hdtv question

[attgig]

i'm looking at the panasonic ct-32hx41:
http://www.prodcat.panasonic.com/shop/templates/square_template.asp?ModelId=11729&show_all=false&product_exists=True&active=1&ModelNo=CT-32HX41
http://www.prodcat.panasonic.com/shop/templates/square_template.asp?ModelId=11729&show_all=true&product_exists=True&active=1
and it says:

HDTV digital receiver required to view DTV programming. An external over-the-air antenna may be required. If your cable company "passes through" a network DTV signal unchanged, an optional HDTV set-top receiver can decode and tune the program. However, standards for cable connectivity have not been finalized.

so, does that mean, I can't get hdtv signals unless I buy a hdtv receiver?
also, then what's special about getting this hdtv tv?
can't I get a normal tv and get a hdtv receiver?

also, I'm not seeing any info about aspect ratio...
can a hdtv be 4:3? instead of 16:9?
anyone know what this tv is?

thanks in advance.

[JPR]

Because it's a HDTV MONITOR it does not come with a built in reciever and thus can not recieve high definition signals. HDTV is a digital format that conventional tvs cant process because they do not render enough lines of horizontal resolution that digital signals transmitted in.

[smeakim]

Unless you have the optional set top box you can't recieve digital signals. Plus right not unless you get the box and an over the air antenna there are only three or four channels that are HD. Plus you have to have a TV that is HDTV ready to recieve HD signals. Both those above are HDTV monitors, which means you have to get the set top box. The format you are looking at is 4:3 format. 16X9 would be wide screen. If you want more information than you can handle about HDTV and such go visit:

http://www.hometheaterspot.com.

[bissond]

Toshiba 57h81 57" Widescreen 16:9 HDTV

This is the one that I got. It is $2,999.95 at Best Buy, but I got them to pricematch an online site for $2,395.00!

It is super sweet. Widescreen HDTV is the way to go.

-Evil Lord Drewcifer:angry:

[DeepFreeze]

i used to work for them. that TV has issues man. trust me!

[JPR]

Woops posted in the wrong place :D

[mallowjr]

wIDESCREEN is not the way to go for everyone....actually, most people. There aren't that many HDTV channels. Widescreen, RIGHT NOW, is for DVD buffs, or 16x9 buffs. MOST people are still on normal cable TV (4:3). You have ot stretch 4:3 to form 16:9 ratio and it looks bad on some sets. Also, a 4:3 TV can do 16:9 mode and have a larger screen than 16:9 for the same price.

IE you could go 47" 16:9 and get a 38" 4:3 screen from it.
You culd go 50" 4:3 for the same price and get a 46" 16:9 picture from it.


Widescreen is nto the way to go until a lot of people have HD access,
ELmO

[ken]

What do you mean there's not a lot of HDTV channels. Much of all broadcast TV (in Los Angeles) is high def.

If you're waiting for cable hi def, you're going to wait forever. I haven't read a single thing that says cable will ever be or has any plans to transmit in hi def.

[ApltnHkyMutt]

I heard of a date that all tv stations must be in hdtv by. is this true?

[drake]

Unless the description of the TV states 16:9 aspect ratio in the product description it is a safe bet that it a standard 4:3 screen (in the US). From the looks of the links that you posted, it would appear that this TV is similar to the flat screen Sonys.

[DKatman]

The other benefit from an HDTV ready TV without buying the decoder is that you can buy a progressive scan DVD player that, for arguments sake, would be like buying an HDTV decoded DVD player. THe picture is sharp and beautiful on my . 55" Mitsubishi (http://www.mitsubishi-tv.com/WS55819.html)

Like most of the people have said, HDTV is not a MUST at this time. But an investment in a solid TV may last well into the time that HDTV is a must. I think it is something to definitely get if you are buying a new TV now. For about $800, the decoder is VERY optional. I don't think anyone answered you: 16X9 is the format for HDTV as it comes into its own.

I thought it was interesting when I read that HDTV today is less necessary in 16:9 as the broadcasters are using the same HD footage for standard 4:3. This means they are using the sides. And if you have a widescreen TV, there will be things there. But they are still focusing the attention in the middle so that they don't alienate viewers with 4:3. I hope that makes sense. As 16:9 becaomes the standard, or widely accepted, i imagine this will change a bit.


Have fun with it,
Dave

[mallowjr]

Ken-

As Dave said exactly above.

Besides, I'm talking on a whole here man. You're talking like this - hey a small percent of the population has access to this so that must mean it's widely available. It's too bad it's not the case.

-ELmO

[mallowjr]

Cable will give high definition. My cable line is digital and they said it is already ready for HD when it is "widely available".

[DeepFreeze]

digital HDTV is mandatory Jan 1st 2005. no exceptions. save up. i know i am.

[raimin]

i thought it was 2007, and its dtv not hdtv. The mandate is that the analog will disappear, and has to be digital. Nothing states that it has to be high def though

[elmalloc]

How times change. A year later here I am, owning a 57" TOshiba Widescreen TV and never looked back.

If you are buying a TV set right now, I highly recommend only looking at 16x9s.

[attgig]

wow..diggin up the old posts..