Which HDTV is for me?

[kenetik]

Hey guys, as some of you might know the Xbox 360 comes out on Nov 22nd, and I will be one of the lucky fellows purchasing one. All games will be 720p and 1080i.

- The high-definition support for Xbox 360 is dynamic, so even if a game is designed with 720p in mind, but your TV only supports 480p or 1080i, Xbox 360 runs the game in the best resolution your TV offers (up to 720p and 1080i).

- Xbox 360 offers unprecedented support for high-definition gaming, yet it remains flexible as well. Whether using a standard definition TV (480i), an HDTV with only one progressive scan option, or an HDTV with every available option (up to 720p and 1080i), the Xbox 360 employs the best resolution your TV can display.

I have a $1,000 budget on a nice HDTV, what would you recommend? Im looking for quality rather than size. Thanks!

[edDV]

My 2 cents

I wonder what the actual render resolution is. I'm guessing that the TV resolutions are created through hardware scaling (zooming).

That being said, it looks like your output choices are

480i to analog outputs (composite, S-Video, Analog Component)
------
480p - 720x480 progressive 59.94 frames per second
720p - 1280x720 progressive 59.94 frames per second
------
1080i - 1920x1080 interlace 29.97 frames per second, 59.94 fields per second

TV choices at ~$1000 fall into a couple of categories

CRT
~800-1000 H x ~600-720 V dot pitch resolution
operates at 480i, 480p, 1080i scan rates (720p is scaled)
very good contrast, fast response, excellent black performance

LCD
Native Resolutions 1280 x 768 to 1366x768
native 720p support (480i, 480p, 1080i are scaled)
poor to good contrast, blacks may appear gray in dark room, medium to good response. Never buy unseen.

For games, I'd go with the LCD @720p,
Example http://www.crutchfield.com/S-vHB7H3qDG95/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=146350&I=13323LX50

For dark room DVD-DTV theater I still personally prefer CRT in that price range but LCDs are improving rapidly. Analog TV will look much better on the CRT.
Example http://www.crutchfield.com/S-vHB7H3qDG95/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=148350&I=05234HFX85

PS: one huge difference 21 lbs LCD vs 149 lbs CRT.

[deejay.2001]

""""
Hey guys, as some of you might know the Xbox 360 comes out on Nov 22nd, and I will be one of the lucky fellows purchasing one
'''''



WELL I WOULD SAY YOU WILL NOT BE THE LUCKY ONE...
FIRST UNITS OF XBOX 360 WILL HAVE JUST DVD-ROM
LATER ON THERE WILL BE HD DVD-ROM IMPLEMENTED ACCORDING TO THEM SO...FOR THE SAME PRICE

SO NO REASON TO HURRY..BETTER WAIT

[kenetik]

""""
Hey guys, as some of you might know the Xbox 360 comes out on Nov 22nd, and I will be one of the lucky fellows purchasing one
'''''



WELL I WOULD SAY YOU WILL NOT BE THE LUCKY ONE...
FIRST UNITS OF XBOX 360 WILL HAVE JUST DVD-ROM
LATER ON THERE WILL BE HD DVD-ROM IMPLEMENTED ACCORDING TO THEM SO...FOR THE SAME PRICE

SO NO REASON TO HURRY..BETTER WAIT

Sorry bud, its been months since they confirmed there will never be a HD-DVD Drive in any xbox360.

[Faustus]

Good to know about the no HD DVD ever part. Other then that no XBOX 360 for me, its not the shortage. its the price!

HDTV for under a grand? I'd go with one of the tube based HDs like I see at best buy for under a grand.

[handyguy]

Target has a 32" LCD for $899.....after $100 coupon.

But more to the point, wouldn't it be more practical to wait until you have your xbox? Should be some better LCD sales then cause prices on LCDs are only going in one direction.

[edDV]

If you are going for LCD for games, avoid low native resolutions combined with large panel size. It will look too pixelated unless moved far away. Also look for the best contrast if it will also be used as a TV. CRT still makes a better TV.

The new 1366x768 LCD panels are better targeted for TV use and will handle 720p directly. At the same resolution, you can get screen sizes from 24 to 32 inches or more. The larger the panel, the farther away it needs to be placed to see the same resolution.

[kenetik]

What are the general thoughts on this TV?

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Polaroid-26-HDTV-Monitor-FLM-2601-/sem/rpsm/oid/119330/...oductDetail.do

Look like nice quality in the store.

[RottenFoxBreath]

lcd tvs and plasma are still shit,still in there infancy.
maybe in 5 years or so,when my warranty runs out on my prog rptv,until then ill just wait.
why dont ya test that tv,or at least read there customer reviews.

[edDV]

What are the general thoughts on this TV?

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Polaroid-26-HDTV-Monitor-FLM-2601-/sem/rpsm/oid/119330/...oductDetail.do

Look like nice quality in the store.

800:1 contrast still puts me off this kind of LCD. It will be much more noticable in room lighting and with a TV tuner source. For games only, it doesn't make much difference.

Standard store technique is to boost brightness and contrast. In bright store lighting this may look good but is not representative of home viewing conditions. Make sure you can return it.

Notice that they only put the expensive sets in the dark viewing areas.