Should I buy a new TV that doesn't have an HDMI port?

November 4, 2004 1:18 PM

I'm looking at a new TVs, but the one I'm looking at now (here) doesn't have an HDMl port -- should this be a deal breaker?

Alternative question -- anybody have experience with this particular TV?

posted by o2b to Shopping (12 answers total)

Response by poster: I should note, for those who don't follow the link, that it's a high rez LCD TV, not a standard CRT.
posted by o2b at 1:22 PM on November 4, 2004

Although having the best possible digital interface like HDMI would help, I'm not sure if it's a deal breaker. It doesn't have DVI either, which sucks too.

Then again, I've only seen LCD TVs in stores for a few minutes, but I just don't see the great "like looking through a window!" resolution that HDTV promises. Everything always looks pixelated to me. Is it just me?
posted by mathowie at 2:28 PM on November 4, 2004

That TV is 1280x720 - meaning it's not the max 1920x1080 HDTV resolution. It does have analog component inputs, and any sort of HTDV tuner/player device in the near future will have component outputs -- there's been too much "HDTV Ready" equipment sold in the past 5 or so years that only has component inputs. Component's probably good enough for a monitor of that size and resolution. Anyone with better HDTV experience is free to correct me.
posted by zsazsa at 2:29 PM on November 4, 2004

Response by poster: mathowie: It has "Video - 29 pin DVI". Is this not the standard DVI? I'm a user of technology, but I really know very little about the nuts and bolts.

I'm looking at LCD for the spcae factor (I'd like to be able to hang it over my non-functioning fireplace), but I'm also (at the urging of a video-phile friend) considering front projection.
posted by o2b at 2:44 PM on November 4, 2004

Oh, I didn't see the mention of the DVI on the spec sheet. I think you're right, it does have it.
posted by mathowie at 3:24 PM on November 4, 2004

Check to see if the DVI input has HDCP (copy protection). If it doesn't, then some devices that do DVI-output won't send video to it and you'll be stuck with component.
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 4:03 PM on November 4, 2004

mathowie, I too have been thoroughly unimpressed with the pixelated and globby look of floor model LCD and plasma TV's at Fryes, Best Buy, et. al. I always assumed it was a consequence of their in-store video splitter network, which somehow feeds the same signal to hundreds of TV's. Not having seen HDTV in a home environment, however, I can't be sure.
posted by tomharpel at 4:24 PM on November 4, 2004

Tom, I have seen really clear HDTV on a plasma before, but never an LCD. If you're anywhere near SF, try out the Sony Store in the Metreon which has little simulated home environments with amazing looking TVs. I've never seen a LCD on display there though.
posted by mathowie at 4:49 PM on November 4, 2004

Then again, I've only seen LCD TVs in stores for a few minutes, but I just don't see the great "like looking through a window!" resolution that HDTV promises. Everything always looks pixelated to me. Is it just me?

The lack of little black horizontal lines in the image is a massive step up for lil' ol' CRT me.

Isn't LCD supposed to be brighter and higher density & contrast than plasma? LCD sure costs more, and I've seen some bad press for plasma - like "wait 5 years" bad.
posted by scarabic at 5:42 PM on November 4, 2004

Yeah, plasma has burn-in issues, that LCD isn't supposed to have, but seriously, every LCD demo I've seen looks like ass. Like I'm watching a streaming movie full screen on a PC, scaled up and showing off all the pixellation.
posted by mathowie at 6:15 PM on November 4, 2004

I think the problem with the displays in some electronic stores (department stores are the worst) is that a lot of them use a shitty VCR or TV signal split 20 ways for input. If the input is bad, the output won't be any better.

I've noticed the same thing, walking up to fancy LCDs in stores looking to be amazed at the high resolution, and being really disapointed. You'd think that store managers would want to showcase their products better.
posted by mrgavins at 7:59 PM on November 4, 2004

Response by poster: UPDATE:

I went out to actually look at some LCDs, and I too was disappointed by the quality. I was also disappointed by the screen size my money bought me.

So, I just pulled the trigger on a projector. This model got every good reviews, and the price can't be beat. If anyone is interested in how it ends up going, drop me a line.
posted by o2b at 11:36 AM on November 11, 2004