Top 10 HD Misunderstandings
Normally we feel that late night TV can keep their so-called "Top 10" lists, however "Top 10 HD Misunderstandings" is something we can get into. We won't rain on this guys picnic by listing the entire list but we do have to touch on our two favorite: #4 - LCDs/Plasmas/LCoS/DLP suck for Gaming/Movies/TV/HTPC & #2 - 1080i is inferior to 720p which is finger paint to 1080p Van Gogh. While there still is a debate over the superior display type, we all can agree that LCDs, plasmas, LCoS, and DLP's are mature enough to handle video games and fast moving sports. Sure, some might be slightly better but quality sets will do a fine job. 1080i and 720p produce the same image, just in slightly different ways; the end result in both resolutions however is still high-def. 1080p sound great on paper but we still feel that until you get into a large size, or use the display chiefly as a computer monitor, most consumers will not tell the difference - Pioneer's KURO plasma helps this argument. The amount of dumbfounded folks walking around any random Circuit City/Best Buy proves this whole HDTV thing is overwhelming and while we don't feel that this Top 10 list will cure the common cold, it should help calm the stomach of some.
[Via Digg]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Zodiac @ Aug 22nd 2007 9:29PM
I got one to add, people that pay for over 40 bucks for an HDMI cable that they're never going to touch anyway. I've even seen a four foot cable go for over a 100$
DeadPlasmaCell @ Aug 23rd 2007 12:07AM
Let me guess.. Monster brand right
Phour ZwanZig @ Aug 23rd 2007 12:47AM
are you kidding.. Monster HDMI cables, if I recall are about 100 for 4 or 6, what ever the shortest common size is..
Phour ZwanZig @ Aug 23rd 2007 12:53AM
Ooops didnt finish the rest of the first post.. lol..
But anyways.. I havent read the list but I work in the field and have heard the craziest stuff from our customers and even our supply reps.. The company that makes the cable that Monster uses for their cables makes their own set and sells the same sized cables for under $10.. that includes HDMI..
really when it comes down to it.. aslong as its not a really thin flimsy cable and seems rugged, its mostlikely built as good as needed..
Just like "Gold Plating" umm its data.. the methods of transfer limit the info, so theres no reason. Just think of only using Gold Plated USB.. What would it achieve? Better connection, not really, only physical.
Andrew @ Aug 23rd 2007 1:01AM
1. Contrast ratio, inputs, and resolution should be lower on the list of things to consider when viewing displays. More important is color accuracy and saturation, and color consistently.
2. No guys at BB get kickbacks from DirecTV. No commission/spiffs there genius.
EricDJ @ Aug 23rd 2007 4:33AM
The white Monster HDMI starts at $60 bucks at BB. You don't have to pay $100 there for a more expensive one, Just look at the rack longer.
Yes the new Pioneers are better than most anything and are non 1080p. The new 1080p ones should be more mind blowing when they arrive.
Dagwood @ Aug 23rd 2007 8:31AM
Thanks for the article David, I enjoyed reading it. Most of your points were dead on. The chart is a good guide, but I personally don't think it works for me. I have a 30" CRT, and I can really tell the difference between 480p and 1080i content at a distance of about 10 feet. I am surprised that I have yet to see an HDTV that rivals my picture quality. It may weigh a ton, but it has the best contrast ratio, and color available. Maybe that will change if I ever see a 1080p plasma running.
Marshall @ Aug 23rd 2007 10:34AM
The http://realht.info take from Marshall...
Meh, I'm about 50/50 on this guy's take on things. Not a complete point by point, but here's the highlights:
10) I don't buy into the whole "soften up the picture for a more cinematic feel", and component cables are no cheaper than HDMI, most are more expensive. Now if you're talking about TV sets that support component vs. component and HDMI, yes they are cheaper, but I wouldn't buy one today.
9) Misses the point. Seating distance and size are equaly important. Got a 42" 1080p but want a bigger picture, don't buy a bigger set, scoot your lazy butt up.
8) Unless your talking 2.35, all letter boxing must go. It has to do with filling your field of view (which is rectangular, not square), use a smart stratch feature for 4:3 material.
7)Mostly spot on, but some TVs, usually crt proj, upscale SD very nicely, while others, usually digital, actually create flaws that aren't in the original signal. You TV can be to blame for making SD look worse, don't blame just the content.
6) Right on, especially is your flat screen is sitting on a TV rack, whih is probably about 50% of flatscreens sold. Flatscreens do have the major advantage of not blowing bulbs, usually in the middle of a big sporting event.
5) Spot on.
4) Ditto.
3) As a former BB employee, you are right, but relatedly see point 1...And Wal-mart employees don't care if you buy shit or not. They're just putting in their 8 hours, and going home.
2) Yep.
1) Again, right, except for those of us living in a river valley or in the middle of nowhere. Over the air HD is no where to be found. And BB employees don't get any significant kickbacks. I was once part of a contest to win a $15 mall gift card. Whoop dee friggin doo.
navstar @ Aug 23rd 2007 6:15PM
Just how big do you need to appreciate 1080p? I'm thinking of buying a 42"-47" set. Could I get by with 720p? (I'm actually having a hard time finding any 1080i sets)
Marshall @ Aug 23rd 2007 8:38PM
First measure your seating distance from your television. Then, follow the graph in the linked article, or listen to The Real HT Info Podcast, Episode 14. Even if you fall in the 1080p range, I wouldn't spend more money than you want to on a set, just because it's 1080p, not 720p.
Rory @ Aug 25th 2007 1:09AM
@ navstar
I've got a 42" screen that is 720p. I just moved out of where I was staying and my roommate who had grown fond of it decided he needed a big TV and bought a 50" with 1080p. After he got it set up where my TV used to sit and with all of the seating still the same, I can only tell a difference between his display and mine from the closest recliner which is about 5-6 feet away. Anything further and I can't tell the difference between the 1080p (from a PS3 on both Blu-Ray and Ninja Gaiden Sigma) and 720p, and I consider myself fairly picky with detail. I wouldn't bother spending any extra money just for 1080p. What you might notice, though is that the new crop of sets that are 1080p might have better contrast ratios and color reproduction which could be worth the extra cost.