I didn’t want to hijack the HDTV thread, but reading that thing got me thinking. I’m in the market for a new tv. Currently, I have a 24" 1990 color tv from some brand I’ve never heard of, (Sylvan?). It works, the picture is pretty good, just that depending on what cable provider I’m with, I’ll have a slightly curved line of resolution that moves up the screen. I’m getting satellite, and I thought, hey might as well by a new tv, too. It seems impossible to find an advertised HDTV tuner built in tv (all are “HDTV ready”). I’m a big fan of Sony, and I like the 36" Wega. However, I can afford the Samsung DLP (thinking about 50" but it seems more sensible to go with the 43"). Also, I plan on buying a house in the next 1 - 1.5 yrs. But the DLP is so light compared to the Wega, it should be easier to move. Will the 4:3 ratio become obsolete? I don’t mind the wide screen. Perhaps I should buy the cheaper tv and use the money i save toward my down payment. Any thoughts?
Buy the cheaper TV, the “format wars” in the HDTV world have to be over by 2006 (per congress) and if you bought from the wrong team now you would be hosed (can you say Beta?).
unclviny
Won’t a hd tuner correct the signal?
Yes it would “correct” the signal but I am waiting for a TV that is not “correctable” or “upgradeable”, I decided to buy a TV that would do until I could buy a “real” TV (no adaptors or upgrades needed).
unclviny
I have the 50" Samsung DLP and it is great. I did a lot of research before I bought it and I have to say that it has the best picture and price:quality ratio out there. However, be aware that the TV does need to be a good distance from you or you can toast your eyes (the thing is a light cannon). Also, you need to know that the thing runs by a extremely powerful lightbulb, and the light only has an 8 - 12,000 hour life span before it needs to be replaced (it can be done DIY).
Advantages to the DLP: Light weight. The 50" Samsung weighs less than 100 lbs. My old 36" tube was at least twice the weight.
720p format. This is the better format for sports, and is the format that ESPN produces their HD content in.
Disadvantages: The previously mentioned light source that needs changing. I haven’t come across any other issues.