I just hooked up my wide screen TV, ask me anything!

[scottcsmith]

Progressive-scan DVD connected via component video...Playstation 2 connected via S-video...I'm in heaven! If only it were HDTV...oh well...

Now, for anyone considering the purchase of a HD monitor, consider this: the TV will require maintenance every year and a half or so. If you were to yank apart the TV, you'd see three rods shooting light at the screen (RGB). In a HDTV, those rods become unaligned after a period of time, and the rods would have to be adjusted to correct the problem. I'm told it's about $250 for someone to come to your home and re-align the rods.

[AndyP]

1. ?

Are you talking about a projection tv? or a regular tube widescreen.

[scottcsmith]

3. Regular tube WS.

How I wish it was a widescreen projection TV! No, it's just a 30-inch widescreen.

[HamstersFromHell]

2. Shouldn't have to do that at all...

Most wide screens (and projection HDTVs) come with built in convergence adjustments. You do need to touch it up if you move the TV around on occasion, or change residences, etc., but unless it's physically dropped, the built in adjustments will cover any misconvergence most folks will encounter.

And yes, progressive scan dvd is great. I'm using it on a 48" HDTV and I'm in heaven. Wish the Oscars would hurry up and get over so they might release "Return Of The King" on dvd before next Christmas.

[thermodynamic]

4. It'll be useless in 2006, whatcha gonna do then?

Or, rather, when the FCC shuts off standard NTSC signals, making everybody force themselves into HDTV if they want to continue to watch new broadcasts. (Current DVD and VHS players can work with TVs, but nothing will be broadcast on the UHF and VHF frequencies anymore, and cable is going the way of HDTV too - and don't expect the special HDTV rates cable offers to drop...)

[AndyP]

5. A converter

And you can bet the farm it'll be pricey.
I'll just pick up a DLP widescreen and never leave the house.

[OKNancy]

7. I don't think that is true either

You can still watch tv on an old set. It will be just like when they broadcast in color, but you had a black and white.
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Edit: My cable company charges $2.00 per month extra for the hd converter and service.

[OKNancy]

6. I have hdtv...no problems yet and I think

from all I've read that it is a sales tool they scare you with to sell you a maintenence program.
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When I first came on DU and asked about if I should get HDTV, there were lots of negative comments. But they are wrong!! It is fantastic.
(I will qualify it by saying that my town has all the networks, HBO, Showtime, ESPN, Discovery and two independent channels broadcast in HDTV, and I could see that if there was no braodcast where you live,that it would be pointless)

[Baclava]

8. I've got a 50" Mitsubishi and satellite...looks great.

I've had it for over 2 years and never had to adjust a thing...it has it's own convergence adjustments if you need it. Using X-Box and surround sound with it ROCKS !!! (and where the hell is Halo 2???)

[Robb]

9. In 4:3 mode, gray or black bars on the side?

I hope black. My fabulously wealthy aunt-in-law has one that does gray, and it drove me bonkers to watch.