Integrated vs HD Ready

[Brigadeer]

I have been looking at getting an HDTV, and I think I have settled on a brand, Mitsubishi, now all I have to settle is whether or not I will buy the TV integrated, or just HD ready.

My question to everyone in here is this: Is it worth it to spend the extra $300 to buy the integrated set vs the HD ready set? The reason I ask, is because I do not plan on setting up rabbit ears to get local HD signals, and I plan on getting a normal Direct Tv satellite which I believe would not be decoded by the integrated TV even if channels on satellite were transmitted HD.

All that being said, is it better to buy integrated or HD ready one way or the other?

Someone let me know their opinion. Thanks!

[BigJohn]

If that's your plan, then don't do it. I could ramble for several paragraphs, but it will just come back to that.

[Brigadeer]

I can see that you have a Mitsubishi, how do you like it???

I am looking at the Platinum model WS-55511.

[martinR]

You can plug rabbit ears or an OTA antenna into your DirecTV HD receiver. You don't need the integrated set.

[BigJohn]

How do I like my Mits?? It kicks @ss. I could repeat that about 7000 times.

[kevinw]

Your not buying a HD direct STB? You are not going to watch HD? Then do not bother buying an integrated tuner. No need to spend the money on something you are not going to use.

[Ratman]

I'm confused!
If you are not planning to get locals for HD with OTA and you are only getting 'normal' DirecTV, why are you even looking to buy an HDTV set?

OTOH...

I think that the Mits sets have a 'built in' receiver that will get OTA (ATSC/8VSB) and digital cable (QAM). for $300, that's a deal IMO.

An external HD capable STB for DirectTV will cost at least $350, plus an oval dish ($100).

Keep in mind, DirecTV does not provide locals in HD. All you can currently get in HD from DirecTV is HDNet (free, for now), PPV, HBO or Showtime. Some others channels may be offered down the road, but for now, that's all.

Depending on what your cable provider offers in HD, the built in tuner may turn out to be more cost effective.

Just an opinion.

[Brigadeer]

Thanks for all of your replies. I have been doing a lot more research on this and I have decided to go with the integrated Mitsubishi. My sales rep showed me how easy it was to go from cable/satellite to your standard antenna and view programs in HD. I didn't realize that most prime time shows are being sent out in HD, as well as the superbowl, and most college football games on CBS, all for free.

That being said, I will buy the integrated HDTV, and get just a regular satellite for now, and hop between my direct TV and antenna.

[kevinw]

Just one thought about the integrated. Do you like ESPN? Even though it is convenient now to have an a integrated tuner eventually either cable or satelite will provide most your programming.
As stations like ESPN,Discover HD, HDnet become more prevalent- they will not be available OTA. All should be available by satelite or cable in the next couple of years and you are still going to need some type of STB be it a satelite or cable box?

[Brigadeer]

I agree with you. A majority of what I will be watching, and what I currently watch, is on cable/satellite. That being said, I am not going to invest nearly $1000 into a HD satellite and receiver only to receive a minimal amount of HD channels.

As you put, there will be a lot of cable/satellite stations going to HD in the future, but it is exactly that, in the future. For now, I will enjoy the HD through OTA, and my progressive scan DVD. When cable/satellite eventually does get enough channels broadcasting in HD, I will most likely break down and buy the HD satelling and receiver at hopefully a much reduced price form where they are currently.

Does that make any sense at al, lol?