How does (regular) cable look on a 50" RPTV? (1 Viewer)

[Marvin]

No, I'm not talking about laying a piece of coax wire across the top of the set...

I'm pretty close to buying an HD RPTV. I was (actually, still am) leaning towards the Sony 43HT20, which both CC and BB have on sale for about $1600 (plus the price of a stand). But I noticed that BB has a new (I think) 50" Toshiba (50H72) that looked pretty good and was only $100 more (less, if you figure in the cost of a stand).

But my viewing is mostly (~60% or so) normal (not digital) cable TV with the rest being VHS tapes and DVD. Will the cable and VHS look really crummy on a 50" set as compared to a 43" set?

 

[Earl J]

I don't think that you'll see a big difference between the 43 and the 50. I think the Toshiba does a better job with the NTSC signal anyways. What size set do you currently watch tv on now? Is it standard cable that you have been viewing? Usually when you go to BB or CC, they have an HD signal running through the sets or a recorded HD loop. The quality of those signals will be much nicer than the signal you are thinking of using. I am currently watching regular cable through my 65" Mits Diamond and although most channels are watchable, it clearly doesn't do the tv much justice. I'm holding out for the next generation Zenith HD box.

Just my .02

 

[Arthur S]

Marvin

Consumer Reports recently tested HD ready rear projectors. The 2 best sets using standard definition material like cable or satellite were the $2,500 Hitachi 53UDX10b (4:3) and the $3,500 Pioneer 533 (16:9). Hitachi was also the most reliable brand of RPTV. Either of these sets will give you the best image quality with cable. It should be noted that the overall ratings were based mostly on image quality with standard definition material, since that is what most of us will be living with for a few years.

Artie

 

[Stephen Houdek]

Take a close look at the Hitachi's. I have the 53UWX10B (16:9) and have had no problems and love it. The picture on regular cable is quite watchable, but DVD's are where you will really be pleased. I haven't invested in a HD receiver yet but will one day and can't wait.

 

[Hank_P]

Marvin, I have a 57" Toshiba and love it. I do watch about 40% cable. I will have to admit the set does very well, but I also have pretty good cable where I live (new development). If I had this TV prior to my new location.. it would have been horrible. I've got my set tweaked out pretty good and wouldn't trade it for anything.

 

[Marvin]

Usually when you go to BB or CC, they have an HD signal running through the sets or a recorded HD loop. The quality of those signals will be much nicer than the signal you are thinking of using.

Exactly. That was the reason for my question.

In any case, I'm now leaning towards the Toshiba 50H72 ($1700 seems too good of a price to pass up). Thanks for the responses everyone.

 

[Miles_P]

I have the Hit 53uwx10b with ATT Digital Cable and a Samsung T150 HDSTB. The Cable is pretty good depending on the station, But the OTA HDTV is simply amazing. I picked up my HIT for $2100 with a 3 year extended warranty from a local dealer.