OOT: Help, I need a new TV.

[samster]

It should be:

-Widescreen
-Have 1080i output, with HDMI input.
-Around 32" [+/- 2"]

It would be nice if it had/was:
-The ability to up-sample video with lower quality signal.
-Flatscreen, but I'm willing to get a tube tv (do these even come in 1080i?) if it reduces the cost.

How much should I expect to pay? What are some good brands?

[astroglide]

i assume you mean 1080i input. i don't know of any native 1080i sets. there are 720p sets that upconvert to 1080i, and there are 1080p sets (most of which only take 1080i over standard inputs).

look at cnet.com to start, and do not waste your time buying an hdtv if it isn't at least 37". and only get a 37" if you're sitting like 5 feet away from it. 42" is really a practical minimum, anything less is pointless because of missed detail. price is understandably a factor, but you'd be well-advised to keep watching what you have or pick up something crappy on craigslist to use until you can afford something that's actually worth buying.

[samster]

[ QUOTE ]
i assume you mean 1080i input.

[/ QUOTE ]

I meant that the TV was capable of displaying video at 1080i. At 34", do you think 720p would be ok?

[astroglide]

like i said, there aren't really 1080i sets - just 720p and 1080p. one upconverts, the other can show it for real. before you get obsessed with technical specs you should beat down the basics by reading some hdtv guides. if you get a 720p set and watch 1080i content on it, it is "upconverting" the signal. the resolution on the set is still fixed at 1280x720 though, it hasn't magically become 1920x1080.

at 34" you'd probably be challenged to tell the difference between a high-quality 480p dvd and 720p hd content if you're sitting a "normal" distance from the televsion (like 12'-15'). unless you have 2k+ to spend on a 42"+ rear projection set, you're wasting your money imho. i can see buying something like a samsung 30" ws crt for a guest bedroom or console tv, but for your primary tv/movie set you shouldn't waste money on such a modest upgrade.

[samster]

The tv is for my apartment, but eventually will end up in my bedroom when I get a house. This TV is just meant to last as a "main" entertainment tv until then. When I get a house, I'm getting a projector.

Does this change the answer at all?

[astroglide]

it depends on how long it is between now and "eventually" in realistic terms.

when you say "projector", do you mean a front projector? they can be fun for movies, but it can be a drag for television. they're rather failure-prone, noisy, hot, and most annoyingly require complete darkness to perform well. i think they're great for people who have proper theater rooms though.

for you, i'm still leaning toward a 32" non-hd cheapo whatever until you can get something proper.

[MrMon]

[ QUOTE ]
like i said, there aren't really 1080i sets - just 720p and 1080p. one upconverts, the other can show it for real. before you get obsessed with technical specs you should beat down the basics by reading some hdtv guides. if you get a 720p set and watch 1080i content on it, it is "upconverting" the signal. the resolution on the set is still fixed at 1280x720 though, it hasn't magically become 1920x1080.

at 34" you'd probably be challenged to tell the difference between a high-quality 480p dvd and 720p hd content if you're sitting a "normal" distance from the televsion (like 12'-15'). unless you have 2k+ to spend on a 42"+ rear projection set, you're wasting your money imho. i can see buying something like a samsung 30" ws crt for a guest bedroom or console tv, but for your primary tv/movie set you shouldn't waste money on such a modest upgrade.

[/ QUOTE ]

I think you mean there are no 1080p sets. Lots of sets are 1080i.

You are also incorrect that there is no visible difference between 480p dvd and 720p on a 34" set. If that's the case, you've got a really crappy set. Take a look at one of the Sony tubes (This one.) just to see what a display can do and you'll see a world of difference.

[astroglide]

[ QUOTE ]
I think you mean there are no 1080p sets. Lots of sets are 1080i.

[/ QUOTE ]

no. there are several native 1080p sets (more every day), and there virtually aren't any native 1080i sets - just 720p sets that upconvert to 1080i. what i wrote was very clear.

i'm aware of the quality of the ws xbr crts. it's pretty well-established that, despite standard crt drawbacks, they have the best picture available in the consumer hd market. i still think it is a waste of money. when you go to a shop you see demo sets at eye level and you're standing 2 feet away from them. looks great! but when you're sitting across a moderately-sized room, a set that small isn't worth having. the nuances of its quality are missed at that distance, and the real value of hdtv is to have a theater experience.

[Performify]

Unless you're really size constrained with 32", you're much better going with something in the 50" - 60" range.

You're going to spend just as much, and the extra size is really going to give you an amazingly different viewing experience.

You have a lot of options for $1500 - $2000 if that's the ballpark you're looking to spend. You can get a HTDV that will last you for ten years or more at that price.

NewEgg

You can also check out your local Best Buy / Circuit City / whatever. A lot of times they've got clearance models or open box items that are a decent deal even though you'll have to pay sales tax.

I'm a big fan of the Toshiba DLPs at this lower price point. RCA is also good for the price.

I'm also a fan of the Toshiba CRTs if you're going direct view CRT. Be warned, though - a lot of those only display a couple different resolutions, like only 480i, 480p, and then usually only 720p OR 1080i. You'd prefer something that has 720p AND 1080i (720p is better for fast-moving pictures with lots of information, i.e. if you like to watch HD sports - its also better for most video games if you're a gamer).

The nice thing about getting a DLP RPTV is that you're going to have something that will display everything from 480i/p-720i/p-1080i. its not really worth spending the money on 1080p at this point unless you're really serious in home theater, and if you're just acquiring your first HDTV then you're probably not.