Need help to decide on a HDTV vs. SDTV

[Jamestl]

Hello,

I was at circuit city today looking to get a TV. They had an open box Zenith 27" HDTV (Zenith C27V22) ready for sale for $500. It had some minor scratches but that was it. I also had my eyes on a Samsung 27" 480p TV (model TN2745FP I think) for around $440. I wasn't really able to make a decision because I wasn't sure on some aspects of purchasing a TV.

1. If I buy the Zenith and don't get a HDTV receiver, what will the extra lines in the TV be used for? Will this make regular TV/Cable signals look smoother or worse?

2. Is there a need to get the extra protection on one of these TV's? I'm thinking the Zenith might warrant one since it's open box and it's.... Zenith. Then I think I'm just being stupid because if I buy it for the Zenith, then I should buy it for the Samsung as well so my question is: Do I need it for $75?

3. Is there any chance that the TV signal standards will change again in the future? The Zenith is 1080i format so what's going to happen if 720p will become the standard?

4. Am I missing something I should be looking for?

Any opinion/response will be much appreciated. Thank You! :beer:

Edit: for question 3

 

[Jamestl]

anyone?

 

[conjur]

1080i/720p aren't going to change anytime soon...not anytime in the distant future, either Well...maybe 1080p will someday come.

As long as your tuner converts 720p to 1080i (which is pretty much everything out there right now), then you're fine.

Personally..I can't see buying a 4:3 HDTV...you'll forever have the letterbox image for any HD programming.

As for the Zenith's resolution, assuming it has component inputs and 480p support, a progressive scan DVD player will look pretty darn good on it.

 

[spidey07]

do you watch DVDs? Do you play video games? Do you want to view the glory of HD?

If yes, then you must purchase a HDTV. If no then you don't need one.

On the 720p aspect - your HDTV receiver will format any signal to 1080i if you ask it to. Most HD broadcasts are 1080i, ABC and ESPN-HD are 720p I believe.

 

[Jamestl]

Thanks for the inputs guys. I Just want to buy a TV that won't be obsolete in a few years and seeing that the Zenith is only 60 more than a samsung, I think I might have to go with the Zenith.

Does anyone have any experiences with Zenith/LG tubes? Is the extended warranty necessary? Thanks!!