HDTV Question

[Dulanic]

Originally posted by: Apex

Originally posted by: Dulanic
And I'd recomend the new DLPs over the old ones, like the new 63W series... it uses the newer HD3 chip, which has a higher contrast the the older 7W series (617W, 507W etc..) and it has a 7 color color wheel instead of 6 like the old one. The new 63 series also has both HDMI and DVI.

Actually, none of the HD3 chips are currently scheduled to have a 7-segment colorwheel. Only the xHD3 and HD2+ are scheduled to.

The HD3 chip is a cost saving measure over the HD2. It has 1/2 of the number of mirrors (640 x 720 in a diamond formation instead of 1280 x 720 in a standard formation), and is smaller. The fill ratio is not as good either. So, yes, it does have a higher contrast ratio, but other aspects of the picture quality are probably not quite as high.

All Samsung HLP have a 7-segment color wheel, even the 63 series which uses the HD3.

 

[Doggiedog]

I would spring for an extended warranty.

My $3000 Sony conked out on me in less than 2 years and repairing it would have been $1000. When I bought its replacement, I made sure to get the 3 yr extended warranty which kicks in after the original warranty ends.

From what I've read, CC has the best extended warranty and they seem to be very generous regarding returns. BB OTOH I hear is a nightmare and they require 3 repair trips before they accept a TV as defective.

 

[welst10]

I got a new 51" TV last week. The sales guy tried to sell me those cables and craps too. Do not spend over $30 for a component video cable. I got a RCA-brand component video cables from my local blockbuster for $17 after comparing the Philips and Radio Shack ones. The one I got has double shields, 24K gold-plated connectors, foam insulation between the pure copper conductor and shields, etc. I think it's as good as the 69 monster cable.

 

[PanzerIV]

Originally posted by: warcrow
All you guys just made me realize that I know absolutely nothing about moden TVs

Can we talk computers now so I can feel significant again?

You aren't kidding. I pick up on a little here and there but I've lost interest in keeping up to date with every new innovation in consumer electronics that hits the streets like I used to. Everything changes so quickly.

 

[SaltBoy]

Definitely get the extended warranty if you're getting a Samsung DLP. The bulbs are supposed to go dim after about three years of use or so, and will require a replacement bulb that costs $300 all by itself. With the warranty, you could replace the bulb all you want throughout the period and will be able to get them to do it for you.

<-- Has a 43" Sammy DLP. It's AWESOME!

 

[tranceport]

I can't believe you arn't going to spend the extra cash on the $400 warrenty, the $200 filter and the $150 cables so that the sales guy can feed his kids and the management can go to cancun this summer for the "presidents club".

This is why I buy my stuff online. IF you think that when you tv breaks those punks at Circuit City or Best Buy are going to help you out....heh. Good luck. At least when I buy from someplace like onecall I know they don't care if I live or die and won't do anything to help me. So I pay 70% of what you pay for a hdtv. Only buy it with free shipping though.. $300 in shipping sucks. Thank god I avoided that.

 

[welst10]

Originally posted by: tranceport
I can't believe you arn't going to spend the extra cash on the $400 warrenty, the $200 filter and the $150 cables so that the sales guy can feed his kids and the management can go to cancun this summer for the "presidents club".

This is why I buy my stuff online. IF you think that when you tv breaks those punks at Circuit City or Best Buy are going to help you out....heh. Good luck. At least when I buy from someplace like onecall I know they don't care if I live or die and won't do anything to help me. So I pay 70% of what you pay for a hdtv. Only buy it with free shipping though.. $300 in shipping sucks. Thank god I avoided that.

Local stores like CC do have return or exchange policy on big-screen TVs. Onecall doesnt take returns. Also they only provide "curbside delivery" when they offer free shipping. I need in-home ("white glove") delivery. So I got mine at my local 6th ave.

 

[Crucial]

I was just at Sams club yesterday and noticed they have a 50" Samsung DLP for like $2700

 

[tranceport]

Originally posted by: welst10

Originally posted by: tranceport
I can't believe you arn't going to spend the extra cash on the $400 warrenty, the $200 filter and the $150 cables so that the sales guy can feed his kids and the management can go to cancun this summer for the "presidents club".

This is why I buy my stuff online. IF you think that when you tv breaks those punks at Circuit City or Best Buy are going to help you out....heh. Good luck. At least when I buy from someplace like onecall I know they don't care if I live or die and won't do anything to help me. So I pay 70% of what you pay for a hdtv. Only buy it with free shipping though.. $300 in shipping sucks. Thank god I avoided that.

Local stores like CC do have return or exchange policy on big-screen TVs. Onecall doesnt take returns. Also they only provide "curbside delivery" when they offer free shipping. I need in-home ("white glove") delivery. So I got mine at my local 6th ave.

The delivery guy was so cool. I offered him a beer which he quickly knocked back then proceeded to carry the tv all the way inside for me. We then hooked up my xbox and kicked back a few more beers. Ahh man what a great day.

 

[Apex]

Originally posted by: Dulanic

Originally posted by: Apex

Originally posted by: Dulanic
And I'd recomend the new DLPs over the old ones, like the new 63W series... it uses the newer HD3 chip, which has a higher contrast the the older 7W series (617W, 507W etc..) and it has a 7 color color wheel instead of 6 like the old one. The new 63 series also has both HDMI and DVI.

Actually, none of the HD3 chips are currently scheduled to have a 7-segment colorwheel. Only the xHD3 and HD2+ are scheduled to.

The HD3 chip is a cost saving measure over the HD2. It has 1/2 of the number of mirrors (640 x 720 in a diamond formation instead of 1280 x 720 in a standard formation), and is smaller. The fill ratio is not as good either. So, yes, it does have a higher contrast ratio, but other aspects of the picture quality are probably not quite as high.

All Samsung HLP have a 7-segment color wheel, even the 63 series which uses the HD3.

I stand corrected, I didn't know they updated that. That's great news for the HD3 sets.

 

[bdunosk]

There's a lot of debate on cables in here... I'm no video/audiophile, but I've found that the cables you can buy at Parts Express are as good as any Monster cables I have. They're available for a fraction of the cost, too.

 

[Logan00]

I dont necessarily think that you have to be rich to go HDTV. I recently picked up a sony 51" which I am very happy with for 1800 with 5yr warranty. But I was investigating the hdmi connection on the back. Can I use this to connect an Nvidia Video card? If so, what kind of resolution can I run on the tv? I know hdmi is dvi backwards compatible, so this is really tempting. Ive also been looking for hdmi upconverting dvd players, but that I can def wait on till they are sub 100$, cause i aint rich.

 

[Doggiedog]

BS on the cables. If you need to, buy it online from places like cablestogo.

I would spring for the warranty though.

My $3000 Sony tv (don't ever buy Sony) died within 2 years with nothing to show for it and my latest Panasonic 50" LCD has been in the shop 4 times now in the last 14 months.

 

[woowoo]

If they are component cables then I could make them for about $25 in parts
Belden 1694A, Canare 75 ohm RCA plugs, Shrinkwrap.......
They would be every bit as good as monster

Don't pay $150 for cables......

 

[Tiamat]

Basically im thinking:

1. Buy the TV, and use default component video, your regular surgeprotector and start watching some programs. If the picture looks phenominal in your opinion. You are done - and saved 300$ from not buying those other parts.

2. Warantee is toss up. I usually get warantees for expensive stuff just in case - you never know what might happen 2 years down the road.

 

[Amused]

Folks, the OP's issues were cleared up 3 months ago.

For some reason, Logan00 felt compeled to revive this old thread to ask a question.

 

[Doggiedog]

Originally posted by: Amused
Folks, the OP's issues were cleared up 3 months ago.

For some reason, Logan00 felt compeled to revive this old thread to ask a question.

LOL.

I didn't realize that and practically repeated the same thing I wrote 3 months ago.

All that stuff must be hardwired into my brain or something.

 

[skace]

Hahahaha, I just read the whole thread and wondered why Doggiedog posted twice with similar things. Then I read about the dates

 

[Doggiedog]

Originally posted by: skace
Hahahaha, I just read the whole thread and wondered why Doggiedog posted twice with similar things. Then I read about the dates

It was early and I was half asleep.

 

[munruss]

Sounds like a nice TV. The warranty is totally up to you. You should find out whether you can purchase the warranty at a later time. I just bought a Dell laptop and I had up to 45 days from the purchase date to purchase an extended warranty, which I did. At least that gives you more time to iron out your budget.