930 Forums
=> GENERAL DISCUSSION => Topic started by: brennser on October 18, 2005, 11:37:00 am
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Prices are plunging and I may not be able to resist through another holiday season without getting one!
Anyone have one? (Markie?) How do people feel about LCD v plasma, HD built in v HD ready, etc etc.
Any good boards out there where folks obsess as much about flat screen TVs as much as we obsess about music?
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Pollard, can you answer this one?
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I actually dont know much about TVs, I just sold mine and am getting a new one in Portland. But cant afford anything too snazzy. This thread may actually help me out.
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I was just joking. I thought at one time you said you didn't have a tv.
Originally posted by p011@rd:
I actually dont know much about TVs, I just sold mine and am getting a new one in Portland. But cant afford anything too snazzy. This thread may actually help me out.
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A pretty good site for all things HDTV, though it is very geeky.
AVS Forum (http://www.avsforum.com)
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Originally posted by Xavier Bush, Power Forward:
I was just joking. I thought at one time you said you didn't have a tv.
oh that was a joke as well, I though you were referencing the fact i am a computer dork, i will actually have cable for the first time in a couple of years when i move, so i am sure nobody will hear from me for a while
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Originally posted by eros:
A pretty good site for all things HDTV, though it is very geeky.
AVS Forum (http://www.avsforum.com)
Love this site....
What is your budget, brennser? And how big of a screen do you want?
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Go LCD especially if you are a gamer. The Plasmas can burn in if they hold the same picture too long (think Pac-Man at the mall).
There are the projection ones that really are impressive. I have a friend with the Sony rear projection (not that deep) and it is great.
Other than that, I have an ancient tv at home.
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I got a new T.V. last year. A 30 inch sony flat-screen CRT. It was $900 or so. It weighs 150 lbs. It is a bit of a monster, but it was much cheaper than a plasma or lcd at the time.
If I were you I would take a look at the newer Dell LCD offerings. Unless you want a giant T.V.
I like the sound of this:
http://us.gizmodo.com/gadgets/home-entertainment/never-leave-your-room-dell-37inch-hdtv-131610.php (http://us.gizmodo.com/gadgets/home-entertainment/never-leave-your-room-dell-37inch-hdtv-131610.php)
Personally I think you should get a cheap T.V. and with the rest of the money get a bike that fits you and some lycra that is not vomit coloured.
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Originally posted by Chaz, Lover of all Forum Members:
Originally posted by eros:
A pretty good site for all things HDTV, though it is very geeky.
AVS Forum (http://www.avsforum.com)
Love this site....
What is your budget, brennser? And how big of a screen do you want? [/b]
yeah, been clicking through that site and it seems good
I'm thinking between 37 and 42 inches screeen wise and budget wise I've seen ones at 2k or lower but would be willing to pay up to 3 / 3.5k....
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yeah, it was that gizmodo posting on the Dell LCD that prompted this posting
Originally posted by MTB-Markie:
I got a new T.V. last year. A 30 inch sony flat-screen CRT. It was $900 or so. It weighs 150 lbs. It is a bit of a monster, but it was much cheaper than a plasma or lcd at the time.
If I were you I would take a look at the newer Dell LCD offerings. Unless you want a giant T.V.
I like the sound of this:
http://us.gizmodo.com/gadgets/home-entertainment/never-leave-your-room-dell-37inch-hdtv-131610.php (http://us.gizmodo.com/gadgets/home-entertainment/never-leave-your-room-dell-37inch-hdtv-131610.php)
Personally I think you should get a cheap T.V. and with the rest of the money get a bike that fits you and some lycra that is not vomit coloured.
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Go LCD especially if you are a gamer. The Plasmas can burn in if they hold the same picture too long (think Pac-Man at the mall).
not a gamer but I've heard the burn in issue w/ plasmas (but is that the same as the burn in fears that led everyone to have screensavers when you didn;t really need them?)
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Originally posted by brennser:
Originally posted by Chaz, Lover of all Forum Members:
Originally posted by eros:
A pretty good site for all things HDTV, though it is very geeky.
AVS Forum (http://www.avsforum.com)
Love this site....
What is your budget, brennser? And how big of a screen do you want? [/b]
yeah, been clicking through that site and it seems good
I'm thinking between 37 and 42 inches screeen wise and budget wise I've seen ones at 2k or lower but would be willing to pay up to 3 / 3.5k.... [/b]
Check out a panasonic plasma. Most folks think they are by far the best in terms of bang for the buck. Don't worry about burn in. It was an issue in very early generations of plasma tv's but isn't much of an issue now and can be avoided with some very basic precautions.....you'll find tons of info at avs about this. it's mostly a myth purpetuated by best buy salesmen at this point....
If you already have a surround sound setup consider a commercial panasonic model. You can get a 50" for under 3k, a 42 for around 2k and a 42 ed model for about 1500 bucks.
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so what do people suggest closer to the $600 range? ;)
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The current issue of Consumer Reports has them rated
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I've stopped apologizing for the novels....
The choice between LCD and plasma is a matter of personal taste. Go to the store and sit in front of both and see which one you like more.
LCD is brighter, causing you to lose the darker blacks. Virtually no chance of burn in.
Plasma is a better mix of colors because the color is actually on the screen as opposed to being projected on the screen like LCD. Burn in is almost no longer a problem because of "pixel-orbiting" which has been added to the new TVs, but older models will still burn in if you watch a lot of the same thing with a ticker at the bottom(or the play the same game a lot).
A newer technology that has caught my eye is DLP. DLP is almost as bright as an LCD or a Plasma, but costs significantly less. It also takes up less space then a CRT. It's sort of the mix between CRT and plasma/LCD in that it's not as small as a flat panel, but not as big as a CRT, nor is it as expensive as a LCD or Flat Panel. If you have an old TV or a CRT but don't want to fork out the big bucks for the Flat Panel, DLP might be the way to go, especially if you want to go big like 42 or 50 inches and don't have $2500-$5000 to drop.
As far as built in HD tuner, it's only necessary if you don't use cable or satellite TV. But if that's the case, why are you buying a big screen? Cable card technology is going to be nice, but with a DVR, which everybody will have someday, you're still not going to use your built in tuner.
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Originally posted by p011@rd:
so what do people suggest closer to the $600 range? ;)
If you keep an eye on the sales (buy your TV on a national holiday weekend, or if you can wait, the week after Xmas) and you can get a 30"-34", maybe 36" if you're lucky HD widescreen CRT for around $600.
It's going to weigh a ton, so make sure you have friends to help you load it or pay for them to carry it.
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what about something like this
link #1 (http://www.outlet.philips.com/b2c_redesign/b2c/productdetail.do?productguid=41907ABB9A6F008D00000000828BD4723FFD928F367301B0E1000000828BD4B7&productarea=41907ABB9A6F008D00000000828BD472&scenario=catalog&shop=OUTLET)
or this
link #2 (http://www.outlet.philips.com/b2c_redesign/b2c/productdetail.do?productguid=41907ABB9A6F008D00000000828BD472427D96A19FB6423300000000828BD443&productarea=41907ABB9A6F008D00000000828BD472&scenario=catalog&shop=OUTLET)
(sorry long links make the forum hard to read - kosmo)
<small>[ 10-18-2005, 01:48 PM: Message edited by: kosmo vinyl ]</small>
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Originally posted by p011@rd:
what about something like this
Those are exactly what I was talking about, but note that they weigh over 120 lbs.
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Originally posted by p011@rd:
what about something like this
or this
"This item is FACTORY RENEWED": That means it got a little gunked up when the warehouse went underwater during Katrina, but they got a guy to hose it off for you
<img src="http://www.outlet.philips.com/IMS_DOCS/BANNER/PRODUCTS/PRODUCT_ICON/IMAGES/icon_factoryrenewed.gif" alt=" - " />
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Originally posted by vansmack:
As far as built in HD tuner, it's only necessary if you don't use cable or satellite TV. But if that's the case, why are you buying a big screen? Cable card technology is going to be nice, but with a DVR, which everybody will have someday, you're still not going to use your built in tuner.
Can you explain the difference between built-in tuner and "ready"? Does "ready" essentially mean you have to rent an HD converter from the cable/satellite company, when built-in means you don't?
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Originally posted by bellenseb:
Can you explain the difference between built-in tuner and "ready"? Does "ready" essentially mean you have to rent an HD converter from the cable/satellite company, when built-in means you don't?
The simple answer is yes, you're correct. A built in HD tuner is only good for receiving free over the air (OTA) HD signals.
If you wish to watch cable or Satellite HD signals, you'll need their HD tuner anyway, rendering your built in tuner useless.
Congress passed a law mandating an HD tuner be built in to all HD sets that provide a certain type of signal, but the manufacturers have found a loophole that I don't need to discuss. Some TV's that still meet the requirements have them built in.
That Dell Model, it's actually a bit more than I would pay because it has a built in tuner, and I will always have DirecTV or cable.
Cable card technology is one reason why folks may buy a built in tuner - no set top box necessary. Instead of your cable company forcing you to rent a box, they'll send you a card, like D*Tv uses, that you can insert in to your HDTV with a built in tuner that supports cable cards, making it Digital HD cable ready. But the industry has been waiting for the cable card ready standard for some time.
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i recently bought a 52" samsung dlp, and i love it. it has a very small footprint considering the size. it weighs less than my old 27" tube tv by a good bit. great viewing angles, clear and crisp, and i don't even have the hd cable hooked up yet. hd xbox is amazing. i have literally made myself sick to my stomach playing video games because the graphics are so good.
another benefit of dlp is that you can replace the chip or the lamp if necessary, which is much cheaper than replacing a plasma tv when it blows.
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I really like CNET (http://www.cnet.com/) when i'm starting to research a technology buy ... they do a really good job of reviewing, comparing, and explaining all sorts of techy stuff ... their TV section is pretty solid
I recently bought a Sharp 32" CRT (no flat-screen, no HD, but all the s-video and component connectors) for only $300 ... i couldn't believe how cheap normal TVs are now, kind of like how super-cheap desktops are now
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Originally posted by Chaz, Lover of all Forum Members:
mostly a myth purpetuated by best buy salesmen at this point
I wonder what kind of qualifications it takes to work at Best Buy? Every time I ask one of those blue-shirted buffoons a question, they give me that "Bambi caught in headlights" look. They don't even know what stock they have in their own store.
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Originally posted by Duke Newcomb:
Originally posted by Chaz, Lover of all Forum Members:
mostly a myth purpetuated by best buy salesmen at this point
I wonder what kind of qualifications it takes to work at Best Buy? Every time I ask one of those blue-shirted buffoons a question, they give me that "Bambi caught in headlights" look. They don't even know what stock they have in their own store. [/b]
I'm pretty sure all you need is a pen to fill out the application and you're in. Never, and I repeat never ever ever expect to learn anything about electronics from one of those knobs.
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...Or learn anything about the store and the location of the merchandise. The first thing they must teach them is too say, "This isn't my department. Do you see that guy way over there? That's Bret. He can help you"
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i bought this (http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?ProductSKU=KV30HS420)
yay, i am broke
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Originally posted by p011@rd:
i bought this (http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?ProductSKU=KV30HS420)
I have that exact model.
No complaints other than the fact that it weighs 150lbs.
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Originally posted by thatguy:
i have literally made myself sick to my stomach playing video games because the graphics are so good.
Are you sure that wasn't because I was kicking your ass?
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im so excited because i bought this (http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?ProductSKU=KDFE50A10&Dept=tvvideo&CategoryName=tv_ProjectionTVs_RearProjection_42to51TVs) one for my new condo! wahoo! 50" dont think ill be leaving my place for awhile.
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Originally posted by xneverwherex:
im so excited because i bought this (http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?ProductSKU=KDFE50A10&Dept=tvvideo&CategoryName=tv_ProjectionTVs_RearProjection_42to51TVs) one for my new condo! wahoo! 50" dont think ill be leaving my place for awhile.
Wow. Hockey must be amazing on that screen!
Great choice.
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if anyone is still reading this i am in the b'cast tv biz. if i was you i would get the best normal crt tv available. $300 for a 32" is about right. plasmas and lcds just don't have the res of a crt. plus you can burn an image into them real easy. like the bugs/logosfox box from networks. all the big montitors are retros. video projs aimed at a mirror that projects the image on the screen. i have seen the best hdtv on tv trucks and i have never seen that pix anywhere else. the pix at best buy, cc + myer emco always looks like shit. occaisionally i go in there and i am amazed at how bad it looks. unless you got $ to burn i would wait to see what happens and watch the prices fall.
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Originally posted by ggwâ?˘:
I have that exact model.
No complaints other than the fact that it weighs 150lbs.
so does markie, must be a popular one
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Originally posted by Duke Newcomb:
Originally posted by Chaz, Lover of all Forum Members:
mostly a myth purpetuated by best buy salesmen at this point
I wonder what kind of qualifications it takes to work at Best Buy? Every time I ask one of those blue-shirted buffoons a question, they give me that "Bambi caught in headlights" look. They don't even know what stock they have in their own store. [/b]
I had a friend apply at the Best Buy on Rockville pike when it first opened...she wasn't hired because she was "too educated"....and was told that by the manager at the hiring clinic.
Before you buy your new telly, consider the size of the room it's going in because some of these behemoths are crystal clear.....from a distance and just awful if you're too close to them.
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Originally posted by vansmack:
Are you sure that wasn't because I was kicking your ass?
"here he comes...running down the beach...hey hey it's smackie, and people say he'll smack you around...but he's too busy sniping...to see me sneak up and assasinate him."
ok, so the last part didn't really fit the song, but it was funny to me and keith.
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Originally posted by anarchist:
if anyone is still reading this i am in the b'cast tv biz. if i was you i would get the best normal crt tv available. $300 for a 32" is about right. plasmas and lcds just don't have the res of a crt. plus you can burn an image into them real easy. like the bugs/logosfox box from networks
I've spent 18 months watching channels with logos and tickers on my plasma and no burn in. It's not much of an issue with today's plasma technology under normal usage conditions.
A good crt will always yield the best picture. But if you want a 16:9 screen bigger than 34" or 4:3 screen bigger than 40" than you can't go crt. Not to mention form factor, weight etc.
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Since we are in a/v geek mode...
I was disappointed with Shuttle's HTPC entry M1000 (http://sys.us.shuttle.com/M1000.aspx). The price point was about what was expected, but I was hoping for a bit more than a high end laptop. Shuttle has done a nice job engineering this HTPC, low heat, low power, but lack of HDTV support and SoundBlaster Audio for 2K a bit pricey. Was really hoping for something with a dual core processor... that would have a life other than just being a pricey TIVO.
I am however feeling tingly about the latest Sony HTPC offering... Powerful Desktop with DVD changer a couple minor drawbacks but worth looking into.
<img src="http://www.sonystyle.com/intershoproot/eCS/Store/en/imagesCatalog/computers/img_seriesimage_xl1.jpg" alt=" - " />
Product info (http://products.sel.sony.com/xl1/index.html?DCMP=showcase_vaio&HQS=xl1_sonystyle)
Of course there is always trying to save money and building one form scratch but geez is that going to take some time tracking down a case, motherboard, power supply, cooling, video cards, etc...
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Anyone know how Sony's "Sound Reality" hardware stacks up against M-Audio or Turtle Beach?
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Gizmodo told me:
So Sony is working their way into the media center market, but in Sony fashion they are too good of a company to just have a plain old â??media centerâ? so they are labeling their new device as a â??digital living system.â? Good news for Sony is that this computer is, in fact, not a media center at all. It is way worse and way more expensive. This machine features a Pentium D processor, only 512 MB of memory, a lowly 200 GB hard drive, no RAID, 802.11g WiFi, a GeForce 6200, and a dual-layer DVD burner. For the mediocre specs this machine it has a hefty price tag of $2,300. Donâ??t worry, this machine didnâ??t bring out the full negative Nancy in me. This machine does include a nifty keyboard/touchpad combo, has an integrated DVD changer and doesnâ??t look very PC-esque. So it could nicely blend into any ritzy home theatre setup.
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Originally posted by vansmack:
Originally posted by xneverwherex:
im so excited because i bought this (http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?ProductSKU=KDFE50A10&Dept=tvvideo&CategoryName=tv_ProjectionTVs_RearProjection_42to51TVs) one for my new condo! wahoo! 50" dont think ill be leaving my place for awhile.
Wow. Hockey must be amazing on that screen!
Great choice. [/b]
sadly havent seen a game yet! :) cant wait to see hockey on that big of a screen! might need to get some hockey tv plan or something, because i cant handle watching the caps games. too depressing.
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too bad OLN sucks. hope you ponied up for the center ice package.
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Originally posted by MTB-Markie:
Gizmodo told me:
So Sony is working their way into the media center market, but in Sony fashion they are too good of a company to just have a plain old â??media centerâ? so they are labeling their new device as a â??digital living system.â? Good news for Sony is that this computer is, in fact, not a media center at all. It is way worse and way more expensive. This machine features a Pentium D processor, only 512 MB of memory, a lowly 200 GB hard drive, no RAID, 802.11g WiFi, a GeForce 6200, and a dual-layer DVD burner. For the mediocre specs this machine it has a hefty price tag of $2,300. Donâ??t worry, this machine didnâ??t bring out the full negative Nancy in me. This machine does include a nifty keyboard/touchpad combo, has an integrated DVD changer and doesnâ??t look very PC-esque. So it could nicely blend into any ritzy home theatre setup.
well i did wonder about the price of it and gizmodo sowed a new seed of doubt. would also need a new tv to work with it. the problem is i would like a media center pc now, been thinking about it for a least a year... but it always seems the right technology is just around the corner or the price is a bit dear. grumble grumble grumble
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Originally posted by thatguy:
"here he comes...running down the beach...hey hey it's smackie, and people say he'll smack you around...but he's too busy sniping...to see me sneak up and assasinate him."
ok, so the last part didn't really fit the song, but it was funny to me and keith.
I would have ended your cute little song with "...to see me beat him down."
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Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
too bad OLN sucks. hope you ponied up for the center ice package.
oln looks like footage of pierre larouche instead of sidney crosby
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Check out a panasonic plasma. Most folks think they are by far the best in terms of bang for the buck.
thanks chaz - this one looks promising
http://reviews.cnet.com/Panasonic_TH_42PHD7UY/4505-6482_7-31227415.html?tag=sub (http://reviews.cnet.com/Panasonic_TH_42PHD7UY/4505-6482_7-31227415.html?tag=sub)
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Originally posted by brennser:
Check out a panasonic plasma. Most folks think they are by far the best in terms of bang for the buck.
thanks chaz - this one looks promising
http://reviews.cnet.com/Panasonic_TH_42PHD7UY/4505-6482_7-31227415.html?tag=sub (http://reviews.cnet.com/Panasonic_TH_42PHD7UY/4505-6482_7-31227415.html?tag=sub) [/b]
That's a great set. I just tried to pm you but your box was full. Can't go wrong with a panasonic commercial display if you've already got a surround sound setup and a cable box.
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Originally posted by vansmack:
I would have ended your cute little song with "...to see me beat him down."
i realized this later, but i was too busy beating you down to focus on my lyrical skills.
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Originally posted by Chaz, Lover of all Forum Members:
Originally posted by brennser:
Check out a panasonic plasma. Most folks think they are by far the best in terms of bang for the buck.
thanks chaz - this one looks promising
http://reviews.cnet.com/Panasonic_TH_42PHD7UY/4505-6482_7-31227415.html?tag=sub (http://reviews.cnet.com/Panasonic_TH_42PHD7UY/4505-6482_7-31227415.html?tag=sub) [/b]
That's a great set. I just tried to pm you but your box was full. Can't go wrong with a panasonic commercial display if you've already got a surround sound setup and a cable box. [/b]
thanks chaz
I cleared out my PMs - I do have a cable box but no surround sound - any thoughts?
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I'd highly recommend this system (http://www.shoponkyo.com/detail.cfm?productid=HT-S780&modelid=66&group_id=1&detail=1&ext_war=1) ... I have last year's 6.1 version (bought it refurbished 'natch) and the sound is amazing... plus Onkyo has an offer right now where they'll give you a free DVD player when you order it, not to mention free shipping, and another $10 off the entire total when you register (which is free)... basically, you get a 7.1 system and a DVD player for a grand total of $440, not too shabby
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Originally posted by anarchist:
if anyone is still reading this i am in the b'cast tv biz. if i was you i would get the best normal crt tv available. $300 for a 32" is about right. plasmas and lcds just don't have the res of a crt. plus you can burn an image into them real easy. like the bugs/logosfox box from networks. all the big montitors are retros. video projs aimed at a mirror that projects the image on the screen. i have seen the best hdtv on tv trucks and i have never seen that pix anywhere else. the pix at best buy, cc + myer emco always looks like shit. occaisionally i go in there and i am amazed at how bad it looks. unless you got $ to burn i would wait to see what happens and watch the prices fall.
based on the research I'm doing the burn in problem seems to be avoidable
and prices are falling - you can get a 42 inch plasma for about half what it costs 2 or 3 years ago
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Originally posted by thatguy:
i realized this later, but i was too busy beating you down to focus on my lyrical skills.
Bitch, you're lucky I'm 3000 miles away, otherwise I'd run over there right now, find you, be reminded of how big you are and turn around and run back to where ever I started from.
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Originally posted by vansmack:
Bitch, you're lucky I'm 3000 miles away, otherwise I'd run over there right now, find you, be reminded of how big you are and turn around and run back to where ever I started from.
i'm much smaller now. c'mon over.
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Originally posted by thatguy:
i'm much smaller now. c'mon over.
Unless you're talking the 6'1, 140 lbs. kind of smaller, this still isn't going to be a very fair fight.
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Originally posted by vansmack:
Unless you're talking the 6'1, 140 lbs. kind of smaller, this still isn't going to be a very fair fight.
did i say smaller? i meant bigger. and meaner. c'mon over.
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Originally posted by thatguy:
did i say smaller? i meant bigger. and meaner. c'mon over.
Alright. It's on like Donkey Kong. But I'm warning you, I'm wiry for little guy!