Recommendations for a new TV

[xbl0x180]

I figure it's time for an upgrade, so I'm looking for a television. The teevee will be set up in a small room, so space is a big deal (I probably wouldn't want a big screen... I probably wouldn't even want something as big as 40"). Most importantly, I collect DVDs and play video games (mostly shoot-'em-ups), so I was wondering what teevee you guys have seen that works for those two primary purposes. Top of the line is great as long as the teevee delivers on the two things I want to use it for. If it does anything else, it would be icing on the cake. Cheep is always good, of course.

Thanks in advance

[PC Engine Fan X!]

Is this new TV going to be a HDTV setup or more of the old-school classic CRT-based TV monitors?

A general rule of thumb, keep your old-school CRT TV monitor (even better if it has the obligatory S-Video and/or component video inputs) for your classic gaming consoles and use an HDTV monitor for your high-res gaming consoles (PS3, 360) -- of course, that would entail picking up a pair of HDMI cables.

There are some smaller sized HDTV monitors in the 23" to 27" sized catagory that'll display in 1080p format using an HDMI cable, of course. It's possible to display up to 1080p with component cables as well if it needed be (with an PS3 setup).

Back in late 2007, it used to be that the smallest HDTV that money could buy that would display in full 1080p format was Sharp's 32" & 37" Aquos TV lineup (with all the necessary analog A/V hookup including a dedicated DVI input port + Toslink output port). Nowdays, most HDTVs in the smaller 23" size and up have trimmed down on the various A/V hookups to cut down on manufacturing costs. Go figure. Some HDTVs have omitted S-Video input entirely, so it'd be wise to check on the backside to see that all the necessary A/V inputs are in place before spending your hard-earned money on it.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[Op Intensify]

Look for a TV that has "game mode" to reduce input lag. It's only a composite/component thing AFAIK though.

VGA and S-Video inputs are also invaluable, and getting hard to find on HDTVs now.

[xbl0x180]

Hmph. I will keep those items in mind. Right now, I have what I think is a 20" Toshiba CRT that resembles this teevee, but is not 14":

http://forsale.oodle.com/view/great-tos ... rlando-fl/

It's not very good for the 360 and PS3 as it seems to cut off from the sides, the top, and the bottom. I haven't tried the SNES and TurboDuo on it. I only use component cables, so I have no clue about HDMI and S-video inputs. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to try if I got a better television. I have two DVD players and one VCR connected to this thing, so, in the end, this teevee should be able to connect to: 2 DVD players, 1 VCR, 2 360s, 1 PS3, and 1 PS2 (I suppose I could connect and disconnect a couple of these things when not in use).

Thanks for the recs and info

[PC Engine Fan X!]

Or you could try using a handy A/V switch box...I use a Sony AV Selector SB-V40S that has up to four seperate composite video & S-Video inputs going into a Sony Trinitron 20" CRT-based TV monitor with a single S-Video input. Of course, it's passive powered so a bit of slight picture degradation will occur but it's not very much.

The general rule of thumb, if you spring for a larger HDTV setup 37" and up, check the backside to see that it has all the obligatory inputs:

composite video

S-Video

component video

VGA

DVI (most HDTVs have done away with this particular input nowdays -- was the standard input interface for the early high-end HDTVs back in late 1990s-early 2000s when they were selling at $15,000-$20,000 a pop!)

and lastly, Toslink inputs and outputs.

There was a time when you had to buy a HDTV and a seperate terrestial antenna HD reciever unit to recieve off-the-air HDTV programming...nowdays, both components are together in one handy unit. This was how the early HDTVs were sold at those speciality A/V chains back in the day (i.e. The Good Guys!, Circuit City, Best Buy, Fry's, CompUSA, etc.)

With a Blu-Ray player, it can be hooked to an HDTV via a single HDMI cable setup...easy as pie. Means having to upgrade your entire DVD collection to Blu-Ray format...a slow going endeavor at best (but worth it in the end). Of course, all your old DVDs can be upscaled to 1080p format with any Blu-Ray player. That's a given.

It certainly helps to hook up all your A/V equipment to a current stereo reciever with HDMI inputs/outputs (as it'll have all the necessary inputs to accomodate them). Just pick up three pairs of HDMI cables (one for the PS3, 360 and one more to hook up from reciever to the HDTV and you're all set).

The PS3 game of Wipeout HD Fury looks and plays great in 1080p format + with a 5.1 speaker setup using a Toslink cable setup, awesome in the audio department as well. Not to mention the razor-sharp 60fps framerate overall presentation is easy on the eyes also.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[xbl0x180]

I'm not going to buy a Blu-Ray player since I cannot convert them into region-free players, which is why I have two DVD players. At best, I might get a DVD recorder or VHS-to-DVD recorder, but definitely not getting a Blu-Ray any time soon. One last thing: I will need a cable teevee hook up.

I'll take this list next time I am at the store looking for a teevee

[PC Engine Fan X!]

What's interesting about those Japanese region Blu-Ray discs, is that they'll play in a USA region stand-alone Blu-Ray player deck without any problems. Something to keep in mind if you do decide to get some Japanese anime Blu-Ray titles in the nearby future. Of course, they'll play just fine on a PS3 as well.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[xbl0x180]

You're an awersome salesman. I am still looking for one that'll play B discs since I like to import European movies. I should just buckle and buy two Blu-Ray players to cover my bases, but even then Amazon will not ship electronics from Europe to North America (and the voltage reqs may be different)

[BryanM]

Step 1. Wait a year or two for mass market OLEDs.

Step 2. Get one.

Step 3. Be a cool guy.

Black is back.

[RGC]

We have Smart TVs. Where the hell are Smart Projectors?

[drunkninja24]

Step 1. Wait a year or two for mass market OLEDs.

Step 2. Get one.

Step 3. Be a cool guy.

Black is back.

is this actually any closer now? I haven't heard anything since that ridiculously small/expensive Sony OLED TV came out years ago.