Thinking of buying HDTV from craigslist, some questions

[AstroManLuca]

So I'm looking to upgrade from my 32" 720p TV to a 1080p version. I use it as my computer monitor (via VGA; using DVI-HDMI doesn't let me select the native resolution of 1366x768) and the only other device I have hooked up is an Xbox 360 via HDMI.

Anyway, I found what I believe to be a pretty good deal on a Westinghouse 37" 1080p monitor (no TV tuner, not that it matters, I don't watch TV). Got excited about it and contacted the seller, but then a friend informed me over IM that the early versions of this monitor don't have HDMI and thus aren't HDCP compatible and will not be that useful in the future. Sure enough, the listing mentions "2 HDMI comaptible DVI inputs." So I'm thinking this is an older version without HDMI/HDCP. I've already contacted him asking for the model number and a clarification of the inputs, but let's assume for now that it doesn't have HDCP.

How much is that going to hold me back? Like I said, my only HDMI device is my Xbox 360. I like HDMI for the convenience - no need to connect multiple cables for audio and video. But I guess I could switch to component or VGA instead (I have all the necessary cables). Also, I live in a small apartment so I have no need for a Blu-ray player at any point in the future. If I do feel the need for Blu-ray, I'll just get a drive and put it in my computer.

What worries me is connecting the Xbox 360 and any future game consoles. Because I'll probably get an Xbox 720 in a couple years when it comes out and I don't really want to be forced to buy a new TV. But honestly, I'm just not sure how the whole HDCP thing works. Does it just mean that I'll be forced to use various analog inputs like component or VGA in order to get good resolutions? Or will it basically turn this TV into a brick?

 

[erwos]

There are a _couple_ things on the 360 that want HDCP over HDMI/DVI. I forget what they are, though - Netflix and HD-DVD, I think.

The PS3 absolutely requires an HDCP-enabled connection at all times if you're using the PS3's HDMI output. That is something to consider, because it could become a new sort of standard. Hopefully not, but you never know... Your cable STB might also complain, as I have some vague recollections that digital connections out of those need to be secured these days. (It's required on my TiVo, IIRC.)

If it were me, I wouldn't buy it, unless we're talking like a $150 TV here.

 

[AstroManLuca]

Okay, the seller informed me that it is a model number LVM-37W2. He claims that it has two DVI inputs, not HDMI, but that they are HDCP enabled. I can't find much on the differences between the different models of Westinghouse... there's the 37W1 which has no HDCP, the 37W2 which apparently does have HDCP but only DVI ports, and the 37W3 which has HDMI.

LOL not sure if he'd take $150 for it, I mean it is a 37" 1080p LCD after all regardless of its possible shortcomings, but I am a little skeptical. Didn't even know DVI could do HDCP but apparently it can (not just on the seller's word, Google seems to confirm this). So as far as I can tell, it's just an issue of convenience - that is, if I have my HDMI-DVI cable hooked up, I have to also figure out a way to get the sound from the Xbox as well. But it doesn't have to be perfect since my home audio is just a pair of Klipsch 2.1s connected to the TV via an RCA-3.5mm adapter.

EDIT: Did lots of searching even on Westinghouse's own site and there's no mention anywhere of an LVM-37W2. Just the 37W1 (non-HDCP DVI only) and 37W3 (HDMI). I'm thinking I'll let this one go and maybe order the Sceptre 32" 1080p from NewEgg for $550 shipped. This guy is either uninformed or deliberately misleading me. Assuming it has DVI and not HDMI, that implies it's the 37W1, which in turn means that it is up to four years old (at least it's a model that was released four years ago).

I'm going to wait a bit and do some searching on Slickdeals and so on until I find a really good deal on a 32-37" 1080p LCD.

 

[davidjaii]

for $550 I would go with the 32 samsung or sony from bestbuys.com way better quality for the same price.

 

[AstroManLuca]

Originally posted by: davidjaii
for $550 I would go with the 32 samsung or sony from bestbuys.com way better quality for the same price.

I guess you didn't see the part where I was looking for a 1080p TV. Yes, I already have a 720p. I am looking to upgrade. Right now the best deal seems to be a Vizio 32" 1080p from Dell for $589 after tax. Same model is also available from a less-reputable online store for $521 shipped, no tax.

 

[BassBomb]

If you weren't sure, DVI can in fact support HDCP

 

[krotchy]

Originally posted by: AstroManLuca

Originally posted by: davidjaii
for $550 I would go with the 32 samsung or sony from bestbuys.com way better quality for the same price.

I guess you didn't see the part where I was looking for a 1080p TV. Yes, I already have a 720p. I am looking to upgrade. Right now the best deal seems to be a Vizio 32" 1080p from Dell for $589 after tax. Same model is also available from a less-reputable online store for $521 shipped, no tax.

I would take that new Vizio long before a used Westinghouse. Vizio keeps making their product line better every year. Westinghouse doesn't even release a new TV once a year and their line has always been low on the totem pole. 2 years ago they were one of the only affordable 1080p TV makers, but now they aren't really even worth mentioning.

 

[AstroManLuca]

Originally posted by: krotchy

Originally posted by: AstroManLuca

Originally posted by: davidjaii
for $550 I would go with the 32 samsung or sony from bestbuys.com way better quality for the same price.

I guess you didn't see the part where I was looking for a 1080p TV. Yes, I already have a 720p. I am looking to upgrade. Right now the best deal seems to be a Vizio 32" 1080p from Dell for $589 after tax. Same model is also available from a less-reputable online store for $521 shipped, no tax.

I would take that new Vizio long before a used Westinghouse. Vizio keeps making their product line better every year. Westinghouse doesn't even release a new TV once a year and their line has always been low on the totem pole. 2 years ago they were one of the only affordable 1080p TV makers, but now they aren't really even worth mentioning.

Yeah, I ended up actually ordering a 32" Vizio VO32LF for under $500 shipped. I was impressed to find a 1080p TV for so cheap.