Display question

[edietz]

Hello all,

I was preparing to finalize my decision to purchase an HTDV, probably DLP or Plasma and my "wife to be" hit me with a question that I could not seem to find an answer for in the forums.

Specifically, she is concerned about PQ as it relates to the fact that we only have analog cable from comcast (no set top box). We are not planning to get digital cable or HD any time soon, but we do watch a lot of movies and stuff on DVD. We currently have a 27" CRT that I am tired of looking at from 13 feet away.

My question is (finally) how bad will the PQ be with analog cable and say, a DLP? My guess is that the answer is that it will depend on the strength of the signal coming in and the capabilities of the display in question. However, is there anything that I have not thought of or am I just totally incorrect in my assumptions?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

cheers,
Erik

 

[supervij]

If you have no interest in HD programming, I'd suggest saving a few bucks and getting an EDTV. It'll make your DVDs look really good and your analog cable programming will (probably) look better on it than it would look on an HDTV.

Getting a good HDTV will make your DVDs look good too, but your cable programming won't look as good, and it'll likely cost a heck of a lot more than an EDTV.

cheers,
supervij

 

[tomahawktim]

edietz, keep in mind that most hd televisions will include an atsc tuner as well as the ntsc tuner.
This atsc television tuner will allow you to receive digital signals over the air with the use of an antenna and some RG6 (or RG59) cable. This is the same type of black cable that you are using for your comcast cable tv signal now. The ntsc tuner allows our tv to tune our cable tv signals as well as the older analog over the air signals.

The great thing about the Over-the-Air digital signal is that it will probably be better PQ than analog cable, it has minimal cost (any decent antenna will do), your reception of these digital signals will include free HDTV from the major networks. Not all digital is HD, but some is.

Here in the greater Toronto area we are receiving about a dozen or more digital signals over the air. Some are local and national stations, several are U.S. stations: ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, from across Lake Ontario.

In terms of programming you can receive all of the prime time network shows ( Law & Order, C.S.I., Desperate Housewives etc.) as well as some late night ( Leno, Letterman, Saturday Night Live). All in HD.

Completely legal and almost free. This is the same over the air stuff we had before cable television. You probably know this, but not everyone does and so I mention it.

In response to your question, the PQ will vary from bad to o.k. with cable television on a larger tv whether DLP, LCD, plasma, etc. Poor tv signals look poorer the larger they get.

I am going to respectfully disagree with supervij's recommendation. His points are completely valid and accurate.
However, if you and your "wife to be" are buying now, I suggest you spend on a HDTV. You will be receiving more HD content in the next few years and it would be a shame not to have the hdtv capability. Look at it as an engagement or wedding gift for one another. Alternately, wait a couple or three months while you research your purchase and watch the prices fall as time passes.

Good luck and good hunting!