View Full Version : LCD picture quality
browndk26
09-04-2006, 04:08 PM
We are looking into buying a new TV. Thinking about LCD but are concerned about the incoming source. We have cable and can get HDTV but most of the channels we watch are only available in analog. The kids do some gaming(Gamecube and PS2). Will an analog signal look good on an LCD TV? Would a HD capable tube TV be better with for now?
Have a look at the HDTV FAQ "Why does my HDTV have poor SD PQ". It's usually the source, not the TV that is the issue.
damondlt
09-04-2006, 05:08 PM
My brother had basic cable when he first got his 40 inch LCD. 3 Days later he got Directv.He had a 27 inch tube tv,on which analog cable was fine.but he said with the new tv it was BAD.He was going to just upgrade to digital ,but he couldn't see spending the money for the upgrade when he was going to still have 69 channels that are analog.Maybe not the case for you ,but it was for him! Good luck!
browndk26
09-04-2006, 08:32 PM
I read the FAQ. So basically I buy an LCD TV, experiment with connections and adjustments and hope I can get a decent picture out of analog cable? If I cannot, I have an expensive TV with a less than ideal picture?
Ratman
09-04-2006, 11:08 PM
You buy an HDTV for HD quality with digital programming.
Other's experience's is that some suffer a 'degradation' of analog prorgramming.
Rob Peter to pay Paul.
If you go the extra mile, your analog (SD) programs can look fine.
Or... don't make the 'jump' to an HDTV.
In my experience, analog cable looks just dandy on my HDTV.
skylolow
09-04-2006, 11:10 PM
I read the FAQ. So basically I buy an LCD TV, experiment with connections and adjustments and hope I can get a decent picture out of analog cable? If I cannot, I have an expensive TV with a less than ideal picture?
You'll find the picture quality is good for most people with analog cable. Just like many people still think the quality of VHS is fine. Its all in the eye of the beholder.
In all honesty if your truely going to be using analog cable look at CRT's. Otherwise I say upgrade to digital cable or better yet Direct TV or Dishnetwork. Both satellite services offer there basic package for only like $20 or so. Once you upgrade go nuts on your TV.
JU1CYFRU1T
09-05-2006, 05:14 PM
You'll find the picture quality is good for most people with analog cable. Just like many people still think the quality of VHS is fine. Its all in the eye of the beholder.
I think another problem is that a lot of people are astonished at how good HD can look, so when they watch Survivor in HD, and then change the channel, the SD looks grainy. I'm not saying this is always the case, but the first time I watched a 'real HD' program (a show that was filmed in HD, and not upconverted), I was bummed out at how SD looked.
Most modern sets, when set up properly, will look just fine with SD. It's when you get used to HD, that the PQ becomes a problem.
JU1CYFRU1T
...so when they watch Survivor in HD, and then change the channel, the SD looks grainy.
I don't watch this programme, however, I didn't think Survivor was HD. Were you thinking perhaps of Lost?
JU1CYFRU1T
09-05-2006, 05:33 PM
I don't watch this programme, however, I didn't think Survivor was HD. Were you thinking perhaps of Lost?
No, I was actually thinking of CSI, but appearantly my brain and hands are one different planets. Even the first time I read your post, 57U, I was thinking, "what are you talking about... it's in HD", then I re-read the show name. Sorry.
browndk26
09-05-2006, 09:17 PM
Thanks for the responses. I think we will just take the plunge and get the LCD tv.
damondlt
09-06-2006, 07:20 PM
I would! You've nothing to lose!! :rockon:
kevinw
09-06-2006, 07:34 PM
Why not DLP? I know I am biased becuase I have DLP, but I was torn between LCD and DLP at first. I really liked my neighbors Sony XRD but compared to DLP it was missing something. Yes my anaolog has never been better. I was worried becuase my big box CRT Toshiba always looked pretty good.
browndk26
09-06-2006, 09:15 PM
Kevinw,
We are looking at LCD for the size. Probably going to get a 32 inch. The room it will be in is about 10 feet deep.
http://www.westinghousedigital.com/pc-14-2-32-lcd-hdtv.aspx
kevinw
09-07-2006, 06:53 AM
Is 10 feet the distance from ssreen to your chair? Is size because of cabinet dimensions? Cut yourself a piece of cardboard as a template and place it where you want it. 32 seems a little small for 10 feet.
Kevinw,
We are looking at LCD for the size. Probably going to get a 32 inch. The room it will be in is about 10 feet deep.
http://www.westinghousedigital.com/pc-14-2-32-lcd-hdtv.aspx
Have a look at the HDTV FAQ "How Large an HDTV to buy". It reinforces kevinw's comments regarding size, but it depends on where you're sitting more than room size.
browndk26
09-07-2006, 06:45 PM
We will be sitting between 6 and 8 feet from the TV. Cost is also a factor. Looking at $800 for a 32 inch and $1200 for a 37 inch.
kevinw
09-07-2006, 09:05 PM
Amazon has a46 inch DLP for 119 includes shipping
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000F2P31E/ref=pd_luc_mri/103-6102947-8434263?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance
