ok good peeps! here are a few helpful hints on selecting a HDTV and HD DVD!
There are so many ways to get confused on exactly what it is you are purchasing nowadays when it comes to HDTVs, and the people in the stores, ya know the kids that barely look old enough to wash their own clothes, or the older funky looking men that make you want to run back home and take a long shower.. well they know maybe just a little more than you do!! - - the best way to get the most out of your HDTV purchase is to know a little bit upfront before you enter the durn store!!
Numba 1 - first off FLat Panel - Tube - or Plasma hmmmm- - -
when i worked at Circuit City (part time for about 18 months) I was always amazed at what the consumer was intent on buying, no matter how i tried to show them a better picture or a cheaper bargain with just as good a picture, most were intent on buying what they knew..or had been told! ahhhh
Flat Panel, basically your LCD screens which come in a variety of sizes from 19-60inches. Even though the true classification of flat panel stops at 37, all of these are LCD's and will last up to 20-25 years. Minor maintenance for the cannon/bulb that makes it illuminate.. my choice hands down! affordable and reasonable. Good for everyday watching, movies and special events! from 299-5999 depends on the dimensions!
plasma screens -- uuuh the technology behind this is based on heated gas bubbles, which give off rich contrasts and deeper color! Can be viewed from multiple angles without picture degradation (flat panels/LCD's do lose some quality at acute angles) .. only draw back is that they dont last past 8-10 years. You can only heat and re-heat the gas so many times. Plus if you bang them during a move, the countdown is on for the "green or purple" creep to begin from the corner of impact!! SAD.. I would only recoomend a plasma if you have an entertainment room where you watch nothing but movies and no regular tv..thats it!! price range 1100-6500
Tube -- they are all now starting to have the WIDESCREEN look to them to facilitate broadcasts in HD, well truth be told these are probably the best pictures you will see! all of the other technologies are trying to simulate that "Depth of field" as well as the clarity in them.. problem is they weigh as much as a coffin! reasonable price for them 300-800 no MORE!
numba 2 - what about DLP? ok DLP is a technology, Digital Light Projection, and it is proprietary (texas instruments) it is based on a cannon (illumination) and a color wheel, and a CHIP! now as you can see there are three distinct things that can go bloody wrong with a DLP. if you get a spec of dust on the chip, you will see it, although casual visitors may not, you will see it everyday!..If your color wheel is off and starts to squeek, you will hear it everyday, but others may not...my suggestion is to always take the extended warranty!! DLP's are LCD screens with a vivid color similar to plasma screens, hell some would say BETTER! price depending on dimensions 1000 - 7000
numba 3 - - ok i got an HDTV, now what?
hmmm depends on a lot of things!.. what is your source for programming? Cable or DISH? it really doenst matter, negotiate what you can best afford! right now it is a true toss up due to the lack (still no matter what the DIrect tv commercials tout) of HD PROGRAMMING!! it is getting better but when all channels and all programs are broadcast in hd is still a bit away!.. this is the deal :
DIrect tv - New subscriber your gonna get the dish, the HD reciever and possibly a DVR (depends on promotion) plus installation all FREE - the programming thats another story! and i must say sometimes the combination of equipment may vary as well depending on the store or area. But typically you can put down 100 bucks and walk out with a hook-up.. for existing subscribers well you gonna get screwed!! You will need to purchase a new dish -100 , an new reciever - maybe 150 and DVR 250.. plus install.. yeah that sucks! My numbers maybe off, but not by MUCH!
cable - - ahhh you just need a HD BOX :) and component cables or a HDMI cable (100 bucks) programming is suspect but count on about 30-40 channels, based on AREA, I get only 20 about the same as if I just put an antenna on to it and take off the cable! ..
oh yeah i forgot to mention ABC NBC CBS, PBS, FOX, UPN and CW all broadcast in HD now and are FREE!! so if you dont have cable or the dish you can just purchase an antenna (10 bucks) and tune your tv to the local stations. Once again this will totally depend on the area in which you live. For me living between DC and Baltimore i get both affiliates which means I get about 20-25 channels! and TELEMUNDO!
numba 4 - does size matter? NOPE...uuuhh maybe!! hahaha if you are going to buy this and put it in your living room, where you will be sitting roughly 6-10ft away, I would suggest no less than a 27-32 in and no more than a 42-50 thats it.. for the bedroom i would say 27 works fine!! unless you got a GINORMOUS room!
ok DVDs and DVD players, Blue Ray and HD DVD im so confused?
hmmmm I would not invest in either blue ray or HD DVD since I am old enough to remember BETA and VHS LAWD!! my simple suggestion is to buy a reasonable HD DVD player/recorder with UPCONVERT capabilities!! Upconvert takes the images from your regular DVD and converts them to near HD clarity! now the price for these things depends on what you are buying, since the damn manufacturers are not making it easy for us!.. if you purchase a HD DVD player for under 100 bucks, its safe to guess that it will not include a HDMI cord. That itself is 100 bucks. This cord allows for upconversion as well as hd sound! so you may have a HD Player but without the HDMI or an upconversion feature..hmmmm most of the HD players under 100 are bare bones, and come with a component cable (red blue green), u can play an HD Movie but not your regular DVDs.. yeah useless I know, so buy the ones for 150-250, problem is not all of those are player recorders.. ahhhhhh yep! so be sure to read and ask the sales person (as if they will know either).
now that should have been enough to spin your head .. so lets keep it simple...
get your HDTV from any vendor but the most reasonable prices are at Walmart and Sams , Costco , BJs.. Plus Walmart now offers an extended warranty on top of the Walmart return policy!! oh hell you cant go wrong with that huh?
if you have any questions just hit me up ill guide you through it! GOOD LUCK!! btw I own 3 HDTV's and LOVES watching my football and the discovery channel on THEM!
jj
