HDTV

I am also interested in buying a widescreen HDTV. What are the best brands, what size is recommended? Also I have a question. Do non-anamorphic DVDs look bad on widescreen tv's? Do non anamorphic DVDs look better on regular tv's?

As far as purchaseing an HDTV it is personal choice as to the size. I am assuming from your later comments wich I will get to that you are going to use it to watch DVDs and not television.

If you plan to watch dvds almost exclusively than the 16x9 is as good choice. If there is an abudance of HDTV programing availible in your area it is also a good choice. However watching 4:3 material on an HDTV set could cause burnin problems unless you do not mind the zoom or streach features.

Take a look at your viewing habbits and make a decision that way. As far as brands I have yet to hear of a current generation HDTV being a dog. I could be wrong here so others can chime in. It depends on the features and size at this moment and size is personal choice and availible space get what fits.

Non Anamorphic DVDs do not look as good as anamorphic DVDs on a wide screen television. I do not think they look like crap but they do not look as good as they could. As far as anamorphic downconversion to a 4:3 set. I think the problems or lack of problems is determind by the type of player. I have a Sony 300 and have not noticed any difference between anamorphic and non-anamorphic DVDs. Owners of some other brands complain loudly of artifacts and problems but recently the problems seem to have been fixed or people are just getting used to the artifacting.

Just my thoughts.

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Istagi *Feather Head*
Moderator of the Now Playing Forum
DDS-351

Thank you for your input. As you asked earlier, yes, I will only be using it to watch DVDs exclusively. I probably won't use it to recieve HDTV broadcast signals until it becomes more widely used. I already have a 32 inch Toshiba Cinema Series TV, which I use to watch regular tv and cable tv. I currently have a Toshiba SD-2107 DVD player, but I'll probably buy a newer model later, what brands do you recommend? Which brands or models have the fewest glitches with certain DVD titles? I am interested in a widescreen HDTV set in the 56-61 inch range, in the $4000-$6000 range. Is Toshiba a good brand for widescreen tv's or Panasonic? Thanks for your help.

If it come down to price, the Panasonic is a bargin. I personaly am saving up for the 56" Toshiba. As for dvd players, the Toshiba 5109 has progressive scan outputs that take advantage of the DTV input on any digital ready tv. That one runs about $600us and has an extra tray(?). Until I can come up wih the cash, I'll have to stick with my 50" Toshiba>

I am partial to the Mitsubishi Diamond series. I just think the picture looks better than a Panasonic or Toshiba.

As far as players I think only the Toshiba has Progressive scan out. I am told and it is logicaly a better picture but I have yet to see it in operation.

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Istagi *Feather Head*
Moderator of the Now Playing Forum
DDS-351

[Chromy]

Oh boy! I can't beleive that you wen't there Istagi

Well, I had a Mits Diamond 65"... and finally after agonizing and agonizing with tech support and the dealer, I finally got my money back and returned the set.

I'll never buy another Mitsubishi again.

Now, I'd buy the Panasonic, followed by the Toshiba...

Chromy

[RoboDad]

I can't speak from personal experience, but there have been a number of head-to-head comparisons of RPHDTVs (isn't that a mouthful? ), and the Mitsubishi 3rd generation models have been well-received, and, surprisingly enough, so has Zenith.

If I had to choose, I would pick either the Mits or the Toshiba (I've owned a Mits (non-HDTV) RPTV) for almost 3 years, and it had been very reliable. Your mileage may vary.

If you were looking for a smaller size, I would definitely recommend the new Panasonic Tau model. It is apparently capable of a stunning picture.

Robo

I highly reccommend the Pioneer Elite models; the Pro 510/610HD models. 53" and 58" respectively. They have excellent line doublers built-in that do as good a job as some of the "higher end" seperate video processors. Do wonders with all NTSC programming. Make anamorphic DVDs look like film and non-anamorphic DVDs at least enjoyable to watch if your not hypercritical. 2 sets of component video inputs as well as any RGB input for HDTV decoders such as the RCA that use only this type of interface. IMO, they're the most well thought out HD RPTVs on the market.

My 2 sense,
James(Jay)M.

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HT equipment: Pioneer Elite Pro-510HD RPTV
Lexicon DC-1 pre/pro with v4.0 upgrade, Sunfire Cinema Grand amp, Adcom GFA-555II amp, Legacy Victoria L/R speakers, Legacy CinemaII center channel speaker, M&K SS150THX side surround speakers paired with Atlantic Tech. 162PBM subs(2), Def. Tech BPX rear surround speakers, Velodyne F1800II sub., JVC HiFi VCR, Denon DCD-1500 CD player and DVD-3000 DVD player, and a Sony 530 DVD player, NAD 1600 pre/tuner (used for powering up the system and radio reception only), Power Pack V line conditioner/enhancer, Adcom Ace 515 line conditioner/enhancer, LAT and Monster speaker cables, assortment of AudioQuest, Monster and XLO interconnects, various forms of component vibration isolation and room treatment

[Chromy]

Are you sure that Mits is on their 3rd generation of HD RPTV's? I had one of the 1'st gen TV's (1999 models) my understanding is that the 2nd generation Mits HD's just became available at the end of last month.

I know this guy in Seattle that is on his second (replacement) TV (that's 3 in all) and is still working with Mitsubishi to get problems resolved...

Really, I have seen older mits models and they are hard to beat, seems like they missed a step on these new ones.

Chromy