HDTV quick question

substance12

Senior member
Nov 6, 2000
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many HDTV's I've seen have a bottom portion to them. Mostly, if I'm recalling correctly, it is just a huge speaker underneath. I don't want one of these because I have a TV stand I currently have. However, if the bottom portion is some gain in technology/quality, then I will go for it. Then there are some HDTV's that just look like regular TVs but of course... the quality.

what's the difference?
 

Ameesh

Lifer
Apr 3, 2001
23,686
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usually the bottom protion you speak of hosts the actual projection unit, i awsome you are talking about RPTV HDTVs
 

conjur

No Lifer
Jun 7, 2001
58,686
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Originally posted by: Ameesh
usually the bottom protion you speak of hosts the actual projection unit, i awsome you are talking about RPTV HDTVs

What he said ;)

(Well, minus the typo :p)
 

substance12

Senior member
Nov 6, 2000
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Ok, it sounds like there is an actual use to the bottom. I wasn't aware of the 2 different flavors of hdtv. what does rptv stand for? ___ projection tv?

is it better to buy one vs the other? like in my case I want a table top hdtv. would i be making a huge sacrifice? if i want to get, a 52"... i'm guessing those only come with the projection unit on the bottom. but for a 36" they come in both flavors. Is one better than the other?
 

royaldank

Diamond Member
Apr 19, 2001
5,440
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I really hope you do a bunch of research before dropping your money. From your questions, I gather that you've decided you want a HDTV, but don't really know too much about them. Not saying there's anything wrong with this, but there are tons of sites out there with reviews and faqs on this type of information. Also, be advised if you aren't aware allready, analog channels (usually channels under 100) on your cable system aren't going to look all that great anymore. HD channels look nice, but regular channels will suffer a little.
 

amnesiac

Lifer
Oct 13, 1999
15,781
1
71
RPTV = rear projection TV. ALL of them have a "bottom part".

Anything 42" and above is a RPTV. I have never seen a 36" projection, so you must be smoking crack.

Many RPTVs are now available in "Table top" style, meaning the bottom part is significantly (12-24") shorter than others. In the case of DLP and LCD RPTVs, this bottom part is even smaller or non-existant because of the short throw capability of the projectors inside.

If you go to a store and notice they charge you extra for the stand, that is a tabletop model.
 

bcterps

Platinum Member
Aug 31, 2000
2,795
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RPTV = Rear Projection TV.

Most HDTVs on the market are of the CRT type, which you really aren't going to be able to put on top of a stand, if you want something around 50".

If you want a "table top" type of tv you have a number of choices in the RPTV segment. DLP, LCD, and LCoS - all of which are much thinner and lighter than CRT sets, however they also are all more expensive. Totally worth it though.
 

amnesiac

Lifer
Oct 13, 1999
15,781
1
71
Also, what's your budget? If you want a 52" I would suggest getting the Samsung DLP if you can afford it or a Sony Grand Wega. For a lower budget, look into the 52" Toshiba, Panasonic, Samsung (non DLP), Sony (kind of pricey), or Mitsubishi.

Do your research here:
http://www.avsforum.com
http://www.hometheaterforum.com

And also go look at the TVs for yourself in a store.
 

Avatar26

Golden Member
Mar 9, 2001
1,044
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Originally posted by: royaldank
I really hope you do a bunch of research before dropping your money. From your questions, I gather that you've decided you want a HDTV, but don't really know too much about them. Not saying there's anything wrong with this, but there are tons of sites out there with reviews and faqs on this type of information. Also, be advised if you aren't aware allready, analog channels (usually channels under 100) on your cable system aren't going to look all that great anymore. HD channels look nice, but regular channels will suffer a little.

:confused:
 

substance12

Senior member
Nov 6, 2000
633
0
71
thanks for the reference sites. and of course I would be doing my homework before i drop any cash on a tv. :)

at this moment i dont want to spend more than 1300. now after doing some homework that number may change.
 

spidey07

No Lifer
Aug 4, 2000
65,469
5
76
Originally posted by: Avatar26
Originally posted by: royaldank
I really hope you do a bunch of research before dropping your money. From your questions, I gather that you've decided you want a HDTV, but don't really know too much about them. Not saying there's anything wrong with this, but there are tons of sites out there with reviews and faqs on this type of information. Also, be advised if you aren't aware allready, analog channels (usually channels under 100) on your cable system aren't going to look all that great anymore. HD channels look nice, but regular channels will suffer a little.

:confused:

Blow up 640x480 desktop on a 55" monitor to see what we're talking about. It isn't that regular TV looks bad, its just so big and the TV has such high resolution that you see all the flaws in the signal. And regular TV is a pretty poor signal developed over 50 years ago.