Is now a bad time to buy a new HDTV?

Mossberg · #1 05-19-2007, 02:18 PM

So I'm dying to get into some new-gen gaming. I have a bunch of gift certificates for a local electronics store and I've been researching/hesitating on buying a new TV (cuz prices keep coming down/something new always coming out). Anyways, I've narrowed it down to a few different 1080p LCDs in the 37-40 inch range, but now I'm being told by friends, "YOU NEED TO WAIT FOR HDMI 1.3!!"..

So is it really worth it? I mean, I've been using a stupid tube TV for years and any flat-panel will blow this out of the water. But if this 1.3 is really worth waiting for, then I will. From what I've heard/read, 1.3 won't even be of use for quite some time, or unless I have a PS3 (I'm getting an xbox360 btw).

Any advice/suggestions greatly appreciated.

4 High · #2 05-19-2007, 02:28 PM

Im sure im wrong, but i thought 1080p was only for 42" and up?

Either way, HDTVs are like computers now, new and better ones are always coming out. If you see a good deal jump on it. I dont need a perfect one, so i saw Walmart had a 32" Emerson for 498. I looked Emerson up on AVS and most people gave glowing reviews especially for the prices, so i got it and im good for a while now. If you are a person who must have top quality stuff, maybe wait until Black Friday weekend when everything is discounted en masse.

LocustHorde · #3 05-19-2007, 03:48 PM

xbox 360 max is 720P, so if you get a 1080p TV, it will be a waste.

FWIW, if you need to buy a high ticket electronics item, buy it and don't worry about new stuff coming out, because even if you wait for the new stuff to come out, there's going to be more new stuff coming out, and more new stuff coming out. It's a vicious cycle.

MrMon · #4 05-19-2007, 03:53 PM

To max out your savings, stay off the bleeding edge. Pick up things just as the new models come out. The old models are often steeply discounted. You can also pick up refurbs or returns at great prices if you do a little searching for those firms who do that on the internet. You just have to be willing to accept cosmetic blemishes on the equipment, which are often not even noticable. Just make sure you get a decent warranty on any refurbs.

N 82 50 24 · #5 05-19-2007, 03:57 PM

At this point the "new" features that are coming out, such as 1080p, are basically useless. I have a 1080p TV along with some standard 720p TVs and they're pretty much the same. The only time I utilize the 1080p is when I'm using my PS3 AND it has something in it (like a Blu-Ray DVD) that actually sends out a 1080p signal. That's pretty rare.

Until there are a lot of broadcasts in 1080p, I'd just get a basic 720p 40-something inch HDTV for somewhere in the high three digits or low four digits.

Janabis · #6 05-19-2007, 03:57 PM

[ QUOTE ]
xbox 360 max is 720P, so if you get a 1080p TV, it will be a waste.

[/ QUOTE ]

Xbox 360 supports 1080p. If you haven't bought it yet, I recommend going with the new black model which has an hdmi port. Otherwise you might be stuck using component cables which only give you 1080i.

g-bebe · #7 05-19-2007, 03:59 PM

Get HDTV. No questions.

I've got a 50" or 51" 1080p Panasonic Viera HDTV. Amazing. What dreams are made of.

maryfield48 · #8 05-19-2007, 04:32 PM

OP, I think now is a good time to read astroglide's thread in EDGD

Mossberg · #9 05-19-2007, 05:54 PM

Cool, thanks for the advice everyone. wrt this post:

[ QUOTE ]
At this point the "new" features that are coming out, such as 1080p, are basically useless. I have a 1080p TV along with some standard 720p TVs and they're pretty much the same. The only time I utilize the 1080p is when I'm using my PS3 AND it has something in it (like a Blu-Ray DVD) that actually sends out a 1080p signal. That's pretty rare.

Until there are a lot of broadcasts in 1080p, I'd just get a basic 720p 40-something inch HDTV for somewhere in the high three digits or low four digits.

[/ QUOTE ]

I HAVE considered getting a 720p. What I'm finding is that the 1080p sets out right now aren't much more expensive than 720 AT ALL. I mean, obviously this isn't the case as the sets get bigger. For example, I can get a 1080p Samsung for about 2000 canadian or the 720 samsung for like 150 less. Is this just a complete gimmick? My biggest concern is that I have something I will be satisfied with for atleast a few years, hence the reason that I'm leaning towards getting a 1080 set.

TravestyFund · #10 05-19-2007, 09:40 PM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
xbox 360 max is 720P, so if you get a 1080p TV, it will be a waste.

[/ QUOTE ]

Xbox 360 supports 1080p. If you haven't bought it yet, I recommend going with the new black model which has an hdmi port. Otherwise you might be stuck using component cables which only give you 1080i.

[/ QUOTE ]

Is this for sure??? Anyone confirm this or know anything about the subject?