Does S3 *require* HDTv?

[theLuggage]

I searched around, but didn't see any answer to this. Sorry if it has been asked and answered already.

I don't have an HDTV. Will the S3 work with a standard def/analog TV? I would assume so, given that it has a s-video and composite output. I just want to be sure.

[maki]

Can use it with any TV you want. Should be able to use it with antenna, while you're at it. :)

[russwong]

Yes, there's no reason not to jump into HD broadcasts, just because you don't have an HDTV. Up until recently, I was viewing HD content on my 36" analog xbr wega and it was still awesome. 10x better then regular broadcasts at least. I finally pulled the trigger on an HD Plasma and it's even better! So you'd be selling yourself short for not viewing HD shows, even if you have a non-hdtv. The only time I'd say it wasn't worth it, is if your TV is really small, like under 27" or it can't accept component and/or s-video.

[theLuggage]

Up until recently, I was viewing HD content on my 36" analog xbr wega and it was still awesome. 10x better then regular broadcasts at least.

Thanks for the info everyone!

I have the same exact Sony TV as you had. Perhaps an S3 is in my future after all.

[jfh3]

I searched around, but didn't see any answer to this. Sorry if it has been asked and answered already.

I don't have an HDTV. Will the S3 work with a standard def/analog TV? I would assume so, given that it has a s-video and composite output. I just want to be sure.

Yes, it will. And, according to Megazone's review, you should see a picture quality improvement with the Series 3 (vs. comparable Series 2). But seems like a pretty steep price to pay if you don't have an HDTV to really enjoy it.

[d_anders]

Thanks for the info everyone!

I have the same exact Sony TV as you had. Perhaps an S3 is in my future after all.

Anyone considering buying one of these and not utilizing it for HD almost right away is wasting their money. The prices will drop next year and in the mean time the Series 2 DT is a great, and much lower cost option in the short-run.

The only argument to consider buying one is if you think you'll be utilizing HD it right away. Other than that, only those with lifetime subs have reason to even to considering buying one (due to the lifetime transfer option to Jan 31, 2007, but not utilizing HD yet. Even there those considering need to realize that you'll need to pay $199 and then the price will likely drop (or via rebate) in February or March, so you have that opportunity cost too.

[russwong]

Good point... my post was in support of just watching HD on your non-hdtv, not for justifying buying an HD Tivo if you don't have HD... I think that would be crazy. I'd recommend just getting an HD addon to your cable, which is usually $5 more and seeing the benefits of it. Then you can get an HDTV once you realize how great HD is, then get a HD Tivo or other HD DVR box....

[theLuggage]

I would upgrade for several reasons:
-dual tuner
-can get rid of my cable box
-take advantage of the lifetime transfer
-better picture and sound quality (could use the digital audio output)

[mattack]

Good, I'm not the only one thinking of actually getting one, even with no HDTV. The lifetime transfer is definitely the bait on the hook. If it drops to $200 next year, then they'll have successfully suckered me in. But I *really* don't like paying monthly, so the gamble is tempting.

[rodalpho]

It doesn't require HD. I used it on my old SDTV for a week while I waited for my gorgeous new 42" 1080p LCD to arrive, and it worked great. In fact it clearly won a direct comparison with my old series1 on digital channels, because there's no recompression, it's a perfect digital signal better than "best" quality analog.

I mean, I wouldn't pay $800 for it if I didn't have HD, that would be insane. Just buy a S2DT.

[c3]

HD content looks amazing even on my 20" CRT TV. I'll start shopping for a HDTV only after I feel that the S3 works properly.

[vman41]

The OP seemed to be asking a more technical question. Yes, the s-video and composite outputs are strictly NTSC, meaning by definition they work with standard definition sets. There is no RF output though, so you can't hook it up directly to a really really old set that only has an antenna input.