I knew of zenith 80-84 inch PLASMA 1920x1080 Plasma TV that came out some 6-8 months back. But the price wasd prohibitive. Upwards of $ 20K.

Now, I see another one, 45 inch one. It's not Plasma but Fixed Pixel LCD. Price is much lower as well, around $ 4 K. It's SHARP LC45GX6U. Salesperson told me that even this one came out about a year back?? Did it??

What dou see strong points and week points on this one?? Is Contrast Ratio good enough??

Here is some description:
http://www.digitalsaver.com/stores.asp? ... d=lc45gx6u

Full Product Description:
Sharp's LC-45GX6U AQUOS is a state-of-the-art 45" wide screen HDTV that can easily enhance the decor of any family room, living room or den. The LC-45GX6U is the largest LCD-TV available with a built-in HDTV / Cable CARD system, and it displays all content in full HD spec (1080p) resolution, the highest of the DTV resolutions. With a true 16: 9 aspect ratio, full HDTV resolution of 1920 x 1080 and breathtaking color purity, it is a next-generation TV to carry you into the high-definition future. The LC-45GX6U utilizes Sharp's proprietary Advanced Super View/Black TFT Panel, which provides levels of high brightness (450 cd/m2), an 800: 1 contrast ratio, and wide viewing angles (170º x 170º). The LC-45GX6U with full Cable CARD "Plug and Play" capability also features an elegant new design with detachable speakers to ensure the sound is as outstanding as the picture. In addition, the included table stand can be easily removed for wall mounting applications. Other features that distinguish the LC-45GX6U: an AVC System (TU-GD10U-T) that houses all terminals for convenient connections; HDMI, DVI-I and 2 HD component video inputs; a PC Card slot which allows you to record and view still images and video on a PC Card; and the next generation of Sharp's proprietary Quick Shoot video circuit, which enables a fast response time of less than 12 ms.

This might not be related but what do you guys think of up-scaling DVD players ? - i am eyeing the following one, do you think this is worth it ( most of the time i spend watching movies on DVD )



http://www.oppodigital.com/

A nice review here
http://www.dvdtalk.com/features/004343.html

I am no techie but still aprreciate a good picture like everyone else , any input is appreciated

My friend bought 45 inches Sharp LCD TV (might be different model) in November 2004. I got a chance to look at this TV when I visited him in March 2005. This TV is in the basement, which I think is the ideal place. I was not impressed by the picture quality on this TV from the DVD player. I saw some ghosting effect during fast moving scenes. By the way, I tried couple of hollywood DVDs including Spiderman II. If the dvd player output resolution is 720X480 OR 640X480, what's advantage of TV having 1920 x 1080 resolution? May be, upscaling dvd player might be useful here.
Then I tried to analyse the HD-TV channels where the picture quality is fine. But, the problem is HD channels do not have digital audio signals (only analog), so he is not able to use the home theater system with HD channels.
Can anybody confirm this problem (no digital audio with HD channels on cable TV)? He lives in New Hampshire and has cable tv service from Comcast.
At that time, I thought that 45 inches Sharp LCD TV is not worth the price. My friend paid around US $6k. I think, this size needs some improvement and competition.

Same friend also has 37 inches Sharp LCD TV in the living room. Because of windows/day light in the living room, it's difficult to make judgement about the picture quality. You need a dark room to enjoy LCD TV.

I think, picture quality is better with Plasma TV compare to LCD, in terms of sharpness & contrast.

I'm not much hot on HDTV topics, but I read that there currently isn’t any true 1080p TVs as yet – the ones that claim to do 1080p are in fact de-interlacing a 1080i signal to 1080p as they cannot physically accept a 1080p signal. This debate as come as the next generation consoles are pumping the hype machine over the what they will support – Sony PS3 claim to support a dual 1080p while MS Xbox 360 will go to max of 1080i – the heated topics go that 1080p is redundant as they are no true 1080p TVs and the bandwidth required to deliver such material is beyond the capability of the either console.

The only exception is a Sanyo projector that supports a pure 1080p signal without conversion, ala a projector and not a TV;
http://www.sanyo.com/business/projector ... ductID=888

Just a little food for thought for those that are investing in a future HDTV.

Ali

HDTV definitely has digital audi. Your friend's problem sounds like he has an outdated cable box without digital audio, or possibly the most recent one which may only have an HDMI.

I have Time Warner at my place in NYC and Dish Network at my parents' house in NJ and both have the optical audio out. I know for a fact that Comcast also offers it because one of our neighbors has that. So I would just call Comcast and tell them to change the box.

As for 1080p, the best way to go for that is a front projector at the moment. There are a handful of sets out there that do 1080p, including a Toshiba model I believe, but the quality has been spotty. I would wait a couple of years to get one of these becasue there isn't any 1080p content out anyway so you won't be using it to its potential. Or you could get a front projector if you have the right setting.

As always, visit avsforum.com/avs-vb for these types of questions as they know a lot more than people like me.

As for the DVD player, it definitely gives you a lot of bang for the buck.

It's pretty rare to find a Faroudja chip in that price range along with upscaling capabilities. So you're getting something close to the Denon 5900 but with some quality issues (for 1/17 of the price though, you can't complain). Just make sure your TV has the DVI/HDMI input free (I use mine for cable since I feel true HDTV benefits more from all digital connection) to utilize the upscaling feature because it doesn't do it in component. Also, if you're a quality connoisseur, be aware that this will be a fairly short term purchase with HD-DVDs on the horizon.

Thanks MalFUnXiON - i dont expect this to work apples-to-apples with those 1xxx $ DVD players , what i own currently is a cheap-ass player ( Philips 642 & 747 ) and I am disappointed with the picture quality ( esp. the 642 ) . I will be getting this soon and as for the 'HD-DVD's I think it will be a while before i see titles that interest me to start appearing on the newer formats , till then let me enjoy the current format