HDTV question

[philly33flyers]

Hey all...i'm looking to purchase an HDTV and i was wondering if there was a good site that anyone knows that would explain a lot of the technical information on these types of sets. For example the difference between standard component input and HD component input and just various other info on HDTVs. I've tried to search around but haven't found a good site yet, so I was hoping someone here would know. I don't trust what the guys at Best Buy say one bit so I want to do the research on my own and not rely on the crap they feed me to sell TVs. Thanks in advance.

[Innershield]

The guy at Best Buy told me that if I got a HDTV then I could watch my DVDs in HD because the TV had 3:2 pulldown. I just let him ramble on and didn't correct him.

[philly33flyers]

heh that's also one of my questions...so if anyone has some extensive info on HDTV and stuff related to HD or any informattive websites i'd greatly appreciate it.

[Innershield]

While you can expect a good picture on a HDTV with DVD, it will not be in HD. HD DVDs do not exist yet.

[philly33flyers]

anyone??

[mike_rach]

Do some searches on 480p and 480i, that's the difference of using a DVD player on a HD set. 480p - progressive scan (non-interlaced) 480i interlaced. I've heard that the difference isn't that great until you go to big screen sizes, like projection TV's. I just got a projection TV, but I'm waiting for my component cable to come in.... Doh.

[holistic]

http://www.fedele.com/website/hdtv/hdtv.htm
http://atsc.org/standards.html

.....I just let him ramble on and didn't correct him..

Best way to deal with those types. Smile and walk away and hope they continue taking their medication.

@philly33flyers : I would wait a while good man. You are buying the "edge" technology right now. There is (Nth America) not all that much available to watch anyway .... sports an exception i guess.
Even DVD's are on the low end of the ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee) spec's.
Then again ,a 'pioneer' like yourself that will just make it all the more cheaper for me years from now .

The cynic in me calls bullshit on the whole HDTV format. WHY YOU ASK? . Bandwidth..... they need more bandwidth to push those 10+Mb/sec mpeg2 signals 'down the pipe'. All may be sweet for a while until the cost cutting come in, more channels --- same bandwidth = higher compression ...... back to where we started ....sigh ...

[jimmyinhawaii]

Samsung has a up conveter 720p/1080i dvd player.
HD HBO blow away any dvd.
No big tv get better picture quqlity than tube tv(Sony 34XBR910 )

[vhelp]

@ Innershield,

The guy at Best Buy told me that if I got a HDTV then I could watch my DVDs in HD because the TV had 3:2 pulldown. I just let him ramble on and didn't correct him.

That is SOOO humiliating and funny too :P

While you can expect a good picture on a HDTV with DVD, it will not be in HD. HD DVDs do not exist yet.

This is def missleading to a lot of people (specially those looking for a quick
gift)

-vhelp

[Ste]

Ya, I'm starting to think that I'm the only one that works at Best Buy who isn't a moron....at least for now. Who knows, maybe I'll wake up with an IQ of 2 tomorrow.

[FT Shark]

While you can expect a good picture on a HDTV with DVD, it will not be in HD. HD DVDs do not exist yet.

I beg to differ. Check out Discovery HD Theater. True HDTV filmed with HD camera's. This channel is defiantly in HD.

However, HD HBO and HD Showtime = Big Bullshit. My DVD's look the same. This is because the movies they show were not originally filmed with an HD camera.

Finally, some of the network shows such as Monday Night Football are in HDTV.

[Ste]

Dude, Discovery HD Theater and Monday Night Football are not DVD's. He was saying that DVD's are not true HD, he wasn't talking about actual HDTV programming.

[Bob W]

I would sugest you take a look at the Samsung DLP (digital light processing) HDTV's. Then if you want to watch your DVD movies in HDTV get this DVI enabled DVD player. http://www.vinc.com/product.asp?id=31&PID=21

[taz291819]

While you can expect a good picture on a HDTV with DVD, it will not be in HD. HD DVDs do not exist yet.

I beg to differ. Check out Discovery HD Theater. True HDTV filmed with HD camera's. This channel is defiantly in HD.

However, HD HBO and HD Showtime = Big Bullshit. My DVD's look the same. This is because the movies they show were not originally filmed with an HD camera.

Finally, some of the network shows such as Monday Night Football are in HDTV.

Actually, alot of DiscoveryHD Theater is HD-Video, not film. HD-Film transfers don't have that "WOW" factor like HD-Video does, mostly due to the framerates. This is why football games via ESPN, ABC, CBS in HD look fantastic, while a movie on HDNET, HBO, Showtime don't look as good. Don't get me wrong, film transfered to HD does look great (the best I've seen on HBO was MIB-2), especially older movies. Wait until Once Upon A Time in Mexico is released, Rodriguez used HD-Video cameras for that movie, should look fantastic.

Back on topic, check out avsforum.com for any and all info you may need regarding hdtv's and programming. hometheaterspot.com is a good place also.

[frazzbo]

I just got a new Samsung HDTV and the one important thing you might want to take into consideration is size (yes, size does matter). You don't want it "in your face" or have to squint to see it. From the information I got you need to be at 8 to 15 feet away for 30 to 36 inch TV's. Any TV bigger than that you should be at least 15 feet away. The bigger, the farther away. I realize everyones eyes are different, so where ever you buy it make sure you can take it back wihout any hassles if you don't like it. Another thing, a TV too that's too large can overpower a room and make the room look a closet. I sit 9 feet away (11 when I recline) and settled on a 30 inch 16:9 tube and couldn't be happier. I have 12 channels of cable HDTV in my area and even though I don't particular care for network TV, I find myself watching it just so I can watch High Def. The absolute best channel to show to your friends and neighbors is Discovery HDTV. I hope my little suggestion on size helps and good luck in your quest.