Page 1 of Should I wait?

Ok, at the moment I only have a 24" 50/60hz Widescreen TV. I`m thinking of getting something, newer and bigger and preferably a LOT flatter (to save space). Price isn`t really that much of an issue but I will NOT compromise on pikcture quailty, I`ve seen plasma`s and LCD`s and the picture quality is AWFUL!!! I`ve heard good and bad things about 100Hz tv`s and have come to the conclusion that they are pointless. So, with all this in mind, should I wait a while until new technology is released? (HDTV?) Also, is there anything on the horizon other than HDTV that may be better?

If I was buying a Plasma now, it would have to support HDTV (1024x1024 res), but not many do at the moment.

Next best thing is get an IDTV (built in Freeview) set, as analogue switch off for most people starts in 2010 or earlier for some! This will mean one less SCART socket tied up.

Have a look at the Sony KD28DX200 as it is about £650 and a reasonably good 100HZ TV with Freeview

To the contrary talkshop.

Quote:
If I was buying a Plasma now, it would have to support HDTV (1024x1024 res), but not many do at the moment.

Many plasmas ARE available with 1024 x 1024 res, although this is not the required res for HD. Our Fujitsu we have just bought does have 1024 x 1024 and we feel that the pic quality is superb. Couple this with the fact that the space saved is superb, normal CRT`s are HUGE !! We used to have a 28" widescreen, yes the 42" plasma is bigger but after about 2 weeks it doesn`t feel as huge as it did when it was first installed.

Make sure you are far enough away from the plasma screen. Our dealer reccomended 2.25 x the screen diagonal. = 2.25 x 42" = 94.5" = 7ft, 10". minimum.

They are not exactly cheap, the main cost of a plasma is the glass panel technology. The remainder is the electronics, chassis, etc. Please note however that it`s not just the resolution that will give u a good pic. The other main ingredient fo picture quality on a plasma is the `chipset` or the electronics. You could get a panel which has 1024 x 1024 res, but like u say, it could look awful. So don`t skimp on the electronics.

The main protagonists atm are 1.Pioneer and 2.Fujitsu. Speak and visit a GOOD dealer. Their advice and help when choosing your new kit is worth every penny. DO NOT go to the main consumer shops like Currys, Dixons, etc. They will not care about you. They just want to sell u something, anything. They will not either be fully conversant with the pro`s & con`s of HDTV for example.

If you do buy now, and are interested in HDTV, look out for screens that are HD ready. Sky, along with most HD decders (when it arrives) will output using HDMI socket. This is the digital connection that carries pic & sound in one cable. If the screen you`re looking at has DVi, don`t worry, a simple HDMI to DVi convertor does the trick. Many people don`t know this yet but Sky will also provide `Component out` sockets on the back of their HD box too.

In summary then : Ensure you find a good dealer. Try Sevenoaks Sound & Vision. Don`t be put off by the prices. Like i say, their advice is worth it, and they are willing to negotiate discounts. (we got £800 off our £4300 package ! thats -18.60%) and they often have longer warranties on certain products exclusively for their customers. After sales support and continued advice is also second to none.
Tell them you want it to be able to do HD when it arrives. 1024 x 1024 for example.
You will need either HDMI or DVi ~ but at the very least Component inputs. They will tell u all u need or want to know.
720 lines Progressive Scan @ 50 Hz is what Sky is recommending for HD. See a thread on this forum posted by penzance entltled `Does uk have Hi Def` for more info.
Get a good demonstration.
The Pioneer is a fantastic panel and was offered to us for £3200. Our Fujitsu was the HHS model which we got incl a table top stand and HK dvd player for £3500 ( We preferred the Fujitsu surround)
Like i said above, not cheap but will last us proud well into the next 10 years. - We are beginning to think we should have bought the 50" though. !!!
LCD`s are crap above about 24", and plasmas crap below 42".
ENSURE that your plasma has HDCP software `built-in`. This is the copy protection that will be part of sky`s transmissions.

Happy shopping, like i say, steer clear of the Dixon`s, Curry`s of this world.

davo

Quote:
Ensure you find a good dealer. Try Sevenoaks Sound & VisionThe 42%er will be really pleased to see you`ve written that ;)

All the best.

Beth 58%er ;)

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This item was edited on Wednesday, 9th March 2005, 15:07

He shoped at the Wolverhampton branch, so nothing to do with me. As if I would do such a thing. I thought you new me better :(

All the best,

The 42%er.


It`s not easy being different. It`s not easy being cool....but somehow I manage....

Sorry :(

OK, I`ve edited my post now, you just need to change yours, otherwise everyone will get confused (more so than usual).

All the best.

Beth 58%er ;)

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Follow my training progress, laugh at my picture and/or sponsor my attempt to run the London Marathon on 17th April here

Please note, Laing Homes - Midlands will match your donation, up to a total of £500. The Laing Homes contribution is currently £205 - please help me to get the maximum donation from my employer :)

No I won`t change my post. Beth accused me of bribery. And I of course, would never do such a thing..................honest ;)

Anyway, way off topic. I can`t really ad anything to Davo`s post, so I won`t.

all the best,

The 42%er.


It`s not easy being different. It`s not easy being cool....but somehow I manage....

Mal,

Don`t forget to look at some of the newer DLP rear-pro sets as well. These are now coming through as HD ready - 1280x720 and look superb, as well as being shallow. They are very price competitive too - you might pay £2000 for a 45" screen.

Dan

Thanks for all your help guys, especially davo171066. After checking a lot of things out it looks like the plasma`s are starting to come down in price, I think I`ll wait until the end of the year and see what my options are depending on my money situation and the prices of the various units. :)

Cheers guys :)