner as well. Once you go high def you never go back. You will get used to widescreens as movies/tv show/games will adapt to the format slowly. Just my 0.02.

My brother has a HD tuner and he's been trying to sell me on it since day 1. I'll admit it looks pretty damn good. But for me as long as it's clear enough to make out whether the person is holding up 1 finger or 2 i'm fine with the quality. I'm not much of an audio-video guy, I don't even own a standalone dvd player. Like I said most of the time i'm just watching anime off my computer. When/If I do start using BluRay, HD-DVD, etc it'll be through my computer.

But I see what you mean about the HDCP thing. How about this, it's 2inches less but i can settle.
 

Muse

Lifer
Jul 11, 2001
41,096
10,327
136
I don't know the answer but will say this: It's a good thing you asked. openwheelformula1's respose is what you wanted. When buying a new HD etc. display you should really really do your homework. Read the threads, get reviews, check out the scene and know the whys and wherefores before you buy. Good luck!
 

wanderer27

Platinum Member
Aug 6, 2005
2,173
15
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I agree with Muse.

If you're going to be spending that much your should really look for best bang for your buck. HD (and widescreen) games are coming out now, and that's likely to only increase. In a few years (Decades :) ?) there is going to be more and more HD content Broadcasting.

Get the best you can now, and if not now, on down the road you'll be happy you did.

 

EliteXen

Senior member
Nov 13, 2003
426
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0
Originally posted by: BassBomb
dont u need a HDTV and a HD tuner to do HD?

Nice case, silver or black?

And I thought you only need a HD tuner if you wanted to watch a HD signal over cable or sat.
 

wanderer27

Platinum Member
Aug 6, 2005
2,173
15
81
Originally posted by: BassBomb
dont u need a HDTV and a HD tuner to do HD?

You'll need an HDTV monitor or an HDTV with built in tuner to do HD. The newer HD sets are supposed to be equipped with HD tuners as of last July (this may have changed yet again).

If you're looking at getting HD from your Cable Co., then they'll usually supply the tuner/converter - you can double check with your Cable Co. if you're looking into this.

For computers I believe it is dependant on your Video Card.

The new game consoles (xbox360, PS3, etc.) are supposed to be able to output HD signals as well. I know for sure the xbox360 does.