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The Complex World Of HD TV And Ensuing Confusion

Started by webomatica · 10 months ago

Regular readers might know I'm up on technology in some regards but hopelessly behind in others. Well, one area where I've been in the dark for the past few years is HD television (flat panels, plasma - whatever it's called this week). We still have an old 19 inch AIWA tube TV, with ... Continue reading »

4 comments

  • MG Siegler

    2 years ago

    I'm in the same boat as you - but leaning the opposite way. I think I'm going to get a huge television - only because i'm obsessed with movies and want the most theater-like experience in my living room.

    I too have been worried about things like DVD upgrades and ripped DVD quality on the new HD set, but the new Handbrake seems to run a lot faster (at least for me) with ripping to h.264 so that significantly cuts quality video sizes. For DVD I'll probably need to get an upconvert DVD player - I heard they work really well.

    Also for your HDMI vs Component debate- if available always go with HDMI. Everything is there in one cable, full 1080p hi-def video and audio. Component I believe can go to 1080 (not sure if p or i) but I've yet to see anyone using it for that.
    reply
  • webomatica

    2 years ago

    Yeah I can really see the geek aspect of it being appealing. Just the more I think about it, I'm a little intimidated to go there at present!

    Good tip about the DVD ripping in the new version of handbrake. I should try that out and see what stuff looks like in H.264.
    reply
  • engtech

    2 years ago

    I got a 56" 1080p Samsung HD over the xmas holidays. Came with an upconverting DVD player.

    The biggest consideration for size is your viewing distances when seated. I should have gone for max 48" because of the size of that room.

    I rip DVDs with DVD Decrypter + DVD Shrink (old school) and they all look fine (I usually got for ripping out all of the extras + non-english audio tracks to have minimum impact on video quality).

    Watching XViD is a little wonky when it comes to action sequences.

    Normal analog cable signals are unwatchable because of noise and distortion.
    reply
  • webomatica

    2 years ago

    Good tips, eng. I'm now considering a Samsung 32" TV that's a thousand bucks at Costco. It never ends.

    The room we're thinking of using is obviously set up for the tiny 19" television, so the seats are pretty close. If we stick a bigger TV in the living room it may work better, but that would entail rearranging the surround sound setup (ugh).

    Maybe this first HD tv we get will be the "second tv" and someday when the HD DVD format thing is worked out (and all the equiptment that entails) gets cheaper, I'll take the plunge.
    reply

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