Re: New TV time, I'm so confused!
Thanks for all the replys so far guys! I think I'll be going with an LCD or LED/LCD type. The Vizio's do look like a good product and good pricing, but they are only available at a coule of places up here in Kanuckistan and they don't seem to carry the entire range of models. They are definitely near the top of the list so far though.
Another question is what should I be looking for in terms of inputs? How many, what type etc.? Right now we have standard cable tv (coaxial cable), a regular DVD player, a Wii, and a surround sound speaker set. In the near future I want to get HD cable channels and a blu-ray dvd player (maybe a PS3?). What about using it with the computer? Are there special inputs needed for this? (I'm not much of a techie when it comes to computer stuff.)
Thanks again!
The majority of the mid-range, and all of the upper range Tvs have the connectors you need. There are the odd models offering less, but the standard today is 4 HDMI connectors, an RGB video connector for computer usage, component connectors and coax connectors. There are additional connectors (USB and such) you may want, as well.
You may have to buy an HDMI cable, or may not. Some add-ons (such as blu-ray players and PS3's or Xboxes) come with them, some don't. You don't need to pay more than $19 for an HDMI cable, either. You can even find some for less than that. Most satellite or cable companies will supply you one per tuner box you receive from them.
Check online through Wal-Mart, Sam's Club or BJ's for a TV you like. You can order online and have it shipped free to your closest store or Club.
Setup on the TV is pretty simple, as well. You don't need to pay anyone $300+ to set it up for you. Just read the manual's setup instructions and troubleshooting guide. Set the rest of the manual aside until you need it for something specific. My Vizio had a 76 page manual. I'll never touch most of it.
If you go dish on your house the installer will setup and adjust your set for you. Cable company ... maybe. I f you use a cable company (like Comcast) you might see small white lines or blinking dots across the top of the TV. That's line noise created by your Cable company - and it's a typical problem because the cable company is upconverting a digital signal, as opposed to giving you true HD. Go into your advanced settings and adjust your Vertical up to get rid of it.
Be careful buying a blu-ray player. I loved the Samsung, but they require frequent firmware updates, and the Samsung servers can sometimes download corrupt files. That ruins the blu-ray player, and has at least a 3 week turn-around when sent out for repair. Panasonic has a very nice player, but Sony created blu-ray and is still the best. I just don't care for their User menu. Either of these can be had for less than $200. But, as fisherdan said, an upconverting DVD player is also a viable option - just make certain you use an HDMI cable with it. You will only get HD with the HDMI cable.
