Best 30" Widescreen

[clarkkent333]

Hi everybody! Sorry I just love that line.

Anyways, Im in the market for a new 30" and was wondering what the opinions were. I've read alot about the Sanyo at HellMart but haven't seen a concensus on anything else. Any and all opinions would be greately appreciated. Thanks.

[RandyWalters]

Originally posted by clarkkent333
Hi everybody! Sorry I just love that line.

Anyways, Im in the market for a new 30" and was wondering what the opinions were. I've read alot about the Sanyo at HellMart but haven't seen a concensus on anything else. Any and all opinions would be greately appreciated. Thanks.

You'll get a lot of differing opinions but i'd say the Sanyo is far from being the "best", not even in the same league as the ones below. Here's how i'd rate the 30" selections:

Toshiba 30HF84

Sony KD30XS955

Panasonic CT30WX54

Sony KV30HS420

Sanyo and Samsung at the bottom of the list.

[KyPeN]

I havn't seen it, but the Loewe (I think that's how it's spelled) is supposed to be awe inspiring.

[RandyWalters]

Originally posted by KyPeN
I havn't seen it, but the Loewe (I think that's how it's spelled) is supposed to be awe inspiring.

They're over-priced, have lots of problems, and are hard to get serviced. Aside from that they have a great picture :D

[extremegamer]

Originally posted by RandyWalters
You'll get a lot of differing opinions but i'd say the Sanyo is far from being the "best", not even in the same league as the ones below. Here's how i'd rate the 30" selections:

Toshiba 30HF84

Sony KD30XS955

Panasonic CT30WX54

Sony KV30HS420

Sanyo and Samsung at the bottom of the list.

I can speak from personal experience, the Samsung TXP3075 blows the Sony HS420 away.

[clarkkent333]

Originally posted by RandyWalters
You'll get a lot of differing opinions but i'd say the Sanyo is far from being the "best", not even in the same league as the ones below. Here's how i'd rate the 30" selections:

Toshiba 30HF84

Sony KD30XS955

Panasonic CT30WX54

Sony KV30HS420

Sanyo and Samsung at the bottom of the list.

Why do you say that the Sanyo is far from the "best"? It seems to be pretty well represented around here.

[WOLVERNOLE]

Originally posted by RandyWalters
You'll get a lot of differing opinions but i'd say the Sanyo is far from being the "best", not even in the same league as the ones below. Here's how i'd rate the 30" selections:

Toshiba 30HF84
Sony KD30XS955
Panasonic CT30WX54
Sony KV30HS420
Sanyo and Samsung at the bottom of the list.

RANDY--
You've got the Tosh at the top ( #1 ), right? So you're pretty high on that unit. Could you elaborate as to your reasons for the Tosh at your #1 position, please? With the HF84 series having speakers at the bottom, and your high regard for it, it's going on my "short list" of consideration.;)

[hmurchison]

I like the dimensions of the Toshiba.

H-21 5/8
W-31 3/8
D- 22 1/4

versus

H-23 1/8
W-35 1/4
D- 21 7/8

for the Sammy. Plus the Toshiba is $899. I can't see where the Sammy or Sony are worth $100 more. I'll go check out the Toshiba picture tomorrow for fun but I've never had a beef with Toshiba quality.

[clarkkent333]

I'll agree that Toshiba, at least in my experiences, has far surpassed Samsung in quality.

[TH3_FRB]

If I didn't know any better I'd swear you were talking about Sony :D

Okay, maybe they don't have LOTS of problems. But they are certainly over-rated. I suggest anyone interested in a 30" do the rounds with your wife or girlfriend...ask her what television looks best to her (assuming she isn't an HD geek like us). I've found that most of us are almost too-well informed for our own good...we look for problems and have certain opinions about brands and technologies before we even step foot in the store and that impacts our ability to objectively reason. Too bad we can strip all brand names and other identifying features off the televisions when we hit the stores and just judge on what we see in the picture.

Originally posted by RandyWalters
They're over-priced, have lots of problems, and are hard to get serviced. Aside from that they have a great picture :D

[TH3_FRB]

I vote for Sanyo as far as best quality/value choice. I'd certainly take it over the Sony unless I have extra cash that I don't have anything better to do with or I want a high-end set.

[Jaymstr]

Does the Samsung TXP3075 have the ability to convert 720p to 1080i?

Also, what is the difference between the Samsung TXP3075 and the TX-P3076WH?

[RandyWalters]

Originally posted by WOLVERNOLE
RANDY--
You've got the Tosh at the top ( #1 ), right? So you're pretty high on that unit. Could you elaborate as to your reasons for the Tosh at your #1 position, please? With the HF84 series having speakers at the bottom, and your high regard for it, it's going on my "short list" of consideration.;)

I've seen a lot of Toshibas and have yet to see one i didn't like. Last year when i thought i wanted a 16:9 widescreen TV the Toshibas i looked at all seemed to have the best picture qualilty. I found a store that was feeding their HDTVs a 480i NTSC signal and played with the stretch modes on the Toshiba 34HF83 and Sony 34HS510 liked the Tosh's better, plus the picture quality was better to my eyes than the Sony. At stores where they were feeding it HD i couldn't see much if any difference between brands, but i was more concerned with NTSC picture quality anyway. I later realized i have no need for a widescreen set so i looked at the 32" and 36" sets and still liked the Toshiba best.

I have a few friends with 32" and 36" HD-ready Toshibas and both display a great picture via cable and DirecTV. They also seem to have less problems than the other brands based on posts i've read here over the past year and a half and according to customers of mine who do high-end home theater work.

The only reason i didn't buy a 32HF73 last year was because the cabinet was all silver and i hate silver TVs, so i bought the last black Panasonic HDTV ever made right as they discontinued it. Otherwise, i'd have a Toshiba.

[RandyWalters]

Originally posted by extremegamer
I can speak from personal experience, the Samsung TXP3075 blows the Sony HS420 away.

How does it blow the Sony away? Picture quality? Build quality? Game tolerance?

[Joxer]

The Toshiba HD sets do have pretty good quality with NTSC input and their non-linear stretch mode is also one of the best implementations I've seen. The Toshiba's also have a digital video noise reduction feature too for any noisy channels.

[clarkkent333]

The 30HF84 is the new model correct? Can it display 720p?

[KyPeN]

No direct-view tubes with the exception of 1 (which is expensive and hard to get) can display 720p. Most convert it to 1080i.

[Joxer]

Toshiba's current models can accept 720p input and convert it to 1080i, thats the best that consumer HDTV sets can do.

[kdogg]

Originally posted by Jaymstr
Does the Samsung TXP3075 have the ability to convert 720p to 1080i?

Also, what is the difference between the Samsung TXP3075 and the TX-P3076WH?

Yes.

FYI, Difference between Sam's TX-P3075WH, TX-P3071WH, and TX-P3076WH are..

75-has BBE processing
76-exactly like 75 but has built-in memory card reader and has DNIE feature
71- no BBE processing, smaller size, and front mount light touch controls

[clarkkent333]

Anyone else have comments on the Toshiba?

[mpark]

I'm looking at both the Toshiba and the Panasonic for my home use. There is no place near me where I can see the Toshiba's picture first hand. I would be interested in anyone's comments comparing the Toshiba's picture quality with the Panny. The Panny has a great picture. I saw the Sammy, the sony and the Panny 30" sets side by side at CC and the Panny was the best. I want to get the Toshiba because of the dimensions.
THANKS

[beday00]

I'm also searching around and as someone mentioned earlier the Loewe is absolutely amazing.... it blows everything else away when it is properly setup. The only downside is it costs twice that of the Sony 30HS420 and the Toshiba 30HF84. The Loewe has really amazing processing in it and when turned on it smooths out choppy motion in the background. Its hard to explain but it really is worth seeing if you can find one around you.

[RandyWalters]

Originally posted by mpark
I'm looking at both the Toshiba and the Panasonic for my home use. There is no place near me where I can see the Toshiba's picture first hand. I would be interested in anyone's comments comparing the Toshiba's picture quality with the Panny. The Panny has a great picture. I saw the Sammy, the sony and the Panny 30" sets side by side at CC and the Panny was the best. I want to get the Toshiba because of the dimensions.
THANKS

Based on what i've seen i'd say the Toshiba's PQ is as good or slightly better than the Panasonic's, and the Panasonic's PQ is very good. You really can't go wrong with either brand, both are very good.

[clarkkent333]

Well I decided to go with the Toshiba. I never go on store picture quality because it usually blows. I did like the dimensions and how the speakers were on the bottom. Gives it a very sleek look.

[WOLVERNOLE]

Clark--
Let us know how you like it...especially how the SD material looks on the Tosh.
Good luck and enjoy your TV.;)

[RandyWalters]

Originally posted by RandyWalters
How does it blow the Sony away? Picture quality? Build quality? Game tolerance?

Still waiting for you to elaborate on this.....

How does it blow the Sony away? Picture quality? Build quality? Game tolerance?

[clarkkent333]

Originally posted by WOLVERNOLE
Clark--
Let us know how you like it...especially how the SD material looks on the Tosh.
Good luck and enjoy your TV.;)

Im not going to pick it up for about a week but Ill post it in here as soon as I find out what its like.

[kdogg]

Best 30" widescreen???

How about Sony's new KD-30XS955 (http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start;sid=z7FEqbw1zRdEoP0f4e9OovM7Sg0fFnyjcHA=?ProductSKU=KD30XS955&Dept=tv&CategoryName=tv_hdtv_tube)?

The only widescreen tube 30" with Cablecard slot. The only thing missing is a twin tuner capability.

[mpark]

I got my Toshiba 30HF84 today and am very happy with it. The PQ is as good if not better than the Panny. The remote is easy to use and you can scroll through many funtions very fast. 1080i Olympics looked great. Colors are very vibrant. I feel I made the best choice especially because of the price, small cabinet width and PQ. I had to shop around a little but got it for $879 delivered and setup.

[tilt3daxis]

How is the 480i/p upconversion? You don't happen to have an Xbox hooked up, do you? =/

[mpark]

Originally posted by tilt3daxis
How is the 480i/p upconversion? You don't happen to have an Xbox hooked up, do you? =/
Anything SD or 480P like my DVD player looks great. I can't find anything in the literature about a line doubler but I am sure they have something. It will also handle 720p via componet video or DVI. I do not have an X-Box so I can't tell you about that. I just know my Directv looks better than it did on my 27" set. I can't see as much artifacting. Edges are crisper. Hope that helps.

[DaveFi]

Michael (can I call you Mike?). Does this thing force 540p for 480p sources or can you turn that off?

I'll probably end up purchasing this TV because it's the only one that fits me entertainment center.

[mpark]

Originally posted by DaveFi
Michael (can I call you Mike?). Does this thing force 540p for 480p sources or can you turn that off?

I'll probably end up purchasing this TV because it's the only one that fits me entertainment center.
You can select whether it will display it at 540p or 1080i. You can also turn off Scan Velocity Modulation. There are also 4 stretch modes for 480i & 480p signals. Hope that helps.

[PerryU]

Originally posted by mpark
Anything SD or 480P like my DVD player looks great. ... I just know my Directv looks better than it did on my 27" set.
Now you've got me excited!

I've been waiting to see the 34, but reconciling myself to lousy SD compared to my old analog 27". Presumably it'll have the same circuits as the 30; maybe SD won't be so bad? Is the 27 you're comparing to an analog or digital set?

Hope the 34's out soon......

[mpark]

Originally posted by PerryU
Now you've got me excited!

I've been waiting to see the 34, but reconciling myself to lousy SD compared to my old analog 27". Presumably it'll have the same circuits as the 30; maybe SD won't be so bad? Is the 27 you're comparing to an analog or digital set?

Hope the 34's out soon......
I had a nice JVC 27" analog TV. I've seen some plasmas where SD looks horrible. This Toshiba must have some good filtering going on because it looks great.

[bradolson]

Originally posted by PerryU

Hope the 34's out soon......

Amazon carries the 34HF84 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0002JAROS/ref%3Dnosim/10108121979-20/002-3518484-8896020) as does Etronics and Crutchfield.

[PerryU]

Are they actually delivering now, or just taking pre-orders? Haven't found anyone on the forums who's received the 34, but maybe they're out there.

In any case, they don't help me because they're not Canadian sites. (Amazon has a .ca site, but it's only books and CDs.) They may deliver to Canada, but it won't be covered by mfr warranty. And I do want to see the set in person first if I can.

[rd001]

Originally posted by DaveFi
[I'll probably end up purchasing this TV because it's the only one that fits me entertainment center. [/B]
Toshiba's gonna clean up on this. Good TV, fits the old stands. The others will quickly follow suit, I think.

[mpark]

Best Buy had the Toshiba 30HF84 in this weeks flyer for $899. They must of just gotten it in because I was there Friday and they didn't have it on display yet.

[BlackAdam]

Thanks for the information guys... I am too looking for a 30" Direct-View Television. Just something under $1000 that I can finance and split the payments with my brother and take it to college with me. The Sony KV-30HS420 is currently on the top of my list, and I don't see why it shouldn't unless anybody can point out the Toshiba or any other over it.

[WOLVERNOLE]

Originally posted by BlackAdam
Thanks for the information guys... I am too looking for a 30" Direct-View Television. Just something under $1000 that I can finance and split the payments with my brother and take it to college with me. The Sony KV-30HS420 is currently on the top of my list, and I don't see why it shouldn't unless anybody can point out the Toshiba or any other over it.

Well as a previous college student I know that space is at a premium...maybe the Sony 27HS420 or the Toshiba 26" 16:9 with speakers underneath would be a lot more space-economical.;)

[operaguy]

I have been studying and shopping intensely in this category and the SONY KV30HS420 is also on the top of MY list.

I don't need/want on-board tuner and 30" is plenty for me and my budget is up to 1200.00.

but...... I am tempted to go for the discontinued KV30XBR910. There are a few to be found still at 1800.00 which is way over my budget but I am tempted. An extra year warantee on board brings the price point closer, and some of the other items it has are attractive. But the picture quailty? WOW, the XBR REALLY looks good.

::::: Opera :::::

[CaseCom]

operaguy: If you're tempted by the 910 for $1800, look at the new 30XS955 for $1400. Same Super Fine Pitch tube, plus it has a built-in HD tuner.

[BlackAdam]

Now, I see that the KV-30HS420 has a HDMI input. Will I be able to buy a HDMI-DVI adapter and use it as a computer monitor? And if so, will I be able to display it at 1080i (1920x1080)? I'd like to hear from anybody who has used this particular model as a monitor.

[mpark]

Originally posted by BlackAdam
Now, I see that the KV-30HS420 has a HDMI input. Will I be able to buy a HDMI-DVI adapter and use it as a computer monitor? And if so, will I be able to display it at 1080i (1920x1080)? I'd like to hear from anybody who has used this particular model as a monitor.
My Toshiba says real clearly not to use these TV's as computer monitors. I don't know if that applies to the Sony but I would assume so. Toshiba says that they will not support any damaged caused to the set by inputing a computer signal.

[operaguy]

I wish they would make the KV30XS955 (without the tuner) and lower the price by 200-300. My cable company will be suplying the tuner.

And also, if this XS has the picture quality of the XBR, why isn't it an XBR? This is confusing me. I have just been looking at the specs and I think you are right that the KD30XS955 probably will look as good as the XBR, but then....what feature(s) does the one remaining XBR tube [KD34XBR960] have that the XS955's (30 and 34) do not, picture-quality-wise, that makes it "XBR-worthy?" note: the two 34" have a difference of $200 MSRP.

It's really difficult to sort out the features; SonyStyle site has no "comparison" program and at Crutchfield (which does) most of the SONY tubes are not listed.

::::: Opera :::::

[CaseCom]

Originally posted by operaguy
I wish they would make the KV30XS955 (without the tuner) and lower the price by 200-300. My cable company will be suplying the tuner.

And also, if this XS has the picture quality of the XBR, why isn't it an XBR? This is confusing me. I have just been looking at the specs and I think you are right that the KD30XS955 probably will look as good as the XBR, but then....what feature(s) does the one remaining XBR tube [KD34XBR960] have that the XS955's (30 and 34) do not, picture-quality-wise, that makes it "XBR-worthy?" note: the two 34" have a difference of $200 MSRP.

It's really difficult to sort out the features; SonyStyle site has no "comparison" program and at Crutchfield (which does) most of the SONY tubes are not listed.

::::: Opera :::::

The XBR has adjustable DRC (Digital Reality Creation, which upconverts NTSC signals), letting you adjust the enhancement based on the quality of the input signal. The XS has non-adjustable DRC.

The XBR also has a few extra features including PIP and a FireWire port.

But really, who wouldn't want to pay the extra $200 for that nice black bezel (as opposed to charcoal gray) ;)

[Joxer]

The HDMI/DVI port on HDTVs only support HD standards (720p or 1080i at 60fps) not the normal resolution and higher scan rates that PCs output. With special software you might be able to set your PC to output standard 720p or 1080i, however the resolution and flicker compared to tregular PC monitors that use higher refresh rates might not be to your liking.

[operaguy]

CaseCom,

I just re-read everything I could find on the KD34XBR960. I didn't see anything on a firewire port, and also it appears to be the same color case (gray plastic) as all the others. [I WISH it were black!]

Or were you referring to my higher-up post stating an attraction to the discontinued KV30XBR910?.

::::: Opera :::::

[CaseCom]

Sony's name for FireWire (IEEE1394) is iLink.

About the color: My memory may be faulty. I'll have to check again the next time I'm in the store.

[operaguy]

Originally posted by operaguy
I wish they would make the KV30XS955 (without the tuner) and lower the price by 200-300. My cable company will be suplying the tuner.

I wrote to SONY asking if they were coming out with an XS without tuner and got a reply back, but it just said "Sony does not disclose upcoming product releases or related information upon request", which I guess was to be expected. I won't be emailing them asking if they are going to be releasing a 30" XBR in the near future!

::::: Opera :::::

[operaguy]

Originally posted by Joxer
The HDMI/DVI port on HDTVs only support HD standards (720p or 1080i at 60fps) not the normal resolution and higher scan rates that PCs output. With special software you might be able to set your PC to output standard 720p or 1080i, however the resolution and flicker compared to tregular PC monitors that use higher refresh rates might not be to your liking.

At my local CompUSA, the Apple section (you know, that odd little corner at the back of the store) has a Panasonic 40" Plasma display running as a computer monitor hanging above the spectacular Apple 23" Cinema display. The Panny don't look too swell. It's their way of saying...Think Different.

One strategy I have is to work up a tremendous budget (about $4000), wait for the next iteration of Apple Monitors to become available in stores, pray for a good third-party HDTV tuner (EyeTV?), and turn my new Apple 30" 16:9 Cinema display into my HDTV to the max.

Apple display page (http://www.apple.com/displays/)

::::: Opera :::::

[Joe Davola]

I just ordered the 30HF84 from Amazon on Sunday for $716 with free shipping. I had it on my watch list at Amazon for a few weeks along with the 30HF83. The 30HF83 has been selling for $1000+ while the list for the 30HF84 is $899.

Anyway, when I check my wish list on Sunday evening, the price was $716 so I jumped on it.

What's the deal with not using this as a PC monitor? Does that mean I can't watch DVD movies from my hard drive output thru a DVMI cable? I'm kind of new to this so please excuse my ignorance.

[mpark]

Originally posted by Joe Davola
I just ordered the 30HF84 from Amazon on Sunday for $716 with free shipping. I had it on my watch list at Amazon for a few weeks along with the 30HF83. The 30HF83 has been selling for $1000+ while the list for the 30HF84 is $899.

Anyway, when I check my wish list on Sunday evening, the price was $716 so I jumped on it.

What's the deal with not using this as a PC monitor? Does that mean I can't watch DVD movies from my hard drive output thru a DVMI cable? I'm kind of new to this so please excuse my ignorance.
Good price. You done good! I've had mine for about a week and it says clearly in the manual not to use it as a PC monitor. That's all I know. I don't think I'd chance it just to watch a movie.

[clarkkent333]

Don't do this to me guys. I bought this thing to use with my HTPC and now its a no go. Don't all DV TV's say not to input a computer signal?

Also, can't you just use Powerstrip to output a proper resolution?

[Joe Davola]

Hey all,

I just checked again and it's back in stock at $717 shipped.

Just search for 30HF84.

Good luck to all in need of a good HD ready TV at a great price!

[arthurking]

just grabbed this baby(30HF84) off amazon.com. time to return my Philips 30PW850h!

[kreisman]

Is this a discontinued model? I see on Toshiba's website the product listed as 30HF83.

[mpark]

Originally posted by kreisman
Is this a discontinued model? I see on Toshiba's website the product listed as 30HF83.
This is a brand new model. It's been hard to find but is now shipping. I got mine a week ago and love it. That's a great price too.

[RandyWalters]

Originally posted by kreisman
Is this a discontinued model? I see on Toshiba's website the product listed as 30HF83.

The last digit on the Toshiba TVs is the model year. The 30HF83 is last years model, and the 30HF84 is the brand new 2004 model. MSRP on the new one is way cheaper than MSRP for the old one.

[Sonikku]

Originally posted by KyPeN
No direct-view tubes with the exception of 1 (which is expensive and hard to get) can display 720p. Most convert it to 1080i.

Oh come now. The Monivision isn't that expensive at 800$. :)

[clarkkent333]

Originally posted by clarkkent333
Don't do this to me guys. I bought this thing to use with my HTPC and now its a no go. Don't all DV TV's say not to input a computer signal?

Also, can't you just use Powerstrip to output a proper resolution?

I just read that most TV's give this warning and its due to people using improper resolutions. True?

[kharvel]

Originally posted by clarkkent333
Don't do this to me guys. I bought this thing to use with my HTPC and now its a no go. Don't all DV TV's say not to input a computer signal?

Also, can't you just use Powerstrip to output a proper resolution?

Why do you want to go through the trouble of learning Powerstrip/electronics engineering to make a TV work with a computer?

Just get a large-display computer monitor that is specifically designed to work with computers. Brands include:

Princeton Graphics, Monivision, CTX, Proton, and Sampo

[mpark]

I also have a Samsung 17" LCD that has an RGB input. Seems much easier than trying to get a TV to work with a computer.

[mpark]

I also have a Samsung 17" LCD that has an RGB input. Seems much easier than trying to get a TV to work with a computer.

[kharvel]

mpark, I think the original poster wants a larger display than 17". Monivision has monitors ranging from 30" widescreen to 34" widescreen to 38" 4:3 tube and they are all CRT computer monitors with RGB/VGA inputs and VESA support for computer signals.

[clarkkent333]

Originally posted by kharvel
Why do you want to go through the trouble of learning Powerstrip/electronics engineering to make a TV work with a computer?

Just get a large-display computer monitor that is specifically designed to work with computers. Brands include:

Princeton Graphics, Monivision, CTX, Proton, and Sampo

For a few reasons actually. I can get much more for my money with a TV, its more versatile, and Im going with a no desk PC.

Anyone have more info on the use of this thing with a PC?

[RandyWalters]

Originally posted by clarkkent333
For a few reasons actually. I can get much more for my money with a TV, its more versatile, and Im going with a no desk PC.

Anyone have more info on the use of this thing with a PC?

That souds like a question for the HTPC/Home Theater Computer forum:


http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=26

[caddy44]

Did not see the that good of price u stated at amazon, on search it was 150 higher..

[kharvel]

Originally posted by clarkkent333
For a few reasons actually. I can get much more for my money with a TV, its more versatile, and Im going with a no desk PC.

This is exactly what I am doing with my 4:3 Monivision 38" computer monitor. Just click on the link in my signature. You will see that it is set-up just like any regular TV and looks like any regular TV. The only weird thing you will see is the HTPC below the monitor and NO set-top boxes.

I don't see how you can "get much more" for your money with a TV since the TV has far fewer internal electronics than a computer monitor. For example, only computer monitors can support 720p natively while regular consumer-grade HDTVs either don't support 720p or upconvert them to 1080i. Is that getting your money's worth?

In addition, you are forgetting the fact that you will have to spend TONS of time learning, playing around with, and tweaking Powerstrip software to get it to work with a consumer-grade HDTV and even after all that effort, you will get an OK picture with plenty of overscan which probably can't be eliminated no matter how hard you try.

If you are planning to use set-top boxes with the display most of the time then a consumer-grade HDTV is much better for your needs than a computer monitor. However if you are going to use a HTPC almost all of the time then it makes no sense to get anything except a computer monitor. The only exception is if you actually enjoy spending hours upon hours learning exotic terms such as hsize, vsize, front porch, back porch, pixel clock, frame refresh rates, etc.

[clarkkent333]

Originally posted by kharvel
This is exactly what I am doing with my 4:3 Monivision 38" computer monitor. Just click on the link in my signature. You will see that it is set-up just like any regular TV and looks like any regular TV. The only weird thing you will see is the HTPC below the monitor and NO set-top boxes.

I don't see how you can "get much more" for your money with a TV since the TV has far fewer internal electronics than a computer monitor. For example, only computer monitors can support 720p natively while regular consumer-grade HDTVs either don't support 720p or upconvert them to 1080i. Is that getting your money's worth?

In addition, you are forgetting the fact that you will have to spend TONS of time learning, playing around with, and tweaking Powerstrip software to get it to work with a consumer-grade HDTV and even after all that effort, you will get an OK picture with plenty of overscan which probably can't be eliminated no matter how hard you try.

If you are planning to use set-top boxes with the display most of the time then a consumer-grade HDTV is much better for your needs than a computer monitor. However if you are going to use a HTPC almost all of the time then it makes no sense to get anything except a computer monitor. The only exception is if you actually enjoy spending hours upon hours learning exotic terms such as hsize, vsize, front porch, back porch, pixel clock, frame refresh rates, etc.

You make a good argument but I've found a few 30" widescreens that do 720p. If the hookup is through DVI or HDMI then the overscan and resulting resolution setup should be too bad. Plus, with a tv I can hookup my game systems, a set top dvd, and my tivo or anything else for that matter. Its much more of a pain in the ass with a monitor.

Another concern for me is a lack of space. Im working with a small room and its almost impossible to fit a desk and entertainment stand/center in the same room. Without the desk it becomes much more spacious and easier to work with.

[kreisman]

Originally posted by caddy44
Did not see the that good of price u stated at amazon, on search it was 150 higher..

Check it now. Free shipping, no tax, big discount. Incredible compared to buying it elsewhere...

[kharvel]

Originally posted by clarkkent333
You make a good argument but I've found a few 30" widescreens that do 720p.

Which widescreens do 720p? I am sure a lot of people here would like to know as they have been looking fruitlessly for a consumer-grade HDTV CRT that can display 720p NATIVELY (no conversion).


Plus, with a tv I can hookup my game systems, a set top dvd, and my tivo or anything else for that matter. Its much more of a pain in the ass with a monitor.


It sounds like you prefer set-top boxes for every-day usage. What are you going to use the HTPC for? I use my HTPC for everything: gaming, PVR, DVD, etc. The best thing about HTPC is that I can rent $1 DVDs from Albertsons during the weekdays and copy them to my hard drive and watch them on my Monivision during the weekend (or any other time). Saves me a bundle from renting $4 Blockbuster DVDs.


Another concern for me is a lack of space. Im working with a small room and its almost impossible to fit a desk and entertainment stand/center in the same room. Without the desk it becomes much more spacious and easier to work with.

Why do you need a desk for anything? A large-display computer monitor will fit in just fine in your entertainment stand/center. Just put the HTPC where your set-top boxes would normally be in the entertainment stand/center.

[clarkkent333]

Originally posted by kharvel
Which widescreens do 720p? I am sure a lot of people here would like to know as they have been looking fruitlessly for a consumer-grade HDTV CRT that can display 720p NATIVELY (no conversion).



It sounds like you prefer set-top boxes for every-day usage. What are you going to use the HTPC for? I use my HTPC for everything: gaming, PVR, DVD, etc. The best thing about HTPC is that I can rent $1 DVDs from Albertsons during the weekdays and copy them to my hard drive and watch them on my Monivision during the weekend (or any other time). Saves me a bundle from renting $4 Blockbuster DVDs.



Why do you need a desk for anything? A large-display computer monitor will fit in just fine in your entertainment stand/center. Just put the HTPC where your set-top boxes would normally be in the entertainment stand/center. [/B]

I don't know about natively but best buy sells a 30" widescreen Samsung that does 720p. As far as preference goes, yes, I definately find more enjoyment in a large TV. I can only get a 23" lcd at a decent price and even then its around 4 or 500 more than a tv. The size difference, hookups, and looks sway me to a regular tv. Usage would be for games, full time computing (barring I can get it to work) and movies. I definatley cannot see a 20" monitor competing with a 30" tv. Sorry but its just me.

[DaveFi]

I don't know about natively but best buy sells a 30" widescreen Samsung that does 720p. Upscales to 1080i.

My Panasonic DT-M3050W monitor can natively handle 1080i/720p/1125i.

[kharvel]

Originally posted by clarkkent333

I don't know about natively but best buy sells a 30" widescreen Samsung that does 720p.

Don't you just love slick marketing for the average consumer? It claims to "do" 720p which is more or less true. However the fact is that by "doing", it simply ACCEPTS 720p signals and CONVERTS it to 1080i. This is hardly the same as DISPLAYING 720p in all its native glory.


I definatley cannot see a 20" monitor competing with a 30" tv. Sorry but its just me.

Monivision computer monitors only comes in 30" and 34" widescreen and 38" 4:3 fullscreen sizes. . . . .

[bfdtv]

Unfortunately the Monovision is a whopping 29" high and 30" deep, compared to 21" high and 22" deep for competing models.

[tilt3daxis]

And don't they have that fishbowl-like screen? :-/

[kharvel]

The 32" widescreen (30" viewable) is slightly curved. The 38" 4:3 is totally fishbowl. However, the 34" has a pure flat tube.

[tilt3daxis]

Interesting :) Is the 34" 16:9 or 4:3 (I'm assuming it's a 16:9 set, but looking at a few websites I'm not too sure)? Also, where can I order it from?

[kharvel]

The 34" DM7352SF is in 16:9 widescreen format. It is actually 36" in size but the viewable area is 34" (since it is a computer monitor).

It can be purchased directly from Monivision (Albatron) and sometimes they may have some special deals in which you can get a manufacturer's discount plus free shipping. Or you can buy it from digitalconnection.com here (http://www.digitalconnection.com/products/directview/dm7352sf.asp)

When I purchased my Monivision 2.5 years ago, I had to make a decision between the 4:3 38" (36" viewable) DM7752ST and the 16:9 36" DM7352SF. I elected to go with the DM7752ST because Monivision had a special deal for it at about $1700 with free shipping and also because I would be viewing analog TV via my HTPC most of the time and widescreen DVD playback would give me something close to 34" viewable area anyway. The only downside is the fishbowl tube on the DM7752ST. If I had to do it all over again right now, I probably would go with the 36" DM7352SF

[tilt3daxis]

That's a nice looking set...although I'm a little nervous over spending that much money through an online dealer =/ Are there no retail store that stock these?

[kharvel]

Nope, no retail stores stock these because there is negligible demand for these computer monitors from the general public. Due to slick marketing and brand name recognizition, the general public prefers consumer-grade displays from manufacturers such as Sony, Toshiba, Panasonic, Sanyo, Samsung, et al even though these displays are consumer-grade and as a rule, do not have the high-end electronics usually found in computer monitors.

I had no compunctions with buying a Monivision sight unseen simply because the features were far more important than brand name and in any case, there really weren't any other choices available to me at the price point I was seeking (Princeton Graphics and Proton displays were at least $1K more than comparable Monivision displays).

In a nutshell, beggars cannot be choosers.

[nfsmith]

Hello,

I have the TX-P3075WH, and while I think the picture quality was as good as anything I saw when I made the purchase, (This would include comparably sized units by Sony and Philips.) there are design aspects that create problems for me. These issues won't affect someone using the digital audio outputs, but anyone who is outputting analog audio to a stereo, will want to know about this.

First, there is only one analog audio output; the instruction manual says that it's volume is variable, but it is NOT. You must vary the volume using your stereo's volume control, not the TV volume control like the manual says.

Second, and this is much more important to me: There are 5 RCA jacks used in the recommended hook up for a DVD player, 3 component video and 2 analog audio. If you use this configuration, the sound output to the stereo is killed. You must listen to sound only on the built-in TV speakers.

The sound is obviously getting from the DVD player to the TV, because you can hear it on the TV. If you switch away from the DVD to over the air TV, you CAN get the sound to be played through the stereo.

Apparently, the design philosophy was that even in a situation where sound was transmitted by analog from the DVD player to the TV, if the video inputs used were the digital component ones, then the only way to get an audio signal out of the TV is by digital means. The TV has 3 kinds of digital outputs: DVI, optical, and an RCA style jack.

If I leave the audio cables where they are, but I change the video input from 3 component digital connections to one composite (the jacks are designed to be dual use), the circuitry again outputs the audio to the stereo.

This seems kind of unecessary. I don't get why they kill the analog audio output. The audio obviously gets to the TV, else you wouldn't be able to hear the sound over the TV. Why they can't continue to pass that signal to the monitor out, I don't understand. There must still be quite a few people out there who don't want to bother with surround sound.

You know, I might understand the behavior, if I were outputting digital audio from the DVD player to the TV, but I can't say it was well thought out the way it is. Frankly, even if I did connect digitally between the DVD and the TV, I think I should still be able to output analog audio to my stereo.

Regards,
nfsmith


Originally posted by extremegamer
I can speak from personal experience, the Samsung TXP3075 blows the Sony HS420 away.

[kny3twalker]

you should not need to buy a computer monitor
nvidia should DVI to DVI/HDMI and component output on their video cards to HDTVs, and gives overscan settings
ATI supports moctly component output and can be used with DVI
and powerstrip can be used to eliminate overscan with component

why would need 720p native anyways?
I have seen the DLPs and you cannot read the text that well at 720p anyways
about as well as when I send 720p to my Sony SFP

[nfsmith]

The solution to my Samsung TX-P3075WH problem of not being able to get my analog stereo audio from a DVD to my stereo system has been solved with a few tricks, extra patch cords, and some Y cables, and a $30 part from RadioShack.

Part #15-1985 is a 5 way auto-sensing switch. Basically, I split the analog audio output from the DVD player. One set of connections goes to the normal connection under the video component connections on the TV. The other split goes to the back of the #15-1985 as the #2 input. The #1 input comes from the TV's audio monitor output. The output of the switch goes to my stereo.

The problem with this switch is that it also has video connections for each audio pair, and it's switching sense is tied to the video connection, not the audio. Fortunately, my DVD player has both component and composite video output jacks, so I also hooked cables up from the DVD composite video ouput and from the TV's monitor output that connected along with their corresponding audio connections going into the #15-1985 switch.

This works quite well, since switching the input to the tv to Component 1 (the DVD player) causes both the video and the audio monitor outputs off, which causes the switch to look for the next active connection which happens to be the DVD. When I switch the TV back to TV mode, the monitor comes alive and causes the audio to switch back to the TV.

If someone else has the same problem, but they don't have both component and composite outputs from their DVD player, probably the only practical solution would be to get a manual AB switch, say #15-1982 from RadioShack for instance. It's not as elegant a solution, but it will work. Since I don't need to interact with it, I can completely hide my switch out of sight.

Hope this helps someone else.

-nfsmith