Re: OT: Television recommendations

John wrote:
> Hi folks,
>
> Although off topic, I know there are many here who are multi-media savvy.
>
> Our family is looking for a new television for our satellite service.
> We're looking at 32" LCD HD models, since we don't have any extravagant
> needs.  Here's a few questions that I have.
>
> What makers are better?
>
> Are there any specific features that we ought to consider?
>
> Should we choose 720p or 1080p?  What's the difference?
>
> Thanks.
>
> John Storey
>
>
John,
I can't really help with current TVs, but I did read in the past month
or so that the major cable companies have agreed (with TV makers) to
start rolling out CableCard2 (although it is now called something else)
in the future which will allow for some sort of card to be put into your
TV so it would use its own tuner instead of a set top box. This was
tried in CableCard(1) but it seems the standards were loose and the
setup was overly complex so it failed. From what I understand CableCard2
fixes most of the problems and will make things much easier on companies
(TV and Cable) as well as consumers. I don't remember if it specifically
mentioned satellite or not, but I would guess they will go the same way
since the standard will be there.

So nothing definite, but if it isn't a current _need_, it may be better
to research that and see if it is coming soon enough to just wait for it
(or at least check if satellite is even going that way). I personally
have a big old tube TV from 5 or 6 years ago and plan on waiting for a
bit to see how this all pans out. I refuse to buy a new state of the art
TV and then attach a horrendous cable box to it that negates most of the
cool functionality (PIP and such). Also in the spring when the whole
digital change over happens and people panic because they _think_ they
need a new TV (which most people won't), hopefully the prices will start
dropping with those increased sales.

-mark
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