Are HDTVs over rated?

• MANAZE

  

  I keep looking at HDTVs and it seems they are really over rated. I like the idea of buying a tv and letting it sit where it goes for 10-20 years. With out having to buy bulbs or worrying about a picture getting burned into it.
• LJ

  

  So buy an lcd?
• MANAZE

  

  LCD? what makes them better?
• I Wear Pants

  They don't get burn in.
  
  Also, most modern HDTVs including plasma and LCD don't have bulbs or anything to replace. They will loose brightness and quality over extended periods of time (Just like normal tube TVs do) but the burn in thing is mostly taken care of now too.
  
  And no, they aren't over rated, they're awesome.
• hasbeen

  

  I love my HDTV. It's well worth it.
• MANAZE

  

  my tvs are on for a good 20 hours a day. I sleep with them on. Would HDTVs be ok for something like that?
• End of Line

  

  Well worth it, go get one.
• Free_is_better

  MANAZE wrote: my tvs are on for a good 20 hours a day. I sleep with them on. Would HDTVs be ok for something like that?

  You may see an increase in your electrical bill because most hdtv's use more power then a regular tv.
• hoops23

  

  Hell yes HDTV's are worth it.. Especially if you love sports in HD.. Or gaming or watching blu-rays..
• Firad

  

  Free_is_better wrote:

  MANAZE wrote: my tvs are on for a good 20 hours a day. I sleep with them on. Would HDTVs be ok for something like that?

  You may see an increase in your electrical bill because most hdtv's use more power then a regular tv.

  Some HDTVs have power saving modes so that could help out bill wise if you keep it on a lot. I know the HDTV I just bought my parents has power saving mode however mine does not. Just something you'd have to find out about the TV before you buy it.
• trackandccrunner

  My 2 good friends both have HDTV's and they are just amazing. I wish I had the money to get one.
• believer

  

  I recently replaced an old-style 26" CRT TV (which lasted 15 years) with a 32" flat screen HDTV for about $350 recently. Well worth it.
  
  And as the prices continue to drop I'll probably move the 32" to my bedroom and invest in a 46" or 52" for the family room.
  
  I enjoy the high-def sports programs
  
  The largest disadvantage I see with HDTV's besides price is power consumption and life span. HDTV's have a reputation for lasting just a few years.
• Bio-Hazzzzard

  

  I would go with the LCD and not the plasma IMO. And if you do buy stay away from LG it gave us problems before the factory warranty expired. Currently I have a black line that is 10" long and 1" wide portruding down from the top of the screen. Total POS.
• bases_loaded

  

  Plasmas no longer have burn in problems
• voewoody

  

  ^
  This
• Thunder70

  

  To answer the OP's question...no, they are not overrated. If anything, they are underrated. I will never watch TV without HD ever again...
• Goldenboy26

  

  I never watch tv unless it is in HD, it really makes a huge difference
• bases_loaded

  

  Thunder70 wrote: To answer the OP's question...no, they are not overrated. If anything, they are underrated. I will never watch TV without HD ever again...

  I wanted to gauge my eyes out having to watch the USA game on standard def last night.
  
  And for your money plasmas are a better deal right now you can get more screen for less money.
• Thunder70

  

  To me, it all depends on where the TV is going. If its going in a basement or darkly lit room...Plasma. If a living room or other room with lots of light...LCD.
• brutus161

  

  I have both a plasma and a LCD, I prefer my plasma. My next TV purchase will be a Samsung LED.
• gut

  brutus161 wrote: I have both a plasma and a LCD, I prefer my plasma. My next TV purchase will be a Samsung LED.

  An LED? Haven't heard much about them.
  
  People say plasma is better than LCD. I have a plasma, but I don't know. The higher brightness of an LCD just seems to be a bit better picture, IMO.
• TBone14

  

  Goldenboy26 wrote: I never watch tv unless it is in HD, it really makes a huge difference

  Agreed. I don't even look at my guide for non-HD channels. If its not on in HD I don't watch it.
• dwccrew

  

  HDTV's are sweet. As others have said, if you watch a lot of sports, you'll notice the difference.
• Fab1b

  

  Went with a Sony 50' plasma after comparing numerous LCD/Plasmas when I purchased mine. Haven't regretted that decision one bit!!
• dlazz

  You can't appreciate the difference between HDTV and analog until you see them side-by-side.
  
  And whoever said HDTV's use more power needs to do their homework. Smaller sets (under 32") probably use less than a 19" CRT would. If the OP has a smallish set, he'd actually save electricity if he bought a flat-panel. (But on the flip side, the bigger the set, the more expensive it becomes)