So I plan on buying a new tv tomorrow (Black Friday).

Problem #1: It seems that all tv's are now widescreen.
Now I have no problem with widescreen, except for the fact that I fear that I will feel like I will be watching tv on a 12 inch ruler. It seems that there is no height to these screens at all. Average is like 20"-22" high. Is this something that you get used to pretty quickly? Does anyone know of any models that have a "taller than average" screen, or for example, are all 32" (diagonal) tv's the same height?

Problem #2: Built In HDTV Tuner or BUST?
I was looking at a Emerson 32" HDTV that wal*mart will have for $388.00.
However, in the description, it noted something like "You must have a source of HD programming to take advantage of HDTV".
This tells me that I have to upgrade my directv box, possibly my satellite dish and maybe even my channel package. That dont seem very cool!:angryblue:

Now on the other hand, Sams Club has a Magnavox 32" for $448.00 that says "Integrated HDTV Tuner
A built-in digital tuner receives and decodes ATSC off-air and unscrambled cable signals directly, so you can view digital high-definition TV programming without an additional set-up box"
This tells me that I would NOT have to upgrade my box, dish, and channel package.
Am I correct about all of this? If so, then common sense says that spending an extra $50.00 for the magnavox is definatley the better deal!

Misc. Questions:
*Would a 37" widescreen have a taller screen that a 32"?

*Are HDMI Cables the equivilent of the "old skool" red-yellow-white cables for hooking up things, or are HDMI cables something totally different.

*Are HDMI cables really necessary/better to get the best possible image?

*Is there any brand of tv I should stay clear of, or are they pretty much "all built the same" such as the old timers say.

*Why am I so confused about what to buy?!?!??!?:cry:

Thanks in advance for the info. MUCH appreciated for this technology class flunky!:thumbsup:

 

I bought a 42 inch Toshiba from best buy. I forget the price. I think it was about 600. I am very pleased with it, the hd works great out of the box, it has several picture options such as wide screen and theater view, the hd cables seem to give a little better picture, I bought hd cables for the ps 2 and hooked it up and it makes a huge difference on games, all in all, I would highly recommend this tv.
the only complaint I have is that you cant have the sound and the captions on at the same time, the captions turn the sound off. other than that, it's the best tv I have ever had.

 

a side note. when it says you must have a source of hdtv, that just means your service must provide it. like in my case. my cable company provides several hd channels at no extra charge and the several more at a premium. cops in hd is really cool.
I have several friends who are tv techs for Sears and they all say the new rca, magnavox and emersons are junk, they all agree the best brands are samsung, tosihba, sharp and sony. (in that order)

 

A few months ago me and the wife bought a Sony Bravia 32 inch LCD widescreen, great tv, it doesnt glare at all, the Bravia is one of the best LCD's on the market, we have the new dvd player that upconverts DVD's to 1080 pixel with HDMI cables, HDMI is good because all you need is One cable, Audio and Video go through the same cord, so you dont have to mess with the Yellow/Red/White RCA cords...the TV has i think 8 imput/output hookups. We paid less than 600 bucks for it, it beat the hell out of my old ass 19" tube tv..haha....best of luck on finding a new tv.

 

Fredog, the question I still have is...(I'll explain this the best I can)

For example, when I'm watching Ice Road Truckers, it says "Available in HD" at the begining of the show as the previews are rolling..

SO, does that mean it IS available in HD, BUT I do need to upgrade to the HD reciever box (for directv),
ORRRRR
Can I just turn the tv on, and it will automatically show in HD simply because it's an HDTV with a built in HD tuner?

 

If your provider broadcasts it in hd, then you will get it in hd without any converters, for instance, with my cable, if it is broadcast in hd. then I get it in hd, I didnt have to buy anything. some of my programs are in regular on one channel and in hd at the same time on another channel, I can watch whichever I want. look through your channel quide and whatever shows are in hd, you should be able to watch in hd.
Hugh is even fatter and uglier in hd.:lol:

 

Ok Fredog, I think I'm finally getting it...Maybe...But still wondering..

Take a look at http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global...=3460024&tab=1
If you dont mind.. This is the package I got. There are numerous that say "Available in HD"
SO, it must mean it's broadcast in hd...
But, then why do they sell the HD converter boxes for $99.99 if I dont need one? Who needs them/what do you need it for??

UPDATE::::::
I guess this would answer the question....I think...Aghhh...This blows if I have to buy a $100 box plus pay $10/month extra just to see things in HD
http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global...ssetId=3420012

 

I guess you need to call direct and ask I just have cable and a dvr and I get hd fine.
anything that says available in hd, I can watch in hd.
I think the box is for people who have older tvs without hd tuners.

 

I forgot about glare. that's another great benefit, you can a have light shining right on it and you wont get a glare or reflection at all.

 

Yes you need a HD reciever from direct tv to view programing in HD. Yes it is an extra $10 a month,but it will be the best $10 you ever spent. I have a 65" Mitshibushi and there is nothing like HD sports.

You will not notice the screen after the first day or so,and yes use HDMI cables as they are the easiest to hookup and provide the best picture,if you're gonna pay for it you want the best picture available.