New HDTV Suggestions?

[Evil_Attorney]

It's time to upgrade to a HDTV after using my 19" monitor with Sage for some time. I thought I'd ask the advice of this group, since you all are so knowledgable on these topics.

I'm thinking of something around 30" or so. My video card does not have a DVI port, so I'd prefer one with the 15-pin analog monitor port so I don't have to upgrade to a new video card. I was thinking either LCD or CRT. I know CRT is less expensive and I have room for its large size, but I'm not sure there are many models that have the computer monitor port like LCD. Price is a concern, but not the only concern.

Brand and model suggestions?

[reboot_this]

get the tv you want and can afford (-30 bucks)

then go to this LINK and the most you'll spend is 30 bucks to make the tv work with your computer

if the above link does not work go to www.cablestogo.com and do a search for "dvi to vga adapters/cables"

hope that helps

[Evil_Attorney]

Thanks, I didn't think they made those cables. I thought that the 15 signal was analog and the the DVI signal was digital.

[stanger89]

DVI can be either DVI-A (analog, basically VGA over a DVI plug), DVI-D (digital), or DVI-I (both). Most video cards have DVI-I outputs, that's why the cheap DVI-VGA adapters work. If you find a display witha DVI-I input, then an adapter should work.

[DKT]

You may want to go to Extremetech.com. The have a section on HDTV and have done some indepth article on the various technologies (Plasma, DLP, LCD, etc), and they do reviews of HDTV's.

[turak]

I love my Samsung DLP (HLN-6163W). It has DVI, HDMI, VGA, 3 component, 3 s-video and coax inputs.

[Evil_Attorney]

Thanks for the info. Right now, I'm leaning towards this no-name brand because it's such a great deal.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...A172479%3A3996

Sceptre 30" Widescreen HD-Ready LCD TV With DVI & Built-In Speakers $1,198.00

Accessories Included
VGA cable, power cable, remote control with batteries, A/V cable
Product Information
Screen Size: 30"
Widescreen: Y
Brightness: 500
Contrast: 600:1
Response Time: 15ms
HD-Ready: Y
DVI: Y
Dimensions with Stand: 39.2" W x 22" H x 10.6" D
Dimensions w/o Stand: no data

Description


* 30" LCD TV
* HDTV ready; requires a set-top box (purchase separately) to decode High Definition signals
* 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio
* 500 brightness cd/m2; 600:1 contrast
* Wide 170-degree view angle, both horizontal and vertical
* 3-D comb filter
* Progressive scan
* 3:2 pull down
* 8-watt built-in stereo speakers
* Picture-in-picture (PIP)
* NTSC/PAL/SECAM video
* S-video and component hook ups
* Convenient wall mount option, or use included stand
* Horizontal swivel
* Includes remote control
* Dimensions: 22"H x 39.2"W x 10.6"D

[g808]

If you're looking for something around 27" - 30" at a reasonable price, then the Syntax Olevia's are pretty good. Google them and you'll find good reviews. It's pretty much the best in it's price range. Compsusa has a 27" on sale for $700:
http://www.compusa.com/products/prod...&ref=cj&pfp=cj

The 30" is about the same price as that generic one you posted:
http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_t...sterid=2950406

I'm sure you can even find good deals locally on them.

[Evil_Attorney]

Good call...thanks. Tiger direct seems to be a good place to get the Olevia 30". I'm not sure where I could get it locally though. I've been to Best Buy, Circuit City, Walmart, Target, and Good Guys, all in the L.A. area and none of them had anything close to this price point.

[g808]

If you have Fry's in your area, then I know they sell them. Well, at least they do around northern Cal. No CompUSA? If not, then I guess ordering online it is. I always like to try local for purchases like that. Less hassle if a return is needed plus local retailers usually have faily competitive prices vs. online for this sort of thing. Good luck and let us know what you finially purchase.

[src666]

Just keep in mind that at that price range, you are most likely getting EDTV, not HDTV. Just make sure you can live with the lower resolution - you aren't buying something for the future, just something for today.

[JUC]

Can EDTV's be upgraded to HDTV's? I too am hopeing to get an HDTV sometime this spring and notice lots of tv's say 'HDTV supported w/ optional ...'
JUC

[salsbst]

All other things being equal, good CRTs are often the best looking display.

If you really have the room for a CRT, you might want to check out a Sony KV30HS420.

[briands]

Originally Posted by JUC

Can EDTV's be upgraded to HDTV's? I too am hopeing to get an HDTV sometime this spring and notice lots of tv's say 'HDTV supported w/ optional ...'
JUC

The difference between EDTV (Enhanced Def) and HDTV is resolution... ED only dsipkays 480x720P resolution... this can not be upgraded.

"HDTV supported" just means that there is a way (Component, DVI, HDMI, Cable card) of attaching an HD source and viewing it. This is an independant classification from the resolution capability.

To call it an HDTV, (I'm pretty sure) it has to both include an HD tuner of some sort AND display at least 720P natively.

[salsbst]

You only need 1080i, not necessarily 720P, to call something an HDTV.

And, it appears that you need not actually have 1080 scan lines.... you just need to support the scan rate.

[markthenewf]

Originally Posted by salsbst

You only need 1080i, not necessarily 720P, to call something an HDTV.

And, it appears that you need not actually have 1080 scan lines.... you just need to support the scan rate.

We're getting way off topic here! Though I don't particularly like lawyers, me thinks you're going to spin his head around which just ain't right.

I can tell you that an EDTV will look as good as a DVD: 480 progressive scan lines. If you're happy with that, then don't worry about it. Even if you care about the extra resolution and have sprung the extra bucks to be able to recieve HD programming, the EDTV will downconvert 1080i and 720p HD signals to its native 480p signal. This is why EDTVs are so much cheaper: they aren't 'high performance' gizmos.

IF you are looking for HD, here's my $0.02 regarding displays as I've been using it for about 4 years:

1) Progressive scan rates are always better than interlaced. 720p is much better than 1080i and new HDTVs are bringing in 1080p (whoa!).
2) The advantage of flat screens is that they are pretty. DLPs are as good or better than LCD or plasma and are certainly much cheaper.
3) CRT blows the snot out of all the main categories (resolution, price, etc.) with the exception of viewing angle on rear-projection set. Once you get about 40-degrees off to the side of a projection set, the image fades.

I'm not going to get into all the nuances and options of displays. If you really want to discuss and argue to pros and cons of this stuff, y'all need to head over to the AVS Forum (www.avsforum.com).

On that note, consider LG for LCD or plasma, Samsung/Sony for DLP (sometimes called D-ILA), and Hitachi for rear projection. Any brand is good for CRT. Note that these brands are the 'best bang for the buck' option. Obviously everyone screams Mitsubishi when it comes to projection TVs, but I find they're riding the "More Cost for the Name" wave... kinda like Bose. Bose is ok, but lesser-known brands (such as paradigm) blow Bose away for 20-30% less cost.

Remember to shop around and ask lotsa questions.

[Evil_Attorney]

Thanks for the info. I found the 30" Syntax model above at Fry's Electronics for about $1300 after taxes. I didn't even realize there was a Fry's around. It's a great deal and looks amazing connected to my computer through the 15 pin VGA port. I believe this is an HDTV model. Now I need to get Sage running on my new tv computer and I'll be all set.

[LYU370]

Originally Posted by markthenewf

I find they're riding the "More Cost for the Name" wave... kinda like Bose. Bose is ok, but lesser-known brands (such as paradigm) blow Bose away for 20-30% less cost.

Bose is OK?!?! Bite your tounge man! If it ain't got no highs, and it ain't got no lows, must be a Bose.

[src666]

If you want a surround setup in the same price range as Blows, but with great sound and even BETTER aesthetics, check out the Anthony Gallo Nucleus Micro system with the powered sub (www.roundsound.com). I have these, and they are wonderful for a small to moderate sized room (mine is 16x20). Anything bigger, and it's time to skip the micro systems and start looking at mid-sized options.

[Grey_Goose]

Houston Fry's has the Olevia 30" for $799 -no rebates- !