How badly did my mom get ripped off: A Big Screen TV Thread

[DAWeinG]

She went into Sears and bought this for about $2000. It's not even HDTV it's hd-upgradeable though. Did she get ripped off?

 

[Amused]

What makes you think she got ripped off?

It's HD capable, it just comes without an HD tuner. That's the best way to buy an HDTV right now.

 

[DAWeinG]

Originally posted by: Amused
What makes you think she got ripped off?

It's HD capable, it just comes without a tuner. That's the best way to buy an HDTV right now.

I don't think she went pricehunting that's all ie searching on the forums. Is $2000 a bit pricey for that TV? Also I'm not really knowledgeable about TVs but why is it good to buy an HDTV without a tuner?

 

[Emos]

Not exactley a sale price but she didn't get ripped off either IMO. The set is capable of broadcasting in HD (1080i) but it needs a HD receiver (like 90% of the other HDTV capable sets out there) As Amused said, that's really the way to go right now.

 

[ToiletBowl]

Why did you send your MOM in to buy a big screen TV?! :Q

 

[LeeTJ]

Originally posted by: Emos
Not exactley a sale price but she didn't get ripped off either IMO. The set is capable of broadcasting in HD (1080i) but it needs a HD receiver (like 90% of the other HDTV capable sets out there) As Amused said, that's really the way to go right now.

Definitely. may not be the best price around, but really, if your already gonna spend $2000.00 what's 100 dollars or so.

me, i'd go plasma screen but they are more i think.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: DAWeinG

Originally posted by: Amused
What makes you think she got ripped off?

It's HD capable, it just comes without a tuner. That's the best way to buy an HDTV right now.

I don't think she went pricehunting that's all ie searching on the forums. Is $2000 a bit pricey for that TV? Also I'm not really knowledgeable about TVs but why is it good to buy an HDTV without a tuner?

Because the standards are fluid right now. Besides, most people end up using a cable box or Sat box anyhow. TVs tuners are almost useless anymore.

$2000 is a pretty fair price, plus she got it from a company that is reputable.

The TV rates pretty good here if you ignore the curve being blown by one idiot who couldn't figure out that leaving the contrast at "torch mode" (above 40-50) will result in screen burn in.

Here's a hint: To avoid the notorious burn in problems, turn down the contrast until it's good for a semi dark room.

 

[charrison]

Originally posted by: DAWeinG
She went into Sears and bought this for about $2000. It's not even HDTV it's hd-upgradeable though. Did she get ripped off?

About $700 less than when i got mine about a year ago :|

 

[Emos]

but why is it good to buy an HDTV without a tuner?

At this point the broadcast resolutions still aren't standardized (an analogy would be the VHS vs Beta VCR days) and some of the technology is still developing. It's nice to upgrade the receiver if the old one becomes obsolete.
EDIT: Amused beat me to the answer and explained it better to boot! 😱 😛

 

[Amused]

BTW, you live in LA, so your HD options are many.

Personally, I'd go DirecTV... buy a Samsung SIR-TS160 and triple LNB dish (you can get packages on these for around $600) and a good HD capable rooftop or attic antenna. That way you can have your local HD channels AND DirecTV SD and HD channels all in one program guide.

 

[DAWeinG]

Thanks for the replies guys! Also can anyone tell me if I should get a progressive scan dvd player? What's the difference?

 

[DAWeinG]

Originally posted by: Amused
BTW, you live in LA, so your HD options are many.

Personally, I'd go DirecTV... buy a Samsung SIR-TS160 and triple LNB dish (you can get packages on these for around $600) and a good HD capable rooftop or attic antenna. That way you can have your local HD channels AND DirecTV SD and HD channels all in one program guide.

Thanks I'll be sure to keep that in mind! 🙂

 

[Emos]

should I get a progressive scan dvd player?

One word: YES! DVDs in progressive scan (480p) look amazing on my Toshiba set.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: DAWeinG
Thanks for the replies guys! Also can anyone tell me if I should get a progressive scan dvd player? What's the difference?

Yes. Progressive scan sends a 480P signal to the TV. And the line doublers on DVD players are usually better than the ones they have on TVs.

Apparently Panasonic is making some really good, low priced progressive DVD players. I have Sonys because they make the only decent 300+ disk progressive DVD changer under $1000.

 

[ScottyB]

I would say she got ripped because it is a projection tv. I never understood why someone would buy a projection tv. You always have to sit right in front of them and have the room extremely dark.

 

[Emos]

I have Sonys because they make the only decent 300+ disk progressive DVD changer under $1000.

Just wondering Amused...what's the point of having a DVD player that holds that many discs? It's not like you're going to watch them all at one sitting! Is it mainly for storage purposes? Not flaming, this HDTV and HT newbie is just curious. 🙂

 

[Electric Amish]

Originally posted by: LeeTJ

Originally posted by: Emos
Not exactley a sale price but she didn't get ripped off either IMO. The set is capable of broadcasting in HD (1080i) but it needs a HD receiver (like 90% of the other HDTV capable sets out there) As Amused said, that's really the way to go right now.

Definitely. may not be the best price around, but really, if your already gonna spend $2000.00 what's 100 dollars or so.

me, i'd go plasma screen but they are more i think.

Plasma are A LOT more AND they, supposedly, only have a 3-5 year lifespan.

amish

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: ScottyB
I would say she got ripped because it is a projection tv. I never understood why someone would buy a projection tv. You always have to sit right in front of them and have the room extremely dark.

I have windows in my livingroom, bedroom, and familyroom and the RP TVs (two Sonys and one Hitachi) looks fine. I just have to close the drapes a bit... not even all the way. But then, I had to close the drapes for my direct view TVs as well because of glare.

Most newer RP TVs have great side to side viewing angles. Up and down is still a problem, but then, I don't lay on the floor right in front of it, or stand up right in front of them either...so that's not a problem.

All in all, RP CRT and DLP TVs are the best way to go if you want a large screen experience.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: Electric Amish

Originally posted by: LeeTJ

Originally posted by: Emos
Not exactley a sale price but she didn't get ripped off either IMO. The set is capable of broadcasting in HD (1080i) but it needs a HD receiver (like 90% of the other HDTV capable sets out there) As Amused said, that's really the way to go right now.

Definitely. may not be the best price around, but really, if your already gonna spend $2000.00 what's 100 dollars or so.

me, i'd go plasma screen but they are more i think.

Plasma are A LOT more AND they, supposedly, only have a 3-5 year lifespan.

amish

Not only that, but plasma TVs have serious problems displaying blacks.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: Emos

I have Sonys because they make the only decent 300+ disk progressive DVD changer under $1000.

Just wondering Amused...what's the point of having a DVD player that holds that many discs? It's not like you're going to watch them all at one sitting! Is it mainly for storage purposes? Not flaming, this HDTV and HT newbie is just curious. 🙂

I'm lazy and hate getting up to change DVDs and CDs. 😛

Seriously, though, it's nice sitting back in the chair and flipping through the titles and logos on an onscreen display rather than standing in front of a shelf and changing out DVDs all the time.. Plus, they double as a CD jutebox.

 

[ScottyB]

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: ScottyB
I would say she got ripped because it is a projection tv. I never understood why someone would buy a projection tv. You always have to sit right in front of them and have the room extremely dark.

I have windows in my livingroom, bedroom, and familyroom and the RP TVs (two Sonys and one Hitachi) looks fine. I just have to close the drapes a bit... not even all the way. But then, I had to close the drapes for my direct view TVs as well because of glare.

Most newer RP TVs have great side to side viewing angles. Up and down is still a problem, but then, I don't lay on the floor right in front of it, or stand up right in front of them either...so that's not a problem.

All in all, RP CRT and DLP TVs are the best way to go if you want a large screen experience.

Everyone I have seen at peoples' houses and at stores have looked like crap to me from any angle, but that is just my opinion and it ultimately lies on the purchaser's shoulders to buy it or not. I will never buy one though.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: ScottyB

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: ScottyB
I would say she got ripped because it is a projection tv. I never understood why someone would buy a projection tv. You always have to sit right in front of them and have the room extremely dark.

I have windows in my livingroom, bedroom, and familyroom and the RP TVs (two Sonys and one Hitachi) looks fine. I just have to close the drapes a bit... not even all the way. But then, I had to close the drapes for my direct view TVs as well because of glare.

Most newer RP TVs have great side to side viewing angles. Up and down is still a problem, but then, I don't lay on the floor right in front of it, or stand up right in front of them either...so that's not a problem.

All in all, RP CRT and DLP TVs are the best way to go if you want a large screen experience.

Everyone I have seen at peoples' houses and at stores have looked like crap to me from any angle, but that is just my opinion and it ultimately lies on the purchaser's shoulders to buy it or not. I will never buy one though.

You obviously haven't looked at newer, higher end ones. Like I said, up and down is critical, and the TVs are made to be viewed at a seated level. But side to side on the better ones looks great now.

 

[ScottyB]

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: ScottyB

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: ScottyB
I would say she got ripped because it is a projection tv. I never understood why someone would buy a projection tv. You always have to sit right in front of them and have the room extremely dark.

I have windows in my livingroom, bedroom, and familyroom and the RP TVs (two Sonys and one Hitachi) looks fine. I just have to close the drapes a bit... not even all the way. But then, I had to close the drapes for my direct view TVs as well because of glare.

Most newer RP TVs have great side to side viewing angles. Up and down is still a problem, but then, I don't lay on the floor right in front of it, or stand up right in front of them either...so that's not a problem.

All in all, RP CRT and DLP TVs are the best way to go if you want a large screen experience.

Everyone I have seen at peoples' houses and at stores have looked like crap to me from any angle, but that is just my opinion and it ultimately lies on the purchaser's shoulders to buy it or not. I will never buy one though.

You obviously haven't looked at newer, higher end ones. Like I said, up and down is critical, and the TVs are made to be viewed at a seated level. But side to side on the better ones looks great now.

I was just in Circuit City and Best Buy yesterday looking at some, but like I said it is just my opinion.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: ScottyB

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: ScottyB

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: ScottyB
I would say she got ripped because it is a projection tv. I never understood why someone would buy a projection tv. You always have to sit right in front of them and have the room extremely dark.

I have windows in my livingroom, bedroom, and familyroom and the RP TVs (two Sonys and one Hitachi) looks fine. I just have to close the drapes a bit... not even all the way. But then, I had to close the drapes for my direct view TVs as well because of glare.

Most newer RP TVs have great side to side viewing angles. Up and down is still a problem, but then, I don't lay on the floor right in front of it, or stand up right in front of them either...so that's not a problem.

All in all, RP CRT and DLP TVs are the best way to go if you want a large screen experience.

Everyone I have seen at peoples' houses and at stores have looked like crap to me from any angle, but that is just my opinion and it ultimately lies on the purchaser's shoulders to buy it or not. I will never buy one though.

You obviously haven't looked at newer, higher end ones. Like I said, up and down is critical, and the TVs are made to be viewed at a seated level. But side to side on the better ones looks great now.

I was just in Circuit City and Best Buy yesterday looking at some, but like I said it is just my opinion.

And you're judging them from an angle that is too high. BB and CC all have their TVs too low for most people. As I said, height is critical, but side to side is not on higher end TVs.

 

[Electric Amish]

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: ScottyB

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: ScottyB

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: ScottyB
I would say she got ripped because it is a projection tv. I never understood why someone would buy a projection tv. You always have to sit right in front of them and have the room extremely dark.

I have windows in my livingroom, bedroom, and familyroom and the RP TVs (two Sonys and one Hitachi) looks fine. I just have to close the drapes a bit... not even all the way. But then, I had to close the drapes for my direct view TVs as well because of glare.

Most newer RP TVs have great side to side viewing angles. Up and down is still a problem, but then, I don't lay on the floor right in front of it, or stand up right in front of them either...so that's not a problem.

All in all, RP CRT and DLP TVs are the best way to go if you want a large screen experience.

Everyone I have seen at peoples' houses and at stores have looked like crap to me from any angle, but that is just my opinion and it ultimately lies on the purchaser's shoulders to buy it or not. I will never buy one though.

You obviously haven't looked at newer, higher end ones. Like I said, up and down is critical, and the TVs are made to be viewed at a seated level. But side to side on the better ones looks great now.

I was just in Circuit City and Best Buy yesterday looking at some, but like I said it is just my opinion.

And you're judging them from an angle that is too high. BB and CC all have their TVs too low for most people. As I said, height is critical, but side to side is not on higher end TVs.

Yup, that's why real electronics stores have the TV's up 2-3 feet off the ground.

amish