[mikem01]

I live close to my CBS affiliate and can receive their HDTV broadcasts and thus would like to purchase an HDTV. Here are my priorities (in order):

1. Under $3,000

2. Best quality image (sharpness and color)

3. Large screen

4. 1394 support

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

-MM


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Mike

 

[taron1]

Either buy the Sony 16:9 built in receiver for 4K with 1394 support or the Mitsubishi 40" no receiver for under 3K with the promise of 1394.


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Meredith (KPHO) SUCKs! Phoenix CBS station with no HD just SD.

 

[mikem01]

1394 is the last of my priorities, I won't go over $3K for a set.


-MM


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Mike

 

[taron1]

 http://www.**************.com/


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Meredith (KPHO) SUCKs! Phoenix CBS station with no HD just SD.


[This message has been edited by taron1 (edited 08-15-2001).]

 

[krbuck]

Quote:

Originally posted by taron1: http://www.**************.com/

Besids the couple of retailers mentioned, are there places to order the Sony set online? I don't see it at the link you provided. Many thanks. --Karl

 

[STL]

I really like Sony audio products, but their RPTVs just aren't that good (not to mention overpriced). You should consider Mitsubishi or Toshiba. I would also suggest the Pioneer Elites (not the regular ones) except that these are far too pricey -- and not in your range. Mitsubishi has the "promise module" that will get you a HD OTA tuner and 1394 connector (for less than $1k) that can be retro-fitted to any their HDTVs. Mits is also coming out with some HDTVs very soon (over the next few months) that have built in OTA HD tuners and 1394 interfaces. Toshiba also makes nice RPTVs but they don't have any 1394 interface and no provision for one. You should checkout www.***************.com to read more about both. I myself recently bought a Mits 55807 (55" 16:9 HDTV) for $2250 and I'm happy it! I just need to get a HD tuner now so I can start watching HD on it.

 

[dleithaus]

Toshiba 57H81 new model for this year. www.onecall.com about $2700.

 

[Kipp Jones]

Mits 65807 $2300 at tweeter.


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Kipp


IS THAT A REMOTE CONTROL IN YOUR POCKET OR ARE YOU JUST HAPPY TO SEE HDTV?

 

[dleithaus]

didnt read your 1394 requirement.

there are no current models this year supporting that standard. the mits upgrade (so far the only manufacturer to promise an upgrade) is supposedly going to cost $1000.

I have a Toshiba 57H81 that I just purchased. I like the picture and recommend it. if you decide to wait for the DVI debate to settle down, you will be missing 12-36 months of upgraded picture quality. I say buy now, worry and complain later. 1394 requirements will not effect OTA broadcasts (right?) a suitable receiver will cost between $600-1000 added to the price of a monitor.

 

[Peter Diaz]

Mike,

If you live in San Diego, CA. Go to GOOD GUYS! There are many models to audition. Compare all ! You will see the difference! Look at the Sony rptv xbr's and compare to the Mitsubishi's...Just want to tell yah that all GOOD GUYS STORES have their rptv set calibrated and tuned. As I auditioned and went to so many stores, here's one thing I can say about the Sony XBR HD RPTV'S...if you compare,you will see this set has the cloudiest picture I have ever seen. That's why I went with the Mits. Great picture great price. I almost got the Pionner Elite but the price of the 55'was $7000. to much I think, and the quality of picture was the same as the Platinum plus series.


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PeterDz

 

[Peter Diaz]

I would suggest to audition the Mitsubishi HD RPTV'S.

The Platinum Plus series is a very good model and the price is very good. The 46" starts under $2 grand, and the 55" is at $3600. I have the WS-55857 and am very pleased with it.

When watching HD, it's like watching from a window. So crisp and clear. I also believe that dealers would give one year deffered. No monthly payment for 12 months.

Besides, Mitsubishi is the only company that will upgrade your HD RPTV to the future upcoming new stuff such as IEEE 1394 {FIREWIRE}CONNECTION & HAVI SYSTEM, if you purchase the tv today, Mitsubishi promises to upgrade the sets ata reasonable cost.


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PeterDz

 

[STL]

Quote:

Originally posted by mikem01: Thanks everyone! Yes, I'm sort of settling on the Mits RPTV. However, I was told at Tweeters yesterday that only the Mits Diamond models will do the full 1900x1080 resolutions. Is this true?

In truth probably 90% of the HDTV RPTVs on the market will not truly display 1080 x 1900 entirely. Most can only do 1080 x 1200-to-1600. It takes 9" guns to get all 1900 lines and most all sets have 7" guns; you'll only find the 9" guns on BIG sets. These 7"-gun HDTVs do accept a 1080x1900 signal they just cannot resolve all the 1900 lines -- but they still look damn good (and I doubt you'd know the difference)!

Quote:

Originally posted by mikem01: Because I'm going to buy the HiPix card, and use a PC for my HD receiver/recorder and I also want my kids to play games on it and thus want the highest resolution I can get.

Displaying any static PC images (like games typically have) on a CRT-based HDTV is a bad idea. You're likely to get a burned-in image. This is true for all CRT-based RPTVs (despite what any salesman might tell you). You could get a DLP or Plasma set, but the highest HDTV format they can display is only 720p (720x1280) -- unless I've missed something.

 

[MikeEby]

An RPTV is not really the same as a multiscan computer monitor. You have do use a video card in you computer that will allow custom timing and resolutions. And then there is the static image issues as STL said. I have a Mits 55805 and tried to go the HTPC route and just did not do very well with it. Did work but the best I could get out of it was 800X600 interlaced with lots of flicker. Later got a Barco CRT front projector and the HTPC was a hole different ballgame. Didn't have to deal with the custom resolutions and timing. Because it is designed to be connected to a PC. If you have total light control in the room consider a front projector like a LT-150 NEC DLP projector or a used CRT projector can be had for less than a grand.


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Hello ! My name is Mike and I’m a Home Theater Addict.

 

[mikem01]

Thanks everyone! Yes, I'm sort of settling on the Mits RPTV. However, I was told at Tweeters yesterday that only the Mits Diamond models will do the full 1900x1080 resolutions. Is this true? Because I'm going to buy the HiPix card, and use a PC for my HD receiver/recorder and I also want my kids to play games on it and thus want the highest resolution I can get.


The site at http://www.mitsubishi-tv.com/diamond.htm does not have much in the way of specs on the Diamond sets. Are there large differences between the Platinum, Platinum Plus and Diamond sets?


-MM


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Mike

 

[Peter Diaz]

Mike,

The only difference between the Plat Plus series and the Diamond series is this: the platinum plus has 5" speakers, wherein the diamond series has 6". The finish of platinum plus is black grey satin finish, where as diamond has high gloss burl finish. Also the Platinum plus on the 55" has a bigger screen than the diamond 55".Also the cabinet is a little different on the design on the diamond series. The multi-coated lense system on the diamond series is a tru-focus 5 element hybrid, and the platinum plus has edf-5 element hybrid. If your'e in it for the looks go for the diamond series. But if your'e in it for the picture and cost the Platinum plus series is very good.




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PeterDz

 

[JorgeGVB]




I just purchased a Sony 36" HS20 and just love it. I was very surprised on how heavy these bad boys are, so if you are buying one bring you biggest buddies along to help. A case of beer for afterwards may be a big help here...


I got lucky and purchased mine through www.crutchfield.com with a great sales price and free delivery all the way to my family room. Final price with everything was about $2K.


Someone else mentioned about the store model not looking good. I am not sure you can put a lot of weight on this at a Best Buy or Circuit City type stores. People mess with these all the time. If you went to a specialty store with high end sets, I am sure they would be tweaked for the best picture.


Happy Viewing!