Need help with recent HDTV purchase, please

Kingphoenicia · 07-25-2005, 05:31 PM

I just purchased a Samsung 40", flat panel, high definition plasma TV from a well known retailer (that goes by the initials of BB), in lieu of buying the Samsung 40" EDTV version that costs about $800 less. This was on the BB salesperson's strong recommendation that I get HDTV now because of the coming changeover to HDTV, and on his representation that Charter Communications in my area (the only currently available cable broadcasting service here) has HDTV cable broadcasting available.

I discovered today that, in my viewing area, Charter only broadcasts about eight of over a hundred fifty of its available channels in HDTV. According to the Charter representative, the number of stations that Charter will broadcast in my area in HDTV will increase over time, but the representative was fairly clear in stating that this might take years, i.e., through 2008. Meanwhile, the BB salesperson had informed me that, even if HDTV broadcasting were not currently available in my area, the HDTV I purchased will get better reception (i.e., definition) than the comparably sized Samsung EDTV, in that it has about 25% more pixels than the EDTV version.

This information is directly contrary, however, to what an apparently knowledgable customer in the store told me when I was looking at the two TVs- that if HDTV service is not offered or is severely limited in my viewing area, then the better course at present is to go with the EDTV, in that it will get better overall reception from current broadcasts - particularly if the broadcast is of an action event, such as football or dirt bike racing - because the current HDTV technology requires an HDTV broadcast to maximize its reception capability, whereas EDTV technology does not. Make sense...?

I am therefore not sure if I purchased the right TV for where I'm at now, or if I got oversold. The BB salesperson is not on commission, on the one hand, and he seemed pretty sure of what he was telling me. Meanwhile I've noticed a "grainy" appearance to some of the stations I'm pulling in from Charter. Any thoughts/recommendations? Should I take back the HDTV and get the EDTV instead? Thanks in advance.

ja2935 · 07-25-2005, 07:00 PM

You will get advice leaning both ways on this - there are a number of EDTV plasma fans out there. However the main argument seems related to price versus picture quality. Sounds like price wasn't too much of an issue for you though.

My advice - wait until after you have got the HD service before deciding. Granted there are limited offerings at present but the major networks are gradually increasing HD content and SD content over the HD stations is much better than the regular cable version. You will be blown away by the HD picture......

Get HD cable with a DVR and you will wonder why you ever questioned your HDTV decision!

LordGamer · 07-26-2005, 02:32 PM

Also factor in gaming and upcoming HD players / movies.

If you are into gaming, no question, stick with the HD set. If you are a movie buff and willing to take a bit of a chance (choosing between HD-DVD and Blue Ray), you would benefit from picking up an HD player this fall or early spring.

I'm sure no matter which set you get, you plan on keeping it for the next few years (at least five I imagine). Within this time, more HD content will be available and the extra $800 you spent on the HD version will have been worth it. Now, standard def may look a bit ugly on the HD set, but it should still be watchable and the benefit of the HD will make up for it.

Personally, I don't see the point in buying an enhanced (480p) set now. HD is finally starting to take off and becoming more of a standard. You may save $800 now, but what good would it be one year later when you are seeing all these HD owners showing off their stuff.

07-25-2005, 05:31 PM	#1
Kingphoenicia What is HD? Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 3	Need help with recent HDTV purchase, please I just purchased a Samsung 40", flat panel, high definition plasma TV from a well known retailer (that goes by the initials of BB), in lieu of buying the Samsung 40" EDTV version that costs about $800 less. This was on the BB salesperson's strong recommendation that I get HDTV now because of the coming changeover to HDTV, and on his representation that Charter Communications in my area (the only currently available cable broadcasting service here) has HDTV cable broadcasting available. I discovered today that, in my viewing area, Charter only broadcasts about eight of over a hundred fifty of its available channels in HDTV. According to the Charter representative, the number of stations that Charter will broadcast in my area in HDTV will increase over time, but the representative was fairly clear in stating that this might take years, i.e., through 2008. Meanwhile, the BB salesperson had informed me that, even if HDTV broadcasting were not currently available in my area, the HDTV I purchased will get better reception (i.e., definition) than the comparably sized Samsung EDTV, in that it has about 25% more pixels than the EDTV version. This information is directly contrary, however, to what an apparently knowledgable customer in the store told me when I was looking at the two TVs- that if HDTV service is not offered or is severely limited in my viewing area, then the better course at present is to go with the EDTV, in that it will get better overall reception from current broadcasts - particularly if the broadcast is of an action event, such as football or dirt bike racing - because the current HDTV technology requires an HDTV broadcast to maximize its reception capability, whereas EDTV technology does not. Make sense...? I am therefore not sure if I purchased the right TV for where I'm at now, or if I got oversold. The BB salesperson is not on commission, on the one hand, and he seemed pretty sure of what he was telling me. Meanwhile I've noticed a "grainy" appearance to some of the stations I'm pulling in from Charter. Any thoughts/recommendations? Should I take back the HDTV and get the EDTV instead? Thanks in advance.

07-25-2005, 07:00 PM	#2
ja2935 High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 1,034	Keep it! You will get advice leaning both ways on this - there are a number of EDTV plasma fans out there. However the main argument seems related to price versus picture quality. Sounds like price wasn't too much of an issue for you though. My advice - wait until after you have got the HD service before deciding. Granted there are limited offerings at present but the major networks are gradually increasing HD content and SD content over the HD stations is much better than the regular cable version. You will be blown away by the HD picture...... Get HD cable with a DVR and you will wonder why you ever questioned your HDTV decision!

07-26-2005, 02:32 PM	#3
LordGamer Lord of Gaming Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 1,788	Also factor in gaming and upcoming HD players / movies. If you are into gaming, no question, stick with the HD set. If you are a movie buff and willing to take a bit of a chance (choosing between HD-DVD and Blue Ray), you would benefit from picking up an HD player this fall or early spring. I'm sure no matter which set you get, you plan on keeping it for the next few years (at least five I imagine). Within this time, more HD content will be available and the extra $800 you spent on the HD version will have been worth it. Now, standard def may look a bit ugly on the HD set, but it should still be watchable and the benefit of the HD will make up for it. Personally, I don't see the point in buying an enhanced (480p) set now. HD is finally starting to take off and becoming more of a standard. You may save $800 now, but what good would it be one year later when you are seeing all these HD owners showing off their stuff. __________________ LordGamer Profile - George Carlin, R.I.P. 06.22.08 HD Qualifications... -- Westinghouse 47" 1080p LCD (LVM-47w1) -- Scientific Atlanta HD Receiver & DVR (8300HD), Comcast -- Sony Playstation 3 -- Microsoft Xbox 360