Should I get an HDTV now, or wait?

[CosmicGrooves]

My budget is about $2000 for an HDTV. Unfortunally, the HDTV I have found that I like best is 5k. It is the Samsung DLP with 720p.

Is it worth getting an HDTV now, or should I wait until the price drops on the 720p display TV's?

I am interested in the Toshiba 65HDX82. It's 65" and accepts 720p, but converts it to 1080i.

Is this a good TV?

What HDTV would you get for $2k? The only things I demand is about 65", great picture and a DVI input.


Thanks for any help and suggestions you can offer.

[Eyedox]

I would wait 25 years and get a SuperHD Holographic Virtual Reality 3D Television instead. :D

[LeeS]

"I am interested in the Toshiba 65HDX82. It's 65" and accepts 720p, but converts it to 1080i.

Is this a good TV?"

I think so :). With the new 83's out the price should be in the area you are looking at.

The DLP is better but the price reflects it.

Do you watch many DVD's?

"I would wait 25 years and get a SuperHD Holographic Virtual Reality 3D Television instead."

Isn't that a Holosuite?

Lee

[kevinw]

I would either wait or get realistic- 2k range buys an entry/mid level rear projection that outputs 1080i, more than likely would not have DVI and be not much bigger than a 51 inch. We all want fillet mignon at hamburger price.

By the way the Toshiba you referenced is discontinued and replaced by the HF83 or HFX83
You may get lucky and find a returm,refurb or closeout at 2k

[LeeS]

You may get lucky and find a returm,refurb or closeout at 2k

Yes, my video store still has two new ones.

Lee

[CosmicGrooves]

I do watch DVD's and I have a good progressive scan DVD player.

I also will be attaching my computer to the tv, so that is why I want a DVI input. Also, because i'm wanting to connect my multimedia PC to the TV, I want the best possible visual quality.

I know I can get the Toshiba 65HDX82 for my price range. I've found several places online that list their price around 2k. And, for the smart mouth that would rather be a jerk than offer any assistance, this Toshiba DOES have an DVI input.

LeeS, I notice you have this Toshiba in your sig. I guess you like it? Also, what price is your store selling these TV's?

Thanks for all the replies!!!

[twonami]

Wait a little bit, I know Panasonic is releasing a TV very soon with a built in HD converter if you want to go that path.

[CosmicGrooves]

I'm not too interested in actually being able to watch HD yet, so I don't think the panasonic with the HDTV converter will interest me too much.

BUT, I have a question about that 820p projector you have in your sig!!!! Can you watch DVD's on that? What about connecting a computer to it? I am quite impressed with that 820p!! Is the resolution actually better than an entire 65" HDTV?

I think I could splug for another thousand bucks if that projector is as good as I'm imagining.

Mostly, I will be watching DVD's, some regular TV and PLAYING VIDEO GAMES from the computer!

That projector, are the lenses easilly burned? How about the screen that you project it on?

Thanks!!

[twonami]

The resolution is 720p and I watch DVDs all the time with it. You need to get a component to RGB adapter which is not expensive if your DVD player does not have a DVI output. You can definately hook up a computer to it that's what it's made for. No need to worry about burn in but builbs for it are expensive. the bulbs are rated for 1,500 hours I think. I got my screen at Staples, just a ordinary ceiling mounted roll down screen for movies and slides. One drawback is the Blacks are not black they are more a dark grey, this is because of LCDs. If you want truer blacks go the DLP route otherwise I'm very happy with my setup. HDTV is great, XBOX rocks, and DVDs are excellent with it. It takes a little bit of tweaking the first time to get it setup properly but once you do it, your friends all say WOW. My screen size is 90".

[CosmicGrooves]

I think the TV option just died!!

I do believe I will be going with the projector! It seems like a much better option! Larger screen, better resolution and no worry about burning the screen!!

Do you have any suggestions about a HDTV projector? I guess the one you have it good. I have just started to learn a little about HDTV's and I know absolutely nothing about the HDTV projectors. I've stared researching, though!

What should I look for in a projector? How well does it work durring the daytime with the light? Seems like it would be better in a dark room.

I'll be using it for...
Computer Games...
DVD's...
regular TV watching on ocassion.

Also, my DVD player does not have a DVI out. Only the RGB (I think that's right) connectors. The projector requires a DVD input?

Thanks again!!!!

[twonami]

the projector does not have a component input it uses DVI and RGB. So if you want to hook up you DVD player with component outputs you need to get a component/RGB adapter. It would be a waste of time to watch regular TV with it in my opinion. The image is so large that regular 480i looks like crap. As far as room darkness goes, get blinds. If it's daylight out and you have decent window blinds the picture should be fine. It dosen't have to be theater dark for a good image because the projector has a pretty high lumen output.
projectorpeople.com is a good site for info. Go there because they can answer a lot more stuff than I can. I got mine from Dell because their price was good and a decent return policy.

[CosmicGrooves]

Thanks for the info! I found the projector section here and read some of your comments there.

I think i'm going to get the DLP version. This is the one I am looking at for now. I don't know anything about how good Compaq is, though.

http://shop.store.yahoo.com/tigerdirect-com/h24-mp4800-p.html

There must be something I'm not seeing because the price seems much cheaper than I thought it would be.

[kevinw]

I believe the smart mouth part was addressed to me-
You specified 2k Not around not above. So far with the searches I did, I found none at 2 k or less. Best I found was 2300- add tax or shipping and your at 2500. Sorry you think I am a smart mouth but you had unrealistic expectations for the price range. On top of that yu gave no info as to what you wanted to use it for untill much later-IE no HD but just DVD's and as GIANT computor monitor.

[CosmicGrooves]

Guy, just so you know, you are of absolutely no help. Please stop posting here.

Thanks! ;)

[kevinw]

Oh well tried to help by showing your expectations for price were not realistic. With Projectore make sure you add the price of a screen into your cost factor. Also consider room size and lighting factors.
Sorry your easily insulted not the intention.

[LeeS]

LeeS, I notice you have this Toshiba in your sig. I guess you like it? Also, what price is your store selling these TV's?

Yes I do like my 65HDX82, but just to let you know, my next home theater purchase will be a front projector. More along the lines of a Toshiba MT8U. But that won't be for awhile. I think my store was selling the 65HDX82's around the $2,300-2,400 range, and I'd expect there would be some hagling room, maybe.

None of my business but one comment, Kevinw is very helpful, he can also be very direct and to the point :). We don't have many 'smart asses', stick around and you'll learn who is who.

Me, I usually take several paragraphs to say what could be said in several lines. ;) This is a good site with good people, we all enjoy our HDTV habit and try to have a little fun while we are at it.

My two cents,
Lee

[CosmicGrooves]

Thanks for all the info!!!

[mhdiab]

Kevin - not sure if you are reading after the guy doesn't understand what advice is. However just wanted to tell you that the 60H83 (could be 61) goes for 1999 on bestbuy.com - comes with DVI etc. I have the 50H82 and would easily have bought the 49H83 that they have now since it has the DVI and the picture is good. That would be an answer to the original question posted - now it changed about three times so more information to others that might read here.

[kevinw]

60H83 (could be 61) goes for 1999 on bestbuy.com

Except he wanted no less than a 65 and was asking about the 65HDX82 which I have not seen for less than 2300 so far-HHGREGG.

[hawks066]

You will not find a 65' HDTV for 2k. You will find that all newer models from every brand is now supporting DVI. The panasonic 53WX53 53' widescreen hdtv now has the DVI and all the bells and whistles and is 1699 at circuitcity.com. Also the 47WX53 47' Panasonic has DVI, and goes from around 1500. All new toshiba's price around 1900 also include the DVI. The DVI standard is now in effect on all new models of HDTV's.