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Video Asylum TVs, VCRs, DVD players, Home Theater systems and more. |
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In Reply to: I need help buying a new tv posted by djn on May 9, 2004 at 14:04:34:
It's kinda like replacing a Magnavox console stereo with a new two channel system. I went through this a couple years ago myself.Right now HD content is available over the air (via a set top box or internal tuner), on many cable systems or through satellite services such as Direct TV or Dishnet. Most HD sets up to now have actually been HD monitors - you needed an external device to actually receive HDTV. Such TVs were advertised as "HD ready", and it confused a lot of consumers. Soon, however, all large screen HD sets sold in the US will have to have internal ASTC tuners to receive OTA (over the air) HD broadcasts. If you get your tv through cable or sat you may not care about this, but it's nice to have.
A good place to start might be to think about how you'll be using your set: do you watch mostly standard TV (either broadcasts or cable programming? A combo of some TV/some DVDs? Lotta DVDs/some TV? If you play video games that will influence your choice too. Do you have cable? Do you have HD cable available? Satellite? How much space do you have and how far from your set will you sit? If you watch TV in the daytime how much light do you have in the room and can you control it with blinds or drapes? Does the TV have to fit in an entertainment center or an armoir? If you only watch sports/CNN occasionally with a movie now and then, a large rear projection set is probably more than you need. But if you're a movie fan and/or a sports addict you might really enjoy a big screen.
After 20 years with my 22" Sony, I bought a HD "ready" 34" widescrreen direct view set a couple years ago and love it. When the advanced flatscreen technology sorts itself out (DLP, LCoS, LCD, plasma etc.), I'll be buying a large screen TV (50" or more) for movie watching.
Personally, I wouldn't recommend anything but a widescreen display at this point. 4:3 sets are dinosaurs. My 34" is a CRT, and a heavy beast. But after I get the big screen, it will still be small enough to go in a bedroom or den. Standard definition looks good on it (It's a Philips with PixelPlus), HD looks great, DVDs look great, so the 34" is a good compromise for me.
avsforum is the equivalent of AA. It'll take you weeks to do research there but it's time well spent. Be sure to check out displays in your locacl stores, but keep in mind that many big box retailers don't have TVs set up well. If you have a local high-end retailer or installer (like Magnolia's or Ovation), see if you can get a demo of some decent displays.
There are some pretty good HT mags around - a couple with names you might recognize" Stereophile Guide to Home Theater and The Perfect Vision (sister publication to TAS). Widescreen Review is not bad. Sound & Vision is virtually useless.
Happy hunting. Take your time.
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