Recommendations for Entry-Level HDTV

[ugyvel]

I'm hosting a superbowl party and we'll be watching it in HDTV on my 50" Plasma.  A number of guests have already seen the HDTV and have expressed a general interest in getting access.  However, I'm sure none of them are videophiles like me and do not want to lay out thousands for it.  I guess you'd call them regular viewers, part of the masses that will be moving over HDTV in the next few years.   If I get asked which HDTV to buy and how much, what should I tell them?  I researched plasmas to the hilt, but really know nothing of the non-afficiando CRTs and projection TVs.  (assume that they are TWC customers, so don't have the STB issues).

Any thoughts?  I suppose the easy answer is for them to go to Best Buy on a 10% coupon day and just buy something that fits their space.

[Kevin Arnold]

I've always thought that for the average viewer to get into HDTV without getting a PHd in engineering he needs to buy one of the smaller CRT sets such as the RCA 32" widescreen with built in tuner. RCA used to make a 38 inch set but that is discontinued. With the "all in one" set they can plug it in, turn it on and stick a pair of rabbit ears on it and have a decent chance it will get them OTA hi-def out of the box. Problem is there aren't many sets that fall into this category. Come out with one of these for under $1k and watch it sell.

[Greg Oman]

As Kevin states, I'd agree that sets with integrated tuners would help make tings easier-- this assumes the desire to receive OTA.  You can buy a 27", 4:3 Samsung for about $800, and plan on another $4-500 for a DirectTV type of setup that can tune OTA, or add a TW package-- I think the net upgrade to a HD box is something like $7 a month on top of some programming minimum committment.  Point is, if you've got TW now, that would have the least investment impact.  You do not at the moment have access to all of the stations that you can get OTA, but that's discussed a lot in other threads.

I personally prefer the satellite approach when asked-- figure about $1200 is the entry point.  Now, I'm not counting the possibility of getting an open box tuner, or some other better deal-- some folks here have gotten tuners starting as low as about $230 (Gregg-- I think you have the lowest figure I've seen), and that Samsung 27" did have a $100 rebate, not sure if it still does.  Larger, rear projection sets (like about 50") start in the high teens, and you can add the same tuning options from satellite or cable.

Hope this helps,

Greg O.

[dheiner]

IMHO, most of you visitors for the Super Bowl WILL be uninterested in OTA, as you said.  This being the case, I would recommend they focus on getting the biggest screen size, 16 x 9, HDTV-ready set they can.  

Again IMHO, they should be looking at 42-65 inch Rear projectors sets.  The better quality of these range from about $1500.00 to $4500.00 and up.

[Pat]

I agree with dheiner about 16x9.  Whatever other compromises a person may have to make, don't let them get  a 4:3 set.

Also, it should be noted that many low-priced plasma sets are not HD, even though they're 16x9.  They're only capable of 480P.

Another important factor is a 5.1 (or better) sound system.

[Matt Heebner]

I think THE best buy to get into a entry level  HDTV would be the $999 30" Samsung widescreen. Great picture, great price, and very easy to get going especially with a TWC HD cable box. My sis-in-law got this one, and I was quite impressed with the picture.
They also have a $688 27" 4:3 HDTV, and a 32" 4:3 for also $999 even though I would advise a widescreen set.

Matt

[mnr929rr]

A litte bit off the topic,but how can you not enjoy hdtv?
Everyone that comes over says it is not much better than regular tv,trust me it is.lolAre these people jealous or just ignorant?I guess i get into it way,way way way more than the average human.question:am i the one that is sick?i think the beginner should start off with the 50 inch plasma widescreen and suffer with payments like i did when i 1st got into it!!!!!!!!!!!

[RobbQ]

Originally posted by mnr929rr
A litte bit off the topic,but how can you not enjoy hdtv?
Everyone that comes over says it is not much better than regular tv,trust me it is.lolAre these people jealous or just ignorant?I guess i get into it way,way way way more than the average human.question:am i the one that is sick?i think the beginner should start off with the 50 inch plasma widescreen and suffer with payments like i did when i 1st got into it!!!!!!!!!!!

mnr929rr, I think that there is always going to be a little bit of jealousy.  I also think that there are many people who just don't see what we see.  I walk out of a theater with someone and mention that the blacks were gray, the whole movie was out of focus, and there was almost a complete lack of subs and all I get is a blank stare.  All they seem to care about in a theater is big and loud.  I guess I don't get it either...

ugyvel, back on topic, I agree with Greg O. in that I am a satellite person but with a newbie not wanting to spend a lot of money I might suggest cable.  I would also highly suggest 16:9 and, like Pat said, let them know about surround sound if they don't already have it.  Sound to me can be half of the movie but if they don't already have surround and they are on a budget you may not want to mention it just yet.  Once they have their HDTV you can sell them up to surround at a later time.

Robb

btw.  Today my wife and I were discussing some changes in our house in the future.  On one topic she said "that shouldn't be a problem because we'll have a flat screen TV in that room by then won't we?"  I just love her!