Bought a Toshiba 50H81 today ....

[jeff462v]

I finally went and got me a Toshiba 50H81 widescreen HDTV today and damn i'm excited , it will be delivered Sunday .

I have a question regarding the TV . I now have regular cable would be of any advantage at all to upgrade to digital cable ? From my understanding i think that you can only get a true digital signal is through satelite ....am i correct . I'm new to the HDTV world i haven't been doing as much research as i should have been on the digital signal sapect of it . I mainly focused on what TV to get that was a tough enough decision . I'm going to pick up a Sony progressive scan DVD player that sells for $329 next week . I would like to get a differnt one but after the TV th funds are running kind of low , as im sure you could imagine . But any help is appreciated thanks .

[MrVette99]

Cool! I'm thinking about purchasing the same set. For me, it's all depends on how well it fits into the space where a Set belongs.

My understanding of Digital Cable is that you'll get DVD quality picture and sound, but not HDTV. HDTV is by satellite only, as of now. Another reason for Digital Cable is to view the programs in the transmitted "widescreen" format.

Warning: In this confusing analog to digital infrastructure conversion, there are caveats to all above stated comments *and your mileage may vary).

[MrVette99]

Oh, and how much did it set you back and where did you get it from? If you don't mind saying.

[ed]

Bet it was Best Buy, they had them on sale this week. :)


Read here for more info on the set: http://www.hometheaterforum.com/uub/Forum24/HTML/007829.html

[jeff462v]

Yes it was Best Buy $2499 i know it is cheaper on-line but we had to take advantage of the no interest until January 2003 . It's like 90 days same as cash for 15 months woo hooo .:D

[Ripper]

Originally posted by MrVette99
Cool! I'm thinking about purchasing the same set. For me, it's all depends on how well it fits into the space where a Set belongs.

My understanding of Digital Cable is that you'll get DVD quality picture and sound, but not HDTV. HDTV is by satellite only, as of now. Another reason for Digital Cable is to view the programs in the transmitted "widescreen" format.

Warning: In this confusing analog to digital infrastructure conversion, there are caveats to all above stated comments *and your mileage may vary).

You can also pick up HDTV OTA (over the air) with the right equipment. I'm not to sure about the Digital Cable="widescreen" comment. Whether or not it is regular or digital cable, the source has to be in the right aspect ratio to begin with to determine whether or not it is widescreen vs. pan& scan.

Ripper

[bmello]

Originally posted by MrVette99
My understanding of Digital Cable is that you'll get DVD quality picture and sound, but not HDTV. HDTV is by satellite only, as of now. Another reason for Digital Cable is to view the programs in the transmitted "widescreen" format.


I believe in certain parts of the country like NYC, Time Warner carries some HD content through Digital Cable. Otherwise, you can get some HD content Over The Air if its available in your area or you can get some via DirecTV or Dish.

[MrVette99]

Originally posted by jeff462v
... I'm going to pick up a Sony progressive scan DVD player that sells for $329 next week ...

Do you even need a progressive player?

From the stats on the set (ala BestBuy.com) --

* IDSC-Pro (Intelligent Digital Scan Conversion) system upgrades standard 480i signals to either 540p or 1080i, making your favorite TV shows look great

I'm really on the fence with this whole progressive scan DVD player issue. I've seen progressive players at the stores and the benefits are not obvious to me. I'd really like a frank discussion on this. I suspect a lot of folks are very polarized on this issue cause they are post justifying their purchase. For those of you who are easily offended, I'm just kidding, but ...

[Sockmonkey]

Originally posted by MrVette99

My understanding of Digital Cable is that you'll get DVD quality picture and sound, but not HDTV. HDTV is by satellite only, as of now. Another reason for Digital Cable is to view the programs in the transmitted "widescreen" format.


Sorry, but most (ok, all) of this is wrong :)

1. Digital cable does not imply DVD quality picture and sound. It does imply an increased quality over standard cable, but many digital cable subscribers will tell you that this is not necessarily the case. The bottom line is that digital cable is a different method of transmitting versus analog cable. It allows for higher bandwidth utilization (which could be used for better quality, more channels, etc.)

2. HDTV is not satellite only. It can be received OTA (over the air) and some cable companies offer HDTV channels via the cable network.

3. Digital cable has nothing to do with viewing material in widescreen format. There is no correlation here at all.

[MrVette99]

Originally posted by Sockmonkey

Sorry, but most (ok, all) of this is wrong :)
Dang! :)


1. Digital cable does not imply DVD quality picture and sound. It does imply an increased quality over standard cable, but many digital cable subscribers will tell you that this is not necessarily the case. The bottom line is that digital cable is a different method of transmitting versus analog cable. It allows for higher bandwidth utilization (which could be used for better quality, more channels, etc.)

I was told by, albeit, questionable sources (i.e. salesmen) that digital cable gave DVD quality. I guess I was told wrong.


2. HDTV is not satellite only. It can be received OTA (over the air) and some cable companies offer HDTV channels via the cable network.

News to me, thanks!


3. Digital cable has nothing to do with viewing material in widescreen format. There is no correlation here at all.

A short while back here in California we were pummeled with advertisements that Digital Cable allows veiwing of shows in the, now being taped, widescreen format.

And your mileage may vary too. :)

[0ne]

The bestbuy in your area is doing the free coupon book promo when you buy a DVD player. If it is, buy a DVD player ( any, it doesnt matter which, to get the coupon bookand you will be able to get back $100 on the TV within 30 days of the original purchase date. So you could basically get a $100 DVD player free ( oritron, apex) or a decent DVD Cheap ( $150 toshiba 1700, Sony 300) or you could steal a coupon book :) and just get a 100 credit:).

[jeff462v]

Thanks for the information One i want o pick up the Sony Progressive Scan DVD player so i would be able to get it for $250 i might have to go to BB and check it out .

[Geofferson]

Welcome to the HDTV club pal. :)

[jeff462v]

Originally posted by bodai
Welcome to the HDTV club pal. :)

Thanks ! Now all i've got to figure out is what satelite i want to get .