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Thinking of going HDTV...

post #1 of 10
11/26/09 at 5:32pm
Thread Starter 
Well, after getting sick of trying to watch TV shows and not being able to tell what's going on because it's like looking into a hole whenever they go into a dark room on screen and since I do want to get a Blu-Ray player and enjoy all it offers, I'm thinking of finally upgrading this Christmas.

Here's my problem: I'm a complete neophyte to this world of technology and really don't want to be taken advantage of. I have a fair idea of what I want (anywhere between 32 to 37 in., 1080p), but dunno the best brands, the pluses or minuses and, worse yet, want to avoid going broke if I can since, even with holiday deals, I'm scared to death the combo of the TV, the cables and the Blu-Ray player will break my bank.

So, I come seeking advice and suggestions. The only thing I'm leaning toward is getting a Panasonic Blu-Ray player, since I tend to like what they offer and the products seem to stand up well. Beyond that, I turn myself over to your tender mercies and advice. Please be gentle.

Thanks in advance.
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post #2 of 10
11/26/09 at 6:31pm
What are you upgrading from???  You could go with a 32"LED and be all in with blu ray and cables for less than $1200 and be very impressed!  Give me a budget, i'll give you a setup...
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post #3 of 10
11/26/09 at 7:16pm
Don't be scared of the cables.  For a new TV and Blu-ray, you will use HDMI.  You can get quality HDMI cables for $10 that will perform just as well as $150 cables from Monster.
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post #4 of 10
11/27/09 at 9:21am
Thread Starter 
My existing TV is a TV/VCR/DVD combo from Toshiba, 24 inch screen diagonal. I think it dates back to 1999, so couldn't quote the actual model number. Anywhere from 32 to 37 inches would suit me find, as long as I don't have any image degradation. Up close, the 720p looks like they lose line detail and image bleed, which I'd like to avoid.

Thank GOODNESS about the cables, since right now, looks like the TV, the Blu-Ray and probably a stand would all be part of the upgrade. No reason to do a wall mount, I should think.
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post #5 of 10
12/8/09 at 2:57pm
Thread Starter 
Just to let everyone know I was given an HD TV this afternoon. Vizio 32' 1080p model #VOJ320FA1a. Just need to upgrade my Dish Network to HD, get the Blu-Ray (looks like a Panasonic BD-60) and I should be ready to rock.

So far, the sound is great, just seems bright and I feel like characters in the distance lose some fine detail, but I imagine that will improve with an HD signal upgrade along with HDMI cables.

Any other opinons?
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post #6 of 10
12/9/09 at 10:57am

Well, you can't beat the price!!! (give to you)  You'll be very pleased with the upgrade in picture quality from your satellite and Blu Ray in HD once you upgrade those sources.  IMHO, Vizio isn't the best brand out there...but at that size screen you're not going to see a huge difference between brands/models...For my office i bought a 720p Vizio 32" 1 year ago, and i'm still happy with it.

If it seems too bright, try lowering the brightness in the settings.  The HD sources will improve picture quality 100% once you do that.

good luck!

Bobby

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post #7 of 10
12/9/09 at 11:07am
Matt:

Congrats on the new TV. Bobby is right when he says that you will notice all the difference in the world when you put a HD signal to it. Both Blu-ray and HD from Dish are going to make you wonder why you took so long to upgrade.

Welcome to the HD club.
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post #8 of 10
12/9/09 at 12:23pm
The main thing when you buy a Blu Ray player is don't let the sales guy sell you the super
expensive HDMI cable. I was snookered by that before I joined this forum and it's a complete waste of money IMHO.
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post #9 of 10
12/9/09 at 12:39pm
Thread Starter 
I've already been warned about Monster cables in particular, so I'm very cautious about the cables. But I saw 6 ft. for 19.99 from Hastings, so might do that.

Actually, we got a great deal on the TV - I got a gift, Mom paid just under $300 bucks for the TV, so not bad.

I have noticed shifts in the intensity of the light in the screen, depending on what I watch, but it seems normal so just let it go for now.

Now, the Blu-Ray is coming at Christmas, so after that, we'll see. What I REALLY want to do next is figure out if a Mac Airport can allow me to wirelessly connect the Blu-Ray player to the internet, so I can get the exclusive online content. But I need to know before I drop the change.

Oh, and by the way, I'm already happy about the upgrade as I can actually see what's going on on TV shows where I couldn't tell who was doing what to whom in the dark. Can make out characters and details I couldn't before.
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post #10 of 10
12/25/09 at 5:25pm
Thread Starter 
OK, added in the Blu-Ray for Christmas, a Sony BDP-BX2, a fancy name for a Sony BDP-S360. Now, need to get a wireless network from my iMac to the Blu-Ray, update the firmware and I'm good to go.
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