Flat ScreenLCD TV.

[N6WK]

I am getting ready to buy a Flat screen LCD TV.
Can any of you give me some tips and warnings before I do?
I am looking for something that is Radio Friendly.
Right now I have a 36" Toshiba ( Picture Tube Type) that works very nice and does not cause my Amateur radio any problems and the radio does Not bother it.
I also have a 26" Magnavox that does NOT like Amateur radio. The TV goes crazy if I am on the air while it is on.

Any advice guys? Tips ?
Should I get an HD version ?
Gordon

[W1GUH]

Just got one, there's another thread about my new acquisition.

You definitely want HD.

The things I looked for...

720p (720 horizontal lines, progressive scanning) for up to about 20", 1080p (The highest) for anything bigger than that. As I was looking, it seemed that you get the appropriate value for the size of the TV.

There is the "i" designation for interlaced. You don't want that, you wan progressive (not interlaced).

As for inputs, HDMI, Component (5 plugs), S-VHS, PC, and, of course, antenna. And make sure it'll get HD over the air.

16x9 aspect ratio.

That's what I looked for. As for size, that's up to you.

But I'm sure someone else will go into more detail for you.

[NA4BH]

Gordon,

What ever you do, Wait until after the Superbowl. The prices will be much lower. Go HD, a lot of places only sell HD now. We have the Samsung 46" DLP (wish we would have gone with a bigger set, but at that time the price was sky high).

[W4INF]

I HAVE THIS ONE! (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5633679)

Great picture, mega inputs and even 600w CW or SSB has *YET* to funk it up, in the LEAST! They never know Im on the air. Dipole is abt 20ft from the TV (Yes, its outside, but comes right up to the house)

Very pleased with it in every aspect!

Andrew

[kf4vgx]

While some of the HD TV's clam that there HD TV's
there actually not ,there HD capable.

Be sure what your buying . Ask questions and do a bit of homework on the internet before hand.

[K8ERV]

Quote[/b] (W1GUH @ Jan. 21 2008,15:56)]#As for size, that's up to you.
Don't I wish---

TOM K8ERV Montrose Colo

[kd5kfl]

I have 2 Polaroids. A 15 and a 19. I need small monitors to use in a motorhome.

They are great, but...

Connectors come straight out the back. Horizontally. You can't mount them flat to a wall. You have to play tricks with spacers. If you need flat wall mounting, get one with recessed vertical connections, enough room to maneuver molded cable ends in place, enough room for vast fingers to screw tiny hold down screws on VGA connectors.

[KA8NCR]

Step dead center in front of your candidate and then slowly step to each side and watch luma and chroma changes as you move farther to the side. Do the same from the bottom if you happen to like to lay on the floor and watch TV.

Really good monitors will have excellent viewing angles. Not so good ones will have noticeable chroma shifts when you get off center. You may not think this is a big deal until you get it home and realize the La-Z-Boy is too far off axis to the right, and the couch is too far off to the left. Your new purchase requires a complete furniture rearrangment.

Also, pay particular attention to the latency of LCD sets. Newer LCDs have become incredibly fast. An unfortunate side-effect is that they'll readily show encoding artifacts during periods of high entropy (pixelation, macroblocking -- things plasma users complain about). If you wonder why you notice these things on a more expensive monitor, that's why. Slower LCDs actually look pretty good for 8VSB and QAM HD in part because of the latency. Slower sets are cheaper, so don't be afraid to buy what looks good to you.

Before you look at any monitors, find out the source material that the store is using. I've seen stores using NTSC as the source material and that's simply no way to make a decision. Ideally it should be 8VSB or QAM fed into the demod of the set since that's probably the way you'll get your programming.

[W1GUH]

Quote[/b] (K8ERV @ Jan. 20 2008,18:43)]Quote[/b] (W1GUH @ Jan. 21 2008,15:56)] As for size, that's up to you.
Don't I wish---

TOM K8ERV Montrose Colo
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[NA4BH]

Quote[/b] (KA8NCR @ Jan. 21 2008,19:11)]Step dead center in front of your candidate and then slowly step to each side and watch luma and chroma changes as you move farther to the side. #Do the same from the bottom if you happen to like to lay on the floor and watch TV.

Really good monitors will have excellent viewing angles. #Not so good ones will have noticeable chroma shifts when you get off center. #You may not think this is a big deal until you get it home and realize the La-Z-Boy is too far off axis to the right, and the couch is too far off to the left. #Your new purchase requires a complete furniture rearrangment.

Also, pay particular attention to the latency of LCD sets. #Newer LCDs have become incredibly fast. #An unfortunate side-effect is that they'll readily show encoding artifacts during periods of high entropy (pixelation, macroblocking -- things plasma users complain about). #If you wonder why you notice these things on a more expensive monitor, that's why. #Slower LCDs actually look pretty good for 8VSB and QAM HD in part because of the latency. #Slower sets are cheaper, so don't be afraid to buy what looks good to you.

Before you look at any monitors, find out the source material that the store is using. #I've seen stores using NTSC as the source material and that's simply no way to make a decision. #Ideally it should be 8VSB or QAM fed into the demod of the set since that's probably the way you'll get your programming.
Thanks for the information about the source material. That is something the general public would never think about looking at.

[ac7k]

I just bought an LCD from Home Shopping Network... ( I am a HSN Junkie... sigh)

This is the one I just received. (http://electronics.hsn.com/digital-lifestyles-32-lcd-hdtv-3rd-edition-with-hdmi-cable_p-3820476_xp.aspx?web_id=3820476&ocm=sekw)

I like it.... Picture is great!

Eric

[W8EFA]

Hi Gordon, you are going to love HDTV! #Here are some ideas.....

If you have a 36" 4x3 format now you probably will want a 42” 16x9 widescreen or better. #Remember if you get a 42" Widescreen and watch a 4x3 aspect picture it will be similar or smaller than the 36". #As someone said the bigger the better based on how many feet away you are viewing.

Screen size Viewing distance range #
30" # # # # # #3.75-6.25 feet
34" # # # # # #4.25-7 feet
42" # # # # # # 5.25-8.75 feet
50" # # # # # # 6.25-10.5 feet
56" # # # # # # 7-11.75 feet

Here is what you need to know. #There is Digital and there is HDTV. #Digital format is 480P. #HDTV is 720P, 1080I, and 1080P. #The number is how many lines are shown (720), and the I or P is whether the lines are scanned progressive or interlaced. #With all due respect to a previous poster the claim that I is bad and P is good is just wrong. A 1080I picture is better than a 720P. #P scanning is better for sports sometimes.

Then there is LCD vs. Plasma. #

In a nutshell Plasma is sometimes just a little cheaper, has better blacks, and some say a better picture. #Beware that Plasmas reflect light so in a brightly lit room you get a lot of reflection. They also can have images burn in though this has mostly been fixed.

LCD is more glare resistant, less likely to burn in, supposedly not as natural a picture. #However I don't know if it's just me but I find them brighter.

Also - you get what you pay for. #Samsung, Sony, Panasonic, and Sharp are good. #Stay away from discount brands, you get what you pay for.

Want to save some money? #Everyone is pushing 1080P but all broadcast, Cable, and satellite is 480P, 720P, or 1080I. #That 1080P will not be used unless you have a Video Game system or the new HD DVD or Blu Ray format players. #You can save a ton getting 720P instead of 1080P. #That being said who knows in three or 4 years what will be broadcast? #If you can I would go with 1080P.

Want an even bigger way to save money? #Go with a rear Projection and you will save SUBSTANTIALLY. #They actually have a better picture and the new ones are very, very, thin! Some are less than a foot for a 50". #So does your room really require a flat? #I know they are cool and weigh a lot less but unless you need it a better value is projection.


I have a 65" Mitsubishi Rear Projection in our "theatre" room (along with a killer sound system). #And our main TV upstairs I just bought a Sony 46"LCD Flat.

The LCD uses a lot less power than the Plasma and I believe I read somewhere that the LCD is quieter to ham gear than the plasma but I am not sure about that. #Maybe someone else knows?

[N6WK]

Thanks for all the info Bill.
I need to now go down to best buy and start looking at and viewing all the different models and makes.
What is the difference between 1080I and 1080P ?

73,
Gordon

[W1GUH]

i = interlaced
p = progressive

p is the best and is what Blu-Ray and the PS3 do. I read this in a previous reply.

Good Luck!

[N2RJ]

I just bought an LCD from Home Shopping Network... ( I am a HSN Junkie... sigh)

This is the one I just received. (http://electronics.hsn.com/digital-lifestyles-32-lcd-hdtv-3rd-edition-with-hdmi-cable_p-3820476_xp.aspx?web_id=3820476&ocm=sekw)

I like it.... Picture is great!

Eric

It's nice for a budget TV. Nice price too.

Unfortunately it's only 720p, so I'll pass.

Looking for a nice 40" or bigger 1080p LCD screen for my shack.

Dual purpose - to watch TV, and also to display the contest log and score when we are contesting.

[N2RJ]

i = interlaced
p = progressive

p is the best and is what Blu-Ray and the PS3 do. I read this in a previous reply.

Good Luck!

Agreed, but there is little noticeable difference between 1080p and 1080i. With most TV's you won't see the difference.

[W1GUH]

One thing I've got to say about the 20" LG I got. It's great and does everything wonderfully.

And I got a PS3 a couple of nights ago (to be ready when GTA4 hits the stores), and watched Blu-Ray movie last night, specif. 3:10 to Yuma.

All of a sudden I want a bigger TV! :( It's been just fine for everything else, but the picture quality of Blu-Ray is so startling high, that I realize I was wrong when I thought that all I needed was 20". Well, when the bigger set happens, I can always use the 20" set as a deluxe "Picture in Picture."

[n4qwb]

I have been very pleased with my Sony 40" 1080p LCD. I compared it to several other brands (Samsung, LG, Sharp, etc) and it just had more natural color. Many people think that super-saturated colors and luminance levels that will nearly blind you look "better", but after working in broadcast TV, I have a much better appreciation for the more natural look. You'll really appreciate it if you watch movies, especially on HD DVD or Blu-ray.

Make sure the TV gives you the ability to calibrate each input independently. You'd be amazed at the level differences between different input sources, especially between satellite/cable and DVD players.

Also, be wary of a feature called Scan Velocity Modulation. Make sure the TV lets you disable this, preferably in the normal user menu. I have found that while it is supposed to help make the image sharper, all it does is put a black outline around high-contrast parts of the image. Very distracting, especially on satellite/cable/OTA TV.

Be wary of certain rear-projection TVs, especially DLP models. Many use a spinning color wheel to display colors. Some people (like me) can see a rainbow-like effect on the image at times. Unfortunately, it's hard to see in a brightly-lit showroom. It doesn't bother some people, but to me, it was highly distracting.

Also be aware that any rear-projection TV uses a bulb that has to be replaced every so often. If the TV is going to stay on all day long, you may be looking at having to replace the bulb in as little as 2 years at around $300-400. Check the bulb life and compare it to the amount you anticipate watching it each day.

A VERY good resource for learning about TVs and other home entertainment devices and asking questions is AVS Forum (http://www.avsforum.com). Highly recommended.

[N8UZE]

I am getting ready to buy a Flat screen LCD TV.

I also have a 26" Magnavox that does NOT like Amateur radio. The TV goes crazy if I am on the air while it is on.

Gordon

I also had trouble with a Magnavox. How old is yours?

Mine would go completely black when I transmitted on the HF bands (100 watts) and had serious picture deterioration on VHF and up (50 watts). It blew a capacitor 3 times over the years. The last time I pitched it and bought a new one rather than repair it.

I had a small, cheap off brand TV that I used until I got around to buying a new TV. That little cheapy had no problems nor did my new one, an RCA. My daughter had a little cheapy in her room too that was yet a different brand and again it had no problems either.

[W0LPQ]

We have a 26 inch Magnavox (used to call them MaggottBoxes when Rockwell owned them in the 70's). It is 720p and does just fine. It fits where the wife wanted it thus the size. No radio problems at all. I am on the air and most of the time wife is watching ... never an RFI problem ... either transmit or emitting stuff.

[K7JEM]

It's nice for a budget TV. Nice price too.

Unfortunately it's only 720p, so I'll pass.

Looking for a nice 40" or bigger 1080p LCD screen for my shack.

Dual purpose - to watch TV, and also to display the contest log and score when we are contesting.

I got one of these on black Friday from Wal-Mart:

http://bfads.net/Polaroid-42-1080p-LCD-HDTV-at-WalMart

They still sell them, a bit more money, but still a good deal.

Has a great picture, especially with HDMI input from HD DVD source.

Replaced a smaller 32" model with this one. There is a large difference going from 32 to 42 inches.

LCD are the best bet, IMO. Plasma seem to generate noise on HF, at least many models. Rear projection has a limited viewing angle. This one you can watch from almost anywhere that is in front of it, like a regular CRT.

Pay special attention to that viewing angle thing, unless you will always be watching from head on. That was a big concern when I got this one, the Plasmas and LCDs didn't have a problem like the rear projection ones did.

Joe

[kf6rdn]

#Ideally it should be 8VSB or QAM


And FYI - 8VSB is broadcast digital, QAM is typically what cable uses. 2 different encoding techniques, if you're looking to plug it into the cable direct (without a setup box) it will need to receive QAM.

[wa4brl]

Check the contrast ratio berfore you buy. Some are far worse than others. A good LCD display should have a 1500:1 ratio. But watch for varying standards of measuring this. Click here (http://hometheater.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=hometheater&cdn=gadgets&tm=26&gps=68_1258_1129_610&f=00&su=p284.8.150.ip_&tt=5&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.practical-home-theater-guide.com/contrast-ratio.html) to learn more.

Also be aware that plasma and projection displays typically have far more contrast than LCD displays.

[N2RJ]

Rear projection has a limited viewing angle. This one you can watch from almost anywhere that is in front of it, like a regular CRT.

Pay special attention to that viewing angle thing, unless you will always be watching from head on. That was a big concern when I got this one, the Plasmas and LCDs didn't have a problem like the rear projection ones did.

Joe

May be a big problem with rear projection CRT but you will find that Digital Micro Displays (DMD) such as DLP or LcOS have a pretty good viewing angle.

This is because they have a nice bright Xenon HID lamp shining on a reflective surface (the light engine), unlike the CRT RP sets which emit light from glowing phosphors on a CRT.

I have a 56" DLP set and often I forget that I am watching a RP set. I can easily get 100 degrees of horizontal viewing angle with my DLP set, more than sufficient for a living room, great room or family room.

Vertical viewing angle is only about 40 degrees or so, but this has never really presented a problem.

Not to mention I have a 56 inch screen for less than $3000.

After tax time probably we'll pick up a 42" LCD from Costco for the home office/shack, because we are limited in space and a DLP can't be wall mounted.

[KG6YTZ]

I have 2 Polaroids. A 15 and a 19. I need small monitors to use in a motorhome.
Polaroid makes 15" and 19" LCD's? Sounds like something that'd be just right for the bedroom here. Model numbers...?

p.s: Magnavox = MaggotBox? :D Ahhhh, that's funny!

[ve2nsm]

Still if you have the space, nothing beats a triple CRT rear projection set.

IMHO.