Re: Couple of HDTV Questions...
- From: dm@xxxxxxxxxx (Dave)
- Date: Thu, 31 May 2007 12:42:54 GMT
In article <465e543e$0$14144$742ec2ed@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>, "=\(8\)"
<nospam@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
First, you are asking a lot of basic Q's, which is fine. But I
suggest you do a lot more reading up on the technologies before
running out and purchasing. Even though at $1000, it's a pretty good
deal.
http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?oid=178030&c=1
What do you all think?
This is a 55" Hitachi rear-projection LCD. These types are still
relatively popular, less so every day as witness the price. They
represent the low end of the market now. I have a 3+ year old one
made by Panasonic.
Questions:
1. It says under the specifications tab in "The Basics" section LCD Rear
Projection. What does this mean? How about compared to DLP Rear Projection?
It means it uses a 1280x720 pixel LCD display like the more sexy
"flat panel" LCD's, except this one is a small LCD chip that is
projected via a lens onto the big front screen. It also, like most
all RPTV's uses a high intensity lamp to illuminate the chip and
screen. This is a replacement part at about $250 that might last
2,3,4 or more years (my original is 3+ and still going).
DLP is also a "microdisplay" type as is this RP LCD, but the
microdisplay chip uses 1280x720 (or 1920x1080) grid of mirrors.
Generally DLP gives better blacks/contrast/shadow detail. The
reason is that LCD is a transmissive technology (the light goes
through the liquid crystal) and it can't totally block the light.
Thus less than black blacks. LCD in the past also was a little slow
in response time resulting in potential "smearing" of fast
movements. DLP on the other hand has the famouns "rainbows" issue
wherein a number of people see color streaks on fast high-contrast
motion. Most don't see it (including me). If you don't see
rainbows, I'd say DLP is superior.
LCD's have been getting better with the contrast and response times,
but I don't have first-hand knowledge of this Hitachi.
2. Under the same "The Basics" section is says screen resolution 720p
(1280x720). I take it this means this is at native resolution an HDTV that
is capable of 720p resolution and not 720i, 1080i, 1080p?
Yes, but it can display all those other resolutions (not sure there
is a 720i standard) you mentioned. It rescales all the other input
formats to its native 1280x720. Just as all other HDTV's (except
CRT's) rescale to their native resolution (typically same as this
Hitachi or 1920x1080 for the "1080i" or "1080p" sets).
3. What is a ATSC and QAM tuner? I know the NTSC is standard TV. But, what
are the others and are these good to have and why?
ATSC = over the air digital (HD and non-HD digital over the air
free)
QAM = cable TV's standard digital protocol.
Basically, these tuners will allow you to receive over-the-air (OTA)
SD and HD programs and cable digital programs that your cable
company carries "in the clear". For example, if you get the basic
cable service without a cable box, you can not only get the normal
standard def analog channels, you will also be able to tune in the
hi-def channels they don't scramble (typically, the local broadcast
channels). It's a nice feature. Note that they most likely
scramble most all the others (ESPN-HD, HBO-HD, INHD, DiscoveryHD...)
so you won't get those unless you get (and pay!) for a cable box.
In which case, you don't need the QAM, the box does the tuning for
you.
4. Under connection type is says HDMI Inputs 1, supports
480i/480p/720p/1080i/1080p what does this mean and if I understand correctly
how can it support the other resolutions when the TV is 720p per questions 2
above?
See above. It takes the input signal and rescales it to the TV's
native res. All fixed panel TV's do this to whatever comes in on a
non-native resolution. How well they do this is brand-to-brand, and
model-to-model dependent.
5. It says component inputs: 2, with 3 stereo audio inputs. Supports
480i/480p/720p/1080i. What does this mean and again how can it do those
resolutions when it is 720p per question 2 above?
Same as above, but in this case it can't do 1080p on a component
input. Not sure which sets do.
I really don't want to spend much more than $1000 but I want as large a
screen as possible. I want to get that large theater screen feel at home. I
have the theater sound down, but now what to do more about the screen size.
Other TV's I am considering are:
Well, then its a pretty good choice. But I'd check out the picture
first. And do note that regular def can look very bad on a large
fixed-pixel HD TV. Try to view a program in that normal format.
Stand about as far away as you will at home.
As far as your other options, I guess I'd be leaning DLP (if
rainbows aren't an issue), preferably 1080p (might as well make best
use of the highest res if/when available). I don't think the
Samsungs include QAM which would rule out getting HD cable on-the
cheap. I personally prefer plasmas and LCOS rptv's. If I was
getting a new set, it would likely be one of the Panasonic 50"
plasmas or a Sony SXRD 50". Too much bigger (I watch from 10 ft)
and I grow less and less satisfied with std def and 480p games and
even DVD's.
.
- References:
- Couple of HDTV Questions...
- From: =\(8\)
- Couple of HDTV Questions...
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