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widescreen TV selection dilemma

Ged Ruxton (Harmless) posted this on Wednesday, 2nd January 2002, 20:53

At present I have my Toshiba SD210E stand alone DVD player connected via phono leads to my HIFI for audio and my 21" Nicam TV via RGB scart socket for picture.
I now want to buy a 28" nicam widescreen TV to replace my aging TV (resonably quickly before the sales end!)
I dont want to pay silly money but would want the option to add a digital sound amp and speakers in the future.
In case I go for the amp/speakers in the future do I need a TV that has component video output and does that replace the scart or suppliment it?
Can you guys suggest a good set for up to £500
what are your views on 50 or 100 Hz TVs?
what are your views on flat screen v conventional?

RE: widescreen TV selection dilemma

RichardH (Elite) posted this on Thursday, 3rd January 2002, 08:51

Component video INPUT is a whizzy, better than RGB (which you can get through SCART) means of getting the video signal from DVD player to TV. I believe only the top Toshibas have it, so you are probably pushing it on your budget (although your DVD player will have the outputs).
If you are thinking of a full amp/speaker system later, then all you really want the tv to do is be a monitor - i.e. no need for fancy sound options.

I recently bought a Panasonic TX32DK1 - 32", 50Hz, not fully flat screen - for £512 (http://www.qed-uk.com). The Philips 32PW6006 is also available for around that money from http://www.unbeatable.co.uk.
My feeling was that I wanted the extra size rather than the extra flatness, and I`ve been really pleased with the Panasonic.

RE: widescreen TV selection dilemma

readmenow (Competent) posted this on Thursday, 3rd January 2002, 09:39

I too bought a 50Hz `traditional` 32" screen. I got a Matsui of all things but it`s fine (a generic tube produced by Grundig for many manufacturers I`m lead to believe from a friend who works for Tatung).

I like the flatscreen models a lot but as I understand it 100hz is really suited to broadcasts from Sky where the picture information is compressed. Take some time to think where your TV is going to be positioned. Will there be glare from a nearby window or lamp etc? My experience of 100hz flatscreens is that they produce a crisp picture with zero reflection but in my view they do not look as `warm` as a 50hz. I must say though if I had the money for a 100hz 32" flatscreen I`d buy it.

I chose size rather than features and you could pick up a bargain or two as Richard has pointed out.

As for connections.
1. Scart and digital audio out sit together fine, just turn the sound down on the TV. The Scart will still carry picture and audio info but you just won`t use the audio part. Instead your surround amp will receive its signal from the coaxial or optical cable of your choice.
2. Don`t knock yourself out looking for component video on a TV and DVD player, a RGB enabled Scart will do you fine.

RE: widescreen TV selection dilemma

Spinalize (Mostly Harmless) posted this on Friday, 4th January 2002, 15:35

Ged component Vide is supposed to be the best. Better than RGB. However I dont reckon you will see the difference. ONly Toshiba do TVs with Component in as far as I can see.

Flay screen is good. make sure at least one scart is RGB capable.

100Hz is good on larger screens as it stops 50Hz flicker. Dont get a TV with Fancy sound, NIcam will do. Just use your amp and speakers for a much better sound quality.
Spine.

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