HD TVs. Nirvana in the living room.

I don't think tv's come in any larger than 40 inch with tubes. That's why they are projection televisions. The next step up is HD, somebody correct me if I'm wrong.

That's not necessarily true.

First of all, most of the "flat-screen" table-top sets over 40" (LCD, plasma, etc.) are generally NOT HDTV by themselves -- they just have HDTV-compatibility, meaning you'll still need the decoder. So the sets themselves are not "HDTV."

Also, it's possible for a TV like that to not be HDTV-compatible but *SDTV*-compatible which would make it DTV compatible for a signal of 720i (maybe 720p?) which, while certainly better than standard TV, is not quite up the the HDTV level.

 

I can't be the only one confused right now.

 

dp4m is right, and don't worry about being confused. TV is really at a crossroads where there is not one specific connection that has emereged the victor to set as a standard. Then on top of that you've got dpi differences, differences in HDTV, digital broadcast starting in 3-4 years which technology could change things. The best bet you've got is to get the works, and hope they don't totally pull the floor out from under you. My 53" has 2 S Video and 3 component and is fully HDTV ready with 1068dpi (I believe it's 1068). (then there's the DVD format controversy, but I think they can shove it on this one)

Whatever you do, do not buy an old school projection TV. They're super cheap right now, but they won't last for the money you spend.

As for Video Game burn, that applies only to pausing for extended periods of time like a computer screen. It applies to DVD's as well. If you pause for more than 10 minutes, turn off the TV as well. Simple and no more worries about "can I use my PS2 on my Bigscreen"

 

I am confused too. I'm ready to really invest in a nice tv, but I'm not much of an electronics expert. I just assume ask you guys questions rather than the boneheaded sales people who tell you what you want to hear in hopes that you'll buy something.

The one I'm looking at says it's HDTV-compatible. I'm guessing this means I need a receiver?? Is all cable programming (granted that you have digital cable) in HDTV, or only certain programs?? How would it be for movies??

Also, what about component video vs S-cables?? I know I would need one from DVD to TV...but what about in between other peripherals???

 

All the televisions I've looked at lately say that they are "HDTV Monitor", which means you need to have the HDTV reciever to make the broadcast truely high definition. Though if I end up spending a couple thousand on a good tv, I guess another $100 isn't that bad.

Only certain broadcasts at the moment are in HDTV and some are even in widescreen. I think most primetime network television, and major sporting events should all be broadcast in HD.

I believe component video is the best source right now, followed by S-video, then audio/video compenents. I think there is an optical/digital video transfer as well that may be the cat's meow as far as video transfer goes, but I don't know how widely used it is.

 

Ah...that's soo cool...well I'm happy with my 19 inch monitor...It's the best I can afford while in highschool...
[image=http://www.viewsonic.com/images/IMG_vx900_med.jpg]
Viewsonic Vx900
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WS, I use S-video cables on our dvd player and it's much better. I'd rather use them than any other coaxial or RCA cables.