Thoughts on this TV

[jahutch]

Hey all, I am looking at getting the following Insignia TV from Best Buy: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7279198&productCategoryId=pcmcat31800050030&type=product&tab=1&id=1118839462408.

I was looking at the Sony A10, but with the direction HD is taking towards more and more "content control" I have made the decision that I will not be getting on board with most of the up and coming technologies (the decision by CableLabs that cablecard will not be available for computers except certified OEMs was the last straw). I am a "do it yourselfer at heart," so my plan, basically, is to continue on with basic SD analog cable, and get free OTA HD. Given this, I see no reason to spend 1500+ on a TV, when this one is available for 450.

My chief concern with this TV is that it does not have an HDMI port. My current plan is to run everything through my HTPC, using ATIs DVI-component adapter. I know this will work for now, but will HDMI/HDCP ever be required for HD OTA transmissions, or does the "use HDMI or only get 480p" decree only apply to pay services like cable/satellite? For DVDs, I will likely go with a good component upconvert player, something like the Momitsu V880.

Finally, how should I expect 480p to look on a set such as this? I assume "one day," my unwillingness to give in to Hollywood's gestapo tactics will mean everything I get will be downgraded to 480p, even OTA HD. Is the improvement 480p offers over 480i worth buying this TV for, or am I better off with a nice SDTV?

[Myke256]

I saw that TV a few days ago in Best Buy. It had a nice picture but I wouldn't buy it. No HDMI(not much inputs at all actually), only a 2-line comb filter, no 720p acceptence, and I'm not sure of the build quality as I've never owned an Insignia. I would check out the Panasonic TAU. They sell them in Circuit City for cheap. The 30" was only $650 when I went.

[kny3twalker]

My current plan is to run everything through my HTPC, using ATIs DVI-component adapter. I know this will work for now, but will HDMI/HDCP ever be required for HD OTA transmissions, or does the "use HDMI or only get 480p" decree only apply to pay services like cable/satellite?

there is no restrict on cable, satellite or over the air that requires HDMI

as of currently only upscaling DVD players require HDMI or DVI with HDCP
in the future Blu Ray and HD DVD will also

For DVDs, I will likely go with a good component upconvert player, something like the Momitsu V880.

unless this player has hacked firmware you will not be upscaling Hollywood movies over component

you will need to use HDMI or DVI with HDCP as said above

Finally, how should I expect 480p to look on a set such as this? I assume "one day," my unwillingness to give in to Hollywood's gestapo tactics will mean everything I get will be downgraded to 480p, even OTA HD. Is the improvement 480p offers over 480i worth buying this TV for, or am I better off with a nice SDTV?

do you mean 480i content from cable or satellite line doubled to 480? cause it will be as good as the TV you are considering

if you downscaled 1080i and 720p to 480p it also will be as good as the display

I would say it will look fine, but I have little faith in cheap electronics
and I furthermore do not understand how you can go from looking at a 42" + Sony to the bargain basement knock off Best Buy CRT

the decision that I will not be getting on board with most of the up and coming technologies (the decision by CableLabs that cablecard will not be available for computers except certified OEMs was the last straw).

as I understand it, smaller OEM will have access to cable card capture cards for MCE Vista PCs, they will simply not be authorized Cable Labs PCs

which means that more than likely you will see them at newegg and such
maybe not though

also DirecTV will have options, but it will be different apparently DirecTV will come out to your home and install the card

sorry to say though that all these new cards will be PCI express X1 cards and will not work with your older AGP setup

I am a "do it yourselfer at heart," so my plan, basically, is to continue on with basic SD analog cable, and get free OTA HD. Given this, I see no reason to spend 1500+ on a TV, when this one is available for 450.

I have two HDTVs KD-30XS955 and KDL-V32XBR1 both with similiar sources and I am very happy with the results
my sources are over the air and DirecTV (SD only)

I in no way mind answering your questions, but just like in the LCD/plasma forum
I will not approve your future purchase

you are buying the poorest of quality CRTs, and just those that buy the chinese made Olevia, Westinghouse, and Syntax LCDs, I will say they are junk, and the image quality will suffer

after all there is a reason that it is so much cheaper than like a Sony
you just have to ask what are the skimping on?
Quality control? electronics? the tube?
on these third tier (bottom tier) TVs, probably everything

[jahutch]

kny3twalker:

I agree with you, this is not a top of the line set. Not even close. Why am I looking at it then? Because, frankly I don't see myself getting anything better than 480p quality material. Yes, I realize some cable companies, etc, currently offer set top boxes that output without HDCP, but that loophole will be closed VERY soon. I am completely unwilling to accept the DRM laden "our way or the highway" BS that the content industry wants to shove down our throats. I realize others may make a different decision, but that's mine.

The result of this is that within a year or two I'll be unlikely to see much HD content. Frankly, all I'm really after is progressive scan DVD. HD-DVD is out (HDCP), and within 1-3 years, Cable/Sat HD will be out (HDCP again). Who knows how long OTA HD will last. I realize the A10 is the top of the line TV in its price range - but thats a lot of money to spend when you'll seldom be feeding it anything over 480p. Basically I'm after a cheap EDTV.

Heck, even $800 bucks is a lot of money to spend when you are talking about 480p. My thought was given my decision to sit out the DRM fest that is modern digital television, this TV might be a nice step up from my current 27" SDTV. In other words, maybe it won't be great at true HD, but its probably plenty competent at EDTV.

That's what I want some thoughts on :). Also, while it is bargain basement, I have heard here and elsewhere that the Insignias actually have decent picture quality - hence my even considering it.

[biker19]

Starting next month when all 25" and up TVs need to have a digital tuner you might get a better choice. If you get something with a QAM tuner built in you might be surprised to find some digital and HD channels in the clear on your analog cable connection.

It will be a very long time, if ever, before any HD OTA channel gets downgraded.

[jahutch]

cireaasirefan -

Is this a good or bad thing? My current TV is actually a 27" flat screen Advent SDTV and I have been very pleased with its picture quality. It is most definitely in the same league as my friend's 27" SD Sony WEGA.

[jahutch]

Ok all.. thanks a lot for the info! I think what I'm going to do is hold off until this summer. By then, maybe some of the cheaper TVs will have more connection options, due to the changes biker19 mentioned, the advent of HD-DVD, and so forth. I doubt I'll find anything quite as cheap as this one (I'm guessing its on sale precisely because of the aforementioned govt. requirements), but I figure more options is only a good thing.

[kny3twalker]

Advent is not too bad, despite what everyone says. Advent (Prima) is a lot better than Orion (Toshiba) in terms of build quality. I rarely hear any people having problems with an Advent HDTV. You will be fine with an Insignia 30". Don't worry. In this forum, we normally don't discuss low-end TVs too often.

more than likely you never hear of them is cause no one who comes here buys them and those that do usually return them for the better quality Sonys

Is this a good or bad thing? My current TV is actually a 27" flat screen Advent SDTV and I have been very pleased with its picture quality. It is most definitely in the same league as my friend's 27" SD Sony WEGA.

SDTV and HDTV are leagues are part

I agree with you, this is not a top of the line set. Not even close. Why am I looking at it then? Because, frankly I don't see myself getting anything better than 480p quality material. Yes, I realize some cable companies, etc, currently offer set top boxes that output without HDCP, but that loophole will be closed VERY soon. I am completely unwilling to accept the DRM laden "our way or the highway" BS that the content industry wants to shove down our throats. I realize others may make a different decision, but that's mine.

I do not see this happening anytime soon, no matter what the MPAA might suggest

The result of this is that within a year or two I'll be unlikely to see much HD content. Frankly, all I'm really after is progressive scan DVD. HD-DVD is out (HDCP),

why HD DVD and Blu Ray will have managed copy, where you can back it up to your HDD, but you will still need to use DVI/HDMI for full quality from the PC

Heck, even $800 bucks is a lot of money to spend when you are talking about 480p. My thought was given my decision to sit out the DRM fest that is modern digital television, this TV might be a nice step up from my current 27" SDTV. In other words, maybe it won't be great at true HD, but its probably plenty competent at EDTV.

but the thing is even with 480p, you are relying on the TV's scaler which the insignia will not excel at

That's what I want some thoughts on . Also, while it is bargain basement, I have heard here and elsewhere that the Insignias actually have decent picture quality - hence my even considering it.

beauty is in the eye of the beholder....

Advent is not too bad, despite what everyone says. Advent (Prima) is a lot better than Orion (Toshiba) in terms of build quality. I rarely hear any people having problems with an Advent HDTV. You will be fine with an Insignia 30". Don't worry. In this forum, we normally don't discuss low-end TVs too often.

not sure why you would recommend this TV, but whatever....

Starting next month when all 25" and up TVs need to have a digital tuner you might get a better choice. If you get something with a QAM tuner built in you might be surprised to find some digital and HD channels in the clear on your analog cable connection.

It will be a very long time, if ever, before any HD OTA channel gets downgraded.

definitely a huge plus, you might consider waiting for this reason alone