How Much Did You Pay For Your Hdtv?

[Woochifer]

Your parents bought a $5,000 Plasma HD set but haven't decided to spend $10 or so a month on HD (I'm pretty sure you need to have digital service to get HD), forgive me if I'm puzzled, why? Maybe I misread this but this makes no sense at all from a common sense point of view because for a few hundred dollars they could get a perfectly decent non HD Set if they just wanted to watch regular cable.

You did not grow up with my parents, so it's easy to be puzzled by their decision making process! I grew up with them, so their logic actually makes sense to me, as scary as that might seem. Keep in mind that they currently pay $10 a month for bare bones basic cable. Upgrading to the digital service with HD would bump that up to about $55 a month on their system.

It basically comes down to my parents wanting a larger screen size, but not something with a narrow viewing angle. My parents primarily watch DVDs, VCDs, and broadcast channels. They've barely begun to understand how to use the TV Guide screen and DVR. I'll let them enjoy that for a while. They are interested in HD, but that means forcing them to learn how to use a digital cable box. (Keep in mind that they never figured out how to program a VCR)

[EdwardGein]

Personally I feel that the bulky size & weight of rear projector widescreenTV's should not be considered a negative basically if you have a normal sized living room or family room as it fits in fine in these rooms and the weight is irrelevant as it will be delivered to you anyway and be on wheels anyway if you want to then move it around your room. Obviously, if you can afford an LCD or Plasma set the same screen size, buy that, but if money is limited, you can get a really good rear projector 42"-55" for $900-$1200 or so.

[learner]

Paid $957 for my 51" Hitachi,tax and everything, during a local Sears morning after Thanksgiving sale. Initially thought I had ordered the F510 but actually got the F710(even better). I havnt had the chance to hook mine up yet since I am waiting to move but my sister and brother in law made the same purchase and I have played with theirs and I am VERY pleased with the picture quality.

[Mr Peabody]

I can respect folks who have a principle even though I may not agree, at least to a point. But some of what you mention I blame on the industry and poorly trained sales staff. When I bought my first HDTV, the Sony, it did have a built in tuner, the sales person was unable to explain how HD is picked up. I had a pair of rabbit ears that could pick up HD. I was tuning the local channels in and wondering if it was HD. It wasn't until I done a scan for digital channels and realized each regular channel was broadcast on another channel in HD, like channel 2 was NTSC but 2.1 was HD. This was a self learned thing, really by accident. My mom had the cable company come out and hook up her HD receiver. I went over to check it out and they had hooked up both component and composite cables. I couldn't understand why, so I disconnected the composite. My mom *****ed me out up one side then another because her news wasn't in widescreen anymore. I explained the news isn't in HD yet. Oh yes it is, I had it before you farted around with it. Apparently she wasn't even watching HD even after the dumb*ss hooked it up for her. It wasn't until she was over at my house and saw the news wasn't in widescreen on mine that she almost understands. I tried to explain it's like black & white, if a movie isn't color, you don't see it in color. I still don't know if she understands but she at least accepts it now. I guess she don't have a choice since I disconnected her composite. I can't stand going into a mass merchant anymore because I get so tempted to step in and say, that's not correct, mam this is how it is. But who will the consumer believe and I guess we all have to make our way.

It comes down to what's important to you. Some are happy with NTSC and others are ready for the next best thing. Some are happy with just the TV speakers and others want full blown surround sound. And that's why boards like this are so important, so that we can learn from each other and help unweave the confusion.

[EdwardGein]

What I've picked up from this board is unless a show is truly broadcast in HD no matter how good the color is, on the HD channel it will not be widescreen. IE, if I am watching the Apprentice on NBC HD (1104) as opposed to NBC (4), the picture while looking great will be larger then 4:3 but not full widescreen, so it isn't an HD broadcast. Alot of Reality shows aren't filmed in HD & I think shows like Nightline & Saturday Night Mysteries aren't either.
The main thing you need to know or relatives/friends of you need to know is that HD will only be broadcast on HD channels, not the regular channel.

Then there is an asswhole company like TNT HD which actually stretches old shows and makes watching them to me a horrible experiences as they absolutely distort the image and it hurts my eyes.

If you had a choice between watching TV on your own antenna or watching it via Cable or Satellite which would you chose forgetting the fact that you won't get as many channels either? The answer for most people would be cable or satellite, so to spend extra money because an HD TV has a built in antenna/receiver, is basically ludicrous.

Also, you need to buy better component cables rather use the cheap stuff the cable & satellite company provides you for HD as it will make a difference.

[recoveryone]

I can respect folks who have a principle even though I may not agree, at least to a point. But some of what you mention I blame on the industry and poorly trained sales staff. When I bought my first HDTV, the Sony, it did have a built in tuner, the sales person was unable to explain how HD is picked up. I had a pair of rabbit ears that could pick up HD. I was tuning the local channels in and wondering if it was HD. It wasn't until I done a scan for digital channels and realized each regular channel was broadcast on another channel in HD, like channel 2 was NTSC but 2.1 was HD. This was a self learned thing, really by accident. My mom had the cable company come out and hook up her HD receiver. I went over to check it out and they had hooked up both component and composite cables. I couldn't understand why, so I disconnected the composite. My mom *****ed me out up one side then another because her news wasn't in widescreen anymore. I explained the news isn't in HD yet. Oh yes it is, I had it before you farted around with it. Apparently she wasn't even watching HD even after the dumb*ss hooked it up for her. It wasn't until she was over at my house and saw the news wasn't in widescreen on mine that she almost understands. I tried to explain it's like black & white, if a movie isn't color, you don't see it in color. I still don't know if she understands but she at least accepts it now. I guess she don't have a choice since I disconnected her composite. I can't stand going into a mass merchant anymore because I get so tempted to step in and say, that's not correct, mam this is how it is. But who will the consumer believe and I guess we all have to make our way.

It comes down to what's important to you. Some are happy with NTSC and others are ready for the next best thing. Some are happy with just the TV speakers and others want full blown surround sound. And that's why boards like this are so important, so that we can learn from each other and help unweave the confusion.

Nice Peabody, its sounds like when Progressive DVD players came out and every tom dick and harry was rushing out to buy one thinking that they would get a better picture. But little did the masses know that they needed a progressive supported T.V. I understand what you went through with your mother. I have many friends that think getting a big screen means they will get HD and widscreen is no different than normal 4:3 just the shape of the T.V. Not until I bring them over and let them watch and hear my setup then they get the hint. I will say that the Cable industry is sucking the joy out of HD with poor service and quality of the HD programing that they offer. They are so quick to blame the customer for poor reception and other problems. I don't even try to watch HD on NBC cause the signal is so bad, but it works fine on ABC, FOX , CBS, PBS and ESPN. I have called Adelphia serveral times and all they do is a line boost as they call it. And since I have my upstairs T.V.'s on an another line they won't send out a tech cause they said it may cause interference with the HD signal.

[EdwardGein]

Well I can't speak for other cable companies or Time Warner outside of LA, but in LA I am very happy with my HD Cable service, the picture is perfect & the 2HD DVRs they provide me are excellent & I haven't had any problem whatsoever. The cost is relatively inexpensive. I would recommend though that if your getting your HD by Satellite or Cable, that you buy your own component cables as they provide you with cheaper less quality ones. My only problem with Time Warner Cable in LA is actually one in which they shoot themselves in the foot more than the customer- they do not inform their customers here on a timely basis when they have new & improved service/equipment available- i.e. I had to find out on this board that they had HD DVRs available and then I had to find out on this board that they had an upgraded HD DVR available Scientific Atlanta 8300 which was programmed to let you make DVD/VHS copies from it (the 8000 model wasn't) & I think gave you more recording space too (not 100% sure on that one).

[L.J.]

Interesting points. My brother purchased a $4k Sony about 5 months ago. I had no clue he was making this purchase, he just called out of the blue and said it was getting delivered. After he got the TV setup he calls me and says there's something wrong with my set, the picture doesn't look crystal clear like it was at the dealer. He thought by getting the TV he was gonna get that HD picture with any signal. After a little talk with me, he signed up for HD service and now he understands.

I also know a family who just purchased a 65" Mits about 6 months ago and they only have basic $10 cable. I guess many out there dont' care or just don't understand.

ED, I feel you on the cable service. I was not notified of HD or DVR service in my area by the company. But I do get a high speed internet flyer about once per week.

[RoyY51]

I was fortunate enough to purchase a Hitachi F500 at the grand opening of a Comp USA for $999.00. I have Time-Warner's Scientific Atlantic HD DVR, and as I set here watching the Giants-Raiders game in glorious hi-def (I can count the individual beads of sweat on Tiki Barber's forehead) my response is a resounding YES! The only problem is that I am now unable to watch sports in anything BUT hi-def. I have been completely spoiled and I Love It!

[L.J.]

The only problem is that I am now unable to watch sports in anything BUT hi-def. I have been completely spoiled and I Love It!

TOUCHDOWN RAIDERS!!!!...........Oh, yeah that makes two of us. Well worth the money if you're a sports fan.

[EdwardGein]

If your on Time Warner, The Scientific Atlanta 8000 HD DVR will not copy onto DVD/Video recorders while the 8300 allows you to do this. I use this for shows I've already recorded but want to see again in the future. Time Warner unfortunately, in all probability, will dump the 8000 on you, unless you specifically request the 8300 model, which they'll let you exchange for as well. I also don't think the 8000 broadcasts in 5.1 sound while the 8300 does. Right now I don't think you can record 5.1 sound into stand alone DVD recorders as I don't think they have optical inputs (just outputs) due to the people in the Motion Picture business.

[recoveryone]

"Also, you need to buy better component cables rather use the cheap stuff the cable & satellite company provides you for HD as it will make a difference" (Edward)

I took your advise Ed and went out to my local RS and picked up some better cables to replace the adelphia ones they gave me. The jury is still out, but I will post again after a few days of testing.

[EdwardGein]

I get all my component cables new but at a low price using Ebay. Mine are I think are Monster Standard THX component cable. I think it retailed between 80-$100 in stores but I got
for around $35 give or take including shipping. I'm very happy with the HD picture on my set with these as well as DVD which I also use Monster Standard cables.

If they charged you a significant price for your component cables & you can get them alot cheaper online, if the inconvenience is worth your time, return them from the store you bought them. Let us know if you see a difference or not. I don't have any experience with Adelphi as I use Time Warner so I have no idea how HD service is from them. Do you rent an HD DVR from them? How is it?

[recoveryone]

Naw, just rent a HD box

[EdwardGein]

Naw, just rent a HD box

Assuming Adelphi has these available as Time Warner does, I definately would recommend renting an HD DVR for all of $10 more a month- Quality is fantastic & it makes life so much easier. You can record 2 different channels at the same time & even record 2 while watching something you recorded on the DVR. You can watch TV without going through the endless commercials by just fast forwarding them. Super easy to use, Great quality Records in 5.1 sound (at least scientific Atlanta 8300 does) & you can transfer your recordings to VHS/DVD (at least with the 8300 model).

[recoveryone]

Assuming Adelphi has these available as Time Warner does, I definately would recommend renting an HD DVR for all of $10 more a month- Quality is fantastic & it makes life so much easier. You can record 2 different channels at the same time & reven record 2 while watching something you recorded on the DVR. You can watch TV without going through the endless commercials by just fast forwarding them. Super easy to use, Great quality Records in 5.1 sound (at least scientific Atlanta 8300 does) & you can transfer your recordings to VHS/DVD (at least with the 8300 model).

If I was into recording stuff I would consider, but I don't watch much regular TV. I spend more time on my computer than watching TV. Thats why I'm looking for a 32"WS LCD for the bedroom to serve as both TV and computer monitor. The most viewing that I do is Sports or DVD movies, I could name all the regular shows I watch on my hands. Thats how little I view regular TV.

[EdwardGein]

I wish I could say the same about myself but I'm a TV addict as opposed to couch potato. Between taping great movies on Turner Classic Movies, great series on FX, Showtime, HBO, Biography channel & Network TV plus the occassional sports event, it's almost hard to keep up, even with 2 DVR's & even in early retirement at 52!

[recoveryone]

Well I had Adelphia come out today and check my system and WOW would you believe they found something wrong with their equipment. The main line in the ground leading into the house is sending a signal that is too strong and causing interfearence with my T.V. So they have to send out a work crew tomorrow to fix it. They better come early before the game. All this time I knew it was not on my end, but you can't tell them that............

[EdwardGein]

Based on your experience, you might want to try Satellite out. I've actually never seen any positive endorsements of Adelphi.

As to the Big Game, if push comes to shove, I'm sure there's a sports bar/restaurant near you, go early!

[Mr Peabody]

The reason I went with satelite so many years ago was the price of programming. The same reason cable got me back last spring. Cable gave me a ton of programs and they had local channels in HD. I quickly learned to hate the cable company, I'm talking about Charter, who I think is now also AT&T. It's a company that you have to wonder if anyone is really running it. If you don't need any real tech support or have a problem you are fine. The cable company, despite the technology they offer, is still of the "screw one cable in the back of your TV and run" mentality. They offer the DVR, HD, etc but the employees have no idea what the stuff is or how it is supposed to work. It took me nearly a year to figure out a technical problem with the Moxi box. The cable company couldn't even verify if their box output a digital signal from the Toslink output. I even had them elevate the problem to a useless manager. I had to contact Motorola on my own and finally the manufacturer of my processor. In the end I learned the tolerance was too tight on the processor as to what digital signal it would accept. I had to send it in for a fix. Apparently the Moxi will output a digital signal but it is somehow inferior or weaker than what comes from a Dishnet receiver or DVD player.

[recoveryone]

Based on your experience, you might want to try Satellite out. I've actually never seen any positive endorsements of Adelphi.

As to the Big Game, if push comes to shove, I'm sure there's a sports bar/restaurant near you, go early!

Well Ed is goes like this, When I first brought the house 14 years ago I wanted a dish (the big ones back then). The wife didn't want to spend the cash, then around 97 you start hearing about the smaller dishes and all the stuff they promised. The more I read the more disapponited I got about the small dish (no local channels back then and the extra cost of adding more T.V.'s) So in 2000 when I brought my 55" in waiting for the HD explosion to come on the scene I figured it was best to wait on the cable people. I was on the list for over a year. I was the first person in San Bernardino to get HD (Beta tester). As I expected their would be glitches and not much programming, but things got a bit better but not to the level that I felt it should be for the total cost of what I was paying for. At one point I even dropped the Digital channels and just kept the HD with regular cable. The wife missed watching the life time movie channel and a few others so I had it added back on. Its just one of those nagging things that get under your skin. I'm not a big TV watcher, but when I do I want what I'm paying for and not be frustrated with the quality. Its bad when your sitting their and trying to watch a show and miss half the dialog due to sound drop off's. When they went to full digital sound for all the channels it got worse and thats is when I started calling. The funny thing to me still is that most of all the channels are digital surround or digital stereo except MTV, VH1, and BET you would think you would want you music channels to be in some form of stereo. The higher band music channels are (MTV 2 VH1 soul MTVjams ...etc.....) I even get horse racing in digital stereo ( what a waste) If the cable compaines would ask their comsumer which channels they would like I'm sure I would have less Asian and Hispanic channels to wade through. Its sad cause they look soooo goood and sound nice, but I don't understand a word.
And everytime they say they are adding more channels this is what I get. My spanish is getting better

[Eric Z]

is it too much too ask for cable companies to get it right for once? i can't believe how they keep on raising rates- especially when it's the only cable company in the area. my poor mom only has comcast available in her area and she pays $50+ for basic cable (not even digital) with no movie channels. she looked into getting cable internet through comcast (only company in her area again)and that would be another $45. i'm glad i have options by my house- i pay only $65 for basic cable and internet.

[Mr Peabody]

Feanor, I don't know if you were meaning to be funny but your post cracked me up, especially about your Spanish improving. I think what made it so funny is it's all true and I can relate.

When HD first started out I was told everything broadcast in HD would be 5.1. Imagine my disappointment. Some one on the Rumors Forum said that MTV was supposed to be starting an HD channel. If they do I hope it's music not current MTV crap.

[recoveryone]

Well, I can say now that Adelphia got it right this time. I saw the work crew around the corner from my house today and I watched the Rose bowl game without a glitch hitch or a burp in sweet HD. I went through other channels during the breaks just to make sure and I can truly say I am in HD heaven now. But I still stand by the rest of my remarks regarding channel lineup and sound quality of music channels.....

[L.J.]

hhhmmm....perhaps I should give Comcast a call. My HD is always wiggin out on me. I'm not sure if it's the stations or what. Jumps back and forth between widescreen and full, sound coming in and out, or the sound gets very choppy; but when I turn the channel and then turn back to the previous channel I was watching it's not choppy anymore. This ONLY happens when I'm watching football in HD though, so I'm assuming it's the stations.