Yet another HDTV thread. (Read here if you're guru-status)

[Deadbent]

Is anyone a home theatre/tv wiz?
I need some input here.
I'm looking for a new tv. I'm starting to research 'em.
Budget is in the 1500-2500 range, give or take depending on features.
Must have hdmi inputs, true 1080p as default, dvi input and of course, a superior picture quality. Deep blacks and dark color display is of the utmost importance.
My apartment is small. Couch is less than six feet from the tv.
Viewing angle really wouldn't be a problem, or a factor in my decision.
I have the space for 42 inches, but 36 is probably more fitting. I'm open to either or at this point, unless a glaring con is evident between one or the other.
I've pretty much ruled out plasma, as the refresh rates seem to be unsuitable for my tastes, or unless someone can argue the case and win.

So far, the closest match I've found to something that matches my criteria :

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/news-electronics-computers/july-2006/first-look-sharp-lc-37d90u-1080p-in-a-37-inch-lcd-set-07-06/overview/0607-sharp_lc_37d90u_ov.htm

But it seems the blacks aren't quite the best they can be.

I'd love to hear from anyone if they've experience with this sort of shit.

(also, All the projection solutions (which I've been eyeing, for that price range) utilize fake black detail solutions. Gritty specifics would need to be researched exhaustively and shit like that is what I'm hoping someone would know)

[BigDickGuzinya]

LG lcd is the shit.

[LZMF1]

samsung 32" lcd might be exactly what you're looking for.

[MetalSign]

The Extron Academy teacher I had a couple months ago said the only true 1080p displays out then costed upwards of at least $5k. I tend to believe him 'cause he's got 20+ years in the A/V biz...

EDIT: I looked at your link. Apparently times have changed, who knows... I know Consumer Reports listed Sharp as the highest rated LCD/DLP brand.

[NORTONnFRIENDS]

LG lcd is the shit.

Very much agree sir. Shy away from DVI, stick to HDMI. Also DONT EVER USE A CABLE CARD!!!!!!! Those fuckin suck. The idea is great but keeping your tv's fermware updated and running smooth is a fuckin nightmare. The tv can accept a cable card, thats fine. Just dont use it, use a cable box and or dish.

[Deadbent]

thanks for the input so far gents.
Its a whole new language to learn.
I'm learning shit about tv's with diagonal pixels as opposed to horizontal, artificial color/contrasts ... and artificial blacks and shit..
It's rough.
Got a LOT of homework to keep doing about it.
From what I know so far.. it's looking a perfect one might run in excess of 3k.
So much for savin a buck.

(also, the dvi.. I'd like to have it on there along with hdmi in the event I want to hook up a pc, or current gen hidef dvd player to it)

Gonna have a look into the recommended models now.

[NORTONnFRIENDS]

thanks for the input so far gents.
Its a whole new language to learn.
I'm learning shit about tv's with diagonal pixels as opposed to horizontal, artificial color/contrasts ... and artificial blacks and shit..
It's rough.
Got a LOT of homework to keep doing about it.
From what I know so far.. it's looking a perfect one might run in excess of 3k.
So much for savin a buck.

(also, the dvi.. I'd like to have it on there along with hdmi in the event I want to hook up a pc, or current gen hidef dvd player to it)

Gonna have a look into the recommended models now.

Thats why god invented dvi to hdmi adaptors. Or wait was that Hoo Hoo who invented that? DVI really working itself out of use. Remember the old S videp cable ? :icon_wink

[Deadbent]

NnF,
I'm gonna apologize in advance for any possible noob questions, but dvi is bad enough image quality as is, converting it to an hdmi input wouldn't screw with image at all?

(also, if you know the answer to that, you probably know whether or not it matters enough to give a fuck about :p)

[Big Log]

Sony XBR Series. There is a 32", and a 40". Both have a kick ass picture.

[Dick Whiskey]

thanks for the input so far gents.
Its a whole new language to learn.
I'm learning shit about tv's with diagonal pixels as opposed to horizontal, artificial color/contrasts ... and artificial blacks and shit..
It's rough.
Got a LOT of homework to keep doing about it.
From what I know so far.. it's looking a perfect one might run in excess of 3k.
So much for savin a buck.


Your search for the perfect TV will never end. It will leave you crying inside of twelve months. It seems as if you are getting way too caught up in the tiny details. Ninety percent of people with these sets will never notice the difference in picture quality. You've got a price range. Just buy a set with a picture you'll enjoy. I installed these sets for two years and got mind-numbingly frustrated at the people who absolutely obsess over this shit. When you do buy it, don't even look at TV's in the stores for at least two years. The price drops and new features will drive you insane.


Will they?

Yes, they will.

[Deadbent]

Thanks for the heads up, DW.

Wanted to get familiar with all the ins and outs, so the chances of crying over it later are at LEAST minimized at the time of purchase.
What I wanted to do, too... was figure out if all those details are worth kavetching about.
I seem to be sold on that sharp model I linked to, but have another batch of sets to test out tomorrow.

I'll let folks know what's going on with 'em.

Thanks again.

[Ren5150]

But it seems the blacks aren't quite the best they can be.


Ricans too.

[Arch Stanton]

I went DLP. Looked into this for awhile and it seemed to me the way to go. I am not the guy who will be happy if something lasts for a year or so. It seems that DLP is durable and burn in free. I have kids and it is on all the time. A satin finish screen is important to me also. I want to see what's on the TV, not reflections of what's in the room or windows.

[NORTONnFRIENDS]

NnF,
I'm gonna apologize in advance for any possible noob questions, but dvi is bad enough image quality as is, converting it to an hdmi input wouldn't screw with image at all?

(also, if you know the answer to that, you probably know whether or not it matters enough to give a fuck about :p)

Noob quest.... never thats what were here for sir. not really, HDMI has audio built into it where DVI is video only, as you prob know. Converting it over would only show if you had a 20 ft hdmi cable. DVI is a hard input to find on a new tv anyways unless it dubs as a monitor. The other thing is that your gona need 2 HDMI inputs too. 1 is gona be for your cable box and 1 for your dvd player. Your component inputs are gona need to be open for your playstation/xbox. (or vice versa. xbox or ps3 i hear may have an hdmi output) make sure you have 2 hdmi inputs!

[Dick Whiskey]

What I wanted to do, too... was figure out if all those details are worth kavetching about.

They're really not. If you're going to go LCD, I'd stick with the Sharp. You're not going to get any noticeable improvement in your price range and they are relatively problem-free. If you can squeeze a 43" DLP in that room, the Samsung is a kick-ass set. After 5 years, you replace the bulb, boom, brand new TV.

[Dick Whiskey]

Noob quest.... never thats what were here for sir. not really, HDMI has audio built into it where DVI is video only, as you prob know. Converting it over would only show if you had a 20 ft hdmi cable. DVI is a hard input to find on a new tv anyways unless it dubs as a monitor. The other thing is that your gona need 2 HDMI inputs too. 1 is gona be for your cable box and 1 for your dvd player. Your component inputs are gona need to be open for your playstation/xbox. (or vice versa. xbox or ps3 i hear may have an hdmi output) make sure you have 2 hdmi inputs!
He could just get a HDMI switcher.

[Deadbent]

Yeah, the samsung dlp's I've looked at were all excellent, except they only had one hdmi input. Still a bit confused on that.
What you're saying dick, is that I'd be able to just get a converter for any secondary hdmi feed?

[Warfarer]

I looked at the 45" Sharp and decided to save some money in the end and got the 50" Son¥ LCD rear projection tv. the SOny is a 720p native and is beautiful. Every type of set has different downsides. DLP has the rainbow effect that about 60% of people can see, LCD projections have the lower black levels (which after taking the time to adjust can't be noticed), plasmas have shitty pictures when compared to DLPs and LCD projections without bottemless pockets and LCD monitors also suffer the lower black levels.

I would go to a good store, not best buy or circuit city, but a Tweeter or Sound Advice. A higher end store that sells more upscale sets and that take pride in their inventory and look at all the sets. They have more of a tendency to set the levels on the set so you will get a better idea of what they are capable of. I would then compare sets and decide on what looks best to you.

2 HDMI inputs would be nice to have, but if you get one with a DVI and an HDMI, you are still ok as long as you have component inputs. Component inputs are capable to send up to a 1080i signal, I am not sure whether it can send a 1080p signal or not though. I say not to worry about the 2 HDMI's because chances are you have a stereo for surround that you are going to run a digital sound to anyway so you won't need the HDMI to carry the sound to the tv, hence a HDMI to DVI cable will do you fine for a connection.

I own a 32" Sharp LCD that is fantastic. I would recommend Sharp to anyone. The 37" you have a link to looks like a great tv, don't sweat the black levels on an LCD too much, it is minimal at best. What you should worry about with any flat screen tv is glare. LCDs are really bad about being hard to see in a bright room. if you have several windows and tend to try to watch tv during the day, you might not want it.

Feel free to send me a message if you have any questions, I used to do a lot of research on the nex technolgies of tvs and read lots of reviews so I am pretty knowledgable about them.

[Dick Whiskey]

Yeah, the samsung dlp's I've looked at were all excellent, except they only had one hdmi input. Still a bit confused on that.
What you're saying dick, is that I'd be able to just get a converter for any secondary hdmi feed?
Yep. You don't have to let the lack of a second HDMI input be a deal-breaker on a TV that you really like. Just do a google search on HDMI switchers. You can usually find some on eBay. Just plug all your HDMI signals into the switcher, hook the switcher into your HDMI port, and you're money.

[LZMF1]

He could just get a HDMI switcher.
froogle results for HDMI switch (http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=hdmi+switch&hl=en&btnG=Search+Froogle)