HDTV question..

[Viper_Fujax]

Since i got a summer job im able to spend $500ish for a 27" hdtv for my room.

do i need something like directtv to get the stations? because i dont think i can in my room since our directtv is in the living room, so i wouldnt be able to get the HD channels in my room..pretty much negating the purpose of buying on.

[Living-In-Clip]

There is local HDTV channels for some people, it all depends on where you live. Make sure when you get the HDTV, you also get the receiver. A lot of people think that if they buy an HDTV, it will automaticly be ready to display HDTV programs. Not true. Some have a built in receiver and some you need to buy the receiver seperatly.

To get HD you can get it via:

1) OTA - Over the Air.  Sent via radio waves old-school style.  Totally free but you only get the handful of channels that broadcast free (NBC-HD, CBS, ABC, etc..).  You need an HD Tuner, either standalone or one that\'s built into your TV.  If the TV says HD Ready it doesn\'t have it.  At $500 you\'re cutting it close.

2) QAM - Digital cable.  If you already have a service the HD package only costs around $5 extra a month.  This service comes with an HD decoding box.

3) 8VSB - Satelite.  I think Vid has this.  This service also comes with an HD decoding box.  The most selection and the fact that they *aren\'t* a cable company is enough reason to get it. :P  Only reason why we\'re stil on cable is because they offer a discount if you get cable TV + cable internets.

[videoholic]

But you have to buy the receiver.  You don\'t get one free like you do with a local cable comapny.  If you are on Direct TV, you have to have a three horn oval dish (Can usually get one for free depending on how long you\'ve been a customer)  Then you need to buy a receiver.  Can also get one real cheap if you know how to work the system.

Originally posted by Viper_Fujax
Since i got a summer job im able to spend $500ish for a 27" hdtv for my room.

do i need something like directtv to get the stations? because i dont think i can in my room since our directtv is in the living room, so i wouldnt be able to get the HD channels in my room..pretty much negating the purpose of buying on.

$500ish?

I\'m also looking for a 27" HDTV for my room. It would be great if you can tell me what would be a decent tv.

[videoholic]

Decent and 500 bucks probably shouldn\'t be in the same paragraph.  But they are definitely getting cheaper.

BTW, you can always buy a nice monitor and dual purpose it with your computer.

[Viper_Fujax]

Originally posted by Soul Reaver
$500ish?

I\'m also looking for a 27" HDTV for my room. It would be great if you can tell me what would be a decent tv.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=6818054&type=product&id=1091101106432

Im not really sure whats what. Im not too worried about the whole bulky or plasma issue. So used to old TV\'s since iv always had one im not concerned about the size. I just want to watch sports in HD.

The service i have is from Cox. Slipping my mind what its called. Ill have to look into getting the box and stuff. If i get a job during the school year (college coming up) ill buy the monthly fee for another box.

The computer idea is pretty good, my friend has that (not HD). Only problem is the comfort issue. Have to sit in a retarded computer chair to watch tv instead of having it at the foot of the bed or something.

[Evi]

^^^^^^

HD-Ready: Fully capable of high-definition display when connected to an optional HDTV source (over-the-air, satellite or digital-cable set-top box).

[videoholic]

a 27" 4:3 TV used as an HD set would be death.  You will have a very small image with HD material.  Hopefully you sit less than 4 feet from the set.

Scanning the site, I like this one:

Toshiba 26HF84

It\'s widescreen so the HD stuff won\'t be squished in the middle of a 4:3 set.  HDMI for future-prooof compatibility.

If it\'s for sports go with Cox HD.  They should throw in ESPN-HD and hopefully another HD sport channel or two like Comcast does.