[Jerrymac]

Hello,


Not knowing anything about HDTV can anyone tell me if the Sony Model # KDF-42WE655 would be a good choice?


What connections (optical - component etc.) should I look for in a HDTV?


Any other information you might offer to a novice would be welcome and greatly appreciated.


Thank you,

---Jerry---

 

[miniz]

Very Nice TV. It should be just as good as the previous grand wega's that didn't include digital tuners. This TV just builds upon what Sony has already created adding in all the tuners and a CableCard slot. In an HDTV you MUST have Component, DVI AND/OR HDMI WITH HDCP. It must have HDCP of it isn't worth your money. HDCP is not a connection. If you have a home theater system then HDMI isn't really that important, and you should go with DVI. You MUST also have a 16:9 format screen. 4:3 unlike this TV is not truly an HDTV (In my and many experts views) and will be outdated much sooner then a 16:9. This TV is a good choice, but please condsider other models by Sony and other makers before you buy it. There is alot of competition in this "DLP like" catagory.

 

[bjohn34]

I would read up on HDTV. Visit sites with info on HDTV. HDTVTWINCITIES.com has a lot of good info and links and is easy to understand. There are many factors in choosing a HDTV. As far as inputs I would get one with a HDMI or DVI input. Sadly, I bought one without because I did zero research about HDTV's.

 

[miniz]

As he said, become an HDTV know it all BEFORE you spend a cent on anything to do with it. In the HDTV world, one worng decision could cost you thousands. Read stuff on this forum, do internet searches-lots of them-visit websites such as ones that the government in now supporting to learn the basics, read full reviews of TV's you are considering, and in the end you will make the right choice. there is nothing worse then getting a set-up that will be obsolete in a few years time. Once you get that HDTV please don't forget to feed a true HD 720p, 1080i or 1080p signal!

 

[Jerrymac]

Miniz,


Thank you so much for the reply and the information that I so badly need.


I looked at the specs on Sony's site and it does not seem to have HDCP. I am so unknowledgeable that I don't know what HDCP is.


You mention, "There is a lot of competition in this "DLP like" category". Is this Sony I am looking at a DLP type?


Seems that Panasonic is popular can you suggest a model of theirs?


Sorry to need so much help but as you can see I need it.


Thanks again,

---Jerry---

 

[miniz]

The sony has HDCP (High Def copy protection). You need to look further then the makers website in most cases, as it leaves out very important information. The sony falls into the "DLP like" catogory. It is NOT a DLP in way shape or form, but we name it this because DLP is what started the thin rear projection market and still makes up for most of its sales. The sony is an LCD rear projection which is just as good as DLP and should last longer without an expensive back light replacement. I would not seguest Panasonic for the "DLP like" catogory. They always seem to be about 1 step under sony for this catogory.

could you please tell us:

local cable porvider

which service your currently get your TV from now

is the room you want to put this HDTV in small, medium, large super massive or a dedicated home theater?

does it have direct sunlight?

can your budget afford a monthly subscription to High Def content from a cable or satellite provider?

What other electronics are or will be hooked up to this TV? (DVD, surround sound, cable box?)

anything else you would like us to know to help select a TV that is good for you?

 

[Jerrymac]

Hello all,


Yes obviously I need to study up a lot.


Thought I could take a couple of shortcuts and try to get as much information here as possible but you all are correct I must do it myself.


I remember buying a TV was a h**l of a lot easier many years ago then it is today. It's so confusing now with LCD, DLP, ED, HD Ready (which isn't), components, optical connections, cable (which I have - Cablevision), Directv, Dish, and Voom etc. etc. etc.


I now face being in a land that I do not know anymore. Gosh it was so much easier many moons ago.


At my advanced years I am not sure I can learn enough. Like the old saying goes, sort of "so much to learn and so little time". All I want is a HDTV that I will be happy with. Seems beyond my reach.


In any event I thank all of the posters and appreciate your replies.


Who knows, hopefully I will get lucky and make all the correct decisions, but I doubt it.


---Jerry---

 

[Paul Bigelow]

Hello Jerry,


It's not that much of a minefield, really (although it can sure seem that way!). The manufacturers wants consumers to be able to connect these components. The TV can be the bottleneck.


1. TV Type:

a) Projection Rear/Front -- the Sony stated earlier is projection

b) LCD -- Panasonic, Sony, and Sharp make fine sets

c) Plasma -- Panasonic, Hitachi, Sony, Pioneer make fine sets


2. TV Connections:

a) Ensure the set has DVI or HDMI and that HDCP is present (tuner or DVD)

b) Ensure the set has two component inputs (tuner, DVD or DVD recorder)

c) Ensure there is a composite or S-Video input for possible camcorder, or VCR


3. TV Tuner

a) The TV may or may not have a built in HD tuner

b) If not built-in HD tuner then the following can be used

i) Cable HD tuner

ii) Over the Air HD tuner

iii) Satellite HD tuner


The key is to make sure the TV has, at least, the number of and type of connections as stated above. This will be plenty for a good HD setup with the ability to expand a bit if necessary.


Best regards,


Paul

 

[Jerrymac]

Miniz,


Was writing the above post and did not see your previous reply.


You are saying that HDCP is good to have and this Sony model has it?


Local cable provider here in New Jersey is Cablevision and my service is IO digital.


My viewing distance is about 9 feet from the TV.


I have a Yamaha 5:1 home theater surround sound system not currently hooked up but hope to eventually.


No direct sunlight.


I will be able to afford monthly subscription for HD content through my cable service.


This following e-mail correspondence from me to Cablevision may be helpful to you and other Cablevision customers:

=================================

I wrote: (9/28/04 through 9/30/04)

Do you have any plans to offer a DVR / TiVo like service to your system in the near future as other cable companies have begun to do?


Thank you"

Jerry Magee


Their reply:

Mr. Magee,


Thank you for your email inquiry.

Cablevision plans to distribute a converter that enables customers to

Control live TV, instant replay and also allows picture in picture

Display.

We are planning to distribute this converter in order to enhance our

current service within 8-10 weeks.


Sincerely,

Cablevision Shared Services

===============================


I wrote:

Thank you for the speedy reply.


Can you notify me when it becomes available in my area?


Also, if you know will this new converter be equipped with two tuners

Similar to DirecTv's DVR?


Thanks,

Jerry Magee


There reply:

Mr. Magee,

Thank you again for the email.

Yes, our DVR will have two tuners in it. This allows

you to watch and record, or record 2 programs, or even watch a

picture in picture feature even if you do not have a PIP tv.


Thank you,

Cablevision Shared Services


End of correspondence to Cablevision


I have a DVD player, 5:1 surround sound system, cable box and hopefully a DVD recorder eventually.


I hope I have answered all of the questions.


Thanks again to all, with your help I will get the information I need to make the correct decision.


---Jerry---

 

[Jerrymac]

Paul,


Thank you very much for all the valuable information you have posted which I just read.


It takes me some time to answer and seems that I am always a post or two behind.


Cannot thank you and miniz enough for all the information and time you both are taking in helping me out.


With all your help in addition to learning as much as I can myself the choice will be so much easier.


Cannot thank you all enough for your thoughtfulness.


---Jerry---

 

[Paul Bigelow]

You're welcome!


The Sony is a fine LCD projection TV choice:


1) It has a built in HD tuner

2) It has HDMI with HDCP (very good!)

3) It has CableCard (no need to rent an external cable box)

4) It has two component inputs as well as a bunch of other connections


Paul

 

[Jerrymac]

Thanks again to all for the help.

---Jerry---