Help deciding what to replace my old TV with

[LT9000]

Here's my problem:

I’m definitely going to replace an older 19 inch SDTV in my den with something bigger. I'm having trouble deciding whether to go HD now, or just get another standard definition set for the time being. The whole HD scene is a little confusing.

Here are some of the questions/concerns I have about going HD:

1. Will the picture look as good on a 50 inch high quality HDTV (like an LCD or Plasma) when playing standard definition sources such as old-style DVDs, or standard definition broadcasting, such as from satellite or cable, or over the air broadcasts? (I don't care if SD doesn't look better, I just don't want standard definition sources to look worse on a HDTV than on a SDTV.)

2. How will I archive programs I want to keep long-term if I get an HDTV? I know for standard definition setups you could use a DVD recorder. Is there an equivalent solution if you're using an HDTV? (The transmissions to this TV would probably be both HD and standard definition where HD is not available for now, as is the case with most people I think.)

3. How much will it cost to get set up to receive HD signals over the air if I were to buy an HDTV?

Is there anyone here who would consider spending money to replace their old TV with a 27 or 32 inch standard definition set with a digital tuner? (Instead of an HD set?) I just came within an inch of doing that, but pulled back at the last second.

Anyone regret making the HD jump?

As far as the HDTV itself, I could spend about $1500 - $2000 on it and I want a screen around 50 inches if I go the HDTV route. Viewing distance is about 11 ft.)

Also, I will probably get cable or satellite soon. (I live in D/FW area TX.)

I don’t want to waste money on old technology. But I don’t want to jump the gun on something new that not what it’s cracked up to be yet either.

All opinions and input are welcome and appreciated.

[lordsmurf]

1. No. Not unless you get something with special filters made to do just that. The only benefit to HD is when used with large sets. Then it looks like SD would on a smaller set. SD on a large HD set looks like hell, unless it's a commercial DVD. More detail means more visible signal noise. They go together, always.

2. The signal goes to everything else before it goes to the tv. You could archive SD streams on DVD, or record HD to a PVR and then output PVR downconverted to SD to DVD. Or record HD to HD discs.

3. Unless you live in the middle of the city, expect a good antenna to run about $90 minimum. There are maps online that tell you what antenna you need, and I know edDV has posted the links before. If you're some distance away, you'll need an outdoor mounted antenna. Welcome to 1970. Transmitters in DFW are in Cedar Hill. How many miles away are you from there?

[redwudz]

Take a look at AntennaWeb for HDTV antenna suggestions for your area: http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx

[edDV]

Antennaweb.org gets you the digital transmitter locations and channels.

No easy answer to all your questions. A 34" standard CRT will look worse than a 19" just because you are magnifying the image issues. Digital channels are cleaner regaqrdless of display technology. Commercial DVD will look good on the big screen if the player is reasonably current. Progressive movies played on a progressive DVD player with analog component or HDMI connection will do better.

SD performance is important so insist on evaluating SD sources before you buy. Worse cases are sports or noisy VHS.

Recording SD is similar. HD recording is for the DVR or for the hobbiest for now.

[LT9000]

I’m about 1 ½ miles to the South of this Walgreens drug store:

Walgreens
4208 SW Green Oaks blvd
Arlington, TX 76017

I just viewed it on google maps. I could be doing a lot worse re: distance from Cedar Hill.

[LT9000]

1. No. Not unless you get something with special filters made to do just that. The only benefit to HD is when used with large sets. Then it looks like SD would on a smaller set. SD on a large HD set looks like hell, unless it's a commercial DVD. More detail means more visible signal noise. They go together, always.

2. The signal goes to everything else before it goes to the tv. You could archive SD streams on DVD, or record HD to a PVR and then output PVR downconverted to SD to DVD. Or record HD to HD discs.

3. Unless you live in the middle of the city, expect a good antenna to run about $90 minimum. There are maps online that tell you what antenna you need, and I know edDV has posted the links before. If you're some distance away, you'll need an outdoor mounted antenna. Welcome to 1970. Transmitters in DFW are in Cedar Hill. How many miles away are you from there?

Also, it sounds like you think there's an argument to be made for buying an SDTV w/ a digital tuner instead of an HDTV. Is that the case?

I had some people telling me it'd be a waste of money, but I"m not so sure. Of course I realize all this boils down to opinion and personal preference.

[edDV]

Here are your digital transmitters. Most about 15 miles and 108 degrees. All are UHF except WFAA (ABC) on VHF 9. An indoor antenna may work. Analog cheannels will be turned off on Feb 17, 2007



You can get a 32" 640x480i CRT digital TV for as little as $330
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8205694&type=product&id=1165610666393

or a reasonalble 50" plasma for about $1100up
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Vizio-50-Plasma-HDTV-P50HDTV10A/sem/rpsm/oid/161719/cat...oductDetail.do

A premium 50" LCD or Plasma will run $1800-2800 ballpark (e.g. Sony, Samsung, Panasonic, Pioneer).

[LT9000]

Here are your digital transmitters. Most about 15 miles and 108 degrees. All are UHF except WFAA (ABC) on VHF 9. An indoor antenna may work. Analog cheannels will be turned off on Feb 17, 2007



You can get a 32" 640x480i CRT digital TV for as little as $330
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8205694&type=product&id=1165610666393

or a reasonalble 50" plasma for about $1100up
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Vizio-50-Plasma-HDTV-P50HDTV10A/sem/rpsm/oid/161719/cat...oductDetail.do

A premium 50" LCD or Plasma will run $1800-2800 ballpark (e.g. Sony, Samsung, Panasonic, Pioneer).

Thanks. I did just talk to a co-worker who is claiming to get good HD signal from regular rabbit ears indoor. He lives in Arlington as well about 10 miles east of me.

[edDV]

I meant to say analog station turn off day is 17 Feb 2009.