Wide Screen TV?

FishDaddy · 11-06-2007, 06:16 AM

I'm in the market for a new TV and am confused about the wide screens. People and things on my flat screen RCA looks like they are supposed to but the wide screens I see in the stores makes everybody look, well, wide.

Is this something you are supposed to just get used to or is more programming being presented for the wide screen format?

I'm not looking for one of those mega screen mega $$ tvs, probably a 32".

What's your viewing experience?

Thanks,

Dick

frankandmaura · 11-06-2007, 06:27 AM

The reason you are seeing people looking wide is because if the show you are watching is not in HD, then they stretch the picture to fill the wide screen.

As long as the broadcast is in HD the picture will be great!

dobejazz · 11-06-2007, 06:46 AM

You can also adjust the picture to the 4.3 format and put bars on the side to keep the picture normal.
I've been really happy with the 32" sony we have in the office I'll find out from George which one it is and post a link after work.

know-it-all · 11-06-2007, 07:09 AM

I went with a 32" LCD
I have mine set to automaticly adjust for HD, wide screen, and normal broadcast
so I don't get any stretching

dobejazz · 11-06-2007, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by know-it-all

I went with a 32" LCD
I have mine set to automaticly adjust for HD, wide screen, and normal broadcast
so I don't get any stretching

I don't get stretching either - but I'm not sure Dick has HD programming

know-it-all · 11-06-2007, 07:19 AM

I only get the HD available from the rabiit ears antenna on top of the set (shhh, I may loose my man card for that one)

frankandmaura · 11-06-2007, 07:21 AM

I think most of the time the stores, like Circuit City or Best Buy have the picture stretched...if the broadcast is not in HD...

I believe that is whay he is seeing people that seem wide

dobejazz · 11-06-2007, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by know-it-all

I only get the HD available from the rabiit ears antenna on top of the set (shhh, I may loose my man card for that one)

At least you don't have an antenna on your roof

FishDaddy · 11-06-2007, 07:27 AM

Thanks for the info, everybody. This is new territory for me and your posts are most helpful.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dobejazz

I don't get stretching either - but I'm not sure Dick has HD programming

I have Comcast Cable so can I assume it has HD?

Quote:

Originally Posted by know-it-all

I went with a 32" LCD
I have mine set to automaticly adjust for HD, wide screen, and normal broadcast so I don't get any stretching

Something to look for to make sure the tv has that feature.

Dick

dobejazz · 11-06-2007, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FishDaddy

Thanks for the info, everybody. This is new territory for me and your posts are most helpful.

I have Comcast Cable so can I assume it has HD?

Something to look for to make sure the tv has that feature.

Dick

I would think so I know we pay extra to Direct TV for the HD programming (worth every penny) I'm not familar with cable though

frankandmaura · 11-06-2007, 07:38 AM

Dick,
I am sure Comcast has HD, however you are going to need a HD box (and you have to pay a little extra for it). But, as Kelli said, it is worth it. However the annoying thing is, not every channel is in HD and switching between channels can be frustrating. Like, up here, for some reason the local CBS station does not carry HD, so the big game last weekend was not in HD!! How STUPID!!

Anyway...hope this helps.

crvz · 11-06-2007, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FishDaddy

Thanks for the info, everybody. This is new territory for me and your posts are most helpful.

I have Comcast Cable so can I assume it has HD?

Something to look for to make sure the tv has that feature.

Dick

Yep, they've got HD available. They just took over the market down here, and it's not bad. They started offering more HD channels than time warner had, so I guess I cant complain (although it's stuff like bravo, food network, and other channels I'd never watch).

FishDaddy · 11-06-2007, 08:27 AM

Thanks again. All very helpful. Now to figure out how much I want to pay.

Dick

Loverotties · 11-06-2007, 10:32 AM

Yes when we had Comcast ,you needed a different box from them for HD.

DarthOcellaris · 11-06-2007, 10:36 AM

I worked at Comcast and I can say that the HD programming is a crock of bull!...The FCC is REQUIRING all broadcasts to be done in HD by 2009 ( supposed to have been 2004 ) and that requires a viewer to upgrade equipment.

Well, Comcast introduced HD in some markets back in 2003 and only had TWO channels! They charged 5 bucks a month. Doesnt sound like a lot but when you think about it, you shouldn't pay at all since the FCC requires it to be done that way....

I don't wanna get started on the communication industry......