Comments | code_martial: Switching from a 4:3 CRT to 16:9 LCD TV? ˑ

code_martial

Switching from a 4:3 CRT to 16:9 LCD TV? ˑ

May 24, 2010 15:59

With a combination of impulse, cost-sharing and pent-up demand, my parents ended up buying a 32" LCD TV. They've got it up on their wall and are very happy with the way it looks, not to mention the big step up in screen size from the old 21" CRT.

Apart from the form factor, though, the pros don't go too far. This is a short note of issues or things ( Read more... )

lcd, widescreen, tv, upgrade, crt

Comments 20

prasannav May 24 2010, 10:58:49 UTC

Well written, especially since i just went in for one a couple months back, i could relate to most of that.Where would you get the Amp in blr? Did you look at Sun HD services?They are providing HD content for a few channels and it is great!Also,which TV did you go in for and at what cost ?

code_martial May 24 2010, 11:14:28 UTC

I've not tried Sun HD. Which channels do they really show in Hi-Def? I'm not too interested in NatGeo and Discovery types, and I'm sure it's going to take a hell lot longer for movie, music and entertainment channels to switch to HD format. Then we will start talking about low-def source content getting upscaled just to get the HD label ;-)

We got an LG Jazz 32" for my parents. Things we looked for were:

- USB drive support (to hook up cams/laptop and view photos/videos -- works with major caveats)
- 1080p
- Good sound (no separate sound system at parents' place)

LG makes IPS panels, which means that the colours don't change with viewing angle. It cost INR 36k.

prasannav May 25 2010, 05:27:01 UTC

When i last checked they had about 10 channels on HD (including NatGeo and Discovery :P).
Btw i had gone in for a Samsung LCD which i am going to be returning since it had a manufacturing defect.They dint have replacement in stock and i am getting a refund and hence going in for a new one.Their customer care was a PAIN and i had to fight my case.More inclined to look into Sony this time.Chcked a few sets and they are delightful, though atleast 10% more expensive

code_martial May 25 2010, 09:09:18 UTC

Sorry to hear about your issues with Samsung. Bravia is a good line, indeed. Which store did you buy from?

Thread 7

peeyush May 24 2010, 14:57:11 UTC

Quite informative stuff :)

Switching from a 4:3 CRT to 16:9 LCD TV? ˑ code_martial May 25 2010, 02:55:32 UTC

Glad to be of help. Thank you :)

nvivek May 24 2010, 23:51:59 UTC

Someday, when I grow up into adulthood and start earning enough money to buy a televison, I'll give you loads of money and commission you to purchase one for me :-).

Switching from a 4:3 CRT to 16:9 LCD TV? ˑ code_martial May 25 2010, 02:59:09 UTC

Hahaha! Will gladly help you buy the right stuff but why do I get the feeling that I shouldn't bank (no pun) on this offer? ;-)

Re: Switching from a 4:3 CRT to 16:9 LCD TV? ˑ nvivek May 25 2010, 08:51:21 UTC

Ha ha. Are you saying that I won't grow into adulthood or I won't have enough money :-). Either way, you could be right!

Re: Switching from a 4:3 CRT to 16:9 LCD TV? ˑ code_martial May 25 2010, 08:57:30 UTC

Former. If you've not already grown into adulthood, I wonder if you ever will!

Thread 8

toast0 May 25 2010, 05:52:49 UTC

Be careful, shopping for amps right now is a major pain. Not everything that has HDMI on the box actually has useful support.

You'll probably want to make sure that the amp decodes HDMI audio. Some just pass it through to the display. If the amp decodes HDMI audio, you can get more than 5.1 and/or use lossless codecs for more than stereo. Otherwise, you need to run a seperate cable(s) from your source for audio.

Also, I'm not sure if all the amps will upconvert analog inputs out to the HDMI port. That's clearly something you want to reduce clutter.

Regarding 5.1 sound on a 2.1 system... have you told your devices (dvd player and/or amp if it's decoding the audio) that you're only stereo? I've accidentally selected the wrong option with stereo and it does sound rather awful. Most of the dialogue is sent to the center channel, so if it's not being downmixed into the left and right channels, you're missing a lot.

code_martial May 25 2010, 08:43:19 UTC

I don't want to send audio to the TV. The amp should do the audio duty itself. What I do expect is to have analog video or Component video passed through HDMI to the TV as well.

As for 5.1 --> 2.1 downmixing, I tried it with one DVD player and it didn't create an appreciable difference. The other player is itself a stereo (not even 2.1) Hi-fi so it should do the right thing but doesn't.

architext June 5 2010, 15:43:00 UTC

Yeah true, ads mostly don't show all the cabling. Most likely because it does look messy.
I remember my colleagues putting in a pipe (concealed in the wall) behind the location of the 'trolley' (through which the cables would pass from the unit to the TV hung on the wall. This was no doubt done when we were doing the interiors of a residence.