[angie2601]

Want to buy a HD TV and ave some questions if you can help please. Excuse the questions that may appear slightly daft. - Who thought buying a Tv was this complcated !!

Are HD receivers a requirement or is reception built in - ie freeview

If Freeview is installed can I still use the Sky + box ?

Also does having freeview installed mean an aerial is no longer required (No wiring if I want a TV in other rooms?)

Do I need to updgrde the aerial for digital viewing?

Looking at the Toshiba range - 32 or 37" WLT66 or 68 - which model is best? or is the Sony Bravia 32 or 40" range better for the extra cost.


Should the TV have DVI sockets or are HDMI sockets alright?

Can you recommend any 32-40" LCD HD ready TV's that will be an investment.

Should I wait for any 1080i formats - are there any on the market at the moment.

Thanks for any advice you can give.

[tony954]

I have just posted a similar question in Home entertainment but not as well worded as your's.It's a bloody minefield out there is it not.Good luck with your post I'll keep an eye on it to try and get some pointers Tony

[Buffalo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by angie2601

Want to buy a HD TV and ave some questions if you can help please. Excuse the questions that may appear slightly daft. - Who thought buying a Tv was this complcated !!

Are HD receivers a requirement or is reception built in - ie freeview

In order to watch HD you will need a separate HD receiver (Sky HD box or cable TV Drive or PC)

Quote:

Originally Posted by angie2601

If Freeview is installed can I still use the Sky + box ?

Yes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by angie2601

Also does having freeview installed mean an aerial is no longer required (No wiring if I want a TV in other rooms?)

Not entirely sure of the question but if you want to watch Freeview, you will need an aerial.

Quote:

Originally Posted by angie2601

Do I need to updgrde the aerial for digital viewing?

Not necessarily, it depends on where you live and what type of aerial you already have. Check what type of aerial you need and the reception you can expect
here.

Quote:

Originally Posted by angie2601

Looking at the Toshiba range - 32 or 37" WLT66 or 68 - which model is best? or is the Sony Bravia 32 or 40" range better for the extra cost.

The best TV for you will depend on how large your room is and how far away you will be sitting etc. There are some guides to TV sizes based on viewing distances etc. on these and other forums but I've never used one myself.
I have an average size lounge and a 37" LCD and I find that it is fine - anything bigger would dominate the room too much, although some people don't mind that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by angie2601

Should the TV have DVI sockets or are HDMI sockets alright?

Either is OK, as long as they support HDCP (media protection). Ideally, HDMI should be used as this carries audio as well as video and so less messy cables are needed. More and more devices will be adopting the HDMI interface in the future.

Quote:

Originally Posted by angie2601

Can you recommend any 32-40" LCD HD ready TV's that will be an investment.

This is something I can't do for you - I recommend spending a lot of time researching yourself. I have a LG set and I am delighted with it but that doesn't mean it is the best or even suitable for you. There are plenty of user reviews on forums and also comparisons by industry magazines etc. on other websites - Google is your friend.
Work out how much you want to spend and the features/connectivity that really matters to you and you can soon narrow down the field.

Quote:

Originally Posted by angie2601

Should I wait for any 1080i formats - are there any on the market at the moment.

I assume that you mean 1080p as 1080i is almost universally supported. The answer really depends on what size panel you buy and what you will be watching. If you buy a 37" or smaller then it is unlikely that you will notice any difference between 720p/1080i and 1080p HD sources. Also, probably the only sources for 1080p material for some time to come will be HD DVD and PC. If you don't watch stuff from a PC and don't have a HD DVD player then it's not worth worrying about getting a 1080p TV set, in my opinion.

Quote:

Originally Posted by angie2601

Thanks for any advice you can give.

I probably didn't help much but you are welcome.

[stvn758]

Very helpful, and I don't even want an HDTV yet.