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.

thanks alot guys big help as always

Hey rocketsauce, I got the same TV and I have been posting all over trying to compare mine to someone else who has it. I would like to compare some things with you:
Are you running a xbox or a 360 through the tv? I am running both and my xbox's graphics look a bit washed out compared to my regular 25" and my 360 has some indoor areas that are very dark, like to dark to see especially in call of duty.
Do you have comcast? I am on a waiting list for a HD box, and just wanted to know how the HD looks because this is my first HD and I cant wait to check it out.
Also I bought the monster surge protector and component wires. I am going to use the sound cords provided by comcast. Expensive cords are probably a rip off but what the heck.

I only have my xbox setup right now (my 360 is coming to me tomorrow). I only looked at Second Sight on the Xbox for like 30 sec. as I was pressed for time. I didn't really notice anything, other than that I thought it looked crisper and a little better than my old tv. When I get the 360 tomorrow I will let you know what i notice about it.
Yes, I have Comcast in Chicago. (northside). When I moved into my apartment and got cable in Oct., I ordered the digital cable with the (new) DVR box. I called Comcast because I thought I had to get a new HD box or something, but they said that the DVR box I had was the newest one and already was delivering the HD to me. I then hooked everything up with the RCA plugs that comcast originally gave me with the old tv, I watched ESPNHD (bowl games and sportscenter) and was blown away (this whole time not knowing I still wasnt receiving a true HD signal from the RCA cords) Than I found out that i had to get the component cables to hook the tv up the cable box. Called comcast and they said that they are free since I am a customer. picked them up this morning before work, and going to check it out when i get off work. I will let you know than. after all the loot ive dropped on the 360 and the tv, premium cords are out of the question. freebies will be fine for now!

It was tough dropping $160 on a surge protector and 4' wires along with some late christmas presents i bought at BB on monday, but if they make a difference I dont mind. My old xbox definetly doesnt look as crisp as it did on my reg 25" sharp. I tried battlefield 2 last night, first time i used xbox since i got my 360. the graphics were really washy. And the darks scenes on call of duty on the 360 are definetly too dark. I also have condemned and that is a really dark game, and it seems to look fine. I checked some other forums about the black levels on CRT's and they are supposed to be some of the best. Maybe when you get your 360 you can compare with me. I may be doing something wrong. I was watching some bowls on reg cable and they do look great, cant wait to get my HD box.

Did you try any of the preset video settings? (its like dynamic, movie, factory) I'll let you know when I get a chance to play the 360. Ya my brother went to the Alamo bowl last night, and I joked with him that i had a better view than he did.

Sticky Bomb,

Did you calibrate the TV with one of the calibration DVDs like Avia or Video Essentials? Or get a professional calibration?

Really sounds like your tv just isn't calbibrated properly.

is there a place to get these dvd's? free perhaps?

No havent professionally callibrated it. I would like to know where to get one of these dvds. A guy at best buy told me to call them and get someone to come out, but I havent done that yet. Been trying to see if I can get some advice here and fix it myself.

Hey rocket my gamertag is ChadAnt. I will send you an invite, we can play some PD0 or some thing when you get your 360. Maybe talk TVs.

sounds good. i had live with xbox, but got rid of it. as soon as i get the equip to set it up i'll let you know.

I got my copy of Avia from Amazon.

Yeah, the DVDs aren't free, and are a bit pricey, but you can buy them from pretty much any online DVD retailer.

But they're necessary to do a self calibration as you need the color glasses etc. that come with them, and all the various tests, to get things right.

Still not as good as a professional calibration, but more than good enough for 99% of non-videophiles, especially those on tight budgets.

i just saw something on bensbargains awhile ago for a free dvd and thought someone knew of another offer.

I have the Sammy SlimFit HDTV and some games look FRIGGIN AWESOME on it(Legacy of Kain: DEFIANCE) and others(mostly older games) look better on my old standard TV.

It's gonna take some tweaking to get games to look good on the tv. But that's the case with most tv's.

ok after hooking up the component cords to the tv i must say that it looks AMAZING. I can't wait to hookup the 360 to it tomorrow. i feel bad for all of my friends who will have to forever come to my house if they want to watch a sporting event.

I havent tried every game yet, only battlefield 2 for old xbox and it looked better on my old tv. Today I am getting DOA 4, so I know to expect awesome graphics. We will see how it goes. I am going to call BB to see if I can get someone to come out on monday to calibrate.