Hd Tv

[SAS]

I've been looking around for a TV recently and this popped through my inbox : http://www.dabs.com/productview.aspx?quicklinx=42mk

Is this a good deal? Most HD TVs I've seen quoted from 700+. Just looking for a 28inch, nothing to fancy, but something that will last.

Anyone got any tips? Places to look?

 

[Ch3tan]

You'll get 32" for cheaper than 26-28" screens.

Lots and lots of no name manufacturers with very cheap screens, some are good, some are poop. We sell two at work one is £600 one is £500 (32") I have had a play with both, and they seem fine to me. Overclockers are selling cheapo lcd's now as well.

 

[cHodAX]

The Philips LCD's are generally very good but you could find a 32inch for slightly more. That said if you aren't bothered about the size so much then 26inch is fine, I just think that the whole point of HDTV is getting a clearer picture on a bigger screen but each to their own I suppose

 

[inactionman]

Seconded to get a 32", there's not that much price difference, but try to get one with more than a single HDMI socket! Else you'll have trouble in the future with most HD sources (SKY/Cable HD, Bluray/HD-DVD, etc.). Most Toshiba TV's have 2 HDMI's (about the best you'll get), don't know about other manufacturers, but have a look around.

Can throughly recommend toshiba, have one myself, and it's very good!

 

[SAS]

I see what you mean about the 28 - 32 inch price differences .

Is it worth going HD though considering there are only a handful of HD channels which you have to pay for? If I get a HD tv now I'd have to buy a HD settop box? (I only have access to freeview). Normal DVDs will look better on the TV, but the current TV singal looks bad? (not seen it myself though).

I'm tempted to get a standard 32 inch LCD now and in a few years upgrade, or am I being foolish and should get HD now? :/

I guess I'll be using a TV for DVDs, PS2, Freeview and maybe use it as a PC monitor (?).

 

[cHodAX]

I see what you mean about the 28 - 32 inch price differences .

Is it worth going HD though considering there are only a handful of HD channels which you have to pay for? If I get a HD tv now I'd have to buy a HD settop box? (I only have access to freeview). Normal DVDs will look better on the TV, but the current TV singal looks bad? (not seen it myself though).

I'm tempted to get a standard 32 inch LCD now and in a few years upgrade, or am I being foolish and should get HD now? :/

I guess I'll be using a TV for DVDs, PS2, Freeview and maybe use it as a PC monitor (?).

Well you can get HDMI DVD players as well, I got one from Aldi for £40 that upscales DVD's and it looks great, plus it plays all my divx files Also Freeview will eventually go HD as well, won't be for 3 years at least but still it is better to be future proof even if you don't have Sky. Lastly is video game consoles, you really want a HD screen if you are thinking of getting a new console. I went from a 28inch TV to a 50inch HD screen after I got my Xbox 360 and the detail is cinematic, even a smaller HD screen looks very very clear and smooth though with any kind of HD source.

A 32inch HD might cost you a bit more but with all the future home entertainment and TV systems eventually going HD you may as well get one now rather than buy a 32inch SD that you will want to change in a couple of years. Also SD are a little bit fuzzier than the HD sets even with normal TV because the native resolution is that much lower. Basically SD just isn't a decent long term investment, if you want to wait a couple of years for HD then you would be wiser just buying a cheap 32inch CRT now and save your pennies till you are ready for HD.

P.S. if you want to use as a monitor then HD is the only way, the old SD sets only support 800x600. If they state it supports higher then it is interlaced, steer well clear. With a HD set you get 1280x720 which works fine as a desktop and for most games.