When to buy an HDTV

[fustercluck]

Is now a good time to buy an HDTV? Should i wait a year or two? Would i have to get a different satellite receiver (i currently have the dish network 301 or something like that). No spam or sarcasm allowed, prosecutors will be banned!

 

[bluewall21]

It depends if you can justify the current price or not.

 

[Tom]

it will get cheaper by half, but that's irrelevant if you want it now and you can afford it.

 

[rh71]

Well there's always going to be a better time like PC parts, but yes now is as good a time as any IMO. There's well over 10 HD channels included in your common cable package (not sure about satellite) and the major networks are among them. I hardly watch non HD programming anymore.

 

[arod]

If you want to keep dish you will need a new receiver (811 or the hella expensive 941/942).

If you can get locals off the air (IE live in a rather large city) then I would say get a HDTV now....

 

[Ornery]

Solution requires you to answer the question, how much of what I watch is available in HD? For me it was no contest. I can wait for a LONG time before coughing up the bucks for an HDTV. And, when that day finally comes, it may not be so expensive anyway! How many of you early adopters paid hundreds of dollars for 8X, SCSI CD burners and interfaces? Did you then pay hundreds for the latest & greatest DVD burners, which are now less than $75.00? When will you learn?

 

[Pr0d1gy]

Wait a year or two. By then you will be able to get a LCoS display that does 1080p for a similar price to today's DLP sets. Also they will have alot more programming. DirectTV is launching more satellites this year in order to start fleshing out their HD lineup and by late 2006 it should be going nicely. If I didn't buy an HDTV already I would wait for Xmas 2006 or later.

 

Bought one on sale this past summer for 369 @CC.
The time is now.

 

[DarkKnight]

I got an hdtv last year and have been enjoying over the HD with a regular indoor antenna. If you got the $$ get it now.

 

[g8wayrebel]

I agree with waiting. First , the competition in several different technologies just really got rolling, so the prices are really just being deflated from R&D costs. Secondly , the HD availability is growing at a very slow but progressive rate, so the longer you hold out, the more you will gain from the start. Last, and not least, is the cost of new equipment for satellite reciever and dish. Way too high.I would wait until the HD service equipment and install from the satellite providers is free, as it is for digital now. That will be my cue at least. If you must buy a tv, you should probably look at the cheapest you can affford to throw away in a few years to get the real thing. Look at a widescreen DLP right now. DO NOT buy a plasma. The life expectancy and repair costs are pathetic. most of the standard rear projection models are good , but do have slight burn in problems. Be sure you consider how you will use it and get the connections you need when you get it. Coax, Composite, Component. S-Vid, DVi, digital audio in/ out.Surround sound? What do you do with your tv, and what will you do in the future. Using your PC as a DVR?
Wait and save your money if you can.
BTW... if you plan on... even maybe some day... using your tv as a DVR you'd be doing yourself a favor by buying an HD video card now. They will be regulated and suck if manufactured after July 1st.

 

[Rage187]

We recently replaced all the tv's in the house w/ HDTVs. 2 30" CRTs for the bedroom and computer room, and a 55" phillips for the living room.


Hdtv is getting cheap quick, no sense waiting.

 

[thomsbrain]

i'll buy one when we get an HD DVD format going. TV is crap whether you can see people's pimples or not.

 

[SpunkyJones]

I say now, there is nothing like sports in HD.

 

[spacejamz]

now is the time!!! I am sure there are some dipheads who bought widescreen HDTV's for the Superbowl and are now returning them....

Best Buy and Circuit should have some good deals on barely used TV's

 

[Arclite]

I'm waiting till I can get at least a 42" rear projection for $600 new. They're still over $1000 from what I've seen. That's way too much for me to spend on a TV.