New TV ideas.......

[50]

Hi, we're planning on buying a TV this weekend. We don't buy TV's often, so we want a good one(our last TV was from 1995). We want one less than a thousand dollars. HDTV & widescreen are a major plus. We liked these samsung widescreens...
1
2
3

One Quick question, what else will I need to receive HDTV? Can I use a regular antenna to get HDTV? Is it REQUIRED to buy one of those 500 dollar boxes?

You guys know of any other models that might be better?

EDIT: Does progressive scan make a HUGE difference w/HDTV's?

 

[rudeguy]

I would go with number 2, its a good set. As far as recieving HD signal, it depends on how and when you want to watch it. There are HD satelite recievers to be had for around 500 bucks that would let you watch HD right now. Otherwise you can wait for the cable companies to get off the butts and start broadcasting signal, if they did that, then you would only need a simply converter that costs around $60.

 

[50]

Anyone else got any ideas?

 

[arod]

first where in alabama do you live? I have to know this before I cna make any reccomendations on hdtv equip.


and yes progressive does make a noticable difference on HDTV's

 

[BatmanNate]

Throw your TV out the window. :beer:

 

[50]

Originally posted by: arod
first where in alabama do you live? I have to know this before I cna make any reccomendations on hdtv equip.


and yes progressive does make a noticable difference on HDTV's

Actually I live in Boston, As you can see I am new with these forums and I will change my location right now

 

[arod]

Originally posted by: Cartman2003

Originally posted by: arod
first where in alabama do you live? I have to know this before I cna make any reccomendations on hdtv equip.


and yes progressive does make a noticable difference on HDTV's

Actually I live in Boston, As you can see I am new with these forums and I will change my location right now

Thats actually better for you....
MA WGBH 2 Boston 19 on the air
MA WBZ 4 Boston 30 on the air
MA WCVB 5 Boston 20 on the air
MA WHDH 7 Boston 42 on the air
MA WFXT 25 Boston 31 on the air
MA WSBK 38 Boston 39 on the air
MA WGBX 44 Boston 43 on the air

Those are all in HD now (I dont live in boston so I cant tell you which networks those are). You will need the settop box in order to get HDTV signals but check with your cable co, some of them will "rent" you the box for an extra buck to a buck-fifty a month. If you get a settop box get one that will allow you to hook up either Dish Network or DirecTV later. This will come in hande if you ever want to get HBO-HD or SHO-HD plus ESPN and others that will start appearing on the dish systems pretty soon. If you do get a box watch ebay.... The Samsung SIR-T165 is generally regarded as the best DirecTV/OTA Receiver out right now..... With dish you have to buy their equipment which is a pain but it seems like they have the better chance of offering more HDTV because they have alot more sattelites in the sky and use a better modulation scheme (doubt you wanted all that extra info)...

 

[50]

BTW I do have Directv...I don't have local channels though

 

[arod]

Originally posted by: Cartman2003
BTW I do have Directv...I don't have local channels though

IF you already have DirecTV then get the upgraded receiver and you will need a new dish (probably), if you dont have an elliptical dish then you will need a new one....

 

[50]

Man this sucks....I don't know if I am ready to spend another 500 for a receiver, 1500 for a tv is a LOT...

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: arod
first where in alabama do you live? I have to know this before I cna make any reccomendations on hdtv equip.


and yes progressive does make a noticable difference on HDTV's

Actually, with late model HDTVs having a progressive scan DVD player is only a benefit if the de-interlacer (line doubler) in the DVD player is better than the one in the TV... because most, if not all HDTVs now have line doublers built in. So having a progressive scan DVD player isn't as important as it used to be.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: Cartman2003
BTW I do have Directv...I don't have local channels though

If you have DirecTV just buy the Sony SAT-HD200 or the Samsung SIR-TS160 and you'll be able to get OTA and DirecTV HD channels.

 

[50]

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: Cartman2003
BTW I do have Directv...I don't have local channels though

If you have DirecTV just buy the Sony SAT-HD200 or the Samsung SIR-TS160 and you'll be able to get OTA and DirecTV HD channels.

I only wish they weren't so expensive.....