TV format question

[azkiwi]

Since TVs are't really computer hardware, I'm guessing this is OT.

I'm investigating the pro's and con's of 16:9 TVs vs. 4:3. Not much of a TV viewer myself but have a client who needs a TV and it seems like its foolish to buy a 4:3 TV if you're going to watch DVD movies. An ounce of experience is worth a pound of web, so I'd love to hear users opinions.

Alternatively, direct me to an appropriate forum. Thanks.

 

[Dufman]

16X9 and if they are a stickler about the quality get a sony HDTV

 

[Chadder007]

Here is my own thread about this same question....sorta.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=209022

 

[azkiwi]

What is SDTV?

I would guess this TV will be used slightly more for DVDs than typical TV. They have satellite if that makes any difference, but no idea what they watch. Not big tube heads or techie but can afford anything they want. I would feel bad if I steered them to a format that was going to be obsolete or goofy within the next 2-5 yrs.

 

[Zugzwang152]

if you use it only for DVDs, get a 16:9, regular 4:3 tv becomes massively distorted on a 16:9 tv

 

[bocamojo]

I can put this very simply. You haven't seen a DVD until you've seen it on a 16x9 widescreen TV. Period. If they love DVD's, then steering them towards a 16x9 TV is the right thing to do. However, as has been stated, 16x9 TV's don't really like 4x3 TV/Satellite/Cable signals. They can stretch them and zoom them, but there always seems to be some loss of quality when this is done. Also, the problem with large TV's is that you can see the flaws associated with the regular TV shows, such as you would get from Cable or Satellite. You really need the quality of progressive scan DVD or HDTV to realize the potential of the 16x9 widescreen TV. I have over 100 DVD's, and I can honestly say that I don't know how I ever watched a DVD on my old 36 inch Panasonic before. Some things to note if they do decide to go with a 16x9 widescreen: Does it have a DVI adapter with HDCP. This is key for the near future, as things will eventually go all digital (not be converted to analog), and this built-in security is required to be in the TV set for the next generation of digital products. Without it, the TV will be obsolete a lot faster. Second, make sure it has manual as well as auto convergence. The more control you have over this type of thing, the better. Third, make sure it is HDTV compatible. Lastly, look for things like this: Digital 3D Y/C Comb Filter, 1080i/720p/540p/480p/480i Input, Aspect Modes, Viewing Angle, Horizontal TV Lines of Resolution, and 3:2 Film Correction.

 

[buleyb]

Where to start...

ok, 16:9 screens are ideal if you are watching more widescreen TV than standard (4:3) TV (read TV as DVD, HDTV, whatever you want, VIDEO SIGNAL).
If you watch 4:3 TV more, than you get those great excess black bars on the sides of a widescreen set, and unless you have one of the few screens on the market that can change scan modes for 4:3 aspect signals, you can get burn-in problems over time (permanent damage to the screen). The same can be said for 4:3 screens when you watch a lot of 16:9 (same problem, except excess black bars at the top/bottom). This should be how you choose aspect (this, and personal preference ). Don't get a 16:9 screen that can't display 4:3 without altering the picture, thats just stupid. Most can do 4:3 without stretching the image.

Quality is a must, Sony isn't always the best...Toshiba, Hitachi, Samsung are also quite good, but you take the pick when you choose what size TV you want, and if you want rear or front projection (or Plasma/LCD )

Formats...always fun. We have Standard (current interlaced signals), SDTV, and HDTV. Standard TV is broadcast at a max of 480i (i means interlaced). Most signals using this don't use all 480 lines of resolution (usually only Pay-per-view, HBO, and other premium stations get close). 480i is also what DVDs output at (except for progressive scan, which I'm getting to). 480p (p is progressive) is the same lines of resolution, but they are all displayed at once (unlike interlaced signals, which alternate which lines are displayed). 480p is what MOST progressive scan DVD players output at, and what SDTV signals use (Standard Definition TV). the remaining are HDTV signals (usually the popular is 720p, 720i, or 1080i). They have more lines of resolution, and look great (personally, I think 480p looks excellent, and is enough to keep me happy).

Keep in mind, you need a HDTV tuner to decode HDTV signals (whether it be a separate tuner, built into a satellite box, etc). And don't get confused with Digital cable/sat. They may be digital, and better signals (less noise), but they can still be 480i signals, check with your service provider.

It is correct to watch out for the digital ports being put into HDTVs, as they haven't been agreed upon, and its annoying. Bocamojo had a good post, stick with his feature list.

did I answer enough? phew...

 

[buleyb]

Oh, good link on this stuff from Crutchfield

 

[azkiwi]

Thanks all for the informed opinions. Combined with a little more research I ended up recommending the Sony KV-32HS500 and a Sony DVP-NS715P if they want good casual home theater without going nuts.