More HD ready tv's in uk....

[CARTIER90]

This will obviously only interest some of you but i have been noticing a lot more 'HD ready ' tv's on sale, particularly in the ad section of some papers. Cant be bad .....saw a 32 inch plasma (HD) for a grand , bargain if you ask me , remember 2/3 years ago, plasma was 5 g plus.

Not sure if there 1080 p though......

[VG Aficionado]

I've seen "HD/HDTV ready" sets since last year or so around here, but the quality still doesn't make me want to buy them. The good ones are too expensive, and I still haven't seen a 1080p set taking advantage of its features, that is, showing a next-gen game or an HD quality movie.

I hope this will start changing in 2006. I want a 1080p set suitable for next-gen gaming but I think I'll have to wait until 2007 to find something that may have the features I'm looking for at the price I'm willing to pay for.

[CrumCon]

Keep in mind, to take full advantage of HD ready TV's, HD streams should viewing on it, not just your old regular TV channels.

Try watch your HD movie files from your pc on your HDTV.

[Illmatic]

I've seen quite a few HDTVs here in New Zealand, but none that support 1080p.

Do you need HD content to make the most of them? because the DVDs and TV channels they had running on them looked quite bad is that normal?

Anyway, i'm going to pick one up a couple of months before PS3 hits these shores, i'm stilll not sure what to get, either LCD or Plasma, i'm going to get something in the 44'' range so a Plasma would be better right?

[VG Aficionado]

Do you need HD content to make the most of them? because the DVDs and TV channels they had running on them looked quite bad is that normal?Yeah, I wouldn't buy an HDTV set and watch standard definition stuff all the time, like analog TV channels, DVD's, etc. DVD movies don't even look that good when you watch them in 28" non-HD widescreen TV sets, so just guess how they'd look in a high resolution display.

I wouldn't really choose plasma. The main disadvantage is that they burn out. That happens when a part of the screen remains constantly lit for a long while (something like a TV channel logo or hud elements of any videogame). Besides, they're more expensive than LCD.

I would choose a 1080p LCD set with a short response time over any plasma set. But that's my personal opinion, I still have to research more on HDTV (mostly related to Blu-ray and PS3) to make a choice in the near future.

[Illmatic]

Cool, cheers.

I don't know much about HDTVs but i read that with Plasma's your only at risk of burnout within the first 100 hours of use, and you have to have a still bright image on there for a long period of time to do any damage?


So in general, LCD > Plasma, in terms of life and picture quality?

[speed stick]

Doesn't HD ready just mean that it can accept HD tv signals but not show them in HD?

[VG Aficionado]

Doesn't HD ready just mean that it can accept HD tv signals but not show them in HD?The ones I've seen can display HD video at 720p resolution at least and work as a PC monitor. That should be the minimum you could expect from those sets.

So in general, LCD > Plasma, in terms of life and picture quality?LCD sets will last longer than plasma and won't burn out. They are cheaper too, but don't expect the cheapest ones to rival plasma sets in terms of picture quality. I'd definately buy a fairly expensive LCD set, to make sure it has all the features I want and also knowing that picture quality is definately worth the money.

[Goki]

nah i think in the UK if a tv is branded (HD Ready) means it can "show" 720p

[Rukawa]

HDTV Ready doesnt mean HD display.
I seen 1080p input HD Ready Plasma but the native resolution is 852x480
Keep in mind that Plasma and LCD are fixed display that can only display one type resolution(and always progressive) that its native resolution no more no less.
If you feed the 852x480 HD Ready set with any signal(whatever is 480i/p, 720p, 1080i/p), its gonna scaled down to 852x480.
If you want set that display HD, check the native resolution on the set is 1280x720. Since its the same as 720p signal it dont need any scalling.
No scalling means no loss in quality. That if the game internally render at 720p.
There also weird native resolution like 1024x1024(1:1), 1024x768(4:3)
This kind of set should avoided since the pixel is not square but rectangle that is not ideal for picture quality.

[VG Aficionado]

If you want set that display HD, check the native resolution on the set is 1280x720. Since its the same as 720p signal it dont need any scalling.No scalling means no loss in quality. That if the game internally render at 720p.

There also weird native resolution like 1024x1024(1:1), 1024x768(4:3)
This kind of set should avoided since the pixel is not square but rectangle that is not ideal for picture quality.Yes, this is what I mean. The sets I've seen were either 1280x720 or a bit higher (1366 x 768 - weird one). I've certainly have seen just a handful of 1080i/p sets, and most of them just scaled the source picture. That's why I'm going to wait until 2007 or so to buy a real 1080p set, even if they're still very expensive.

I'd also avoid certain sets with non-mainstream formats, like 16:10 and 5:4. I've got a 5:4 LCD monitor and even though it has good features, I simply hate the way it distorts the picture compared to a 4:3 monitor.

[lilkoy123]

Keep in mind, to take full advantage of HD ready TV's, HD streams should viewing on it, not just your old regular TV channels.

Try watch your HD movie files from your pc on your HDTV.Yeah, yeah...whatever u say....:yum::lick: *staring at sig*

[Illmatic]

Yeah i've seen both resolutions around 1280 x 720 and 1366 x 768.

So would a 1280 x 720 HDTV be better to get over one with a native resolution of 1366 x 768 since the 720p image would have to be slightly upscaled?

[jaxmkii]

Yeah, I wouldn't buy an HDTV set and watch standard definition stuff all the time, like analog TV channels, DVD's, etc. DVD movies don't even look that good when you watch them in 28" non-HD widescreen TV sets, so just guess how they'd look in a high resolution display.

I wouldn't really choose plasma. The main disadvantage is that they burn out. That happens when a part of the screen remains constantly lit for a long while (something like a TV channel logo or hud elements of any videogame). Besides, they're more expensive than LCD.

I would choose a 1080p LCD set with a short response time over any plasma set. But that's my personal opinion, I still have to research more on HDTV (mostly related to Blu-ray and PS3) to make a choice in the near future. you could always go the HDCRT route! cheap, highest rez, good burnout resictance, you dont get trailing like with LCD, highest contrast ratios in the industry. its a quiet maitinace free proven felxible technolgy and did i mention its the cheepest way to go HD :wtf:

[trakais]

wrong, `HD Ready` sticker does mean it can display 720p minimum. you can't just stick that sticker on any set. don't mix `hdtv` with `hd` content, hdtv is just a way to transmit/receive HD content.

here, from wikipedia:

Hd Ready sticker means: The minimum native resolution of the display (e.g. LCD, PDP) or display engine (e.g. DLP) is 720 physical lines in wide aspect ratio.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HD_ready

also - 720p and 1080p are not that different, i have seen the difference with HD content, and it is too small to notice if you are watching 3meters from the tv (you can't get closer anyway, it's too big if you're talking 42inch)

[Applefiend]

I'm looking for HD TVs and have seen the Sharp Aquos

http://www.sharpusa.com/products/AQUOS/0,2338,,00.html

Which is 1080p, but I'd like a choice of TV sets,and something *cough* a bit smaller, so I'm waiting until the PS3 arrives, then I go TV shopping.

My spies tell me you should absolutely not buy an HDTV in kiwiland until March.

[VG Aficionado]

you could always go the HDCRT route! cheap, highest rez, good burnout resictance, you dont get trailing like with LCD, highest contrast ratios in the industry. its a quiet maitinace free proven felxible technolgy and did i mention its the cheepest way to go HD :wtf:No, I don't consider that anymore. First, because HDCRT sets are too heavy. Second, because they are too big. Third, because they have glare effect, which kills the smallest details I'd be able to see with an LCD display.

It is true that HDCRT are relatively cheap, have good resolution and have no trailing effect, but that's just today. In a year and a half or in two years time, LCD sets won't be so expensive, resolution and contrast will have improved and response time will be about 4ms or less. I'd never buy a set with a response time higher than 8ms since the trailing effect kills the picture, IMO. That's probably the worst defect of lower end LCD sets, beware of this everyone.

However, I'm not decided yet. I'd like a very good LCD flat pannel set (not an LCD projection set), but I still haven't seen the one I'm looking for, and it might not exist until next year or so.

Some new technologies might appear in the market to compete with the existing ones. I'm looking fordward to learning more about SED and OLED displays, and see how the market evolves.

[VG Aficionado]

Different kinds of HDTV sets compared:

There are four major different types of HDTV’s currently on the market. They each have their Pros and Cons and we will do our best to outline them all to you. Note to our readers: If you think there is another aspect important that we overlooked, by all means, drop us a note. Purchasing an HD set is a very personal experience, so we're covering information that applies to the broadest audience.

Tube

Pros
• 70,000+ hours of use
• Proven reliability
• Largest 4:3 picture available
• Best picture quality for analog
• Best picture quality for HDTV
• Relatively inexpensive
• 1080i signal

Cons
• Large and heavy; 200+lbs
• Biggest widescreen is 34-inches
• Produces a good amount of glare

Examples
High end: Sony 34-inch XBR
Entry level: Insignia 26-inch widescreen

Rear Projection
There are two different types of rear projection out there. CRT has been made for years and are the types that feature a HUGE cabinet and bad viewing angle. The new kids on the block feature small bezels and a bigger viewing angle but still have the same basic principle in mind.

CRT Projection

Pros
• Large and inexpensive
• 1080i signal

Cons
• Poor picture from non digital signals
• 10,000+/- hour life
• Needs adjusting (convergence)
• Expensive maintenance
• Very large cabinet
• Narrow viewing angle

Examples
High end: Toshiba 65-inch
Entry level: Magnavox 51-inch

LCD/DLP/LCoS Projection

These types of TVs all produce the image in a similar way and for sake of simplicity need to be grouped together. They all have the same pros and cons.

Pros
• User replaceable lamp
• Biggest screen and very small bezel
• Relatively inexpensive for size of picture
• Great HD picture
• Large viewing angle
• 720p picture, soon to be 1080p
• Easy serviceability
• No glare
• Good black levels (DLPs)

Cons
• User must replace a lamp
• Short lamp life (5,000-7,000 hours)
• Poor non digital signal
• O.K. Digital signal
• Poor black levels (LCD only)

Examples
High End: Sony 70-inch QUALIA 006
Entry level: Sony 42-inch LCD or Samsung 42-inch DLP

Plasma

Do not be afraid of plasma; they are the best selling large TV for a reason. They do not leak gas, nor is burn-in prevalent, and they do not burn out after a couple of years. Great plasma myth site. (http://www.crutchfieldadvisor.com/ISEO-rgbtcspd/reviews/20030930/plasma_myths.html)

Also, keep in mind that ‘ED plasma’ is just a lower resolution set but they still display the same picture. In fact, many people cannot tell the difference between HD and ED from 12 or 13 feet away. They are a great value for some people.

Pros
• Great color
• Very Small bezel
• Can be hung on the wall
• Very large viewing angle
• Long life (many 60,000 hours)
• Prices dropping
• Good black levels
• Great picture from DTV, DVDs, and HDTV
• Good picture from analog
• 720p on HD plasmas and 480p on ED

Cons
• Possibility of burn-in, highly unlikely though
• Very Expensive for 60-inches and larger
• Not as many inputs as rear projection brethren
• Good amount of glare

Examples
High end: Pioneer Elite 61-inch
Entry level: Sylvania 42-inch ED

LCD Flat Panels

Pros
• Big range of sizes from 7-inches to 65-inches
• Long life (60,000+ hours)
• Very bright
• High resolution
• No burn in at all
• Small viewing
• Small widescreens available
• Resolutions can range from 480i on smaller sets to 1080p on high-end models

Cons
• Black levels are poor
• Very pricey for 40-inch and large
• Small viewing angle

Examples
High end: 65-inch Sharp
Entry level: 15-inch Magnavox

The best way to shop for a TV is in a store where you can see them. Make sure you can stand about how far away you will be sitting and have the salesman turn it on to what you will be watching at home. If you do not plan to upgrade to HD, then make sure you are not comparing TVs via the HD signal.Link: HDTV Buying Guide: Choosing the right kind (http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/09/28/hdtv-buying-guide-choosing-the-right-kind/)

Link: HDTV Buying Guide: Choosing the right size (http://www.hdbeat.com/2005/09/21/hdtv-buying-guide-choosing-the-right-size/)

Link: Great Plasma Myth Site (http://www.crutchfieldadvisor.com/ISEO-rgbtcspd/reviews/20030930/plasma_myths.html)

As you can see, LCD flat pannels have the best quality proportion (8 pros against 3 cons) when compared to different kinds of HDTV sets. But this is just my opinion at the moment, and my opinion is subject to change or be reaffirmed in the next months or years.

[CARTIER90]

hmmmm, choices , choices.......i want to get away from tubes, there effin HUGE and to heavy to lug up to my 3rd floor berdroom.

32 inch is big enough, particularly if your only 6-8 feet away....

[rideboy]

i own a HDTV, paid £800 for it, quite proud of it, using it as a PC monitor now. 26", biggest size that will hang off my bedroom wall. oh and with the LCD standard def picture quality, if you buy one and watch analogue and digital TV on it then go back to a tube TV you will notice how crap tubes are, the flicker becomes more apparent, the sharpness is pathetic and the colour just doesnt stand out at all. low viewing angle on LCD's? pfft know nothing. this samsung LCD has an awesome viewing angle comaprable to the psp

[Rukawa]

wrong, `HD Ready` sticker does mean it can display 720p minimum. you can't just stick that sticker on any set. don't mix `hdtv` with `hd` content, hdtv is just a way to transmit/receive HD content.

also - 720p and 1080p are not that different, i have seen the difference with HD content, and it is too small to notice if you are watching 3meters from the tv (you can't get closer anyway, it's too big if you're talking 42inch)

I am might getting mixed up
but indeed in my country there people advertise EDTV as 1920x1080 HDTV
I seen 720p HDTV ready set but the native resolution is 1024x768

HDTV (High Definition TV) A TV that displays 1280x720 pixels or better.
http://www.hdtvprimer.com/

720p and 1080p didnt much different ? That depend.
Weird since we dont have any 1080p signal yet. Terminator 2 1080p DVD at around 1440x900p not 1920x1080p
Keep in mind in HD Garbage In Garbage Out is golden rule.
Remember today HD broadcast is not that good
They call 720p broadcast but the truth is their signal resolution is lower than that around ~500p( they lied on us)
Same as the 1080i is not really 1920x1080i but around ~1400x900i
Not only that is highly compressed, saving bandwidth = saving costs also to add channel as much as possible without adding bandwidth.

That why we need Blu Ray.
Keep in mind if you watch HD movie 42 inch is to small to make difference.
EDTV hardly noticeable different with HDTV at 42 inch.
I been following crazy debate at AVSforum about this.
In HDTV if you increase TV size thats mean you improving picture quality.
This may not apply with games, since games detail is much lower than movies.

[Rukawa]

I really think 720p is good enough.
Plasma is my choice since burn in is not issue any more unless you stupid enough
to display static image at three days.

The only set i know that receive and display 1080p signal is Sony SXRD Projector
codename Ruby. Price 10 grand US$.
The old Qualia 004(30 grand)and 006 (13 grand) dont have any 1080p input only 1080i.
Sony offered 108-p input upgrade around 3 grand for 004.
The 006 i dont have know.
Qualia 004, 006 revission might have 1080p input.

[trakais]

I am might getting mixed up
but indeed in my country there people advertise EDTV as 1920x1080 HDTV
I seen 720p HDTV ready set but the native resolution is 1024x768

HDTV (High Definition TV) A TV that displays 1280x720 pixels or better.
http://www.hdtvprimer.com/

720p and 1080p didnt much different ? That depend.
Weird since we dont have any 1080p signal yet. Terminator 2 1080p DVD at around 1440x900p not 1920x1080p
Keep in mind in HD Garbage In Garbage Out is golden rule.
Remember today HD broadcast is not that good
They call 720p broadcast but the truth is their signal resolution is lower than that around ~500p( they lied on us)
Same as the 1080i is not really 1920x1080i but around ~1400x900i
Not only that is highly compressed, saving bandwidth = saving costs also to add channel as much as possible without adding bandwidth.

That why we need Blu Ray.
Keep in mind if you watch HD movie 42 inch is to small to make difference.
EDTV hardly noticeable different with HDTV at 42 inch.
I been following crazy debate at AVSforum about this.
In HDTV if you increase TV size thats mean you improving picture quality.
This may not apply with games, since games detail is much lower than movies.

I seen 720p HDTV ready set but the native resolution is 1024x768

well that's fine, 768 is bigger than 720, no? :) so no lies there.

i agree to all what you say, but are you sure people will buy screens larger than 42in? i think it's the max size for any room. except concert hall, but you need a projector in that size rooms :)

[VG Aficionado]

well that's fine, 768 is bigger than 720, no? :)Not really. 720p means 1280x720 progressive. 1024x768 is lower than that.

Also, take into account 1280x720 is 16:9 (widescreen) format, while 1024x768 is 4:3 (traditional) format.

[Rukawa]

Posted by me

Keep in mind if you watch HD movie 42 inch is to small to make difference.
EDTV hardly noticeable different with HDTV at 42 inch.

Forget to tell that the EDTV vs HDTV debate is not using good signal
So it might different using Blu Ray

[Black Dragon37]

I wonder when Sony will be releasing Cell-based HDTVs with 1080p resolution?

Not even "when", it's "if"!:eek2:

[VG Aficionado]

I wonder when Sony will be releasing Cell-based HDTVs with 1080p resolution?

Not even "when", it's "if"!:eek2:Toshiba will, at least. Starting 2006 I think.

[Goki]

Id wait a year for new Pioneer Screens, you cant get faulty with them.

[Illmatic]

Just looking at this TV, it says it supports 1080p, but the screen resolution is only 1280 x 720, what's up with that?

Link (http://www.sony.co.nz/wegatheatre/product.asp?ssid=1522289536)

click on 'more' next to the 'KFE50A10'.

[trakais]

it probably means that it can accept 1080p input (but not output it - downsampling), many specs say that for many devices, pure marketing brainwash.

[Rukawa]

HD (High definition) 1080i/1080p signal compatible
1080p input only, displayed at 720p
This TV(A10) have great user review, the very high value

[Illmatic]

Just looking at this TV, it says it supports 1080p, but the screen resolution is only 1280 x 720, what's up with that?

Link (http://www.sony.co.nz/wegatheatre/product.asp?ssid=1522289536)

click on 'more' next to the 'KFE50A10'.


What does everyone think of that^ TV. I went and had a look at it in person today and it looked damn sexy, the guy's offered me a really good deal on it so im really giving it some serious thought on buying it, i have to let him know what i want to do within the next couple of days. Any 'big flaws' there other than not outputting out 1080p?

[Rukawa]

The Official Sony Grand Wega V (A10 series) Thread
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=562185

There are different impression, but i suspect there people got bad unit or
feed with bad signal. Even CRT lover trash this TV as underpriced TV to kill CRT market.

[Illmatic]

Cool cheers, but i already bought the TV earlier today :smoke:

I couldn't resist it, the picture quality was awesome and as i said the guy there offered me a really go deal on it.

It arrives in January.:)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/Stillmaitik/KFE50A10_en_1.jpghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/Stillmaitik/KFE50A10_en_2.jpg

[O.D.S]

hey thats a nice looking tv there Vejita.

Got any specs you car share with us?

[Illmatic]

Product Specification

Model number
Sony KFE50A10
General
Screen size (viewable) 50 inch / 125cmv
Screen aspect 16:9 wide
Display technology Triple HD H-LCD panels
Display resolution 1280 x 720 pixels
Total pixel resolution 2.8 million total pixels
HD (High definition) 1080i signal ready Yes (1080i / 1080p)
Colour system
PAL Multi (B/G, I, D/K, M) reception Yes
PAL, PAL60, SECAM, NTSC signal playback Yes
Picture
WEGA ENGINE picture processing Yes
Full 100% digital picture processing Yes (incl. 14-bit panel driver)
Digital Reality Creation (DRC) enhancement DRC-MF (Digital Reality Creation - Multi Function)
DRC Palette customization Yes
MID Detail Enhancer Circuit Yes
3D Digital comb filter Yes
Progressive / HD signal compatible Yes (1080p/1080i/720p/576p/480p)
Super Fine Pitch screen Yes
Anti-reflective (AR) coated screen Yes (double AR)
First surface mirror Yes
Picture Modes Vivid, Standard, Custom
Colour temperature adjustment Yes
Fully resistant against screen burn Yes
Ultra High Performance (UHP) lamp technology Yes (user-replaceable)
Sound
S-Master digital amplification technology Sony Digital
Nicam stereo reception Yes
Surround sound TruSurround XT / BBE
Steady Sound Yes
Sound modes Dynamic, Standard, Custom
Bass / Treble sound equalizer Yes
Side-mounted full range speaker system Invisible Speaker System
Power output: full-range speakers 24W
Convenience
Picture and Picture (Twin tuner) Yes
Twin view Picture Freeze Yes
Fastext Yes
On screen menu languages English/Simplified Chinese/Arabic/Thai
Wake up / Sleep timer Yes
User replaceable UHP lamp Yes
AV terminals
Composite video inputs Front x1, Rear x2
S-video inputs Rear x1
HD/DVD component input Front x1, Rear x2
Headphone jack Yes (front)
Monitor AV output Rear x1
Other
Power requirements 220V - 240V
Power consumption 195W
Dimensions (WxHxD) 1184mm x 827mm x 408mm
Weight 32kg
PC Input Rear x1 + Audio x1
HDMI Input Rear x1 + Analogue Audio Input x1

:smoke:

[Theo]

Congratulations Vejita! That's what I call a TV, your new investment that is...You are making me all jealous ya know! =)

[VG Aficionado]

How much did you pay for it, Vejita?

[Powercell]

I expect an influx of 1080p panels into the UK next year as Sky are launching their High Definition platform with broadcasts at 1080i. Then the possible launch of the PlayStation 3 later in the year, I will be purchasing a 1080p panel when I buy my PlayStation 3. http://forums.e-mpire.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[O.D.S]

Yeah im also waiting until 1080p TV's reach us here downunder...and if it so happens the PS3 also lands around the same time...i will have an early 2006 Christmas :cheers:

*wishes* :uhh: