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General discussion

Buying an HDTV with no HD service (please help)?

Aug 2, 2005 10:54PM PDT

I now subsbribe to Dish Networks for Satellite service, but am not getting the HD service. I plan to get just the basic digital satellite service a while (cost). But I am thinking of purchasing a 42" plasma TV and am not sure whether to get an EDTV or HDTV plasma.

I've heard that HDTV's display non-HD signals worse than an EDTV receiving that same signal. Is this true? On the flip-side, can an EDTV display any kind of HD signal?

I plan to use my plasma mainly for regular channel viewing and DVDs (probably no gaming). If I don't plan to get HD service, is there a point to getting an HDTV Plasma versus and EDTV plasma, considering that EDTVs are much cheaper than the HDTV)?

Please Help... thanks in advance
-Tony

Discussion is locked

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Stick With ED
Aug 3, 2005 12:37AM PDT

From what you say, I'd say the answer is "No" you don't need to get HD. The ED sets will down convert anything broadcast in HD though you will never see it in HD of course. Save the money and go for the ED. Just be sure you're not going to change your mind about subscribing to HD though. Then, you might wish you had gone for the HD set.

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WHY E.D.T.V?
Aug 5, 2005 6:17AM PDT

Mabey if you have a tiny T.V the 720 vs 1080 the picture may look the same I only know that when Iam watching my SONY 65" hi-def with the dish 811 hi-def satellite and the program switches to comerciles, they are sometimes shown in 480 or 720 and then the program switches to 1080 there is a world of difference between 720 and 1080 + a true hi-def t.v. only cost a few bucks more good luck and please reply mabey Iam all wet stewart norrie or cadillacstew@aol.com

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Buying an HDTV with no HD service
Aug 3, 2005 3:19AM PDT

Just some thoughts and questions.
Many HDTVs will up convert NTSC analog and ED(DVDs) to HDTV to make it look good.
A good tv will last 10 years or more. So get one that will meet your needs for that time period.
Who knows, in a couple of years you may want to get Dish HD.
Do you live by a big city that is broadcasting HDTV??
OTA HD is very good. Keep in mind that NTSC analog tv will stop someday and it will ONLY be HDTV.
EDTVs are on the wayout so they will cost less.

"I've heard that HDTV's display non-HD signals worse than an EDTV receiving that same signal. Is this true?"
Ansewed above!

" On the flip-side, can an EDTV display any kind of HD signal?" EDTV is 720x480 this is the max it can display. To display DHTV it will have to down convert the picture.
As for me when my 32" TV goes I will get a HDTV and Dish HD. John

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Maybe...
Aug 3, 2005 3:32AM PDT

What Psych says is true. But think about this, in a couple of years just about all broadcasts will be HD, it's federally mandated. Will that change your mind? Who knows? Here's some things to think about though.

In most comparison tests non-pro's couldn't differentiate between HD and ED on a TV under 38''. But on a 42'' it can become noticeable.

Will you want to fork out another few grand in 2009 for an upgraded TV because you want the HD capability? Maybe not.

You sound like your biggest concern is budget so I'm guessing that maybe for you ED is the way to go. If budget were of little concern, get the HD and a good quality scaler which will last you until all your viewing is HD. (Scalers can make even low resolution pics look incredible but run $1-2K.)

One last paraphrase to think about:
The satisfaction of having quality remains long after the thrill of a cheap deal has gone.

Terry
Owner
Beyond Home Theater
www.beyondhometheater.com

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Resolution matters (if your close to your tv)
Aug 3, 2005 4:46PM PDT

Ultimately, I have found after looking at tons of 42" plasma monitors it comes down to distance from your monitor. If you plan on sitting 9 feet away or more and are thinking of a 42" monitor, the best EDTV is as good as the best HDTV. As in all things projected, printed, etc., resolution and detail can get rougher (bigger dots, less dpi, etc) the farther away you get from what you are viewing. Of course, it's important to match the resolution of the input for the optimal image, but the best tvs convert (up or down) very well so this isn't that noticeable. From what I understand, DVD's are mostly native to the EDTV's resolutions, so no up or down converting.

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Resolution matters
Aug 3, 2005 4:58PM PDT

Good point Doug!

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Thanks again for the insight... anymore thoughts?
Aug 3, 2005 10:56PM PDT

All,

Thanks again for the insight... thoughts from anyone else? you all make this site awesome... I'm ipressed by the response time.

Thanks again and in advance,
-Tony

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Why buy a beautiful hi-def set and not enjoy it ?
Aug 5, 2005 6:04AM PDT

I have the DISH NETWORK 811 system with a d.v.i. cable to my Sony hi.def. t.v. and Iam in hi-def heven I have basic+the hi-def package+VOOM for $45.00 per month Also with a cheap outside antenna I receive 18 local digital channels 9 of which are in stunning hi-def and DO-NOT BUY A E.d.t.v. FOR A FEW BUCKS MORE YOU CAN BUY A TRUE HI-DEF T.V. good luck stewart norrie or cadillacstew@aol.com