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In Reply to: HDTV - truth or fiction? posted by newtoHT on July 23, 2002 at 21:34:37:
I think the salesman you talked with is the most confused of all.Monitor is just another word for a set without a tuner, though almost all direct view and RP HD sets have built-in NTSC tuners (two for dual PIP). In real world terms, there ain't much, if any, difference between "monitor", "HD ready", and "HD compatible" when your talking about consumer TVs. You'll need an HD (ATSC) tuner for any of 'em.
There *are* HD sets with built-in tuners: RCA, Sony 34XBR2 or 34XBR800 and several others. Currently, the 2 main sources of HD programming are over the air (OTA) local broadcasts and satellite services like Direct TV. A very few cable companies (may) offer it as well. HD is in an awkward transition stage. If the set you buy is a "monitor" or "HD ready", you can get the set top HD receiver at a later date for the type of HD source you will be using . A set you buy today should be fine to use with future HD tuners. (Recording in HD from HD sources is another story.)
Separates are the rule rather than the exception in audio, so I don't have any problem with buying a separate HD tuner and display device (TV). I'd rather have the tuner that suits me best instead of what the manufacturer can make the most profit on. There's very little HD programming in my area anyway - some of it is even down-rezed to save bandwidth! I will probably be going to Direct TV someday. HD programming will get here eventually.
So why am I fervently pursuing an HD TV (ready, capable, whatever) *now*? The better to enjoy my DVDs. HD TVs can display 480p with progressive DVD players and the resulting picture can be gorgeous! No scan lines! (I don't want to go into interlaced vs progressive here. Just trust me - the image on a good display with decent progressive scan DVD is great.)
Toshiba, Sony, Samsung and Panasonic all have direct view and RP HD sets available under 2K. That'll leave some money for a nice progressive DVD player like the Panasonic RP62 or RP82 and you're in business.
I strongly urge you to go to avsforum.com, hometheaterforum.com, hometheaterhifi.com and hometheaterspot.com for comparisons of specific sets (widescreen vs 4:3, direct vs RP) and some basic primers on home theater.
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Follow Ups
- Dear Confused... - Harmonia 00:14:22 07/25/02 (2)
- thanks! (also an oh oh) - newtoHT 11:34:35 07/25/02 (1)
- Are you defeating the purpose . . . - Auricle 07:55:55 08/01/02 (0)
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