Wanna get a HDTV but scared

[Greyd]

I want to get a HDTV for a little over 1k. However, I am also scared about the fact that was brought up awhile ago about the whole new HDTV circuitry/copy protection being established by the movie industry. I don't want to spend big money and then get shafted later. Any recomendations?

 

[N8Magic]

Make sure it has Firewire, and make certain that it will accept external decoders.

You'll be safe if you follow those two things.

 

[Greyd]

Originally posted by: N8Magic
Make sure it has Firewire, and make certain that it will accept external decoders.

You'll be safe if you follow those two things.

How do these things help? I have limiteed knowledge on HDTVs

 

[deftron]

Too many HDTVs have been sold.

Whatever standard is adaopted will be compatible with the sets out there now.

 

[N8Magic]

The first thing is a standardized type of connection that will allow you to hook up an external decoder to the TV should the HDTV protocols/standard change. In a nutshell, it will allow your TV to be compatible with anything that comes out down the road.

Secondly, if your HDTV doesn't allow for an external decoder, if the standards change you'll be limited to watching whatever your TV is capable of decoding on it's own... nothing more.

 

[N8Magic]

Originally posted by: deftron
Too many HDTVs have been sold.

Whatever standard is adaopted will be compatible with the sets out there now.

I'd have to agree.

I can't see them changing the standards at this point.

 

[AUMM]

I bought a Mitsubish HDTV over a year ago i believe. and i remember them telling me that if in the future there are changes with HDTV like what you are worried about they will "fix" my tv for me at no cost.

 

[N8Magic]

Originally posted by: AUMM
I bought a Mitsubish HDTV over a year ago i believe. and i remember them telling me that if in the future there are changes with HDTV like what you are worried about they will "fix" my tv for me at no cost.

Mitsubishi makes top quality HDTV's.

They are a company I would HIGHLY recommend along with Hitachi's Ultravision line.

 

[Zugzwang152]

there was talk before od a new all-digital standard, which means you might not be able to receive newer stations when they come out. not quite sure how that whole things works though.

 

[ElFenix]

i want an HDTV but probably won't get one for a long time.

 

[Zugzwang152]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
i want an HDTV but probably won't get one for a long time.

ditto for me, waiting on that job thing so i can get that income thing which means i can buy things.

 

[Greyd]

Is this one a good one?

Toshiba

 

[Zugzwang152]

msrp: $2099.99

seems a little pricey to me.

 

[Greyd]

Yeah, I think I can get it for much cheaper...i was looking for the things mentioned above, but couldn't find them. Wasn't sure if I missed it or if its not there.

 

[N8Magic]

Link

This would be the model I recommend. It doesn't have the Firewire input, but it does have a DVI input which will make the set upgradable in the future should you need it.

 

[Zugzwang152]

Originally posted by: N8Magic
Link

This would be the model I recommend. It doesn't have the Firewire input, but it does have a DVI input which will make the set upgradable in the future should you need it.

regular 4:3 TV looks like sh!t on anamorphic TVs :| my only complaint.

 

[N8Magic]

Originally posted by: Zugzwang152


regular 4:3 TV looks like sh!t on anamorphic TVs :| my only complaint.

Only if you stretch the image (blech!) to fill the entire screen.

 

[Amused]

N8,

May I ask why a TV without a receiver would need firewire?

I can understand wanting to have firewire on your receiver so you can record HDTV, but why on the TV? All the TV needs is component in and possibly DVI. The TV doesn't need to have an input that allows recording. Only display.

 

[Ladies Man]

Originally posted by: Amused
N8,

May I ask why a TV without a receiver would need firewire?

I can understand wanting to have firewire on your receiver so you can record HDTV, but why on the TV? All the TV needs is component in and possibly DVI. The TV doesn't need to have an input that allows recording. Only display.

Firewire to hook up an external decoder.... if they were to change the HDTV format etc etc etc

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: Ladies Man

Originally posted by: Amused
N8,

May I ask why a TV without a receiver would need firewire?

I can understand wanting to have firewire on your receiver so you can record HDTV, but why on the TV? All the TV needs is component in and possibly DVI. The TV doesn't need to have an input that allows recording. Only display.

Firewire to hook up an external decoder.... if they were to change the HDTV format etc etc etc

It seems to me as it stands now, firewire is the most used format for recording HDTV, and DVI/component is the format used for copy protection/display only.

I can't see firewire becoming the standard for display in a copy-protection scheme.

 

[T2T III]

Originally posted by: N8Magic

Originally posted by: Zugzwang152


regular 4:3 TV looks like sh!t on anamorphic TVs :| my only complaint.

Only if you stretch the image (blech!) to fill the entire screen.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if you don't stretch the image, I thought that the possibility for screen "burn-in" could occur. This could happen to the areas where the black bars are being displayed.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: wje

Originally posted by: N8Magic

Originally posted by: Zugzwang152


regular 4:3 TV looks like sh!t on anamorphic TVs :| my only complaint.

Only if you stretch the image (blech!) to fill the entire screen.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if you don't stretch the image, I thought that the possibility for screen "burn-in" could occur. This could happen to the areas where the black bars are being displayed.

Actually, it's the opposite of screen burn in. The black or gray bars "burn in" slower than the active part of the screen.

This doesn't happen if you make sure your white level (contrast) is not too high, and try to limit the time you watch 4:3 normal.

Also, Hitachi has a "4:3 Expanded" mode that only stretches the sides of the image. It looks pretty damn good. Far better than Sony's Stretch, or Panarama modes.

Better yet, buy a DLP rear projection, and you'll never have to worry about it.

 

[LikeLinus]

Originally posted by: N8Magic

Originally posted by: Zugzwang152

regular 4:3 TV looks like sh!t on anamorphic TVs :| my only complaint.

Only if you stretch the image (blech!) to fill the entire screen.

You would be EXTREMELY stupid NOT to stretch the picture. If you run a 4:3 image with the black bars on the screen at all times, you get what's called "Burn In" effect. You will have a faint image of those black bars for ever, effectivly ruining your set. This effect can also be caused by games - leaving them paused too long on one screen, and watching the same station too much where their logo is the same in the bottom right corner of the screen. It too can also burn in if you watch it all the time and leave it showing.

Additionally, despite popular belief, Contrast = white levels, and Brightness = dark levels. Turning up your contrast also causes burn in worse than having your brightness up.

Just some FYI

 

[Tom]

Yea, I've wanted a HDTV since 1994..

but I got over it.

 

[CTweak]

Not to brag - but I'll be thinking of you all as I watch the HD SuperBowl Sunday. HD rocks.

Don't worry too much about the possible future copyright stuff. As noted, too many HDTVs have been sold to abandon the current format completely (at least anytime soon). There will be ways to still enjoy HD TV on your set for years to come. As noted also Mitsubishi will upgrade old / current sets to whatever new standard arises.