Noob Question About LCD TV

[ds2chan]

question.. if I bought a 42' LCD TV, can I just hook up my existing basic cable (no box of any sort) to the LCD TV?? mind you, initially I don't mind if you can see some of the pixels on my cable tv.. I just want to know if it will work fine and how bad is it really??

and when I do decide to get a hi def box (thinking of buying one from Future Shop to use with Rogers cable) do I have to sign up for anything with Rogers for extra services or can I just stick with my basic cable?? I get all these pamphlets but they don't say if u really need any of their services..

thanks for the help!!

[Wild Weasel]

You can plug your cable in. That will work, though it's a bit of a waste of a nice tv. If that's all you intend to use it for, don't spend all that money on a big high def screen.

I recommend just renting the box from Rogers. It's around $15 a month or so. Are they still charging $400 or so to buy them? It'll take years to save that on rental fees and if something goes wrong, you're up the creek.

You'll have to order their high-def package. Best to call them to find out about rates.

[Flagrum_3]

It's not a waste, what about videos?...many DVD players now have an upconversion to 1080i, plus he could also attach an antenna to it and get Hi-def for free (depending on his area), but mind you channels are quite limited at the moment but so is what Rogers or Bell are offering.


_3


.

[cwp_sedan]

For Rogers:

Going from no box, to a standard def-box doesn't make that much of a difference in the picture. The bonus with the box is the guide and an S-video connection definitely helps the quality a little. If you get the VIP package the rental for the box is covered in the package cost. The HD box though makes EVERYTHING better. I found the guide is way easier to read and the picture on the normal channels are way better. If you can use an HDMI cable go for it since it produces a better picture than components even on the regular channels.

When you get the high-def box from Rogers it comes with a bunch of HD channels included in the rental fee (that is if you rent). There is an extra cost if you want the rest of the channels though. I think it's like $8 or $9/mth. HD is definitely worth it if you watch any sports or things like that. I find it hard to watch a game not on HD anymore.

As for Bell, the quality is there, but I just hate their set up. That's just my opinion though. You have other options as well but Rogers and Bell are your main providers if you are in the GTA.

[ds2chan]

thanks for all the answers..

I watch a few tv shows and sports but I'll also be using it for games and dvds.. I am now thinking of getting the tv first and see if I can live with it for now.. if not, then I'll go get the box..

so is everybody renting the box?? I thought buying one might be better even if it takes like 2-3 years before you start saving..

[JMAK74]

thanks for all the answers..

I watch a few tv shows and sports but I'll also be using it for games and dvds.. I am now thinking of getting the tv first and see if I can live with it for now.. if not, then I'll go get the box..

so is everybody renting the box?? I thought buying one might be better even if it takes like 2-3 years before you start saving..

That's the plan me and the wife have - planning to get an HD TV and though we don't get cable now - primary reason is for movies. Also, figure in a couple of years we'll end up breaking down and getting cable at some point.

I heard that CTV, CityTV and CBC broadcast over the air HD.

JMAK

[ds2chan]

That's the plan me and the wife have - planning to get an HD TV and though we don't get cable now - primary reason is for movies. Also, figure in a couple of years we'll end up breaking down and getting cable at some point.

I heard that CTV, CityTV and CBC broadcast over the air HD.

JMAK


yeah, they do.. I hope all you need is basic cable to watch them in HD though.. but I read somewhere that you need the box in order to convert the signal to an HD signal?? does anybody know if this is true or would I still be able to receive the HD signal without using the box for CTV, CityTV and CBC?? thanks.

[Flagrum_3]

That's the plan me and the wife have - planning to get an HD TV and though we don't get cable now - primary reason is for movies. Also, figure in a couple of years we'll end up breaking down and getting cable at some point.

I heard that CTV, CityTV and CBC broadcast over the air HD.

JMAK

Hey like I mentioned in my earlier post, just get an HDTV specific antenna and you should be able to pick-up all or most HD channels being broadcast in TO and Buffalo with apparently no degridation.....Cable and Sat companies are hoping people don't catch in to this.


_3


.

[JMAK74]

I heard the key is having a QAM reciever - from what I can tell almost all HD TV's have them, but doulbe check the specs on the company (i.e. Sharp's) website. I say this because on FS and BB websites, if you look at the 37" Aquos specs, it doesn't say QAM, look at the 42" and it does say QAM - check the Sharp.ca webiste and all of them have a QAM. I think they do this so you run out and get the 42" vs. the 37".

With QAM from my understanding - just set up some bunny ears (i.e. antenna) and you'll get HD signals from CTV, CityTV and CBC.

I'm leaning toward the Sharp Aquos 37" or 42" - preferrably a D64U series. They got deals at FS and BB for Boxing Day, however it's not the model type I'm after and personally I really question waiting in line freezing my arse off to save a couple hundred...

JMAK

[JMAK74]

Hey like I mentioned in my earlier post, just get an HDTV specific antenna and you should be able to pick-up all or most HD channels being broadcast in TO and Buffalo with apparently no degridation.....Cable and Sat companies are hoping people don't catch in to this.


_3


.

Sorry didn't see that one - you're right (see post below yours and such).

JMAK

[MajesticBlueNTO]

Hey like I mentioned in my earlier post, just get an HDTV specific antenna and you should be able to pick-up all or most HD channels being broadcast in TO and Buffalo with apparently no degridation.....Cable and Sat companies are hoping people don't catch in to this.


_3


.

you don't even need an HDTV specific antenna to get HD signals OTA (over the air) ....a vhf/uhf antenna from the old days will suffice (HD signals operate on the same frequencies)...better yet, if you want to be truly ghetto, a stripped coax on one end with a coat hangar attached to it will also pull in signals.

of course, your tv must have an ATSC tuner to get the OTA HD signals.

[MajesticBlueNTO]

I heard the key is having a QAM reciever - from what I can tell almost all HD TV's have them, but doulbe check the specs on the company (i.e. Sharp's) website. I say this because on FS and BB websites, if you look at the 37" Aquos specs, it doesn't say QAM, look at the 42" and it does say QAM - check the Sharp.ca webiste and all of them have a QAM. I think they do this so you run out and get the 42" vs. the 37".

With QAM from my understanding - just set up some bunny ears (i.e. antenna) and you'll get HD signals from CTV, CityTV and CBC.

I'm leaning toward the Sharp Aquos 37" or 42" - preferrably a D64U series. They got deals at FS and BB for Boxing Day, however it's not the model type I'm after and personally I really question waiting in line freezing my arse off to save a couple hundred...

JMAK

a QAM tuner will pick up unencrypted signals over regular cable, not through bunny ears. bunny ears are for an ATSC tuner.

OTA HD is free ....Rogers and/or bell have been quietly encrypting channels that were available with a QAM tuner.

[Flagrum_3]

you don't even need an HDTV specific antenna to get HD signals OTA (over the air) ....a vhf/uhf antenna from the old days will suffice (HD signals operate on the same frequencies)...better yet, if you want to be truly ghetto, a stripped coax on one end with a coat hangar attached to it will also pull in signals.

of course, your tv must have an ATSC tuner to get the OTA HD signals.

That is very true but, How many people have 40ft towers like the old days? Apparently the HDTV specific antennas will work very well from roof top level and even lower and also are pretty inexpensive.I've seen them advertised for as low as $60.But like you said a set-up as simple as rabbit ears will pull in some channels.

On your secong post...just to add, the cable companies have also approached the CRTC attempting to get the right to scramble/block HDTV signal air waves.So far the CRTC has not complied saying basically that air-waves are free to all.As you could imagine this has the cable and sat providers shaking in their boots and hoping people don't catch on.


_3


.

[MajesticBlueNTO]

That is very true but, How many people have 40ft towers like the old days? Apparently the HDTV specific antennas will work very well from roof top level and even lower and also are pretty inexpensive.I've seen them advertised for as low as $60.But like you said a set-up as simple as rabbit ears will pull in some channels.

On your secong post...just to add, the cable companies have also approached the CRTC attempting to get the right to scramble/block HDTV signal air waves.So far the CRTC has not complied saying basically that air-waves are free to all.As you could imagine this has the cable and sat providers shaking in their boots and hoping people don't catch on.


_3


.

more info here from digitalhome.ca - OTA FAQ (http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=41102)

[JMAK74]

a QAM tuner will pick up unencrypted signals over regular cable, not through bunny ears. bunny ears are for an ATSC tuner.

OTA HD is free ....Rogers and/or bell have been quietly encrypting channels that were available with a QAM tuner.

Thanks for the clarification. I just have to (yes believe it or not) get around to actually setting up the TV for veiwing DVD's or games... I've had the TV in the box since Boxing Day...

JMAK

[bubba1983]

intresting read about the tuners and such...as my tv has NTSC/ATSC/QAM tuners..
so....just for say test purposes....i could strip the one end of a coax cable, rig it up to a coat hanger, and hang that sucker out the window and ross my fingers?

[Flagrum_3]

more info here from digitalhome.ca - OTA FAQ (http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=41102)

Hey excellent link Majestic, Thanks, really good read!!
I was contemplating getting the amplified AC/DC mini-state antenna from The Source, for my mothers place as she's getting completely hosed by Rogers....I have heard good things about that specific model from others....I'm just wondering how it would fair with her being in Innisfil. I guess if it doesn't work to my expectations I could always return it.:chuckle
Any suggestions or thoughts?

_3


.

[sunnyhomeboy]

wat kinda 42' tv?

[starwind]

Some reading that may be useful (note some info is US-specific):

"An HDTV Primer: What you need to know to buy your first HDTV"
http://www.hdtvprimer.com/

"How HDTV Works"
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/hdtv.htm

"Crutchfield Advisor » HDTV Center"
http://www.crutchfieldadvisor.com/reviews/hdtv/

"HDTV: Misconceptions abound"
http://www.canada.com/topics/technology/story.html?id=80fb0cb4-1539-4b3f-8776-c60ee256c5de

"Six Must-Know HDTV Facts"
http://tech.yahoo.com/blog/patterson/578

"Are You Sure You're Watching HDTV?"
http://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/are-you-sure-youre-watching-hdtv.html

from teh last, quote:

"That antenna you have sitting in the attic or on your house? It may just be all you need in order to enjoy tons of prime time HD programming. In order for this to be true you will need to have purchased an HDTV with a built-in ATSC tuner. The same antenna that picks up standard broadcast television in your area will also pick up HD transmissions."

[ds2chan]

those are some good, informative links..

I like the quote "Sleeping in the Garage Doesn't Make You a Car" from the last link you posted..