TV gurus, any reason to buy an HD set right now?

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spacejamz

Lifer
Mar 31, 2003
10,865
1,510
126
Originally posted by: vi_edit
Heh. I too find myself just watching random crap in HD just because it looks so damn cool. Dish is great for that. 30 channels of random HD programming.

Snakes in the Amazon.
Extreme mountian skiing.
Exotic plants of some island I've never heard of before.
Women's water polo.

You name it. I just find myself drawn in because it looks so purty.

I had the VOOM HD satellite service for almost a year when they went under...40 channels of HD bliss (most of the time)...

is there a term for TV 'neffing'??? cuz if there was, I was doing it...:)

most of those channels are carried on Dish now...
 

Looney

Lifer
Jun 13, 2000
21,938
5
0

frankgomez75

Platinum Member
Mar 23, 2004
2,215
1
76
Oh, and the reason to go hi-def now:
1) Sports - NFL, NBA, MLB etc... i love watching sports in HD
2) TV Shows - 24, Lost, and couple other shows in HD
3) Upconversion of DVD's to 720P in conjunction with a good upscaling DVD Player
4) Xbox 360 or PS3 if you like gaming
5) Hi-def is here to stay
 

frankgomez75

Platinum Member
Mar 23, 2004
2,215
1
76
Originally posted by: Looney
Originally posted by: frankgomez75

What are those from?

What video source and components are you using?

TS video.

As for components... um, that was a screenshot capture (not by me, but i got that video). But i use DVI from my HTPC.


Oh... gotcha... nice screenshots :)
I love HD!
 

Looney

Lifer
Jun 13, 2000
21,938
5
0
Originally posted by: purbeast0
i would say 80% of the TV shows I watch are in HD, I play Xbox360 on the regular in HD, and the 16:9 screen is full for almost all of the movies I watch on DVD, and I watch a lot of movies.

so for me, yah, it was worth it. but for some people, i can see why it's not worth it.

That's about my percentage too.

The only thing i really watch that isn't in HD these days is CNN. But practically everything else is HD.
 

spacejamz

Lifer
Mar 31, 2003
10,865
1,510
126
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Originally posted by: spacejamz
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Right now I have a Mitsubishi 50" RPTV 4:3 non-HD set. I was at Fry's yesterday and they had a 62" Toshiba DLP TV, 1080p HDTV for sale at $800 off retail because it was either returned/factory refurbished or open box item. Anyway, it looked fantastic, it is 16:9 aspect ratio and it is onsale for $1799.

Is this worth me getting or would I be better off to wait?

Just another option...

Costco has the newer version of that TV (Frys has the 62HM195 - Costco has the 62HM116 which is actually an 62HM196) for $2499. But it comes with the stand which is $400 but you are getting it from Costco:).

I bought one for $2799 about 3 weeks ago and saw the $2499 price last night. Going to have the price adjustment tonight...

this was in dallas, but Costco seems to be pretty good about having consistent nationwide prices...YMMV though...

What is the difference between the older model and the new one?

I don't mind buying an open box model, my current TV I purchased open box and I've had it for about 5-6 years now.

the 62HM196/HM116 have newer light engines...the black levels are much better on the newer sets...
 

LikeLinus

Lifer
Jul 25, 2001
11,518
670
126
Originally posted by: mzkhadir
Prices are going to drop by the end of the year. If you have an xbox 360 or a dvd player that upconverts. That would be the only reasons.


What about TV Shows?

HD is awesome. All of our sets in the house are HD and it's the only way to go!
 

Bashbelly

Member
Dec 12, 2005
111
0
0
Costco has the Panasonic 50" Plasma TV for ~$2700. It's only 720p/1080i, but I dont care it looks awesome and its not super expensive. Gonna go for it next week :).
 
Feb 10, 2000
30,029
66
91
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Originally posted by: lokiju
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
OKay, I have another question. Which would consume less energy? DLP or LCD?

LCD Projection or flat panel LCD?

Projection.

I don't think there's any measurable difference. I'm quite sure the bulb, present in both kinds of sets, uses the majority of the power.
 

Mellman

Diamond Member
Jul 9, 2003
3,083
0
76
get an HDTV now - dont get that one :)

I HIGHLY reccomend the samsung DLP tv's, their 1080p is amazing, and they are around that same price point. if you're ready for a new tv, do it. if not then prices will continue to drop.

DO realize however that you will no longer be able to watch normal tv, sdtv 480p will look horrendous to you now...
 

spidey07

No Lifer
Aug 4, 2000
65,469
5
76
As a long time HD lover/viewer there is never not a good time.

But here's my opinion as I'm looking for my 4th HD set...

The technology is advancing at a mind blowing, blistering pace. The prices are doing the same. The amount of HD programming is growing by leaps and bounds. Gaming, movies, sports, media is all moving or already at HD. All wonderful stuff.

The only down side is at this pace if you can wait a little while you'll get a better set for less. I'm having a hard time holding off on my purchase but I saw a mits 73" 1080p set that I might just have to pull the trigger on. Just have to read up on it.
 

JackBurton

Lifer
Jul 18, 2000
15,993
14
81
Originally posted by: Bashbelly
Costco has the Panasonic 50" Plasma TV for ~$2700. It's only 720p/1080i, but I dont care it looks awesome and its not super expensive. Gonna go for it next week :).

That is a GREAT HDTV. I'd take that TV over any 1080p LCD any day. Beautiful TV! Great choice. :thumbsup:
 

JackBurton

Lifer
Jul 18, 2000
15,993
14
81
Originally posted by: spidey07
As a long time HD lover/viewer there is never not a good time.

But here's my opinion as I'm looking for my 4th HD set...

The technology is advancing at a mind blowing, blistering pace. The prices are doing the same. The amount of HD programming is growing by leaps and bounds. Gaming, movies, sports, media is all moving or already at HD. All wonderful stuff.

The only down side is at this pace if you can wait a little while you'll get a better set for less. I'm having a hard time holding off on my purchase but I saw a mits 73" 1080p set that I might just have to pull the trigger on. Just have to read up on it.

Just get this set and you should be good for a long time. Remember, quality over quantity. ;)
 

nakedfrog

No Lifer
Apr 3, 2001
59,132
13,703
136
Originally posted by: spidey07
As a long time HD lover/viewer there is never not a good time.

But here's my opinion as I'm looking for my 4th HD set...

The technology is advancing at a mind blowing, blistering pace. The prices are doing the same. The amount of HD programming is growing by leaps and bounds. Gaming, movies, sports, media is all moving or already at HD. All wonderful stuff.

The only down side is at this pace if you can wait a little while you'll get a better set for less. I'm having a hard time holding off on my purchase but I saw a mits 73" 1080p set that I might just have to pull the trigger on. Just have to read up on it.

I'm coming to you next year when I'm ready to get one.
 

BD2003

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
16,815
1
81
All major sports events are in HD. Pretty much all major primetime comedy/dramas are as well. A lot of nature stuff. A lot of movies on premium channels.

Then theres HD-DVD, and the consoles.

The time is ripe.
 

Trikat

Diamond Member
May 22, 2003
3,384
0
86
I don't know if money is a huge issue, but you obviously have to pay a bit more for cable with HD. Most HD channels are "add-ons" so even more money spent.
 

Excelsior

Lifer
May 30, 2002
19,047
18
81
Originally posted by: nakedfrog
Originally posted by: spidey07
As a long time HD lover/viewer there is never not a good time.

But here's my opinion as I'm looking for my 4th HD set...

The technology is advancing at a mind blowing, blistering pace. The prices are doing the same. The amount of HD programming is growing by leaps and bounds. Gaming, movies, sports, media is all moving or already at HD. All wonderful stuff.

The only down side is at this pace if you can wait a little while you'll get a better set for less. I'm having a hard time holding off on my purchase but I saw a mits 73" 1080p set that I might just have to pull the trigger on. Just have to read up on it.

I'm coming to you next year when I'm ready to get one.


You should go here when you are ready to get one. ;)
 

nakedfrog

No Lifer
Apr 3, 2001
59,132
13,703
136
Originally posted by: Excelsior
Originally posted by: nakedfrog
Originally posted by: spidey07
As a long time HD lover/viewer there is never not a good time.

But here's my opinion as I'm looking for my 4th HD set...

The technology is advancing at a mind blowing, blistering pace. The prices are doing the same. The amount of HD programming is growing by leaps and bounds. Gaming, movies, sports, media is all moving or already at HD. All wonderful stuff.

The only down side is at this pace if you can wait a little while you'll get a better set for less. I'm having a hard time holding off on my purchase but I saw a mits 73" 1080p set that I might just have to pull the trigger on. Just have to read up on it.

I'm coming to you next year when I'm ready to get one.


You should go here when you are ready to get one. ;)

No, no, I meant I was going to wait in the bushes outside his house, then clonk him on the head when he opens the door, and steal his TV :p
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,528
908
126
Okay, went and looked at more and found a nice Mistubishi DLP set for $3499. It's a 62" and it's their diamond series. Very nice picture. I guess this set sold for over $5k last year. I'm thinking a 50" 4:3 to a 62" 16:9 would be a nice upgrade and widescreen movies will look...well, like movies!

I've looked at some AV forums but it's like they all speak a different language in there. :laugh:
 

Excelsior

Lifer
May 30, 2002
19,047
18
81
Originally posted by: nakedfrog
Originally posted by: Excelsior
Originally posted by: nakedfrog
Originally posted by: spidey07
As a long time HD lover/viewer there is never not a good time.

But here's my opinion as I'm looking for my 4th HD set...

The technology is advancing at a mind blowing, blistering pace. The prices are doing the same. The amount of HD programming is growing by leaps and bounds. Gaming, movies, sports, media is all moving or already at HD. All wonderful stuff.

The only down side is at this pace if you can wait a little while you'll get a better set for less. I'm having a hard time holding off on my purchase but I saw a mits 73" 1080p set that I might just have to pull the trigger on. Just have to read up on it.

I'm coming to you next year when I'm ready to get one.


You should go here when you are ready to get one. ;)

No, no, I meant I was going to wait in the bushes outside his house, then clonk him on the head when he opens the door, and steal his TV :p

lol.
 

aircooled

Lifer
Oct 10, 2000
15,965
1
0
I'm waiting a bit to replace my main TV with HD. I do however have an OTA HD capture card that's pretty cool.
I'm not a sports nut, so I'm waiting until the DirecTV HD package contains a bit more. Probably sometime next year.
If I had to replace my TV today I would definitely get an HD unit.