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High-Def TVs?

Hi all!

Last weekend I went shopping for a 50-inch plasma TV. The picture looked great as long as there was a high-def signal. I asked the salesman to change the channel to a non high-def channel. He did and it looked absolutely horrible! My old 27-inch tube TV has a far better picture at its 480 resolution than the plasma did at 480. Why would anyone want to watch a TV with such a pitifully poor picture?

The salesman explained about the HD channels and non-HD channels. He said that the local channels do not broadcast in HD 24 hours a day. That surprised me. He talked about cable and satellite channels.

I learned a lot that day. Basically that these new TVs are not worth the money until every station/channel is broadcasting in HD 24 x 7. Does anyone know if that is supposed to happen by a given date?

Dave
diofan56
lamcam
76 posts
 
You still get digital channels beside HD channels which is still better than analog.
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
You saw a likely analog channel and that should get better as Feb 2009 everything will be digital. The new monitors magnify the flaws of lesser signals, I guess if it bugs you dont buy one but thats the way it is. You have to take the good with the bad but in 5 yrs I bet most everything will be HD.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
they're great for anomorphic dvd's
ckorody
643 posts
 
seems like a bit of an over reaction - might I suggest doing an audit of what you actually watch - chances are that most all of it is available in HD
chaskelljr2001's avatar
chaskelljr2001
476 posts
 
Dave:

The switchover takes affect on February 17, 2009. By then, won't have a choice. Because TV Stations will no longer broadcast shows in an analog signal. Everything will be broadcasted in an all digital signal.

So, that's when it would be wise to invest in a new HDTV (if not before then).

It would either have to be that??? Or else keep your old analog TV, but you'll have to buy a DTV Converter Box, or otherwise, your old analog TV will no longer be working on that date and beyond.

So, I wouldn't jump the gun as far as buying a Plasma TV is concerned. If you see one that is available at an incredible price, now might be the time to dive in and make the purchase.

Believe me, you won't be sorry that you have done so come February 17th of next year.

--Charles--
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