I am looking to purchase a new television and I do not know what to buy. I am confused with HD TV's. Do you pay more to $$ to your cable provider for HD TV channels or is it automatic once you purchase an HD TV (like ESPN HD)? Do you need any special hookup/plugs or anything? I'll hang up and listen. THNX. Oh and what brands would anyone reccomend?
Wait for BlackFriday... After Thanksgiving Thats when you will receive the biggest discount on the various flat panels otu there.. I got me a 32" Flat from Fry's for less than 600 dollars last year NEW.
hdtv programming doesnt cost much more at all. yes you need need a hd cable box/ hd sattelite box, but the company will provide that for you. cables yes, make sure you go get hdmi slots. also you can get the hdmi cables for cheap on www.monoprice.com also, if you dont have one, get a home theater system. building it with seperate parts (speakers, receiver, etc). its makes a huge difference.
Many TVs will have 2 versions. One that is "HD-ready" and one that is HD. The HD version will usually have a built in receiver and cost a few hundred more. If you plan on getting your HD through a cable provider or Satellite, you do not need this. It just receives the HD signal through the airwaves. So you will want a HD TV without a built in receiver...you will just hook up to your HD box from the cable company or satellite and be in business. It has been posted before, but if you want real opinions on TVs or any Audio/Visual stuff, go to www.avsforum.com. Read through the main forums and you will get an excellent idea of which TV will be right for you, which have issues, which are good for the money, ect. Good luck! Also, while you will be able to get a good picture with component video cables, HDMI will be better, so its worth it if your HD box has the ability.
tested911, I think he wants to buy it before the football season starts, although I agree with your tip. CABLE allows you to watch their HD channels with their highest-end receiver at no extra cost. You do not need an HD additional receiver for this. Your HD-ready or HD-integrated TV can receive the HD channels. You do not need to buy their special HD package. SATELLITE requires an HD-capable receiver to send you the HD programming, but you do not need to buy their special HD package. DirecTV has a $9.99 package with 12 ALL-HD-ALL-THE-TIME channels, but you do not need this, although it seems like a good deal because they give you the first 4 months free and give you a rebate for the equipment as long as you sign up for 24 months. If you just want your local broadcasts like ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, Channel 8, etc. in HD, you only need an amplified antenna with HD capabilities and your HD-integrated receiver, or just the amp. antenna and a HD external receiver. Right now I am using HD external receiver HiSense from US Digital (@ walmart for 200 bucks), and no HD on my DirecTV. Just buy the integrated one and save yourself the hassle. I follow tinman's post... but if you get a Surround Sound home theater system, make sure it has COMPONENT inputs for VIDEO as well. My Question: Is anyone using a DirecTV HD satellite and receiver and NOT PAYING the 9.99 programming package? Please pm or email me through the board.
In Dallas I pay $5 per receiver and another $10 for programming...Plus another $15 for digiatal programing...That is of course on top of the $40 for basic crap...But, the picture is worth every penny...I need to look into Dish or DirecTv...
Not the best place for simple questions, but once you start doing some more serious research, go here: www.avsforum.com Very active board with very smart people. I have done a lot of research there, and throughout the net, and have decide to go with a Samsung 50 inch DLP that has 1080p technology. Everyone seems to like Sony's and Samsung's the most for rear-projection, though other brands are good, too. For plasma or LCD, the name brands people seem to like the most are Panasonic and Sony...though people seem comfortable with discount brands, too - Westinghouse, Vizio.
