SD on CRT TV vs. HDTV

[MotionMan]

I have standard cable running into my bedroom. I do not need to pay for HD in my bedroom as I only watch it for about an hour a day before going to sleep. However, in thinking about my TV in there, I got curious about something (and I am very sorry if this has been discussed before - I did not find it by searching - big surprise):

I currently have a Mitsubishi 35" CRT (CS-35401). If I were to replace it, I probably would grab a Vizio 37" from Costco (it is about the biggest HDTV that would fit in my TV cabinet).

Which TV would provide the better picture? i.e. generally speaking, does SD on a HDTV look crappier than SD on a SDTV?

Thanks for indulging me.

MotionMan


Here is an update:

Since we moved in, the TV reception on all the TVs (other than the one with the digital cable box) have been spotty. With the impending visit from my parents, I finally broke down and called the cable company to come out and make things right.

Last weekend the guy came out and did an outstanding job of fixing things up, including putting new connectors on all the cables I had done myself (because the cable company connectors go on about 100x better than anything I can do) and changing out a few bad parts. Now I get pretty much perfect reception in all the rooms.

As you can see in this thread, I just got a new TV for my guest room. When I set it up last night, I got a million channels, including many, many HD channels (without a cable box of any kind).

That got me thinking, so I hooked up the cable in the office to my 32" HDTV to see if I can get the same results as in the guest room, and did I ever. I've got a million channels, including HD, in the office now, too.

However, I cannot make heads or tails of the channels over 77. They are numbered like 114-10, 84-52, etc. but the numbers do not seem to have much of a pattern or correspond to the "actual" channel numbers (channel 121-205 is Channel 9 (KCAL-9) in HD). The Time Warner website is no help.

Thoughts?

MotionMan

 

[montypythizzle]

HMM, if the Vizio has a QAM tuner you can watch HD anyway with basic cable.
But for that question, the CRT would have better SD quality.

 

[cubby1223]

The CRT has better SD quality... but the downside is you have a big heavy CRT.

 

[MotionMan]

Originally posted by: montypythizzle
HMM, if the Vizio has a QAM tuner you can watch HD anyway with basic cable.

Yeah, I am getting OTA-HD on one of my TVs, but the reception is spotty. No free HD on my cable system right now.

But for that question, the CRT would have better SD quality.

That is the impression I get from watching SD on my other HDTVs.

MotionMan

 

[MotionMan]

Originally posted by: cubby1223
The CRT has better SD quality... but the downside is you have a big heavy CRT.

Ain't that the truth!!!

MotionMan

 

[Shawn]

What do you watch at night? You can get the locals in HD for free.

 

[MotionMan]

Originally posted by: Shawn
What do you watch at night? You can get the locals in HD for free.

Unfortunately, I watch mostly cable stuff, so no free HD for me.

MotionMan

 

[Shadowknight]

If the local channels broadcast digitally, the cable company should carry those stations as well. By law, they cannot encrypt those local channels, so with a QAM tuner you could still watch them without having to pay for a "digital cable" package. Note: you still have to pay for A cable package, but even a $10 basic cable package would let you use your QAM tuner for the local stations. Note: because of the compression they use, the cable version of the local channels will have a lower image quality vs. using an antenna. So if you've got good reception in your part of town, you might want to try the antenna first. I've gone 10 years without cable and haven't really missed it.

 

[MotionMan]

Originally posted by: Shadowknight
If the local channels broadcast digitally, the cable company should carry those stations as well. By law, they cannot encrypt those local channels, so with a QAM tuner you could still watch them without having to pay for a "digital cable" package. Note: you still have to pay for A cable package, but even a $10 basic cable package would let you use your QAM tuner for the local stations. Note: because of the compression they use, the cable version of the local channels will have a lower image quality vs. using an antenna. So if you've got good reception in your part of town, you might want to try the antenna first. I've gone 10 years without cable and haven't really missed it.

I have an indoor antenna that picks up a few HD channels with spotty reception at times.

I hooked up my cable to this HDTV and did a scan and got zero HD channels.

MotionMan

 

[Auric]

Broadcast SD is generally very poor on my 42" LCD HDTV (good thing I neither pay for nor watch it) but I was surprised how good lo-def XviD recodes look from PC.

But without an HD source, why even think about replacing a quality CRT with an LCD that is no larger?

 

[MotionMan]

Originally posted by: Auric
Broadcast SD is generally very poor on my 42" LCD HDTV (good thing I neither pay for nor watch it) but I was surprised how good lo-def XviD recodes look from PC.

But without an HD source, why even think about replacing a quality CRT with an LCD that is no larger?

For exactly the reason I started the thread and for a reason that was mentioned in this thread:

1. If SD looked better on an HDTV than a SD CRT, then I would want that improvement (that is apparently not true, so, so much for that idea);
2. The TV I have now is really heavy and, to be honest, I am afraid it is going to fall on someone and kill them one day (even though it is strapped to the cabinet and the cabinet is strapped to the wall).

Another reason is that the WAF for HDTVs is very high right now (we have bought two in the last couple months) - I may want to strike while the iron's hot.

MotionMan

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Yes, the CRT's are heavy but how often do you move them?

I just replaced my bedroom TV with a 32" Toshiba CRT flat-screen. Better sound & picture qualtiy than my old 32" Sony Trinitron and the Toshiba has Component Video in for 480i quality.

I would do the same, replace your Mitsubishi with a better quality CRT. I too already have an armoire that is perfectly sized for a 32" CRT and since I'm not watching any HD programming in my bedroom why pay the $700 for a new LCD that will look worse.

Sold the Sony for $100, Paid $118 for the Toshiba.

 

[MotionMan]

Originally posted by: Fmr12B
Yes, the CRT's are heavy but how often do you move them?

I just replaced my bedroom TV with a 32" Toshiba CRT flat-screen. Better sound & picture qualtiy than my old 32" Sony Trinitron and the Toshiba has Component Video in for 480i quality.

I would do the same,

replace your Mitsubishi with a better quality CRT

. I too already have an armoire that is perfectly sized for a 32" CRT and since I'm not watching any HD programming in my bedroom why pay the $700 for a new LCD that will look worse.

Sold the Sony for $100, Paid $118 for the Toshiba.

I actually think the quality on the current CRT is pretty good. Do you think there are better quality CRT's out there?

(I know, I know - "So why are you looking to replace it?!?" See my answer in my last post.)

MotionMan

 

[MotionMan]

Originally posted by: MotionMan

Originally posted by: montypythizzle
HMM, if the Vizio has a QAM tuner you can watch HD anyway with basic cable.

Yeah, I am getting OTA-HD on one of my TVs, but the reception is spotty. No free HD on my cable system right now.

BTW, I think I may have figured out why I am not getting the unscramble HD on the cable.

I will have to test out my theory tonite.

MotionMan

 

[Auric]

Ah so, I must have skimmed over that and assumed that everyone and their cat knows that CRT IQ cannot be beat. As to weight, look at the silver lining and consider it an anti-theft device. Indeed, the typical hoodlum would prolly snub a high quality even more costly CRT in favour of a junky flat panel.

 

[MotionMan]

Originally posted by: Auric
Ah so, I must have skimmed over that and assumed that everyone and their cat knows that CRT IQ cannot be beat.

Excuse my ignorance, but what is CRT IQ?

As to weight, look at the silver lining and consider it an anti-theft device. Indeed, the typical hoodlum would prolly snub a high quality even more costly CRT in favour of a junky flat panel.

LOL. True.

MotionMan

 

[montypythizzle]

Originally posted by: Auric
Ah so, I must have skimmed over that and assumed that everyone and their cat knows that CRT IQ cannot be beat. As to weight, look at the silver lining and consider it an anti-theft device. Indeed, the typical hoodlum would prolly snub a high quality even more costly CRT in favour of a junky flat panel.

Negative. I buy my TVs large for this reason, they cannot take them out of the door easily.


BTW, Motion, it means Image Quality.

Yes, I LOVE MY CRT for it's SD quality.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Originally posted by: MotionMan

Originally posted by: Fmr12B
Yes, the CRT's are heavy but how often do you move them?

I just replaced my bedroom TV with a 32" Toshiba CRT flat-screen. Better sound & picture qualtiy than my old 32" Sony Trinitron and the Toshiba has Component Video in for 480i quality.

I would do the same,

replace your Mitsubishi with a better quality CRT

. I too already have an armoire that is perfectly sized for a 32" CRT and since I'm not watching any HD programming in my bedroom why pay the $700 for a new LCD that will look worse.

Sold the Sony for $100, Paid $118 for the Toshiba.

I actually think the quality on the current CRT is pretty good. Do you think there are better quality CRT's out there?

Yes, there are way better quality CRT TV's out there. Sony's Vega lineup is stellar. JVC's I-Art, Panasonic Tau, and Toshibas.

I suspect your 35" Mitsu is a non-flat screen and does not have component inputs? The high-end CRT's have 3-line comb filters for better clarity and much better sound as well.

Shop around on your local Craigslist as many households bought flat-panels for Xmas are are desperate to get rid of there CRT's. Thats how I found mine.

 

[Oyeve]

I have been wanting HDTV for a long time but am holding off. I may actually buy a CRT HDTV for cheap. I cant stand how DVDs look on HDTV even with upscaling. I dont even watch DVDs on my 20" WS pc LCD because it looks horrid. CRT, how I miss thee. Still using my 27" magnovox SD CRT from ages ago. My game systems I play on my LCD projector (basically HD for gaming only as I dont have an HDTV tuner). I considered going real cheap, like getting an Olevia 37" LCD or something to tide me over until I go full HD (BR et...al).

 

[MotionMan]

Originally posted by: MotionMan

Originally posted by: MotionMan

Originally posted by: montypythizzle
HMM, if the Vizio has a QAM tuner you can watch HD anyway with basic cable.

Yeah, I am getting OTA-HD on one of my TVs, but the reception is spotty. No free HD on my cable system right now.

BTW, I think I may have figured out why I am not getting the unscramble HD on the cable.

I will have to test out my theory tonite.

MotionMan

Still no free HD over cable. I am going to call Time-Warner Cable the next chance I get to find out the poop on that.

I looked on CL for a cheap, better-than-mine, CRT, but came up empty. If anyone finds one in L.A., please let me know.

MotionMan

 

[MotionMan]

Originally posted by: MotionMan

Originally posted by: MotionMan

Originally posted by: MotionMan

Originally posted by: montypythizzle
HMM, if the Vizio has a QAM tuner you can watch HD anyway with basic cable.

Yeah, I am getting OTA-HD on one of my TVs, but the reception is spotty. No free HD on my cable system right now.

BTW, I think I may have figured out why I am not getting the unscramble HD on the cable.

I will have to test out my theory tonite.

MotionMan

Still no free HD over cable. I am going to call Time-Warner Cable the next chance I get to find out the poop on that.

I looked on CL for a cheap, better-than-mine, CRT, but came up empty. If anyone finds one in L.A., please let me know.

MotionMan

When all else fails, read the FAQ:

Q: Do I have to be a Digital Cable customer to get HDTV?
A: Yes. To get HDTV, customers must have Digital Cable. HDTV relies on digital technology. If you currently have Digital Cable, please contact us and schedule a home visit and one of our experienced installers will upgrade your current cable receiver to an HD-enabled one.

Can that be right? Does the law allow them to require you to upgrade from basic cable to digital cable in order to receive HD content?

(Yes, I know I posted the same thing in two threads.)

MotionMan

 

[Shadowknight]

Originally posted by: MotionMan

Originally posted by: MotionMan

Originally posted by: MotionMan

Originally posted by: montypythizzle
HMM, if the Vizio has a QAM tuner you can watch HD anyway with basic cable.

Yeah, I am getting OTA-HD on one of my TVs, but the reception is spotty. No free HD on my cable system right now.

BTW, I think I may have figured out why I am not getting the unscramble HD on the cable.

I will have to test out my theory tonite.

MotionMan

Still no free HD over cable. I am going to call Time-Warner Cable the next chance I get to find out the poop on that.

I looked on CL for a cheap, better-than-mine, CRT, but came up empty. If anyone finds one in L.A., please let me know.

MotionMan

Do you even have a cable plan? You can't just plug it into the wall and get free channels; you still need to pay for at least a basic cable package from your local provider.

 

[MotionMan]

Originally posted by: Shadowknight

Originally posted by: MotionMan

Originally posted by: MotionMan

Originally posted by: MotionMan

Originally posted by: montypythizzle
HMM, if the Vizio has a QAM tuner you can watch HD anyway with basic cable.

Yeah, I am getting OTA-HD on one of my TVs, but the reception is spotty. No free HD on my cable system right now.

BTW, I think I may have figured out why I am not getting the unscramble HD on the cable.

I will have to test out my theory tonite.

MotionMan

Still no free HD over cable. I am going to call Time-Warner Cable the next chance I get to find out the poop on that.

I looked on CL for a cheap, better-than-mine, CRT, but came up empty. If anyone finds one in L.A., please let me know.

MotionMan

Do you even have a cable plan? You can't just plug it into the wall and get free channels; you still need to pay for at least a basic cable package from your local provider.

Let's recap:

Originally posted by: MotionMan
I have standard cable running into my bedroom.

Originally posted by: MotionMan

Originally posted by: Shawn
What do you watch at night? You can get the locals in HD for free.

Unfortunately, I watch mostly cable stuff, so no free HD for me.

Originally posted by: MotionMan
Still no free HD over cable. I am going to call Time-Warner Cable the next chance I get to find out the poop on that.

In fact, I have a HD-DVR in the living room for my large LCD. I have basic cable running to the other LCD in the office and the CRT in the bedroom.

MotionMan

 

[BD2003]

A *good* HDTV can put out a decent SD picture. I'd probably take the CRT over that particular LCD though. Either way, its not like the LCD is going to make it unwatchable.

If you can deal with the weight/size, and have the means to move it, you can get a pretty killer deal on a CRT HD (go with Sony, XBR960 if you can), but you'll probably need to be patient.

 

[MotionMan]

Originally posted by: BD2003
A *good* HDTV can put out a decent SD picture. I'd probably take the CRT over that particular LCD though. Either way, its not like the LCD is going to make it unwatchable.

If you can deal with the weight/size, and have the means to move it, you can get a pretty killer deal on a CRT HD (go with Sony, XBR960 if you can), but you'll probably need to be patient.

I get a decent SD picture from my 32" Vizio LCD. I was just curious if, generally speaking, the CRT would outperform the LCD for SD content.

MotionMan