|   Good time to buy widescreen? | palsgraff
May 6, 2002 8:43 AM | | I have noticed that some of the retailers are dropping prices on their HDTV RPTVs. Allegedly this has to do with new models coming out in the summer. I am getting a definite itch to upgrade from my 27" Sony, but am concerned that the HDTV market is too unsettled at this time with competing technologies. My question is twofold (Woodman are you there?) - 1) Will prices drop further as the summer moves on? and 2) are there likely to be any significant technological advances in the 2002/2003 models that would make waiting for their release more sensible? |
| re: Good time to buy widescreen? | AVMASTER
May 6, 2002 10:09 AM | | there are no competing technologies with HD; other than connectivity ( DVI )there's really nothing major. depending on the reseller, prices will drop to a point that they can make a profit and still offer a good deal but don't expect anything fantastic(especially something still in the box) . if you plan on waiting for the latest and greatest you'll be waiting forever, there will always be some new feature added or different design or display technology |
| re: Good time to buy widescreen? | palsgraff
May 6, 2002 12:00 PM | | Thanks for your input. I perhaps misunderstood from some brief reading that I have done that there is a mini-war brewing as to the broadcast format that is going to be used by year 2006, and that different tuners are currently available. I assumed that there might be compatibility issues with current HDTV sets, but maybe that is not an issue if the tuner is not built in. You mention connectity and give some initials that I do not understand. Would you mind elaborating on that? Also, as to pricing, I was told by a young salesperson at Best Buy that the retailers have to clear inventory (a la car dealers) to stock new models. Do you think this is bunk? |
| re: Good time to buy widescreen? | AVMASTER
May 7, 2002 5:00 AM | | HD broadcast format is for the most part set and the only "mini-war" brewing is between sat. companies and government. Digital video interface is the new connection for HD monitors and set top boxes as agreed upon by hollywood and major manufacturers. current equipment will not be compatible( unless the tuner is built-in i.e. an HDTV). We don't HAVE to clear inventory to get new merchandise but its hard to sell last years' hd monitor that won't work with this years' set-top box. if you really don't need a new tv-wait. if you've got to have one-get an HDTV |
| Might be better off to wait | foreel
May 6, 2002 3:38 PM | | My advice to you is to get a nice 50-60" or so 4:3 (regular TV aspect ratio) set for now. 2006 is when all TV stations have to be broadcasting in SDTV or HDTV. My guess would be that an HDTV bought in 2002 would be very out of date and much lower quality compared to models made when HDTV becomes the standard. I'm personally going to wait, but that's because I don't watch movies at home all that often. If you're an HT junkie and you must have the latest and greatest technology to watch DVDs on, then get one now. Otherwise, wait till after 2006, because IMHO you'll get a better performing TV at a lower price. |
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