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What does one look for in an HDTV?

#1
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6/17/09 at 3:07pm
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I know, this is probably the most basic question ever. But I'm trying to find a good HDTV online, probably eBay, and I'm not sure what to look for. I know not to just go out and buy by the brand. But what do I look for. I mean, I know resolution is a big one, but I don't know what a good resolution is.
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#2
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6/17/09 at 7:02pm
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Re: What does one look for in an HDTV?

No one can answer that question intelligently without knowing what size you require, how you will be using it, what your viewing environment conditions will be like, and what your budget is. I don't specify a TV for a client without an interview. If your top priority is image fidelity, I wouldn't recommend an LCD over a plasma. Buyer's remorse is always regrettable and can be avoided with the right professional guidance from someone with a thorough understanding of imaging science and human factors. You'll get no shortage of amateur opinions on forums from people who don't know your requirements.

Best regards and beautiful pictures,
G. Alan Brown, President
CinemaQuest, Inc.
A Lion AV Consultants Affiliate

"Advancing the art and science of electronic imaging"
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#3
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6/17/09 at 7:23pm
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Re: What does one look for in an HDTV?

Sorry...

Assume I'm choosing LCD. I need something between 32-46". preferably a 40".

I would like a good screen quality as well.
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#4
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6/18/09 at 7:18am
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Re: What does one look for in an HDTV?

Quote:
Originally Posted by 1122334
Assume I'm choosing LCD. I need something between 32-46". preferably a 40". I would like a good screen quality as well.

The problem is "good screen quality" is an entirely subjective thing. You and I may have very different ideas about what constitutes "good".

So, you're looking at an LCD around 40". So far, so good. Now a few other questions:

What will your video sources be, and what will you be watching on it?

DVD movies? Blu Ray? SD cable or satellite? HD cable, satellite or over-the-air broadcast? So you mostly watch sports? Movies? TV series? Are you a gamer?

How far will you be sitting from the TV? Distance and screen size together determine how much detail you can see, and can in turn determine if it is worth spending more for a set with 1080p resolution, or if it makes more sense to save a few bucks and go with 720p.

Finally we need to know your budget

Without all of this information it is really impossible to make any kind of recommendation.

Regards,

Joe
My Home Theater

My DVD Collection

My niece, "Miss Goofy Face"
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#5
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6/23/09 at 1:48pm
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Re: What does one look for in an HDTV?

Okay. Well, I will be watching tv series mostly and playing xbox 360.

I have Suddenlink Cable.

The fursthest I would be sitting away from the tv is about 12 feet. On average, probably 8 feet. It will be mounted five feet off the wall.

As for budget, I am willing to pay what I need for a tv that fits me.
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#6
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6/23/09 at 5:31pm
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Re: What does one look for in an HDTV?

At 8+ feet, definitely go with 46" not a 40". 40" is more for like 6-7 feet. The Samsung models are fairly popular these days.
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#7
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7/22/09 at 6:12am
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I am having a problem with your recommendation for a 46" LCD at a distance of >8 feet.

My current set-up with a 10 year old 25" CRT is as you see in my picture.

We sit about 10 feet from the TV and have never had a problem with viewing it.

We are about 5 months away (Christmas) from buying a Samsung 32" LCD (LN32B460).

We decided on 32" exclusively because it was the only choice that would fit in that cabinet (self made).
I guess my thinking here is, if 25" is good enough for 10 feet then 32" would be fine as well (not that I have any choice).
I have never been a fan of "big, in-your-face" TV's. I mean, they look great but the big ones (40" and up) have always seemed to be a bit intimidating. (just a personal preference).
I've also questioned the "hard and fast rule" for minimum screen sizes for a given viewing distance. I've always thought that you should be comfortable with the screen size before adhering to some arbitrary rule. Granted I would never buy a 32" screen if I was going to view it from 15 to 20 feet. That for me would be equivalent to having a 19" CRT for my current set-up.
So I guess it all comes down to personal preference.
My 2 cents.

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#8
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7/22/09 at 9:20am
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What was reasonable & appropriate for old analog SD viewing is not at all appropriate for HD.  HD is much sharper & cleaner, supports much bigger screen sizes with excellent video quality.  If you are getting a 32" @ 10 feet, you are wasting most of the gain from HD.   The size I recommend for 10 feet, 60", gives you a field of view kind of like the back row of a movie theater.  The size you are intending to use, would be like watching from the ticket booth!

I understand you probably put a lot of time/effort/money into that cabinet & don't want to get rid of it, but if one is a true home theater movie enthusiast, you get/make new furniture to fit under/around the new TV, you don't get a new TV to fit the furniture.

If you are happy with such a tiny set, fine it's your preference, but I would strongly recommend going to a store, with a tape measure, and watch a movie on a 55"+, 58+" set for awhile @ 10 feet, and compare vs. a 32" set.

I had a 32" SDTV once, at my 9 ft viewing distance.  Now I have a 55".  It is just not the same, with the old TV I never felt it was "home theater", it was watching a movie on TV.  With the 55" it is approaching actual theater.  It was quite a difference at first, but you get used to the size quickly.
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#9
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7/22/09 at 9:32am
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You should also keep in mind that an old 4x3 measures differently than a 16x9. Your new 32" screen will only be about an inch taller than your old 25" screen.
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#10
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7/22/09 at 5:19pm
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Quote:Originally Posted by Doug MacGregor View Post

I am having a problem with your recommendation for a 46" LCD at a distance of >8 feet.

My current set-up with a 10 year old 25" CRT is as you see in my picture.

We sit about 10 feet from the TV and have never had a problem with viewing it.

We are about 5 months away (Christmas) from buying a Samsung 32" LCD (LN32B460).

We decided on 32" exclusively because it was the only choice that would fit in that cabinet (self made).
I guess my thinking here is, if 25" is good enough for 10 feet then 32" would be fine as well (not that I have any choice).
I have never been a fan of "big, in-your-face" TV's. I mean, they look great but the big ones (40" and up) have always seemed to be a bit intimidating. (just a personal preference).
I've also questioned the "hard and fast rule" for minimum screen sizes for a given viewing distance. I've always thought that you should be comfortable with the screen size before adhering to some arbitrary rule. Granted I would never buy a 32" screen if I was going to view it from 15 to 20 feet. That for me would be equivalent to having a 19" CRT for my current set-up.
So I guess it all comes down to personal preference.
My 2 cents.

Thanks for the reply Stephen.

I guess I'm not what you would call a "home theater enthusiast"...well maybe I am but the bucks required are simply not available, either to buy a bigger set or rebuild my entertainment cabinets.
The 9 separate cabinets cost me $2000 to build in '91 and now to just replace the 3 center cabinets would probably cost me about $1000.

Maybe in the future I will.
To quote the Stones..."You can't always get what you want, but...etc."

And thank you David.
I was aware of the dimensions.

 




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