Hdtv

[Danoff]

Pako, let us know how that baby looks when you get it.

 

[Pako]

Will do, just two more days.... Expect a complete review, as well as a picture to show to try and show the size of the TV as it sets in my house. I think I might need a bigger house.



Dang...three more days...

 

[Pako]

Solid Lifters,

You might be interested in this:
http://www.users.muohio.edu/corsilcj/wegacalibration.htm

 

[Solid Lifters]

Originally posted by Pako
Solid Lifters,

You might be interested in this:
http://www.users.muohio.edu/corsilcj/wegacalibration.htm

Cool stuff. My HDTV set needs more Brightness than what he suggested, and a higher Picture level. I also use a max Sharpness level, set the VM to High, and the Color Temperature to Cool. I set DRC Mode to CineMotion at all times, excluding VHS tapes and analog TV. For that, I like Interlaced. Picture Mode is set to Vivid at all times. When I watch high-definition shows, either live or from the recorder, I turn up the brightness and picture to near maximum levels. When I use the PS2, those levels are set at maximum. I like a bright, sharp picture. Don't worry, you'll soon know what all this means.

I don't need to reset the red values on my set. The colors are just fine. The color control settings are very usefull for setting your picture color to proper levels. The brightness, on the other hand, needs improvement. When I watch DVDs, or HDTV shows, anyone wearing black looks like a dark, black blob. There is no depth, or contrast to them whatsoever. That's why I have those levels so high. The problem with that, though, is it tends to washout the picture. The reason this happens is the contrast ratio on CRT HDTV sets are very low. But, a too high of a contrast level makes black colors look gray. You still gotta take the good, with the bad.

 

[Danoff]

I've been messing with the settings on my TV since I bought it. I think I've pretty much got it set up the way I want - I used the finding Nemo calibration guide (thanks solid).

One problem that I have at the moment is that with my directv signal, some of the standard def channels are coming in with more color than others. It's pretty odd.

 

[Solid Lifters]

Originally posted by danoff
I've been messing with the settings on my TV since I bought it. I think I've pretty much got it set up the way I want - I used the finding Nemo calibration guide (thanks solid).

You're welcome.

One problem that I have at the moment is that with my directv signal, some of the standard def channels are coming in with more color than others. It's pretty odd.

You've just discovered how crappy regular satellite TV is. Don't worry, it looks bad on my set too. Some are a lot brighter, too. I really hate the pinkish-redish haze that lays over the picture, too.

 

[Danoff]

You've just discovered how crappy regular satellite TV is. Don't worry, it looks bad on my set too. Some are a lot brighter, too. I really hate the pinkish-redish haze that lays over the picture, too.

Interesting. In a few more years I'll have a house and put up a huge ugly antenna to get better clarity. I guess for now I get to make do with directv.

... can't wait to have a house.

 

[milefile]

Since I discovered this thread I've been researching Plasma TV's. I hope to be able to get a 42" when I move sometime later this year. I hate how complicated it is. But I hate not knowing what I'm buying even more. So I guess +6 mos. research should put me in a good position to be an informed consumer when and if the time comes.

 

[Danoff]

Since I discovered this thread I've been researching Plasma TV's. I hope to be able to get a 42" when I move sometime later this year. I hate how complicated it is. But I hate not knowing what I'm buying even more. So I guess +6 mos. research should put me in a good position to be an informed consumer when and if the time comes.

I ruled out plasmas eventually because I've heard that they have burn-in problems and short life span when it comes to brightness. I usually don't listen to all that stuff but I went to a store to look at TVs and saw a plasma that I knew was supposed to look good (because I've seen it look good in other stores).... but the brightness was very low. I tried messing with the settings but couldn't get it to not look like a dull grey. I realized that the hours that it had spent on in the store had taken a major toll on the brightness and decided that maybe what I had heard about plasma TVs was true.

LCDs have their own issues but I like mine alot.

 

[milefile]

I read yesterday that plasmas should last 30,000 hours. From what I've seen a 42" LCD would cost more than a plasma. Is that the case? It seems like the LCDs are always so dinky. What is yours again?

 

[Danoff]

I read yesterday that plasmas should last 30,000 hours. From what I've seen a 42" LCD would cost more than a plasma. Is that the case? It seems like the LCDs are always so dinky. What is yours again?

Yea, I've read that about plasmas too. But I've also read that they lose 50% of their brightness much faster than that.

42" doesn't exist (as far as I know) with LCDs. Mine is 30". I think that 37 exists, but it's a sharp and I wasn't impressed with the picture.

I suppose an LCD projection set is out of the question for you.

 

[milefile]

I won't buy a TV smaller than what I have now, and that's a 36" tube. For three years I've been satisfied with it, but now I have the itch.

 

[milefile]

My father-in-law has a sixty something inch rear projection TV and I can't stand it. The picture looks dull and blurry, and he has everything stretched to fit the wide aspect ratio so everybody looks short and fat. I can't figure out how he can watch it like that.

 

[Danoff]

My father-in-law has a sixty something inch rear projection TV and I can't stand it. The picture looks dull and blurry, and he has everything stretched to fit the wide aspect ratio so everybody looks short and fat. I can't figure out how he can watch it like that.

Same thing with my father-in-law. How coincidental. The picture looks bad and everything is stretched. Not to mention that the color is poorly adjusted, everyone wearing any green looks like they're covered in plutonium (ok that's an exaggeration). Still, it makes no sense to me. I don't know how he can watch his TV the way it is either.

But some of the newer projection sets, like LCD projection and DLP??? or something like that actually look pretty good.

Anyway, if thin is what you're after and it has to be bigger than 36", plasma is the only way to go.

 

[milefile]

Thin is important. We bought an entertainment center when we bought the TV and we use it for a lot more than just the TV. In other words we need it. So I want to stay away from the big floor mounted sets. A 42" flat and thin screen would fit perfectly in there and allow us to push it closer to the wall. My father-in-law's set is almost as tall as me.

 

[milefile]

I just found this:

Deciding if you want to buy a Plasma TV that is HDTV compatible can be a difficult decision, since Plasma HDTVs cost considerably more than non-HDTV displays because of the complexity of the manufacturing process. Plasma HDTVs require the display to be able to produce images at a considerably higher resolution than standard Plasma TV's.

Additionally, the jury is still out in regards to which format presents the best picture quality, depending on the formats of media you are viewing. If you plan to watch mainly standard broadcast television (including through cable or satellite), and DVDs, many will argue that you can save yourself a significant amount of money, and still have a BETTER picture with a non-HD Plasma display.


Comments?

 

[Pako]

I would seriously consider ALL the applications for the TV. If your going to be spending $3000+ on a monitor, but sure it can do everything you want it to. I specifically purchased the LCD Grand WEGA because of it's ability to display anything and everything I could throw at it including PC-DVI signals, 1080/720/480 formats, Good non-HDTV signals, composite, component, and all WITHOUT burnin! The picture is bright, clear, and little vertical/horizontal viewing problems. Still not as perfect in regards to blacks and viewing angels of a CRT, but at only 100 lbs for 60"'s of HDTV bliss and at only 21 inches thick. Lamp life is expected to last 8-9000 hours total.

For my application:
DVD, HDTV, SDTV, PC, and HD-DVD...

...this was the monitor for me.

 

[milefile]

Well I will use it for watching TV over either Direct TV or cable, DVDs, and PS2. Maybe I would use it as a computer monitor but that's not terribly important when I can put my 15 1/2" notebook in my lap.

And that is one thing I am still confused about. You guys are talking about getting antanae for local network HDTV signals. I get my local channels through cable. WHen a program is originally broadcast in HD format, and you get it through cable of dish, is it still HD when you see it?

 

[Solid Lifters]

Originally posted by milefile
Well I will use it for watching TV over either Direct TV or cable, DVDs, and PS2. Maybe I would use it as a computer monitor but that's not terribly important when I can put my 15 1/2" notebook in my lap.

And that is one thing I am still confused about. You guys are talking about getting antanae for local network HDTV signals. I get my local channels through cable. WHen a program is originally broadcast in HD format, and you get it through cable of dish, is it still HD when you see it?

Yes. But, that depends on the cable company, it there is one, that owns that cable, and if they will allow HD programming to go through. It's also up to the local broadcaster, of that paticular station, to broadcast HD programming via that cable. Don't worry, you're near Phoenix, right? Some digital stations, such as KPHO (17), KTVK (24), KAET (29), KPNX (36), KASW (49) and KNXV (56) are broadcasting HDTV programming.

On your quest for a Plasma HDTV set, consider looking on getting a subscription to Sound & Vision magazine. It's often filled with a lot of plasma TV sets, and their features. However, they don't list if a set is HDCP compliant. This is a very neccessary feature if you plan to watch pay satellite HDTV programming, HD-DVD (Blu-ray, etc.), PS3, or other future HDTV devices.

Plasma make for average, or poor, HDTV sets. They don't have a lot of resolution, or pixels, to make a proper HDTV image. The average plasma HDTV set will display around 1200 x 780 lines. HDTV programming is either 1920 x 1080 interlaced, or 1280 x 720 progressive. CRTs are far better, but they are gaining some ground. They do a great job with color, but blacks looked washed out due to the plasmas high contrast ratio.

There is a new TV technology in the works, that are thin like plasmas, but offer far better resolution and picture image. And, no burn-in issues. But, it wont be here for a while.

But, if you decide to get something now, don't even consider buying one without one DVI and one HDMI input on it. HDMI means the set HDCP compliant, and DVI may, or may not, be compliant. Don't forget, you'll need to buy a separate digital tuner, if one is not supplied with the plasm TV you plan to buy.

 

[Solid Lifters]

Originally posted by danoff
Interesting. In a few more years I'll have a house and put up a huge ugly antenna to get better clarity. I guess for now I get to make do with directv.

... can't wait to have a house.

You don't need to wait. Look for the Zenith Silver Sensor antenna, or the like. Check out the link below.

TV Antennas

 

[milefile]

I was looking through an Ultimate Electronics ad last night and they were advertizing Sony "LCD Rear Projection" TVs. Is this what you have, Solid? I liked the sounds of it, and the price, too... ten more inches for the same price as a smaller plasma. Can anyone comment on this technology?

I am slowly accepting the fact that our entertainment center purchase of a few years ago will have to be relegated to the bedroom or the study to make room for a floor mounted TV.

 

[Pako]

milefile,

I know you directed your questions to Solid Lifters, but allow me to elaborate. I believe he as a CRT Sony WEGA, which he loves. I, however, have been the owner of a Sony Grand WEGA LCD rear projection TV for about 3 days now and I absolutely love it. I would love to answer any questions that you might have…

 

[milefile]

Well I just went and read up on your TV from the the link youposted a couple pages back. I am impressed and pretty convinced plasma is not the best choice for me.

I mentioned how my father-in-law has a Mistubishi rear projection TV and I am not particularly impressed with the picture quality. But I gather this WEGA is significantly better. Is that your experience?

How is the sound? Are you using the built in amp and speakers.

I'd probably go for the 50", too. All I have to do is sell my house and move and I'll be ready to buy. We bought our new house last night so the ball is rolling.

 

[Pako]

Originally posted by milefile
Well I just went and read up on your TV from the the link youposted a couple pages back. I am impressed and pretty convinced plasma is not the best choice for me.

I mentioned how my father-in-law has a Mistubishi rear projection TV and I am not particularly impressed with the picture quality. But I gather this WEGA is significantly better. Is that your experience?

How is the sound? Are you using the built in amp and speakers.

I'd probably go for the 50", too. All I have to do is sell my house and move and I'll be ready to buy. We bought our new house last night so the ball is rolling.

The new Sony WEGA's are generations ahead in terms of picture quality compared to the models that they replaced. I have found the colors to be accurate and vibrant as well as accurate to the entire edge of the screen. I would put these Grand WEGA's in a totally different LCD class all of their own. The viewing angles are also impressive. Their's full viewing up to about 20 degrees from the side. The most notable degration of the picture is from looking at it from up above, looking down on it. This really isn't a issue since I don't sit on the TV and look down on the screen. They also removed the glass on the front of the TV's with this new model and went with a satin finish screen. This has reduced the glare significantly.

Compared to the other HDTV I had (Samsuck), Standard 4:3 satallite looks as good as it should. The Samsuck always distorded the quality and geometry of the 4:3 programming.

The blacks arn't as good as some of the new DLP's, but when I demo's this TV, I had it setting next to a Samsung DLP. The DLP DID have better blacks, but the overall picture wasn't as good. The Sony still had a better picture, and it was less expensive. I have noticed that the blacks have more of a haze to them, definately not the quality of a CRT, but in terms of Cost/Value, it's a fair trade, and something worth compromising for. I ended up getting the 60" or the 50". I figure I'm making a sizable investment as it was, so what's another $700. I'm happy I went with the 60"!

As far as sound goes.....I have everything hooked up through a Amp. I do have my computer's sound hooked up to some analog inputs on the TV. (currently looking into a different sound card so I can run 5.1 digital from the computer to my amp). In watching DVD's ect..., the sound is decent, but with a Big TV, I also want BIG sound. I am currently only using the TV's sound because of convenience. It's decent, but nothing like a good digital surround system with dedicated components. One feature I wish it had was the ability to hook my amps Center Speaker output to the TV to use the TV as the center channel. Standing at 5.5' tall with the stand, the center speaker on top of the TV now is almost too high for good imaging. I might also note that it has a total of 7 A/V inputs.

1xDVI (computer compliant) w/ composite audio
2xComponent w/ composite audio
4xcomposite/S-Video w/ composite audio (one jack on the front)

It doesn't have a built in HDTV tuner, so I have to go with a HDTV package from Dish Network. This is not a big deal for me, since my local TV company sucks...

Still haven't got the Computer fully functional to my likeing, but I'm getting close. I will say that Windows Media Player 9 will play specific HDTV DVD's designed for WMP. I downloaded some samples and they look Stunning. As soon as I get my digital audio figured out, I am definately investing in some WMP compliant HDTV DVD's. Just awesome.... Did I mention how good they look?

Oh yeah...the TV's only 100 lbs.... I can move it by myself. Life is good, and my back thanks me.

 

[milefile]

Ahhhh! I am so ignorant when it comes to this stuff. Most of what you said is jibberish to me. I need to read up and familiarize myself with the terminology. I do understand interlaced versus progressive, the various screen definitions, the diference between plasma CRT, LCD, etc. I am lost when it comes to the various inputs. I'll be wanting to plug my DV recorder into it, the PS2, and a DVD player. I'll also want to run it all through my Pioneer amp and stereo speakers. I may want to get all of that new, but I might not be able to afford it all, especially if I have to buy a HD tuner.

But all in all the WEGA projection LCD sounds like a good buy for me in terms of price and features.

 

[Pako]

I would definately try to demo one at a store. I would even go as far as to ask for a appointment to demo the TV with your PS2, DV Recorder.... I put my salesman through the ringer....and as a result he got the sale. The last thing you want to do is drop $4,000 on a TV and have it not perform the way you thought it would.

Something else to consider as well during the demo process. These TV's as with most TV's come from the factory in "Torch Mode". This has all Brightness, contrast, picture, ect...cranked all the way up. For most sales, TV's side by side, the consumer want's the Brighter picture. This isn't necessarally the case. In normal use, you will get better resolutions and more accurate color when calibrated correctly. It will also extend the life of that expensive little Halogen bulb in the TV.

Just some food for thought.

 

[Danoff]

I've got a question for you guys.

Should my VHS tapes look about the same quality as my standard def television signals? They look significantly better on my set and I think I blame it on directv (and their setup with my apt.). I'd like to know if you guys are seeing an improved picture with VHS vs. standard def.


btw Pako, I downloaded the HD samples as well. They look damn good but the computer I have hooked up to the set doesn't quite have the processor to play them smoothly. It's good enough to jam with winamp visualization packages though.

 

[milefile]

Originally posted by Pako


Something else to consider as well during the demo process. These TV's as with most TV's come from the factory in "Torch Mode". This has all Brightness, contrast, picture, ect...cranked all the way up.

My father-in-law got a screen burn because of this. The little 12 News logo in the bottom right. I forget how, but he got that taken care of.

 

[Pako]

Burn in sucks... I am told (salesman, reviews, and sony) that image burnins will not occur on these sets. That's a major factor especialoly if you play a lot of v-games.

danoff,
I haven't played VHS tape through it yet....so I wouldn't be able to tell you. Yep, the visulizations are cool for sure...

 

[Solid Lifters]

Originally posted by milefile
I was looking through an Ultimate Electronics ad last night and they were advertizing Sony "LCD Rear Projection" TVs. Is this what you have, Solid? I liked the sounds of it, and the price, too... ten more inches for the same price as a smaller plasma. Can anyone comment on this technology?

I am slowly accepting the fact that our entertainment center purchase of a few years ago will have to be relegated to the bedroom or the study to make room for a floor mounted TV.

Like Pako said, it's a CRT (Cathode-ray Tube) which are those big bulky TV sets. LCD is not really new, but it's very cheap and easy to manufacture. Well not really, but it does reduce employee costs since more is done by machine than human, unlike CRTs.

When I was shopping for an HDTV set three years ago, I was not impressed with LCDs, and plasma sets. They still aren't very impressive to me, but I can be so finicky. They have improved greatly over the years, though. Just go with what looks great, and has the features you need or want. That's all I did.

When looking for a set, look for HDCP compliancy, resolution of at least 1920 x 1080i, 720p display - if you don't like the set to convert to 920i, HDMI (HDCP compliant) and DVI inputs (try to get a set with three), digital audio outputs (coax and optical.), high quality de-interlacer (scaler), high contrast ratio - if you like a brighter picture, or a lower ratio if you like your blacks to look like blacks. If you plan to use it with a compter, look for one that has computer video inputs, but HDMI and DVI will be more popular with computers in the near future.