Help me buy a TV!

Fatghost

Gas Guzzler
I'm currently using a 12 year old Panasonic GAOO 27 inch. For 480i games it looks pretty fantastic. But I don't know anything really about TVs, so I need help buying a new gaming TV.


Anyway, I want something that will still let my 480i and legacy games look good but also look nice with 480p and 1080i games, and will be top quality for next gen systems. For space reasons, the largest I can go will be a 32 inch 4:3 or a 34 inch 16:9 set. The TV is primarily for gaming. I really don't watch much TVs and I'm not much of a film fan.

Any experience specifically about playing older 2D games on a newer HDTV set is greatly appreciated.

As for price range, I'm comfortable between 500 and 1000 USD, I'm in Canada so in Canuck bucks I'm thinking anywhere from 800 to 1500.

Thanks for the help!
 
Shogmaster said:
With that price range, maybe you should go with an SVGA DLP projector.


They make DLP's in the 27-34 inch range?

I was thinking something along the lines of the Sony WEGA 32 inch Hi-Scan 4:3 or something.
 
Fatghost28 said:
They make DLP's in the 27-34 inch range?

I was thinking something along the lines of the Sony WEGA 32 inch Hi-Scan 4:3 or something.

well he said a projector, not a projector tv, and those are much more expensive.. but they kick ass though.
 
Fatghost28 said:
They make DLP's in the 27-34 inch range?

I was thinking something along the lines of the Sony WEGA 32 inch Hi-Scan 4:3 or something.

Projector, my man.

24-140-018-01.JPG

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=24-140-018&depa=0

24-014-032-01.JPG

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=24-014-032&depa=0
 
Great King Bowser said:
I'd be interested in a projector for my room as there's a big ass empty wall and the room's pretty dark, but why does it seem like all the projectors in the UK are in the > £1000 category?

Anyone got any recommendations for someone looking to spend less than a grand? :lol

I second that request. I will literally throw everything out of my room starting with my wardrobe to get the wall ready if you can!
 
Tabris said:


http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pr...&sku_id=0770HDS0010046438&catid=&newdeptid=11

I saw this one today at futureshop for 999.99 and I was pretty impressed with it.

My only concern at this point is how SF3 Third Strike will look on it.


EDIT:

Second question, is it worth the extra money to buy Monster cables or will the official MS and Sony component cables do the job just fine?
 
I have that tv, but the previous year's model 30HF83, so far the only diffences are price and the new HDMI input. As opposed to the HDCP/DVI one on mine.

It's a great set for the price and 540p/1080i modes are hard to distinguish from what I have seen - only used it for gaming and dvd viewing, so I haven't had the chance to really see what 1080i on it looks like.

Street Figher Anniv. (PS2) looks great on it, but it won't make the sprites high rez or anything. :p
 
Nos_G said:
Street Figher Anniv. (PS2) looks great on it, but it won't make the sprites high rez or anything. :p

I'm not expecting the TV to make SF3 look like Guilty Gear, but does it make it look as good as on a native 480i display, or worse, or better than a native 480i display?

Thanks.
 
Fatghost28 said:
I'm not expecting the TV to make SF3 look like Guilty Gear, but does it make it look as good as on a native 480i display, or worse, or better than a native 480i display?

Thanks.

It makes the game look sharper... well, crisp would be the better word really.

Here is a pic I took from Street Figher 2 Hyper Super Doodad ding a long. Just to tease you a bit.



:lol
chunguile.jpg
 
Nos_G said:
It makes the game look sharper... well, crisp would be the better word really.

Here is a pic I took from Street Figher 2 Hyper Super Doodad ding a long. Just to tease you a bit.


Nice.

Two more questions then:


1. What screen setting do you use? native 4:3 letter box, full (the stretched one) or one of the cropped options?

2. Can you do a pic of SF3 Third Strike for me? :D


Thanks
 
element said:
40E3827EFADA014300000000828BD473.jpg

I want to buy this with my discount :D

I don't have the room in my apt though :(
ms gives discounts on everything?

and i wouldnt suggest a 30" widescreen. i mean if you want widescreen that bad go for it. but once you watch regular 4:3 television or play a game not in widescreen, your expensive 30" tv just turned into a 25" tv. if you're gonna go wide (IMO!) go with at least 34".
 
I have that tv element. I say go for it, hell with the lack of room just get rid of your furniture. Do whatever it takes to get it inside your apartment. You can get the 55" model instead of the 62".
 
So I'm now looking at the Panasonic AE500 projector, thanks a lot for all the advice guys! [/sarcasm]

But in all seriousness, the concept of having a big ass projector in my at present empty (in the process of decorating) room seems somewhat tantalising.
 
What’s an average life span of televisions, specifically a Toshiba 27 inch bought in 98 (I want it to die)

I accidently broke the composite video hole back in 99. Have been playing games on RFU adapter ever since; they all look like shit :(
 
Doom_Bringer said:
What’s an average life span of televisions, specifically a Toshiba 27 inch bought in 98 (I want it to die)

I accidently broke the composite video hole back in 99. Have been playing games on RFU adapter ever since; they all look like shit :(

Ouch, that sucks. Honestly, composite and RF are both terrible options. It's time to upgrade! It'll be worth it!
 
dark10x said:
Ouch, that sucks. Honestly, composite and RF are both terrible options. It's time to upgrade! It'll be worth it!

yeah definitely for PS3! I will probably end up with a Sony Wega cause my dad loves Sony.
 
Hey DaCoco, do you know if the DVI input on that can be used for DVD players or only the computer? I'm thinking of buying that to set next to my computer. Also, how does a standard signal look on it? For instance, the PS2 or normal television.
 
DVI digital is for PC only as there's no HDCP compatability on the unit. Component cables are used for HD signals.

The PS2 looks amazing on it via component. Way better than it does on the 42" NEC plasma here in my office.

I haven't used it as a TV. Mainly games and PC content.

The GC looks the best so far. Have yet to try the XBOX.
 
dark10x said:
Ouch, that sucks. Honestly, composite and RF are both terrible options. It's time to upgrade! It'll be worth it!

I'm looking at buying a new TV soon, and this is the first time I've heard someone say composite sucks. I really don't know much about TV's, so I'd like to know what's a better option than composite. I've heard it goes like this: Composite >> S-Video >>>>> RCA >>>>>>>>>> RFU
 
Composite does suck... Compared to all the other available connection options.

Actually...

Component > S-Video > Composite > RF
 
rs7k said:
I'm looking at buying a new TV soon, and this is the first time I've heard someone say composite sucks. I really don't know much about TV's, so I'd like to know what's a better option than composite. I've heard it goes like this: Composite >> S-Video >>>>> RCA >>>>>>>>>> RFU

RCA = composite (red, blue, and green signals sent as one; it is a "composite" of the three)

Component is what you are thinking of...

As far as your ranking is concerned, that all depends on the type of display you are using. Of the four, only component is capable of displaying a progressive image. As a result, if you are using a display device capable of receiving progressive images, component >>>>>>>>>> the other three.
 
Lamp: 200W SHP/3000 hours

you'll be buying a light-bulb twice a year..maybe even more according to how much you use it..

Your math is all fucked up.

@ 8 hours a day, it would take a year to burn out just one.
 
Ghost of Bill Gates said:
You actually think the bulb will last the whole 3000 hours?
laughing.gif
Interesting, so you're saying that the manufacturer is actually lying about how long their product lasts? Cool, lets start a class-action lawsuit.
 
DaCocoBrova said:
I just got this one... Love it! Provides a very intimate gaming experience.

w1700.jpg


Specs

Dude, no 60FPS gaming for you. How much was that thing?



Ghost of Bill Gates said:
Native Resolution: SVGA 800 x 600

This in not an HDTV projector, it may support 720p and 1080i, but it'll down-convert the signal to its native resolution.

Lamp: 200W SHP/3000 hours

you'll be buying a light-bulb twice a year..maybe even more according to how much you use it.. the bulbs cost around $300.



With under $1000 US budget, you think he's gonna get a real HDTV set? Woman, please.... BTW, I'm the original "1280x720 and better or it's not HDTV!" boy of GA.

And as for the lamp, average user gets around couple of years with the lamps (I know someone who games ALOT on his original X1 he bought couple of years ago, and he only had to replace it recently. Also my brother-in-law had his X1 for more than 6 months, and he has not replace his bulb either), and they are about $250 on the average (shot around) to replace. Not too bad for such viewing size.
 
Dude, no 60FPS gaming for you. How much was that thing?

I paid $400 for it. Keep in mind that I have a sh!t load of different display devices. LCD, CRT, DLP and plasma (in the office).

What ever frames I'm missing, are negligible on the greater scheme...
 
Shogmaster said:
With under $1000 US budget, you think he's gonna get a real HDTV set? Woman, please....

He should just buy CRT 34" widescreen tube HDTV if that's all he's willing to spend, dont you think? It's too late to waste your money on anything non-HDTV.. I don't care how big it looks on a wall.
 
DaCocoBrova said:
^^

There are none at that size for under a grand...

Shop around. If you're not scared of online shopping you can find one.

If you're lazy just buy CRT rear projection HDTV, 43" 46" they can be had for under $1000 as well.
 
Again, they don't exist (I'm in the US...).

If they did, shipping would put it well over that price.

Plus, he's talking canadian $.
 
I'm personally torn what to get myself, let alone advising someone about getting a true HDTV set for under a grand. I was a big DLP fanboy until I tried to play some of the darker parts of Halo 2 on one. Now I'm obsessed with 30" of greater direct view CRT set that does 1280x720. They don't make them anymore/yet.
 
Ghost of Bill Gates said:
I bought this for $1,000 online. Don't tell me it cannot be done little boy...try harder next time.

PANNY42WD5UY.JPG

What was it, used? Refurb? Tossed from back of a truck? A liittle "special" discount applied? Wait a second, this isn't even HDTV! It's EDTV. You lose girly!
 
VGA 852x480 native resolution and burn-in makes it only worth $1000 in my eyes.

Glad you like it tho.
 
Ghost of Bill Gates said:

Over it? I'm embracing it! *heads for the midget bars*


DaCocoBrova said:
VGA 852x480 native resolution and burn-in makes it only worth $1000 in my eyes.

Glad you like it tho.


The thing went for like $3000~$4000 on the market, so I'm a little suspect on the fact that she got it for a grand.....
 
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