HDTVs: it's time to Man Up

[Krulik]

Out of the two, I would definitely go with the Samsung 52. But viewing angles now a days are becoming less and less of a problem. However, I do think you should look into DLP.

I just got a new 60 inch Mitsubishi DLP 1080p t.v. for my apartment in Iowa City and it looks great.

I also have a 56 DLP Samsung at home which is stellar.

[Krulik]

Thankfully the one I'm looking at has 120 Hz refresh rate, so it sounds like I won't have any dragging or blurring issues.

Does the kind of cables you buy make a difference? I've read that it can, but maybe that's just if you purchase a Blu-ray player.

I think my mind is made up. I'm going for option #1 there, the 52" Samsung LCD. Now I just gotta find a good deal. I've seen it for pretty cheap online, but from web sites I haven't heard of before and don't necessarily trust. Again, if anybody knows of a good one that they've had a good experience with, please let me know. Right now I'm looking at purchasing here: http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/ ... ite_search

Cables make a huge difference. You don't want to buy a great new t.v. and turn around and sell yourself short with standard cables. You will also want a monster outlet and if you're looking into blu ray, an HDMI cord.

[dead_poet]

I guess I hadn't even considered cables. Unfortunately I know next to nothing about them. Can you point me in the right direction? I want to make sure I get the most out of this investment.

I'm looking to add Blu-ray and surround sound down the road, however this is expensive enough for right now.

[dead_poet]

Also, dumb question: the one I'm looking at has 3 HDMI inputs. Does that mean I need three separate HDMI cables? Sorry. First HDTV purchase here.

I've also read that your standard $20 HDMI cables are fine. True?

[Krulik]

True. HDMI is the best you can have. And when it says you have 3 HDMI ports, it means like,

one that connects to your satellite/cable receiver

one that can connect to your dvd player

and one that can connect to something like a video game system or something.

So you really only need one cable. And unless you get a bluray player, you don't need to buy an HDMI cable for your dvd player.

Question. Are you getting directv, dish network, or digital cable?

[dead_poet]

True. HDMI is the best you can have. And when it says you have 3 HDMI ports, it means like,

one that connects to your satellite/cable receiver

one that can connect to your dvd player

and one that can connect to something like a video game system or something.

So you really only need one cable. And unless you get a bluray player, you don't need to buy an HDMI cable for your dvd player.

Question. Are you getting directv, dish network, or digital cable?

Oh, yeah, that makes sense. Currently have digital cable (Mediacom) which we have our cable/internet. Haven't thought too much about switching, focusing more on the equipment first. One better over the other?

[wang_chi7]

Also, dumb question: the one I'm looking at has 3 HDMI inputs. Does that mean I need three separate HDMI cables? Sorry. First HDTV purchase here.

I've also read that your standard $20 HDMI cables are fine. True?

The 20 ones are fine as HDMI's are basically equal under 6ft no matter the price. Above 6 feet and I'd get some more expensive ones as it makes a difference. Definitely go HDMI though, so much better than even component video. Sound is great too if your receiver has the inputs.

I'd buy that TV at Crutchfield.com if you buy it on the net; I've been a customer for years because they have amazing customer service. They always throw in free stuff for installation, give wiring diagrams for free (thats huge for car audio), and have online and over the phone help on product issues or just simply hooking things up.

For a bigger purchase like a TV though, I'd almost go to an actual store though just in case it must be returned (so you don't have to mail it in at a hefty price.) I'd look around your area and see if prices are competitive with internet sites.

[Krulik]

Currently, Direct TV, I think is the best provider for HDTV users. It has the best HD channels. Plus, with Satellite, you get a little bit better picture. But if it doesnt make too much of a difference, you can just get an HD receiver from Mediacom.

[Krulik]

Not to mention, Direct tv has sunday ticket.

Every single Viking game in your house in HD. Sweeeeeeeeeet

[MWNANCe]

The 3 HDMI inputs means you can hook up 3 separate HDMI sources.. like Sat, DVD and something else.
Some TVs only have one HDMI input but other connectors like componet.. or S Video.. the HDMI gives the best picture

[Raptorman]

About buying. I buy all my TV, stereos and what not from a local dealer. No big box stores, no online purchase. What I have found out it that a lot of these guys are in a buyers group and buy with other dealers. Example: The guy I buy from had the same Sony 52" HDTV that Sam's club had and his was $50 less. Plus he would deliver for free, try to get Best Buy to do that.

I called him and told him I wanted a 32" HDTV back in the fall of 2001, he did not have any in stock but said when he got one he would deliver it. I left for active duty for a couple of months and got a call from one of my neighbors one day that someone was delivering a TV to my house so he let them in. The guy set up my TV and left the bill ($2,100)on top. Never paid him a dime at that point. I would not expect that from everyone but if you get to know your local dealer you will be better off in the long run. I can also go in and ask him any question and he will tell me without hesitation what would be the best buy and why.

So shop around and don't be in a hurry to buy. I never walk into a store needing to buy anything. That way I can walk out if I don't like what I see or hear from the sale person.

[dead_poet]

TV is currently in Omaha! I hope to have it delivered tomorrow. I called about a Mediacom HD box, unfortunately there aren't any ANYWHERE in my area. So I'm on a list and probably have to wait 2-3 weeks

Anybody want to check with their local mediacom provider and mail me one? I'll reimburse you for the shipping and you'll be invited to watch the Vikes on this sucker.

[Mr. X]

I generally do not pay extra for cables but with one exception ... HDMI. My own personal experience is that you are better off going premium on HDMI especially how critical that component is to the investment you are making in an HDTV. I use Monoprice.com . You cannot beat their prices and it's good quality stuff. Whatever you do, do not buy HDMI cables at Best Buy or any other big box retailers. They all have huge markups on their HD peripherals.

I went with a Panny plasma about a year ago. The ambient lighting is an issue (i.e. you need to be able to control the light coming into the room you locate the set) otherwise you'll get way too much glare. On the other hand I feel my plasma is better for sports than my brother's new LCD.

I have DirecTV but only because of Sunday Ticket. Dish Network has a better HD receiver. I've had to return one receiver already as it completely failed. Customer service at DirecTV isn't very good but it's still 100X better than my local cable option. DirecTV is also still using that compressed signal BS which essentially gives you HD-lite. If Dish had Sunday Ticket, I would switch to them to get a better receiver and get rid of this compressed signal BS.

One thing to keep your eye on. Comcast won a recent lawsuit giving it the ability to allow you to store your recordings off-site instead of the hard drive inside your receiver. Sats don't have the option to do that. It will be appealed on coyright issues but it looks like it is going to stand up. That is going to give the cable jockeys a nice selling advantage in that you'll be able to store about 30x more than what you currently can with your HD receiver.

[glg]

I generally do not pay extra for cables but with one exception ... HDMI. My own personal experience is that you are better off going premium on HDMI especially how critical that component is to the investment you are making in an HDTV. I use Monoprice.com . You cannot beat their prices and it's good quality stuff. Whatever you do, do not buy HDMI cables at Best Buy or any other big box retailers. They all have huge markups on their HD peripherals.

I'll second monoprice.com. I've had good experiences with them every time. Whatever you do, don't get the overpriced Monster garbage.

[TrenchGoon]

I have an old zenith wooden television which I picked up off the side of the road WITH working remote control and I've got to say that is really the way to go. Not only was it free but it still works despite being over 40 years old. its also quite attractive and compliments my old Zenith wood cabinet stereo and record player which I grabbed for $10 at a garage sale. They are really attractive pieces of furniture which have practical application and still work well.

I used to have a 60 inch big screen I grabbed off the side of the road and it was fun to watch bull riding and football on but the picture quality was far inferior to my Zenith.