HDTV Size/Price/Quality confusions.

[Murphy Durphy]

I'm looking at getting a nice, medium sized HDTV right before the Xbox 360 launches. I've been shopping around Best Buy lately, and I just don't get it.

There was a whole row of TVs that were about 20-25inches, kinda thick, and all HDTV (a lot of LCDs) that were all priced around $1,600-$2,000+. They all looked .. a little better than my regular TV at best.

Then there were the huge 40-50in+ TV's that were extremely thin and amazingly clear. But they too were only $2,000-2,500.

What's the deal? How come the quality and size of these TVs were so drastically different, but yet their prices were all about the same?

What I want is a really great HDTV that is only about 25-30inches, something really good for gaming. Thickness really doesn't matter to me. Any ideas?

 

[KLin]

flat LCD HDTV's are quite pricey.

 

[keeleysam]

It's the technonlogy.

Get a Samsung DLP.

 

[HappyPuppy]

I have no idea and wouldn't even try to answer your question.

I just buy the cheapest 27" TV in the store whenever mine gives up the ghost.

HD or regular, it's still the same uninspired crap.

If you must keep up with all the rest of the technophiles I suggest you take out a second on your house and buy the best on the market. The picture will be crystal clear and the sound will blow you, and your neighbors, away. It's worth it. Trust me. I am a reliable source. Honest. :roll:

 

[Murphy Durphy]

Why would LCD be more expensive if the screens are smaller and look way worse?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Murphy Durphy
Why would LCD be more expensive if the screens are smaller and look way worse?

The LCD panel itself is much larger than the tiny LCD / DLP chip/screens that are used for RP units.

 

[irwincur]

Here is the retail trick...

Make the high margin, expensive products look the best. They typcially do not send a full HD signal to the lower end TVs - from the looks of it BB in particaulr will send the lower margin LCDs and CRTs 480p signals and 720p to the higher end (and higher margine) Plasma displays and DLPs. They have been doing this for years.

Now a general rule is that for games Plasmas are not an option - plus they are not all that good anyways. LCDs still typically consist of slower panels and are not great for action or heavy movement - hence games will be poor. DLPs are the best of the new thin TVs yet still have issues with contrast, viewing angles, and raindows (the spinning disk produces a rainbow effect that bothers some people). CRTs are still the tops in terms of picture quality (by a large margin) however, their size and bulk may rule them out. If you have the room, a CRT is not a terrible option.

If you see a TV that you like, however you are suspect of the quality of the video feed - tell them to show it to you with the feed that a better looking TV is getting. There are not many real maufacturers out there so most TVs across many brands have similar lineage. Meaning LCD brand X is probably the same as LCD brand Y if they are in the same price range.

 

[Murphy Durphy]

Originally posted by: irwincur
Here is the retail trick...

Make the high margin, expensive products look the best. They typcially do not send a full HD signal to the lower end TVs - from the looks of it BB in particaulr will send the lower margin LCDs and CRTs 480p signals and 720p to the higher end (and higher margine) Plasma displays and DLPs. They have been doing this for years.

Now a general rule is that for games Plasmas are not an option - plus they are not all that good anyways. LCDs still typically consist of slower panels and are not great for action or heavy movement - hence games will be poor. DLPs are the best of the new thin TVs yet still have issues with contrast, viewing angles, and raindows (the spinning disk produces a rainbow effect that bothers some people). CRTs are still the tops in terms of picture quality (by a large margin) however, their size and bulk may rule them out. If you have the room, a CRT is not a terrible option.

If you see a TV that you like, however you are suspect of the quality of the video feed - tell them to show it to you with the feed that a better looking TV is getting. There are not many real maufacturers out there so most TVs across many brands have similar lineage. Meaning LCD brand X is probably the same as LCD brand Y if they are in the same price range.

Yeah size is no problem. I just want something clear and great for gaming. LCDs have all been pretty unimpressive to me. CRTs seem like the way to go.

Anyone have some good recommendations for around $1,000 or so?

 

[0roo0roo]

lcds are starting to lower in price and catch up with plasma. not there yet obviously. lcd nis better for smaller tv's.. i don't think they can make the plasmas that small..either they can/t shrink the plasma cells or its not cost effective. price... quality matters as much as size. like with dlp and the ones that use the color wheel and ones that dont have to. color wheel is cheaper but has rainbow arficats.

 

[Jadow]

I like LCD the best. DLP's with their spinning wheel and flicker give me headaches and eyestrain. LCD's -> totally comfortable to watch.