Viewing POT on EDTV or HDTV

[Bsteenson]

I'm in the market for a new TV and have my eye on one of those snazzy new plasma models (looking at the 42-inch EDTV Panny model), but for at least the next couple of years I will be using plain old TV (POT) from analog cable along with DVDs as my primary signal source.

My question is, am I going to be really disappointed viewing analog cable signal on an EDTV or HDTV set and wish I had saved the money and simply bought another new 35-inch CRT TV? Or, even though the picture quality won't be close to HD, will I still be happy with analog displayed on a bright new plasma?

Real-world experiences will be greatly appreciated.

BS

[stevel]

It depends. If you're going to a much bigger set than you're used to, things will look a bit fuzzier. Some sets do a better job of displaying standard def TV than others.

I watch a mix of SD and HD, and the SD looks better than it did on my old set, but the difference between it and HD is very noticeable!

[dtreese]

If you're just looking for a stopgap for a few years and don't mind the bulk of a CRT, you might want to consider something like this: http://www.outlet.philips.com/b2c_redesign/b2c/productdetail.do?productguid=41907ABB9A6F008D00000000828BD47 2427D96A29FB6423300000000828BD443&productarea=41907ABB9A6F008D00000000828BD472&scenario=catalog&shop=OUTLET#

$389 for a refurbed HDTV monitor with hdmi. On top of that, I just looked and they're knocking 10% off this month (must be the xmas effect). Oh, and it's delivered to your doorstep for that price.

I got one of these last summer & it's served me well so far. The only wacky thing is that if I use captions in any mode but widescreen, the image gets kicked out to widescreen. It has brought the beauty of HDTV into my world. I find the colors are far better than on my friend's 60 inch LCD TV. I'm sure it wouldn't beat plasma, but it's also got the cheapness of the CRT.

[HDTiVo]

You've made a clear statement that you are not viewing any HD and that watching DVD's is an important part of your viewing. You've also said 42" which leaves out CRTs.

SD looks worse on the PAN 42" HD than it does on the PAN 42" ED.

DVD's look fabulous on HD and ED versions.

You're choice is clear: save money and buy the ED; you get a better SD picture and at least as good a DVD experience.

After two years or more, if you start to watch HD material, the price drop and image quality of the sets available then will offset much of the cost of the ED set. Its like you can buy the ED now and a better HD latter and have the total cost of the two not be much more than buying an HD today.

[cheezus]

couldn't tell you... but HDTV on POT is amazing!

[Bsteenson]

couldn't tell you... but HDTV on POT is amazing!

I'll take your word for it. ;)

BS