Help school me in HDTV (update: Check out the one I purchased
 

Ok so I'm looking to get an HDTV. A few key points upfront... the big reason I'm deciding to get one now is because of the Xbox 360. Also my budget isn't the biggest. I don't need the biggest or best. In fact I think I've already decided on getting a CRT one. I've done some research on bestbuy.com. I'm getting a TV from them because I have gift cards from them i want to use. First question is what is the difference of a TV that is just "HD ready"? Do I have to purchase more stuff to actuallly get a HD reception, or to play my 360 with optimal display? Also should I assume that I want a TV that is 1080i, for both TV and Xbox360? Sorry if I'm asking a bunch of basic newbie q's, but I continually see people on this forum give great advice. Here are some links to some TV's I'm thinking of getting. Critique them at will.

TV 1

TV 2

These are just a few things I saw briefly. Thanks.

P.S. I have comcast digital cable up here in chicago. If that helps?

edit: mods I meant to post this in other. sorry, please move accordingly

HD ready means you can't get HD broadcast/input without an additional piece of hardware. For Xbox360, that would be the HD pack/component video cables. For television broadcast, that would be a HD receiver or OTA tuner. I personally would lean away from getting one that has a HD tuner built in, I got my HD box from my cable company for no add'l charge.

Most HDTVs support at least 480i, 480p and 1080i; if you can get one that is 720p as well, that should cover all your bases [I don't know if 1080p tvs are readily available yet]. But even if not, it should convert the signal to a compatible resolution. If Xbox360 games are actually 1080i, I would definitely go that route.

You'll have a hard time finding a new HDTV without a tuner built in these days unless you're picking up something really small. I find mine pretty handy since my cable company only carries NBC, CBS, and one of the PBS affiliates in HD. With an antenna, I can pick up NBC, CBS, Fox, ABC, the WB, and PBS in HD...sometimes even affiliates in completely different markets.

They are, but very few actually accept a 1080p input, and the 360 doesn't (currently, at least) support 1080p.

so is the only reason you say not to get an HD ready tv is because of the need of a tuner (which ill get from comcast)? is there quality issues or differences?

If you're not going to use an antenna and will be using a set-top box exclusively, it doesn't make a difference if there's a tuner or not.

One question you might want to ask yourself is if you'll be using this TV primarily for gaming/HDTV/widescreen DVDs, or if you'll still be watching a lot of 4x3 stuff on it. If it's the former, you're better off with the second set since you'll have a larger widescreen viewing area.

I'd suggest checking out AVS Forum to research whatever tv you pick to make sure there aren't any inherent problems.

i am going to be using the TV for primarily TV and playing Xbox360

I guess it depends how much you want to spend, and how much room you have. I'm seen some large RPTV for under $700 (not the best brands, but lots bigger). Best Buy also had a 27" Westinghouse LCD for $699 this week. I would look for 720p and 1080i also, since most cover that these days now. 1080p is not readily available and a bit too pricey as of now.

price is the biggest deal maker right now. I know im not going to get the best thig out there, but I don't want to buy soemthing that doesn't get the job done. If I buy a tv thta alredy has the HD tuner in it, does that mean i can get HD channels through my comcast digital cable without needing anything from them?

I don't know what these terms are but which do I want, 1080i or 720p?

If at all possible, get one with HDMI inputs. You never know when you are going to need it, and they are so much easier to deal with then components.

If you're getting a CRT set, you'll be getting 1080i. Some smaller CRTs will take 720p input, but the display will be at 1080i.

get tv2..... if you are still thinking of getting those

make sure its widescreen!!!! and most new HDs have HDMI or DVI on them for set top connections, along with the standard stuff like the RGBLR cable. as much as i love samsung tvs, i'd say go with tv 2 cause its widescreen! :)

All signs are pointing to HDMI being needed to receive encrypted HD signals. I recommend getting an HDMI or at least DVI that supports HDCP capable display if you want to future proof the set.

because of price i am going to probably get a CRT

for the price and all tv 2 seems to be the one to go with?

Check around...you can probably get the 30" for close to the same price:
http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetail...Price&id=27397

Well I went to Best Buy with all my Xmas money in tow, and got myself an HDTV.

This is the TV I got.

Open box item only a little less than $700. Even has the built in tuner which i wasnt planning on affording. So when hooking up the TV to my Comcast digital cable DVR box, is it only truly Hi-Def if I use component cables, or will the RCA (white, yellow, red) one's work also?

You must use component or DVI/HDMI cables to see the HD signals.

that's what I thought

well picked up the component cable from comcast before work (it was free!) and will hook it up tonight. is there that much of a difference between that and the red yellow white RCA cord? I was watching HD channels with the RCA and it did look a lot sharper, but I didn't think that was HD quality. (this is my first foray into HD so i wasn't sure)

Component looks a LOT better. I'm assuming you have an HD receiver to hook up to your TV. I have a Comcast one, and I LOVE my HD channels. The 360 looks great too.

the TV has the tuner built in, does that make a difference in how i hook things up?

That tuner is just for over-the-air HD channels.

Component cables are the only way to get high definition (if you don't have DVI or HDMI). S-video, composite, and RF don't support it.