Help with buying a TV

by Richter

Back to The Real World.

Richter2006-05-16 19:28:08
I've just started looking at the next-gen-ish TV's, and there's a lot of different kinds, with different specs and everything, and it's all quite confusing. What I do know is that I want a large TV, able to handle the HD games on the 360, and to play Lusternia on. The problem with my current TV is that it doesn't display small text from my computer very well, as those of you that have tried before may have noticed.

I'm thinking about getting this one. It's cheap-ish, HD, and pretty big. Some might go into projectors, but I haven't seen a lot that are this cheap, nor do I know if I'll have room when I (finally) get my own place this summer.

Good TV? Know of a large HD TV elsewhere that's cheaper? Oh, and I'd go pick this up at the wal-mart in town, no insane shipping costs for me.
Daganev2006-05-16 20:15:32
Look up windows vista and check to see what they require on HD tvs. I know if you don't have the right specs, you can't use your HD tv to work with Vista because they are afraid of piracy issues. (ie. your screen will just be black if it doen'st have the right chip)

I assume you want the TV for more than just one year, so look into that.
Richter2006-05-16 20:18:53
Yeah... I suppose though, that I'm looking at it for about 90% console gaming/DVD/TV and about 10% computer stuff. I've always got my widescreen laptop.
Daganev2006-05-16 20:21:39
Then wait for the Vista compliant HDTVs to be more common so that your non VIsta compliant TV will be that much cheaper.
Richter2006-05-16 20:23:20
But I need one nooooowww *wrings hands* I'm suffering from a case of needing to move out on my own soon and having a lot of money that's for once not going towards credits. biggrin.gif
Daganev2006-05-16 20:28:17
Unknown2006-05-16 21:12:16
Okay, you're going to want something with HDMI input. If it doesn't have it then immediately skip over it since you want to use it for your XBOX and all. I'd look into something with a DVI/VGA port as well if you're looking to use it for your PC too.

http://tv.about.com/od/hdtv/a/hdmidvihdcp.htm

Should enlighten you a little.

Edit: At least I think the 360 supports HDMI... or has a cable for it. It should at least support DVI.
Richter2006-05-16 21:13:26
I don't see a price... Though, with something that nice, maybe I don't want to know the price? My roommate and I are likely going to buy the TV, and we're thinking a total cost of probably $1200 or less, the wal-mart TV being $900.

Edit: Oh, ew, $3690.00 at electronics expo. Definately out of my range.
Daganev2006-05-16 21:21:07
Wha? you have a range? lies..
Richter2006-05-16 21:26:59
So, I need something with an HDMI input hole thingies, or else I can't use my 360 to it's maximum graphical awesomeness?

QUOTE(daganev @ May 16 2006, 02:21 PM) 288785

Wha? you have a range? lies..

Well, I didn't buy all those credits at once ya know. tongue.gif
Unknown2006-05-16 21:40:35
QUOTE(Richter @ May 16 2006, 05:26 PM) 288790

So, I need something with an HDMI input hole thingies, or else I can't use my 360 to it's maximum graphical awesomeness?

Yup. You'll be foaming at the mouth when these games that abuse HD graphics come into the picture.

Oh, you might want to look at this for a difference between LCD and Plasma if you go that route.

http://hometheater.about.com/od/lcdtvfaqs/f/lcdfaq2.htm

I'm looking for a decent TV for you though.

Edit: Actually, this one looks like it has most of what you'll need. The other one didn't have as many detailed specs so I'm not sure if it had HDMI or not (So it probably could work just as well). =/

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4891099

But the real question is.. who's getting the TV when you get married?
Yrael2006-05-16 22:08:07
Do you people have an equivalent of choice magazine?
Unknown2006-05-16 22:37:35
I think so. Consumer Report might be like that, but I haven't looked through it.
Richter2006-05-17 20:09:42
Hrm, does that other wal-mart TV that I posted not have the right plugs and stuff? Because if I can't do the full HD stuff, I'm not picking that TV, even if it's cheaper. Bummer that this one is $1300, and a bit smaller. The base looks nicer though.

And I imagine I'll get the TV when my friend and I aren't living together, probably pay the other half.