Buffy? I like that. That girl's so hot, she's buffy.

Forrest ,'Conversations with Dead People'


Buffistechnology 3: "Press Some Buttons, See What Happens."

Got a question about technology? Ask it here. Discussion of hardware, software, TiVos, multi-region DVDs, Windows, Macs, LINUX, hand-helds, iPods, anything tech related. Better than any helpdesk!


tommyrot - Feb 22, 2010 10:50:05 am PST #12981 of 25501
Sir, it's not an offence to let your cat eat your bacon. Okay? And we don't arrest cats, I'm very sorry.

TB, do you require an online reader?

To me, the only real advantage of an online reader is it keeps track of what I've read on multiple systems. But that's a big-enough advantage to me that I'll probably stick with Google Reader.

And yeah, the only two online readers I know of are Google Reader and Bloglines.


Vortex - Feb 22, 2010 11:43:35 am PST #12982 of 25501
"Cry havoc and let slip the boobs of war!" -- Miracleman

Okay, I just talked to my accountant, and I'm getting a better refund than I thought. My accountant has advised me to buy a flat screen TV. Okay advised is a strong word, but when I mentioned it, he said "well, your accountant approves of that purchase". So, what am I looking for? I know what size I want, but there are other numbers involved. I've done some research and I think I want at least 1080p, but there's 120 and 240Hz, and there's some number of X HDMI.

Any thoughts on brands?

Also, I know that someone mentioned (Zenkitty?) that the non HD channels looked like crap on the new HD tv. So, should I get a slightly less snazzy tv so that there's more parity between HD and non HD channels? HELP!


§ ita § - Feb 22, 2010 11:50:21 am PST #12983 of 25501
Well not canonically, no, but this is transformative fiction.

I know that someone mentioned (Zenkitty?) that the non HD channels looked like crap on the new HD tv

That's not the experience of most people here, though. Certainly hasn't been mine. And if there were, I'd certainly take the improved HD resolution over a lot of decreased non-HD. Because HD sure is pretty.

As for the rest, I wave my hands at the details. I went for size over resolution, and didn't regret the choice.


brenda m - Feb 22, 2010 12:06:32 pm PST #12984 of 25501
If you're going through hell/keep on going/don't slow down/keep your fear from showing/you might be gone/'fore the devil even knows you're there

Ooh, good question. I'm thinking of upgrading my tv because mine is annoying me. My place is small, so I don't think I'd go above 24", maybe 30 max.


Dana - Feb 22, 2010 12:19:56 pm PST #12985 of 25501
I'm terrifically busy with my ennui.

Vortex, there's really not much that beats standing in front of the TV and seeing how it looks. Some of it is just preference.


Jessica - Feb 22, 2010 12:22:49 pm PST #12986 of 25501
And then Ortus came and said "It's Ortin' time" and they all Orted off into the sunset

So, should I get a slightly less snazzy tv so that there's more parity between HD and non HD channels? HELP!

The opposite, actually - a better quality HDTV will have higher quality upconversion & display of SD material.

I have a Samsung and I love it - the contrast ratio and black levels are very good, and it's got plenty of inputs.

120Hz vs 240Hz isn't hugely important right now, but the 120Hz TVs on the market today won't be able to display the 3D content that everyone and their mother assures us is right around the corner.


NoiseDesign - Feb 22, 2010 12:31:12 pm PST #12987 of 25501
Our wings are not tired

I highly recommend Samsung panels for HD. I currently have 3 of them from various model lines and they are all excellent. I do recommend looking at their lines with LED backlighting if you can afford them, you get much better black levels with LED backlighting.

As for the 120/240Hz, etc etc. Chances are you won't see the difference.

Definitely get 1080p, especially if the panels you are looking at are larger than 40".


Jessica - Feb 22, 2010 12:34:37 pm PST #12988 of 25501
And then Ortus came and said "It's Ortin' time" and they all Orted off into the sunset

Oh, you'll also want to get either a Blu-Ray or upconverting DVD player when you buy the TV. Otherwise your DVDs will look like crap on the new display.


NoiseDesign - Feb 22, 2010 12:43:07 pm PST #12989 of 25501
Our wings are not tired

With current prices I'd definitely just go with a decent Blu-Ray player.


Zenkitty - Feb 22, 2010 1:07:52 pm PST #12990 of 25501
Every now and then, I think I might actually be a little odd.

I'm planning to try a different input for this tv, but I suspect it's just not a very good tv. (It was cheap. You get what you pay for.) I expect I'll be buying a Samsung and a Blu-ray, sometime this summer when I have a little more spare change.