Flat panel HDTV is now a "necessity" - Page 2

Nords · 11-20-2007, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FinanceDude

Yes, but then there's that "pesky" $60-$100 a month cable bill to contend with, which I have "opted out" on for 20 years.........

Spouse has been happy with her 32" CRT (the kid has a 20") but I've noticed that the cable company keeps nudging the bill a little higher every year. $48/month seems a pretty hefty price to pay for Disney, HGTV, and "America's Next Top Model" reruns.

No one in our family has been interested in reducing their TV habit, but I finally got spouse's attention when I pointed out that our cable TV bill is now twice the size of our electric bill, nearly double our phone bill, 50% higher than our DSL bill, and half of our water/sewer bill.

I'm really hoping that a la carte pricing catches on...

Bikerdude · 11-20-2007, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FinanceDude

Yes, but then there's that "pesky" $60-$100 a month cable bill to contend with, which I have "opted out" on for 20 years.........

I just got basic cable 3 months ago for $12/mo. I'm not ready to pay $85/mo. for HD cable. Maybe when I'm so old I can't do anything else I'll buy all the home entertainment bells and whistles.
In the mean time I'll take the money I save and buy a couple bottles of wine and 2/3 lbs. of Gulf shrimp or maybe some nice cigars each month.

Bikerdude · 11-20-2007, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laurencewill

Unless you absolutely need the space or want a T.V. in a place that doesn't have room, I don't get the flat panel thing. I bought a 50" Sony HDTV LCD projector t.v., it's about 8-10 inches thick, and it cost half the price of a flat panel, and the picture is great!

I have heard that the projection TV's have two bulbs that last 2/3 years and cost $200 each to replace.

Rustic23 · 11-20-2007, 02:56 PM

I have been looking at Samsung's LED DLP TV. The live of the bulb on a regular projection TV is from 4K TO 6k hours. On the LED TV it is over 20K. Our tv is on most of the day, so I would go through a 4K bulb fairly quickly. The Samsung also uses three DLP chips (Red,Green,Blue) so it does not have the rainbow effect of other earlier DLP's. If anyone has had any experience with this TV, I would like to hear it.

Texas Proud · 11-20-2007, 02:59 PM

[quote=samclem;580262]Exactly. Watching the same predictable, unrealistic, by-the-formula shows in HD has no appeal. Frankly, I hardly even notice the HD'ness of these shows/movies when I've watched them at a friends home. When the movie is over, what do you think about: the crisp lines and vibrant colors, or the storyline, plot twists, and the character development?

quote]

Well for me on the fringe of reception... and with a storm or something... I get a LOT of snow and other interference in the analog signal... heck, most of the time I can not even see the football on a field goal.. have to wait for the signal!!! Would love to get HD, but not willing to pay for it yet...

Jay_Gatsby · 11-20-2007, 03:05 PM

We don't have cable at home, and I haven't had it since 1990. Although it's nice to watch the occasional program on the various educational channels, I can get the same programming through Netflix and watch it when time permits. These days, I spend far more time on the Internet than watching TV. At least with the former I learn something new. Likewise, and with the prevalence of video content on the web, I'm in no rush to get cable or satellite TV.

lazygood4nothinbum · 11-20-2007, 03:30 PM

i can't get a flat panel tv because then i'd have to do something with the table where the tv sits. looks like a nice item for living on a boat though.

aaronc879 · 11-20-2007, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toofrugalformycat

I've noticed a correlation between how much couch time I spend watching tv and movies, and how "wide" I am. Right now I have a little 17-inch and watch very little, and my weight is almost under control. If I got a wide-screen.... yikes. Bring out the wheelbarrow.

I spend more time in front of a tv than i spend at work. Have a BMI of only 18.5 so i'm not worried. Despite that much time spent watching tv i still don't think it's a necessity to have HDTV. The tube just broke in my 28" SDTV so i'm down to my back-up 19" which i will keep until it dies then and only then will i get a 32" 720p LCD HDTV. Definetly will spend less than $1000 including cables and tax.

dgalbraith100 · 11-20-2007, 04:48 PM

Of the things to have for entertainment, the large TV doesn't do it for me. (we have an old 36" 500+lbs flat screen thing... kills you to move it). When it dies, I'll probably go to another 36". The only reason we have this large TV (did have a 27") was that my brother needed to sell it. So we bought it from him. (long story).

Bang for your buck, I bought a Tivo. Now I wouldn't watch TV any other way. I can watch a one hour show in 45 minutes, and no interuptions.

We almost never watch "live TV" anymore. Why waste time waiting for comercials. The Tivo makes my wife happy because then I don't flip channels like crazy during the comercials. Instead we pick a show and watch the show. Then pick something else and watch it. We have 80 hours worth of shows, and the thing picks up more shows we like to watch than we can watch... so there is always something that we want to see on TV.

I must admit as an entertainment purchase, the Tivo was a good one.

Laters,
-d.

aaronc879 · 11-20-2007, 05:25 PM

I don't have a TiVo but I do have a DVR from the cable company. I don't think there's much difference for the lower cost. Now that i've had it for the last 3 years i too couldn't imagine not having it. It only costs about $10/mo with no up-front lump-sum cost like the TiVo. Very much worth it. The only time I watch tv live now is while watching a football game. Even then i'm usually a few minutes behind but i never miss anything if i have to go to the bathroom or want something to eat.

laurence · 11-20-2007, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bikerdude

I have heard that the projection TV's have two bulbs that last 2/3 years and cost $200 each to replace.

The warranty includes one free replacement bulb. The part is "user replaceable" so they just mail it to you. We've had the T.V. about a year now, so if the first bulb burns out in the next year or so I'll be bummed. T.V. spends about 2 hours a day running, on average, so it should last longer than 2 years, I think the "one free replacement bulb" is a result of the short lifespan on the bulb.

So far so good though, and the picture is amazing for a $1,000 T.V.

Kwirk · 11-20-2007, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bikerdude

I just got basic cable 3 months ago for $12/mo. I'm not ready to pay $85/mo. for HD cable.

You may already have HD cable. If there are over the air HD channels in your area then the cable provider is legally required to include those HD channels at no extra charge.

Unfortunately, they're not required to provide the HD TV to watch them. But, you can buy a relatively inexpensive QAM USB tuner and watch the HD shows at whatever resolution your PC can manage. Here's one example but there are others:
DVICO Fusion HDTV 5 USB ATSC and QAM Tuner

Oldbabe · 11-20-2007, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lazygood4nothinbum

i can't get a flat panel tv because then i'd have to do something with the table where the tv sits. looks like a nice item for living on a boat though.

I'm annoyed that HD will become mandatory in 2010 or whatever. I just bought my 24" Sony and it's just fine by me. I guess I'll have to buy the analog technical thingie that converts.

I love the picture on the LCDs but if I bought one I'd just stare at TV for more hours. That wouldn't be a good thing.

Joss · 11-21-2007, 08:46 AM

If the new TV quality is so good.... how come I can see the "oooo and ahhhhh" display pictures in their commercials on my current TV.... just fine?

**ziggy29** · 11-21-2007, 09:06 AM

Now that it's a necessity, maybe the government can use it in its "basket of goods" to help its goal of understating inflation.

Rustic23 · 11-21-2007, 09:35 AM

Oldbabe,
According to the PioneerElectronics web site, in 2010 all TV must go Digital, and Digital TV is not necessarily the same thing as HD. All Satelite is digital. It is converted to Analog to go to a standard TV. So if you get the required converter/receiver, you will get a digital signal, but not necessarily a HD signal.

FinanceDude · 11-21-2007, 12:42 PM

If I wouldn't have inherited the 40 inch Sony Bravia I have, I would never have bought an expensive TV like that..........

Funny story: I had a 20 inch color TV that I WON in a raffle as the main set. My sister came to visit one X-mas, and complained that her "holiday classics" like Rudolph and Frosty looked too small. So the day after X-mas, she told me she wanted to go to Best Buy to "get some stuff". When we got there, she made a beeline to the TV area. She picked out a Sony 27 inch TV, and bought it on the spot. Then she told me: "Merry X-mas".......

TickTock · 11-21-2007, 03:38 PM

Damn! Now I'm without another necessity!!!

Oh well....

**Want2retire** · 11-22-2007, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bikerdude

I just got basic cable 3 months ago for $12/mo. I'm not ready to pay $85/mo. for HD cable. Maybe when I'm so old I can't do anything else I'll buy all the home entertainment bells and whistles.
In the mean time I'll take the money I save and buy a couple bottles of wine and 2/3 lbs. of Gulf shrimp or maybe some nice cigars each month.

I have the "bare bones basic" cable, too, though I bought a 42" plasma HDTV last year when my tube set croaked.

I am planning for my income after ER to be significantly larger than what I have been spending. I am so accustomed to LBYM, though, and set in my ways. It is hard to imagine what I would add to my budget. The first thing will probably be a full digital cable package, just to see what (if anything) I have been missing. I might get one of those 65" projection TV's some day. And maybe some day I might spring for Netflix!

I know, I know. I'm thinking backwards here.

audreyh1 · 11-22-2007, 09:54 AM

Man, what a bunch of grouchy-sounding old-sounding people!

Nature programs in HD - it's so fantastic!! Have you never seen PBS programs in HD? Total eye candy. The sound too!!!!! Makes old analog TV look so horrible. DVD movies look so much better too on the new screens, even though they aren't even HD.

Just love the new high def screens and images.

Audrey

11-20-2007, 03:05 PM	#26
Jay_Gatsby Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,101	We don't have cable at home, and I haven't had it since 1990. Although it's nice to watch the occasional program on the various educational channels, I can get the same programming through Netflix and watch it when time permits. These days, I spend far more time on the Internet than watching TV. At least with the former I learn something new. Likewise, and with the prevalence of video content on the web, I'm in no rush to get cable or satellite TV. __________________ He had one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it . . . It faced, or seemed to face, the whole external world for an instant and then concentrated on you with an irresistible prejudice in your favor. -- The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald

11-21-2007, 08:46 AM	#34
Joss Recycles dryer sheets Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 207	If the new TV quality is so good.... how come I can see the "oooo and ahhhhh" display pictures in their commercials on my current TV.... just fine? __________________ Can eat with either hand.

11-21-2007, 09:06 AM	#35
ziggy29 Moderator Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Texas Hill Country Posts: 3,087	Now that it's a necessity, maybe the government can use it in its "basket of goods" to help its goal of understating inflation. __________________ FIRE Clock: 11:27 PM. FIREd at midnight but very subject to change.... waiting for the government to privatize the gains and socialize my losses in my 401K...

11-21-2007, 12:42 PM	#37
FinanceDude Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ... Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 7,704	If I wouldn't have inherited the 40 inch Sony Bravia I have, I would never have bought an expensive TV like that.......... Funny story: I had a 20 inch color TV that I WON in a raffle as the main set. My sister came to visit one X-mas, and complained that her "holiday classics" like Rudolph and Frosty looked too small. So the day after X-mas, she told me she wanted to go to Best Buy to "get some stuff". When we got there, she made a beeline to the TV area. She picked out a Sony 27 inch TV, and bought it on the spot. Then she told me: "Merry X-mas"....... __________________ Consult with your own advisor or representative. My thoughts should not be construed as investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results (love that one).......:)

11-20-2007, 02:56 PM	#24
Rustic23 Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Lake Livingston, Tx Posts: 1,102	I have been looking at Samsung's LED DLP TV. The live of the bulb on a regular projection TV is from 4K TO 6k hours. On the LED TV it is over 20K. Our tv is on most of the day, so I would go through a 4K bulb fairly quickly. The Samsung also uses three DLP chips (Red,Green,Blue) so it does not have the rainbow effect of other earlier DLP's. If anyone has had any experience with this TV, I would like to hear it.

11-20-2007, 02:59 PM	#25
Texas Proud Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 3,064	[quote=samclem;580262]Exactly. Watching the same predictable, unrealistic, by-the-formula shows in HD has no appeal. Frankly, I hardly even notice the HD'ness of these shows/movies when I've watched them at a friends home. When the movie is over, what do you think about: the crisp lines and vibrant colors, or the storyline, plot twists, and the character development? quote] Well for me on the fringe of reception... and with a storm or something... I get a LOT of snow and other interference in the analog signal... heck, most of the time I can not even see the football on a field goal.. have to wait for the signal!!! Would love to get HD, but not willing to pay for it yet...

11-20-2007, 03:30 PM	#27
lazygood4nothinbum Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 3,897	i can't get a flat panel tv because then i'd have to do something with the table where the tv sits. looks like a nice item for living on a boat though.

11-20-2007, 04:48 PM	#29
dgalbraith100 Recycles dryer sheets Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 72	Of the things to have for entertainment, the large TV doesn't do it for me. (we have an old 36" 500+lbs flat screen thing... kills you to move it). When it dies, I'll probably go to another 36". The only reason we have this large TV (did have a 27") was that my brother needed to sell it. So we bought it from him. (long story). Bang for your buck, I bought a Tivo. Now I wouldn't watch TV any other way. I can watch a one hour show in 45 minutes, and no interuptions. We almost never watch "live TV" anymore. Why waste time waiting for comercials. The Tivo makes my wife happy because then I don't flip channels like crazy during the comercials. Instead we pick a show and watch the show. Then pick something else and watch it. We have 80 hours worth of shows, and the thing picks up more shows we like to watch than we can watch... so there is always something that we want to see on TV. I must admit as an entertainment purchase, the Tivo was a good one. Laters, -d.

11-20-2007, 05:25 PM	#30
aaronc879 Recycles dryer sheets Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 361	I don't have a TiVo but I do have a DVR from the cable company. I don't think there's much difference for the lower cost. Now that i've had it for the last 3 years i too couldn't imagine not having it. It only costs about $10/mo with no up-front lump-sum cost like the TiVo. Very much worth it. The only time I watch tv live now is while watching a football game. Even then i'm usually a few minutes behind but i never miss anything if i have to go to the bathroom or want something to eat.

11-21-2007, 09:35 AM	#36
Rustic23 Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Lake Livingston, Tx Posts: 1,102	Oldbabe, According to the PioneerElectronics web site, in 2010 all TV must go Digital, and Digital TV is not necessarily the same thing as HD. All Satelite is digital. It is converted to Analog to go to a standard TV. So if you get the required converter/receiver, you will get a digital signal, but not necessarily a HD signal.

11-21-2007, 03:38 PM	#38
TickTock Recycles dryer sheets Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 463	Damn! Now I'm without another necessity!!! Oh well....

11-22-2007, 09:54 AM	#40
audreyh1 Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 2,222	Man, what a bunch of grouchy-sounding old-sounding people! Nature programs in HD - it's so fantastic!! Have you never seen PBS programs in HD? Total eye candy. The sound too!!!!! Makes old analog TV look so horrible. DVD movies look so much better too on the new screens, even though they aren't even HD. Just love the new high def screens and images. Audrey