Couple of HDTV Questions...

I am looking to buy an HDTV right now I am more interested in size of the
screen and the quality of the picture with standard DVDs. However, I don't
want to buy something that isn't as future proof as possible. The TV I am
thinking about is:

http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/produ...oid=178030&c=1

What do you all think?

Questions:

1. It says under the specifications tab in "The Basics" section LCD Rear
Projection. What does this mean? How about compared to DLP Rear Projection?

2. Under the same "The Basics" section is says screen resolution 720p
(1280x720). I take it this means this is at native resolution an HDTV that
is capable of 720p resolution and not 720i, 1080i, 1080p?

3. What is a ATSC and QAM tuner? I know the NTSC is standard TV. But, what
are the others and are these good to have and why?

4. Under connection type is says HDMI Inputs 1, supports
480i/480p/720p/1080i/1080p what does this mean and if I understand correctly
how can it support the other resolutions when the TV is 720p per questions 2
above?

5. It says component inputs: 2, with 3 stereo audio inputs. Supports
480i/480p/720p/1080i. What does this mean and again how can it do those
resolutions when it is 720p per question 2 above?

I really don't want to spend much more than $1000 but I want as large a
screen as possible. I want to get that large theater screen feel at home. I
have the theater sound down, but now what to do more about the screen size.
Other TV's I am considering a

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1171058029116

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1171058029116

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1168045339724

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1138085317109

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1169252413347

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1142294494194

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1164155949862

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Toshi...oductDetail.do

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Samsu...Detail.do#tabs

Of the above is there one that is better than the one I started this post
with? Why?

Sorry for all of the questions I know I am asking a lot. Thanks for your
help. Oh, please answer like you're talking to a brain dead 3 year old.

=(8)

"=(8)" wrote



Sorry for all of the questions I know I am asking a lot. Thanks for your
help. Oh, please answer like you're talking to a brain dead 3 year old.
=(8)


That's strange, just one week ago (Thursday May 24), you posted he

"HD was and is a suckers bet."
"They have everyone convinced it is so much better yet very little makes
good use of it
"..the federal government in their rush to rake the bucks selling the analog
spectrum and the cable and
satellite companies looking to gouge customers more found a great suckers
bet."

You sound just like brain dead Psycho Bob Miller.
Stop insulting 3 year olds.

On Wed, 30 May 2007 21:50:56 -0700, "=\(8\)"
wrote:

I am looking to buy an HDTV right now I am more interested in size of the
screen and the quality of the picture with standard DVDs. However, I don't
want to buy something that isn't as future proof as possible.
SNIP
Sorry for all of the questions I know I am asking a lot. Thanks for your
help. Oh, please answer like you're talking to a brain dead 3 year old.

Don't buy anything until you learn a bit mo
http://www.hdtvprimer.com/
http://product.samsung.com/cgi-bin/n...uide/index.jsp
http://www.crutchfieldadvisor.com/le...e/tv_hdtv.html

"=(8)" wrote in message
...
I am looking to buy an HDTV right now I am more interested in size of the
screen and the quality of the picture with standard DVDs. However, I don't
want to buy something that isn't as future proof as possible. The TV I am
thinking about is:

http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/produ...oid=178030&c=1

What do you all think?

Questions:

1. It says under the specifications tab in "The Basics" section LCD Rear
Projection. What does this mean? How about compared to DLP Rear
Projection?

"LCD rear projection" utilizes a small LCD tranmissive panel through which
light is projected. Think of this tiny LCD panel as a semi-transparent TV
screen ...or imagine it to be somewhat like a color photographic slide with
a TV image.

See: http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/projection-tv1.htm

I'm not qualified to make any comparisons between LCD rear projection
technology and DLP.

2. Under the same "The Basics" section is says screen resolution 720p
(1280x720). I take it this means this is at native resolution an HDTV that
is capable of 720p resolution and not 720i, 1080i, 1080p?

Yes, you are correct.

3. What is a ATSC and QAM tuner? I know the NTSC is standard TV. But, what
are the others and are these good to have and why?

ATSC is the name of the standard that describes the transmission of digital
TV over the air. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atsc) The modulation
technique used in ATSC is called 8VSB.

QAM is the modulation scheme used by cable TV companies.

4. Under connection type is says HDMI Inputs 1, supports
480i/480p/720p/1080i/1080p what does this mean and if I understand
correctly how can it support the other resolutions when the TV is 720p per
questions 2 above?

The High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is an all-digital
audio/video interface capable of transmitting uncompressed streams.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hdmi) There is (effectively) no loss of
picture quality when a video signal passes through this interface.

When a signal is fed into the TV that has a resolution other than the native
resolution of the TV, it is converted, up or down, to the native resolution.

5. It says component inputs: 2, with 3 stereo audio inputs. Supports
480i/480p/720p/1080i. What does this mean and again how can it do those
resolutions when it is 720p per question 2 above?

Component video refers to a type of analog video information that is
transmitted or stored as three separate signals. It is of high quality.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Component_video)

When a signal is fed into the TV that has a resolution other than the native
resolution of the TV, it is converted, up or down, to the native resolution

I really don't want to spend much more than $1000 but I want as large a
screen as possible. I want to get that large theater screen feel at home.
I have the theater sound down, but now what to do more about the screen
size. Other TV's I am considering a

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1171058029116

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1171058029116

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1168045339724

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1138085317109

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1169252413347

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1142294494194

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1164155949862

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Toshi...oductDetail.do

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Samsu...Detail.do#tabs

Of the above is there one that is better than the one I started this post
with? Why?

Sorry for all of the questions I know I am asking a lot. Thanks for your
help. Oh, please answer like you're talking to a brain dead 3 year old.

=(8)

In article , "=\(8\)"
wrote:


First, you are asking a lot of basic Q's, which is fine. But I
suggest you do a lot more reading up on the technologies before
running out and purchasing. Even though at $1000, it's a pretty good
deal.

http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/produ...oid=178030&c=1

What do you all think?

This is a 55" Hitachi rear-projection LCD. These types are still
relatively popular, less so every day as witness the price. They
represent the low end of the market now. I have a 3+ year old one
made by Panasonic.

Questions:

1. It says under the specifications tab in "The Basics" section LCD Rear
Projection. What does this mean? How about compared to DLP Rear Projection?

It means it uses a 1280x720 pixel LCD display like the more sexy
"flat panel" LCD's, except this one is a small LCD chip that is
projected via a lens onto the big front screen. It also, like most
all RPTV's uses a high intensity lamp to illuminate the chip and
screen. This is a replacement part at about $250 that might last
2,3,4 or more years (my original is 3+ and still going).

DLP is also a "microdisplay" type as is this RP LCD, but the
microdisplay chip uses 1280x720 (or 1920x1080) grid of mirrors.
Generally DLP gives better blacks/contrast/shadow detail. The
reason is that LCD is a transmissive technology (the light goes
through the liquid crystal) and it can't totally block the light.
Thus less than black blacks. LCD in the past also was a little slow
in response time resulting in potential "smearing" of fast
movements. DLP on the other hand has the famouns "rainbows" issue
wherein a number of people see color streaks on fast high-contrast
motion. Most don't see it (including me). If you don't see
rainbows, I'd say DLP is superior.

LCD's have been getting better with the contrast and response times,
but I don't have first-hand knowledge of this Hitachi.

2. Under the same "The Basics" section is says screen resolution 720p
(1280x720). I take it this means this is at native resolution an HDTV that
is capable of 720p resolution and not 720i, 1080i, 1080p?

Yes, but it can display all those other resolutions (not sure there
is a 720i standard) you mentioned. It rescales all the other input
formats to its native 1280x720. Just as all other HDTV's (except
CRT's) rescale to their native resolution (typically same as this
Hitachi or 1920x1080 for the "1080i" or "1080p" sets).


3. What is a ATSC and QAM tuner? I know the NTSC is standard TV. But, what
are the others and are these good to have and why?

ATSC = over the air digital (HD and non-HD digital over the air
free)
QAM = cable TV's standard digital protocol.
Basically, these tuners will allow you to receive over-the-air (OTA)
SD and HD programs and cable digital programs that your cable
company carries "in the clear". For example, if you get the basic
cable service without a cable box, you can not only get the normal
standard def analog channels, you will also be able to tune in the
hi-def channels they don't scramble (typically, the local broadcast
channels). It's a nice feature. Note that they most likely
scramble most all the others (ESPN-HD, HBO-HD, INHD, DiscoveryHD...)
so you won't get those unless you get (and pay!) for a cable box.
In which case, you don't need the QAM, the box does the tuning for
you.


4. Under connection type is says HDMI Inputs 1, supports
480i/480p/720p/1080i/1080p what does this mean and if I understand correctly
how can it support the other resolutions when the TV is 720p per questions 2
above?

See above. It takes the input signal and rescales it to the TV's
native res. All fixed panel TV's do this to whatever comes in on a
non-native resolution. How well they do this is brand-to-brand, and
model-to-model dependent.

5. It says component inputs: 2, with 3 stereo audio inputs. Supports
480i/480p/720p/1080i. What does this mean and again how can it do those
resolutions when it is 720p per question 2 above?

Same as above, but in this case it can't do 1080p on a component
input. Not sure which sets do.

I really don't want to spend much more than $1000 but I want as large a
screen as possible. I want to get that large theater screen feel at home. I
have the theater sound down, but now what to do more about the screen size.
Other TV's I am considering a

Well, then its a pretty good choice. But I'd check out the picture
first. And do note that regular def can look very bad on a large
fixed-pixel HD TV. Try to view a program in that normal format.
Stand about as far away as you will at home.

As far as your other options, I guess I'd be leaning DLP (if
rainbows aren't an issue), preferably 1080p (might as well make best
use of the highest res if/when available). I don't think the
Samsungs include QAM which would rule out getting HD cable on-the
cheap. I personally prefer plasmas and LCOS rptv's. If I was
getting a new set, it would likely be one of the Panasonic 50"
plasmas or a Sony SXRD 50". Too much bigger (I watch from 10 ft)
and I grow less and less satisfied with std def and 480p games and
even DVD's.

Go with DLP RPTV.
Make sure it has ATSC and QAM.

========================
"=(8)" wrote in message
...
I am looking to buy an HDTV right now I am more interested in size of the
screen and the quality of the picture with standard DVDs. However, I don't
want to buy something that isn't as future proof as possible. The TV I am
thinking about is:

http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/produ...oid=178030&c=1

What do you all think?

Questions:

1. It says under the specifications tab in "The Basics" section LCD Rear
Projection. What does this mean? How about compared to DLP Rear
Projection?

2. Under the same "The Basics" section is says screen resolution 720p
(1280x720). I take it this means this is at native resolution an HDTV that
is capable of 720p resolution and not 720i, 1080i, 1080p?

3. What is a ATSC and QAM tuner? I know the NTSC is standard TV. But, what
are the others and are these good to have and why?

4. Under connection type is says HDMI Inputs 1, supports
480i/480p/720p/1080i/1080p what does this mean and if I understand
correctly how can it support the other resolutions when the TV is 720p per
questions 2 above?

5. It says component inputs: 2, with 3 stereo audio inputs. Supports
480i/480p/720p/1080i. What does this mean and again how can it do those
resolutions when it is 720p per question 2 above?

I really don't want to spend much more than $1000 but I want as large a
screen as possible. I want to get that large theater screen feel at home.
I have the theater sound down, but now what to do more about the screen
size. Other TV's I am considering a

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1171058029116

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1171058029116

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1168045339724

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1138085317109

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1169252413347

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1142294494194

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1164155949862

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Toshi...oductDetail.do

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Samsu...Detail.do#tabs

Of the above is there one that is better than the one I started this post
with? Why?

Sorry for all of the questions I know I am asking a lot. Thanks for your
help. Oh, please answer like you're talking to a brain dead 3 year old.

=(8)

"Tantalust" wrote in message
...
"=(8)" wrote



Sorry for all of the questions I know I am asking a lot. Thanks for your
help. Oh, please answer like you're talking to a brain dead 3 year old.
=(8)


That's strange, just one week ago (Thursday May 24), you posted he

"HD was and is a suckers bet."
"They have everyone convinced it is so much better yet very little makes
good use of it
"..the federal government in their rush to rake the bucks selling the
analog spectrum and the cable and
satellite companies looking to gouge customers more found a great suckers
bet."

You sound just like brain dead Psycho Bob Miller.
Stop insulting 3 year olds.



Yep and I already said why I was making the move to HD it isn't for the
resolution it is for the screen size. If I could by a 40 to 60" standard def
TV I would in a heart beat. But since you can't I might as well make sure
that the HD I get is going to be useful someday.

=(8)

Thanks everyone for the information. I have spent a lot of time reading up
as suggested and gather more information on questions your comments
presented and have made a purchase. I got a 56" JVC DLP for $1299.00
(regularly $1899) plus a free JVC standard ($299 value) plus a $200 gift
card. I got this at Best Buy (it is last years model) with everything I got
something that I am quite happy with for a price I am comfortable with. Now
I can finally start getting that large screen theater feel at home with my
DVDs. Oh, I also bought a Sony upscaling DVD player so my standard DVDs will
look as good as possible. Standard TV is ok, note perfect but if you keep
looking for perfection in life you will be dead long before you come close.

Thanks again,

=(8)

On Jun 1, 11:27 pm, "=\(8\)" wrote:
"Tantalust" wrote in message

...



"=(8)" wrote

Sorry for all of the questions I know I am asking a lot. Thanks for your
help. Oh, please answer like you're talking to a brain dead 3 year old.
=(8)

That's strange, just one week ago (Thursday May 24), you posted he

"HD was and is a suckers bet."
"They have everyone convinced it is so much better yet very little makes
good use of it
"..the federal government in their rush to rake the bucks selling the
analog spectrum and the cable and
satellite companies looking to gouge customers more found a great suckers
bet."

You sound just like brain dead Psycho Bob Miller.
Stop insulting 3 year olds.

Yep and I already said why I was making the move to HD it isn't for the
resolution it is for the screen size. If I could by a 40 to 60" standard def
TV I would in a heart beat. But since you can't I might as well make sure
that the HD I get is going to be useful someday.

=(8)

I've seen 42" plasmas with 480p at Sam's club within the last couple
of months. Probably the last of them though.

"=(8)" wrote in message
...
"Tantalust" wrote in message
...
"=(8)" wrote



Sorry for all of the questions I know I am asking a lot. Thanks for your
help. Oh, please answer like you're talking to a brain dead 3 year old.
=(8)


That's strange, just one week ago (Thursday May 24), you posted he

"HD was and is a suckers bet."
"They have everyone convinced it is so much better yet very little makes
good use of it
"..the federal government in their rush to rake the bucks selling the
analog spectrum and the cable and
satellite companies looking to gouge customers more found a great suckers
bet."

You sound just like brain dead Psycho Bob Miller.
Stop insulting 3 year olds.



Yep and I already said why I was making the move to HD it isn't for the
resolution it is for the screen size. If I could by a 40 to 60" standard
def TV I would in a heart beat. But since you can't I might as well make
sure that the HD I get is going to be useful someday.

=(8)

That doesn't make any sense, but if that's what you really want then try
Craigslist or local ebay, there are lots of old, blurry large-screen teevees
available.