First post: first HDTV tube question

[billuwm]

Hello,

I am in the market for HDTV tube set.  I checked many models (sub $1000) and found that most of them either display 480p or 1080i in native mode.

The question is if I play the dvd on this set, it suppose to be displayed in 480p, right?  Are there any way that we can force the TV to display in 1080i mode?

Secondly, if we consider HDTV 4:3 ratio set and play dvd at 480p mode, that means the tv has to scale the pixels down (producing black bars on top & bottom).  So, we lost some details in the movies, and the quality of pictures would be the same as 4:3 tradition tube TV, right?  

The reason I asked this because I hardly watch TV (about an hour a day), but I do watch lots of dvd movies.  In this case, I don't really need to buy HDTV at this point.  Am I right?  But if I want to get the better picture fron dvd movies, I should go with 16:9 HDTV set, right?

Thanks a lot... This is a nice place...  

[StarvingForHDTV]

"The question is if I play the dvd on this set, it suppose to be displayed in 480p, right?"

Yes

"Are there any way that we can force the TV to display in 1080i mode?"

There are certain DVD players that convert the video to that format.  Don't get all excited about it, it's just smoke and mirrors.  The maximum resolution on the disc is 480p, if you want anything higher you will have to wait for HD-DVD or switch to D-VHS.

"Secondly, if we consider HDTV 4:3 ratio set and play dvd at 480p mode, that means the tv has to scale the pixels down (producing black bars on top & bottom)."

Yes, in order to watch any widescreen DVD on a 4:3 set, you will have black bars on the top and bottom of your screen.

"So, we lost some details in the movies, and the quality of pictures would be the same as 4:3 tradition tube TV, right? "

I would think you are not much better off than you are right now.  I don't know why anyone would buy a 4:3 TV these days.

"The reason I asked this because I hardly watch TV (about an hour a day), but I do watch lots of dvd movies. In this case, I don't really need to buy HDTV at this point. Am I right? But if I want to get the better picture fron dvd movies, I should go with 16:9 HDTV set, right?"

If you watch lots of DVD movies, you should buy a widescreen 16:9 set.  Whether it's a "enhanced definition" 480p set or a "high definition" 1080i or 720p set, depends on other factors.  

If the size of your TV will be relatively small (maybe under 34") you can probably get by with a 480p model.  If you are getting a large projection TV you will probably want to get a high definition one.  Not for your current DVD viewing (although I think all of them do display 480p very nicely), but in the future DVD movies will most likely be high definition.  If you buy the large HD model now, you will be ready for HD DVD, if or when that becomes the norm.  In addition you will be able to watch HD programming by antenna, cable, or satellite.

Definitely buy a 16:9 TV if you mostly watch movies.  I think that's the bottom line.

Good luck.

[Talos4]

What he said...

I think in the long run, you would be happier with a 16:9 Display.

Especially for the DVD's.

I would look at HDTV Capable rigs, Because as I alway's say,

You never know!!

The bug (upgraditis) will bite (it alway's does and there is no known cure)and all you'll need to do is make a call and you'll have HD.

Good luck,

and welcome to the forum! :hug: BTW We are contagious if you hang around long enough.

[dj1111]

I had to make the same decision just before Christmas.  To go with a 4:3 or 16:9 ratio tube TV.  I wanted a TV that would fit in our living room hutch.  The salesman at our local dealer talked me into the 16:9 (which was the direction I was heading anyway) and I'm glad I did.  We purchased the Toshiba 26" tube HDTV and an LG LST-4200A STB.  Living in Sheboygan, we pick up all the Green Bay stations and most of Milwaukee in HD.  Most of the shows we watch (CSI, Without a Trace, etc) are in 16:9 format, making this ratio the prefered.  And DVD movies of course are incredible to watch on this set.

Now the only problem is what to do with the "no" definition 50" big screen in the basement.  It will be replaced with high def eventually.

[murdoc]

Now the only problem is what to do with the "no" definition 50" big screen in the basement.  It will be replaced with high def eventually.

My suggestion....boat anchor.