Buying my first big screen HD Tv woohoo

[Hotrod]

But I suck at tech stuff.

I think with a viewing area around 14-17' away from the TV I'll go with a 50". Thoughts

Whats the scoop with HD does it just come once I plug in the television or do I have to tell the satalite dudes to crank me up.

I'm going LCD I think due to potential problems with plasma at high altitudes.

Any brands that I should avoid?

What about a sound system.......do they make an affordable one thats wireless How many watts are really nessecary....whats up with 5.1 channel etc....I'd like to be able to hear the crack of broken chef bones on Sundays.

Whats the scoop on all this 780p 1080i and 1080p



Other things I need to look into

Thanks in advance.

[want2bAbronco2]

Im not that big on the LCD and Plasma (Im a gamer so burn in is bad!) I have been looking at going HD for 3-4yrs now. I have narrowed it down to these two beauties!

Samsung DLP 56" slim 1080p $1700
1. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....ci_sku=8293839
Sony SXRD 60" 1080p Rear-Projection $2100
2. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1183767274580

Most important, ask lots of questions. If you don't understand ask again or read online. Also if you are a big movie/games person take your Xbox 360 or what ever into the store and hook it up and check out each tv. If they wont let you, move to another store. Lots of stores change the colors/image to sell certain TVs, so play with each setting ie.. most TVs have game set up or movie set up etc.. Also go with 1080p it is the best out there now. 720p is "called HDTV" but its not true HD only 1080i/p is. If you are going to pay the $ get the best anyways! I would stay away from brands you havent heard of, but I have heard lots of great things from Samsung, Sony, and Vizio.

First of all, I would wait until Jan/Feb to buy a new HDTV, rumor is they are all going to drop in price (not just after xmas, but HD's new tech will drop older ones this year. I am buying my new one in Feb). If you like games, you have to go DLP/SXRD rear. You don't get any burn in (might see rainbows on the DLP, like .5% can see it, so look before you buy). Also make sure you ask about the bulb life span for what ever TV you are looking at. The DLP is about 4-6yrs (300$ to replace) not sure on others (the new DLP coming out Jan/Feb next year has new tech that is suppose to increase bulb life 8-10yrs).

Second find out about warranties. Most offer 5yrs extra for around 600$. If that includes free 1yr check ups, bulb replacement, and anything happens (baseball through tv) I am going to get it. Have a few friends that bought TV and 1yr later it was dead, worth the 600$ vs 2100 in repairs/replace.

Third, I don't know much about surrond sound. I am just looking at a Samsung/Sony 5.1 with wireless rear satilite speakers. Can't help you much on this. I am not sure what cables are good (know of only Monster) but friends say if you buy a crappy cable it will show. I think you have to call your provider to get HD packages, but some channels I think are in HD (espn etc..)

[Sassy]

My dad just bought a new plasma...the guy that sold him the tv called Vizio a throw away tv...said it was crap...and he bought froma reputable dealer...not walmart, best buy or target but a local guy.

[Goobzilla]

14'-17' away I'd go bigger than 50". At that distance I'd say you're going to need to do about 60-65".

A 50" is only going to get you to about 12-13 ft MAX. A 57" is going to put you right on the edge. Here's one of about a hundred different size charts on the web.

Recommended viewing distances for high-definition TVs.
We suggest a range because the ideal distance will
depend on several factors, including signal quality.
Screen
size Viewing
distance range
30" 3.75-6.25 feet
34" 4.25-7 feet
42" 5.25-8.75 feet
50" 6.25-10.5 feet
56" 7-11.75 feet
62" 7.75-13 feet
70" 8.75-14.75 feet

[Hotrod]

Originally Posted by want2bAbronco2

Im not that big on the LCD and Plasma (Im a gamer so burn in is bad!) I have been looking at going HD for 3-4yrs now. I have narrowed it down to these two beauties!

Samsung DLP 56" slim 1080p $1700
1. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....ci_sku=8293839
Sony SXRD 60" 1080p Rear-Projection $2100
2. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1183767274580

Most important, ask lots of questions. If you don't understand ask again or read online. Also if you are a big movie/games person take your Xbox 360 or what ever into the store and hook it up and check out each tv. If they wont let you, move to another store. Lots of stores change the colors/image to sell certain TVs, so play with each setting ie.. most TVs have game set up or movie set up etc.. Also go with 1080p it is the best out there now. 720p is "called HDTV" but its not true HD only 1080i/p is. If you are going to pay the $ get the best anyways! I would stay away from brands you havent heard of, but I have heard lots of great things from Samsung, Sony, and Vizio.

First of all, I would wait until Jan/Feb to buy a new HDTV, rumor is they are all going to drop in price (not just after xmas, but HD's new tech will drop older ones this year. I am buying my new one in Feb). If you like games, you have to go DLP/SXRD rear. You don't get any burn in (might see rainbows on the DLP, like .5% can see it, so look before you buy). Also make sure you ask about the bulb life span for what ever TV you are looking at. The DLP is about 4-6yrs (300$ to replace) not sure on others (the new DLP coming out Jan/Feb next year has new tech that is suppose to increase bulb life 8-10yrs).

Second find out about warranties. Most offer 5yrs extra for around 600$. If that includes free 1yr check ups, bulb replacement, and anything happens (baseball through tv) I am going to get it. Have a few friends that bought TV and 1yr later it was dead, worth the 600$ vs 2100 in repairs/replace.

Third, I don't know much about surrond sound. I am just looking at a Samsung/Sony 5.1 with wireless rear satilite speakers. Can't help you much on this. I am not sure what cables are good (know of only Monster) but friends say if you buy a crappy cable it will show. I think you have to call your provider to get HD packages, but some channels I think are in HD (espn etc..)

Thanks for the good info.

[Hotrod]

Originally Posted by Goobzilla

14'-17' away I'd go bigger than 50". At that distance I'd say you're going to need to do about 60-65".

A 50" is only going to get you to about 12-13 ft MAX. A 57" is going to put you right on the edge. Here's one of about a hundred different size charts on the web.

Recommended viewing distances for high-definition TVs.
We suggest a range because the ideal distance will
depend on several factors, including signal quality.
Screen
size Viewing
distance range
30" 3.75-6.25 feet
34" 4.25-7 feet
42" 5.25-8.75 feet
50" 6.25-10.5 feet
56" 7-11.75 feet
62" 7.75-13 feet
70" 8.75-14.75 feet

Holy ba jam a bama 60-65 my wife will love that

[Master___Pain]

Hotrod....

We just went through this process about 6 weeks ago.

1. You will have to upgrade your cable/satellite service to HD. It's a simple phone call and they will bring out the new equipment. If it's a dish service, they will install a new HD dish (much bigger dish than the standard def ones) You will also need to upgrade the satellite/cable receiver. If you are using a DVR (digital video recorder)/ Tivo, this will require an upgrade as well. The HD-DVRs can run as much as $300

2. Get a 1080p tv. Period. The 720s cost less, but in just a few years they will be obsolete and you WILL NOT be able to use an HD-DVD or Blu Ray player to their full capacity.

3. We bought an LCD over a plasma because they will supposedly last longer.

4. We bought an extended 4 year warranty for about $200. They will service the TV at your house and it will cover the TV should it crap out. Well worth it IMO.

5. HDMI cables and a high quality surge protector. If you are going for the nice TV, DO NOT skimp on the cables. They are what will produces the best picture possible. Monster Cable is a great brand. Also, make sure you get a good surge protector, not one of those $10 POS's from Wal-Mart. A good surge protector will be in the $150-$300 range.

6. I'm in the market for a new receiver for my system, but I've not yet done the home work on it.

7. Go to cnet.com and you will get lots of great reviews on all types of the equipment you are looking at.

We bought from Best Buy and they were very helpful. I know some people hate BB, but I'd buy my next TV from them.

Oh yeah, for what it's worth, we bought a 42" Phillips 1080p LCD. We absolutely love it. Football in HD is truly amazing.

Hope this helps.

[Hotrod]

Originally Posted by Master___Pain

Hotrod....

We just went through this process about 6 weeks ago.

1. You will have to upgrade your cable/satellite service to HD. It's a simple phone call and they will bring out the new equipment. If it's a dish service, they will install a new HD dish (much bigger dish than the standard def ones) You will also need to upgrade the satellite/cable receiver. If you are using a DVR (digital video recorder)/ Tivo, this will require an upgrade as well. The HD-DVRs can run as much as $300

2. Get a 1080p tv. Period. The 720s cost less, but in just a few years they will be obsolete and you WILL NOT be able to use an HD-DVD or Blu Ray player to their full capacity.

3. We bought an LCD over a plasma because they will supposedly last longer.

4. We bought an extended 4 year warranty for about $200. They will service the TV at your house and it will cover the TV should it crap out. Well worth it IMO.

5. HDMI cables and a high quality surge protector. If you are going for the nice TV, DO NOT skimp on the cables. They are what will produces the best picture possible. Monster Cable is a great brand. Also, make sure you get a good surge protector, not one of those $10 POS's from Wal-Mart. A good surge protector will be in the $150-$300 range.

6. I'm in the market for a new receiver for my system, but I've not yet done the home work on it.

7. Go to cnet.com and you will get lots of great reviews on all types of the equipment you are looking at.

We bought from Best Buy and they were very helpful. I know some people hate BB, but I'd buy my next TV from them.

Oh yeah, for what it's worth, we bought a 42" Phillips 1080p LCD. We absolutely love it. Football in HD is truly amazing.

Hope this helps.

Thank for the input. I never thought about a surge protector.

I have Dish Network so I'll have to call them and get a differnet dish & receiver. About how much more a month is the HD packages? I guess now is the time to bluff the wife into a DVR

[Master___Pain]

Originally Posted by Hotrod

Thank for the input. I never thought about a surge protector.

I have Dish Network so I'll have to call them and get a differnet dish & receiver. About how much more a month is the HD packages? I guess now is the time to bluff the wife into a DVR

Not sure about dish, but for Dtv it was $10 a month more for basically the like HD package. Wife will love the DVR, she can tape all the foofy shows and watch them when you are not around!!

[Bronx33]

Screw that fancy shyt! low def rocks!!! and it's super cheap!

[want2bAbronco2]

Originally Posted by Sassy

My dad just bought a new plasma...the guy that sold him the tv called Vizio a throw away tv...said it was crap...and he bought froma reputable dealer...not walmart, best buy or target but a local guy.

1 friend has a vizio and loves it. Read somewhere that they were the #1 rated tv this last year (not sure where though, i'll see if I can find it)

[Hotrod]

Originally Posted by want2bAbronco2

1 friend has a vizio and loves it. Read somewhere that they were the #1 rated tv this last year (not sure where though, i'll see if I can find it)

Ya, thats the first I had heard bad about vizio. Other then the young gal who waited on me at a circuit city over last weekend but I'm pretty sure she had zero clue about what she was talking.

[Sassy]

I think the downside of the vizio was repairs/quality ...I'll ask my dad again.
He loves his Pioneer Plasma.

[Hotrod]

Originally Posted by Sassy

I think the downside of the vizio was repairs/quality ...I'll ask my dad again.
He loves his Pioneer Plasma.

I would be very tempted to go Plasma myself except I've heard the they dont hold up well at high elevations. They say 9100 ft is ok but people who live here at 7500 disagree strongly.

[Master___Pain]

Did you pull the trigger HR? And you don't want a plasma at that altitude. I can always tell when I'm watching a plasma here in CO, you can hear the hum.

[Hotrod]

Originally Posted by Master___Pain

Did you pull the trigger HR? And you don't want a plasma at that altitude. I can always tell when I'm watching a plasma here in CO, you can hear the hum.

Nope I'm waiting to see if another big sale goes down before Christmas or right after.

[Master___Pain]

Originally Posted by Hotrod

Nope I'm waiting to see if another big sale goes down before Christmas or right after.

Good call. There will be some bargains after Christmas. Another place I'd look at getting the TV from would be Sam's or Costco. Great bargains on some good TVs there.

[Rigs11]

Now way! You guys are crazy, get a projector and a 100 inch screen for a fraction of the cost. I have the optoma hd70, yes its only 720p but it looks amazing when fed an hdtv signal,and when your done watching, the screen goes away. my friends always wanna come over and watch the game.

http://www.projectorreviews.com/opto...agequality.php

[Orange_Beard]

Whit do you project on to?

[Rigs11]

Originally Posted by Orange_Beard

Whit do you project on to?

Or some people use their walls.

[Master___Pain]

Originally Posted by Rigs11

Now way! You guys are crazy, get a projector and a 100 inch screen for a fraction of the cost. I have the optoma hd70, yes its only 720p but it looks amazing when fed an hdtv signal,and when your done watching, the screen goes away. my friends always wanna come over and watch the game.

http://www.projectorreviews.com/opto...agequality.php

Doesn't the room basically have to be dark to watch the projector?

[Rigs11]

Originally Posted by Master___Pain

Doesn't the room basically have to be dark to watch the projector?

Yes it does have to be somewhat light controlled,but not completely dark. You can also purchase a grey screen which helps bring out the contrast if light is a problem.you can check out avsforum.com and get more input from other users.

[Hotrod]

Originally Posted by Rigs11

Yes it does have to be somewhat light controlled,but not completely dark. You can also purchase a grey screen which helps bring out the contrast if light is a problem.you can check out avsforum.com and get more input from other users.

I have a huge picture window in my livingroom this would never work.

[Rigs11]

Originally Posted by Hotrod

I have a huge picture window in my livingroom this would never work.

I do too, what we did is we mounted the screen above the window, then when we are watchin tv, the screen is pulled down over the window.blocks the light.You should go and see a demo of one, i think you can at best buy.seriously you can spend $2000 on a decent 50 inch or $1000 on a projector that is twice as big.

[Hotrod]

Originally Posted by Rigs11

I do too, what we did is we mounted the screen above the window, then when we are watchin tv, the screen is pulled down over the window.blocks the light.You should go and see a demo of one, i think you can at best buy.seriously you can spend $2000 on a decent 50 inch or $1000 on a projector that is twice as big.

I will certainly give it some consideration when I actually start hitting the stores. Thanks