Look for the spec's on resolution. For 1080p you want @ least 1920x1080.
My 24" monitor is 1920x1200 so it will show my HD-DVD movies in all
their high-def glory. But beware of 1080i because of its 1366x768
resolution which of course is much cheaper. A 32" 1080p HDTV will set
you back $1000. Happy Holidays!
James Maki wrote:
I have not yet made the leap to HDTV, but Christmas ads have me thinking. I
am trying to get a quick primer on HDTV technology, but seem to get
sometimes conflicting information.
First observation is there seem to be few true 1080p HDTVs in the 32" range.
My current setup has the tv placement about 6-8 feet from the observers. 32"
seems about the correct size for this viewing distance.
I am currently looking at replacing a 27" CRT television in the family room
that is attached to my computer via S-Video for watching TV (SageTV based
HTPC). My work computer has a 19" 4x3 LCD monitor and I have noticed that
television often looks better with the 27" television than on the 19" LCD.
Reading some of the forums, many people complain about the quality of
regular SD broadcasts on their HDTV sets. So my first question is whether I
would be disappointed purchasing an HDTV to use for SD output from SageTV
and Xvid file?
Next question is the relative merits of 1080p vs. 720p. It would seem that
to have any hope of readable screens, 1080p would be necessary. Why is that
most HDTVs do not have DVI inputs? DRM issues? Many people in the forums
also complain about problems driving an HDTV thru the HDMI ports using a
computer. Valid problem? My video cards seem to the correct aspect ratios
for 16x9 screens, 1920 x 1080 and 1360x768 (for 720p). Most of the HDTVs I
have investigated have a VGA (analog) input, but no DVI.
Lastly, would I be disappointed in the quality of the display of an HDTV for
computer output? It would not be my primary viewing platform, but would be
nice if it could be used by my wife or daughter when I am busy on my main
system.
Lastly, budgetary constraints would keep the total outlay in the $1000
range. Am I hoping for the impossible?
Thanks for the input. Other suggestions most welcome.
Jim Maki
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
