Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

What is the PERFECT TV? Look at my wish list and help me!!!

Sep 16, 2005 2:14AM PDT

This is the "ideal" TV i am looking for:
50-55" LCD Rear Projection TV with:
HD Tuner
Cable Card
HDMI inputs(1 or 2 preferably)
Optical audio out
NO VISIBLE SPEAKERS (that is why i spent $$ on the surround system)
ALL black border (maybe 1 1/2" to 2" black border)
The more glossy black the better as the dull black
doesn't give it the appearance of a movie...

I am an amateur "videophile" so:
The Sony E50A10 is close but the 'E' in that model stands for "ENTRY LEVEL" and i would like something a little more advanced...

Any suggestions? i have been lookin at every TV i can, but still can't the PERFECT TV for me....

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Question...
Sep 16, 2005 2:34AM PDT

does your local cable company use cable card technology ?

Also, from what I understand, the cable card tech does not allow for purchasing pay-per-view. Consequently if you use this service you will end up needing a cable box anyway. Don't limit your choices with a requirement you may not be able to use.

grim

- Collapse -
thanx...
Sep 16, 2005 5:07AM PDT

i hear ya, thanx for the quick response. well i am goin with comcast digital cable with DVR box... so a cable card isnt a super must have... but any ideas on a TV? not sure on the E50A10....?

- Collapse -
Do you rhomework
Sep 16, 2005 6:09AM PDT

Your best weapon is to be diligent on research before you buy. Don't impulse buy. I've learned an expensive lesson: Go look, but don't buy. Do plenty of research on various "applicable" TV models. Beside the obvious review websites, also try www.hometheaterspot.com. There are many "pros" there. Click on the "Manufacturers Spot" tab and do research under the brand names as well as subject. Like here on CNET, you can post your inquiries and get valuable feedback. One thing I discovered: Many TVs have terrible stretch modes to get 4:3 standard cable signals stretched to 16:9. If you plan on viewing a decent amount of regular 4:3 TV, demo the stretch modes. My sister-in-law has a Sony, and although I like the TV, I go nuts trying to watch standard cable broadcasts because of it's stretch mode. You are about to spend a large chunk of money. Make it pay off and do research.

- Collapse -
100% Right About The Sony Strech Modes....
Sep 16, 2005 9:59AM PDT

...They stink. But honestly, I've seen many TV's and, to my (admittedly purist) eyes they all stink. I've resigned myself to watching the accursed 4:3 in it's native horrible resolution and aspect ratio. My only hope is that, with the advent of more and more true HD 16:9 programming, 4:3 will go the way of the dinosaur soon.
BTW, the Sony I own is the KDE-42XS955. Great looking plasma. The HD picture is awesome. great TV.

- Collapse -
thanx....
Sep 19, 2005 6:10AM PDT

thank you so much! you are right about rhomework... i have done so much of that, i am just ready to go get one, but that isn't the way to do it. that is what the TV manufacturers want us to do! but i will check out that other website you suggested! thanx for the advice! yeah i have seen the 4:3 to 16:9 STTTTREEEETTTCCCCHHHH and it does suck! But i was also seeing the "screen door" affect on the E50A10 (only at Best buy because of the bright lights) so i hope i don't notice it on all LCD TV's. Now i am wondering if DLP would be better, i want to see if i notice the rainbow effect as well....?

- Collapse -
You want black, and a great set....
Sep 16, 2005 11:03AM PDT

Pioneer elite, plasma.
Panasonic has a couple of new sets, that have a shiny black frame, plasma also.

- Collapse -
Perfect TV
Sep 20, 2005 5:34AM PDT

As there's probably no such thing a the "Perfect TV" the Pioneer Elite 1120HD may come close.
It has everything on your wish list except maybe the price. It's a bit high. Everything about it is top notch.
That said, I've had mine for 8 months with no issues.