The dilemma I run into in recommending new monitors usually relates to high tech (wide screen monitor) vs. low tech (customers watching network TV). Yes, wide screens can expand, zoom etc, but it doesn't look good. If a client is still mostly a TV watcher (not much in movies, sat, or DVD) will you still spec a 16x9 for his new system?

We don't sell any 4x3 main monitors. Sure there's the 13 or 20 inch for the kitchen, kids room, or guest room, but other than secondary TV's, we sell nothing but 16x9.

JJP

Do they even make 4x3 big screens any more? I always spec wide screens out because if I don't my client will be calling me in 2006 asking me why he has all black bars when he is watching TV, and this is what I explain to them when I sell it.

You guys must live in places where you can actually recieve some HD right now!

We have a sales tool (usually more like sales breaker) called Boot-camp. where we run the client through the pros and cons of each type of TV and we talk about what it is they want to watch on the new screen. (more than 50% broadcast = 4x3 ; more than 50% DVD = 16x9)

Yes, we sell a lot less 16x9's but we also have a lot fewer returns now.

I always recomend widescreen to my customers. Most understand that more and more programing will be that way. Plus, they scream when they have black bars on top and bottom while watching HDTV!

On most sets, when your customer is watching HD in 16x9 on a 4x3 screen, he is only using approx 70% of the available resolution the set can deliver. On a 2.35x1 dvd a 4x3 screen he is using only 50% of the avail resolution.

We always sell widescreen. Seems my clients like the thought of being "future ready".
CMack

phil: I guess I wasn't specific enough, We get 000 HD right now, and none of the stations have any real plans to add it in the next few years. (they say that in such a small market it's just too damn expensive.)

As far as monitors go.

If all they watch is DVD, and they can afford it, sell them a wide screen set.

But on the other hand, as far as projectors go, check out this page I wrote for a company called Video Projection Specialists a while back.


[Link: videoprojectionspecialists.com]

If your clients aren't planning at least an upgrade or two between now and 2006, you're going to have to work awfully hard to keep getting new customers. Everyone I talk to pretty much expects to rotate gear at least every couple of years!

I dunno about the USA but hear in the UK (and Europe) the amount of Terrestrial TV shows in widescreen is increasing by the day (although only 2 of our 5 channels have full 16:9 letterbox broadcasts on analogue) - normally it's the 14:9 that doesn't work on Widescreen or standard teles.

Our Digital Terrstrial versions of the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Five are more than 50% widescreen, and nearly all new shows are in widescreen too (even American imports), no doubt the more niche sattelite channels will follow soon too.

Basically all thats shown in 4:3 now days is repats of shows made over about 4/5 years ago, and shows where the broadcaster brought the 4:3 version of the tape - Five is switching to the widescreen versions when the renegociate contracts.
The only new shows i've watched in the last year in 4:3 are Six Feet Under, Five News, Forumla 1, Futarama and the Simpsons.

Saying that i've just brought myself a new 53cm 4:3 set... (can't afford widescreen, and it's ex-rental as i see no point wasting money when i will get an IDTV widescreen set when i can afford it)