Hi all, OK I'd like to start a thread about the various direct view HDTV's currently or soon to be available. I have complied a list of my research so far, which include model, street price, and a website that offers it. BTW, I do not endorse any of these websites, I only list them for others to view/review the models listed.

I've been looking (lusting) at an HDTV for a while now and have pretty much abandoned the idea of a big RPTV/HDTV. I prefer the exacting quality of a direct view HDTV and will accomadate my viewing room to arrange seating as needed.

What I'm looking for is a comparision of models, freatuers, prices, etc.... on-going contained within this thread. My preferences include HDTV (of course), direct view, 16x9 widescreen (redundant: part of the definition of HDTV), Flat Screen & will run with a RS 15-1994 UR. So far the Panasonic CT-34WX50 tops my list. I saw the Panasonic right next to the RCA 38" and no question, Panasonic is by far a better picture.

Please send in your comments and links or any useful information you may have.


HDTVs
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Panasonic CT-34WX50
Price: $3,199
[Link: dtvexpress.com]
[Link: potce.com]

ProScan PS34000 34" HDTV
Price: TBA
[Link: digitalconnection.com]
Includes a HDTV decoder and a DirectTV receiver. $$$$

Toshiba CW34X92 34in HD Ready Television
Price: Reg.: $3,999.00On Sale: $2,749.00
[Link: store.yahoo.com]

Sampo SME-32HD5 34" HDTV
Price: Regular price: $1,599.00Sale price: $1,369.00
[Link: gotocol.com]
Based on Toshiba HDTV

Philips 34PW9815 34" HDTV Ready Digital TV
Price: $3499
[Link: dmartstores.com]

Sony Wega 34-inch direct-view HDTV KW34HD1
Sug. retail price of $8,999 (Ouch !!!)
[Link: digitalproducer.com]

Proscan/RCA 38" HDTV
Price: $4300/$2799
[Link: digitalconnection.com]
[Link: digitalconnection.com]
Not a Flat screen
HDTV and DirecTV receiver/decoder built-in

By far the best of the direct views (in my opinion as an owner) is the Loewe Aconda. The line doubler in it is flawless, better than the progressive scan output on my Sony DVP-S9000ES, and does a very good job with my noisy cable signals. There are two sizes. The 30" and 38". Go to www.loewetv.com for information.

My only complaint is that it cannot accept a hi def or progressive signal via the component inputs, but only through the vga.

I didn't think the aspect ratio of HDTV's was 16:9?

Well for you early adopters who have money burning a hole in your wallet I say go for it. But the technology just isn't ripe for the main stream. It's a couple years away. Kinda like high speed cable or SDL connectivity. The user gets some benefit but a lot of grief as well. Yea, the picture looks great in the video stores with their tricked up progressive scan demonstration equipment. Bet your sony dollar you ain't gonna get that quality from more than one broadcast station in your area, if that! I say invest yer $4000 for a few years make some interest on it, then purchase yer HDTV for $2000 and pocket the difference.

Yup Donald, that's pretty much been my plan all along.
I just see more than a few models coming out now and that will only lead to better prices for us all, so I begin the research now and when they are $2k, I should know all about the features I want to pay for and then can make a very informed decision.

If I were to get one today (Not), I really don't even care about the broadcast HDTV content, since there is only about 3 Pay movie stations. My real interest is 16x9 and the line doubler for DVD playback. The fact that I'd get something that is HDTV ready for the future is just a bonus. I'm getting tired of watching DVD movies on a 32" 4:3 set...... I want a widescreen.
(Chad) - From what I've heard/read the definition of HDTV broadcast is 16x9 widescreen

The Loewe looks great. The website is worthless.
I'm gonna guess the 38" costs more than my last car.

Is there a better website or a good objective review of this model?

Donald:
Actually if we all shared your opinion, than we would probably never see HDTV. Since the HD broadcasters and the networks rely on consumers interest before they make the 100% commitment.

Addionally, I recieve several channels of HDTV. My network stations include, CBS, NBC digital and some HD content, Fox is a great digital channel, ABC just came on board with HD,PBS, HBO, the discovery Demo channel and PPV. Also, if you have Dish, you will get Showtime. Showtime HD is rumored to be comming Directv way soon.

The difference in price between a Standard TV and an HDTV of similar size is getting smaller. Additionally we get to appreciate progressive DVD's picture quality nearly twice as good as on a standard TV. Also we can upconvert 480i material to 1080i on our HDTV's. We can also use our HDTV's as a computer monitor as well with VGA connection.

I say, try it for yourself, once you experience HD content, you will be amazed at the difference from standard TV.

JB:
All HD content is in the form of 16:9. And don't be fooled, with the right equipment, you can get several channels of HDTV today. CSI and the fugitive on CBS is absolutely stunning.

Joec,

Thanks for responding with your HDTV expierences.
For me, I'm on Dish Network with only the HDTV content you mentioned above (plus, Id have to buy a new receiver and up my content package to include the HDTV pay stations). I also get NY networks via dish and my local Colorado nets via an OFA, which I doubt are rebroadcast in HDTV locally. What city are you in where there is so much HDTV content available?

BTW, I recently saw on Onecall.com (Good through June 1, 2001) "Brand Name Famous Make 34in HD Ready Television" for $2388. I doubt it's the panasonic or Loewe, prob the Toshiba, but still this is getting close to my purchasing threshold.

The Loewe website is horrible, you are right. Its actually kind of cool, but doesn't have much information. If you go to the german website www.loewe.de and then click for the english version you can find out more information. I believe the 30 inch is 3600, and the 38 inch is somewhere around 5000. Not exactly cheap by any means, but the quality is incredible. I've seen it using a hi-def input and it shows off the format as good as any display. I don't have hi-def here in nh, and only really use it for my theater duties for now, though once I graduate I'll move to a better hi-def content market!

After taking the plunge for hi-def I am pleased, though I can't get any hi-def signals here and utilize the tv just for my theater. I would do it again, but probably wouldn't have spent so much money on a progressive scan player knowing now how good the line doubler is that is built in. My advice to people is that this is NOT a good time eto be buying a new expensive tv because hi-def displays are still overpriced and the technology is still improving. If you are in the market for a new tv, either buy a small analog tv that is cheap, or go ahead and take the plunge for hi-def if you can afford it. But I dont think this is the time to spend a lot of money on a tv if it is still analog. The amount of money that you will spend would be better served waiting for a long term digital investment.

anyway, just an opinion from an early adopter.

Mad Chad-
By definition, the HDTV standard IS 16:9.

I'm helping my dad setup a home theater, and he wants a 36" direct View but it has to be one of those flat screen CRT's such as the sony wega's or Panasonic superflat, etc. The only problem his cabinet is not that wide and most of the 'flat screens' are wider then there lesser model lines. I have found one that will fit (has to be under 35 1/4 wide)
Hitachi 36sdx01S. It is a 4:3, 16:9 obviously wouldn't fit in the cabinet and it is HD ready, line doubles etc. It is a little overkill because it is a
2nd home. Anyone heard anything good or bad about this set, or even better where I can purchase it on-line...
thanks
Bill

Joec. . . trust me HDTV is coming. Weither the early adoptors pay the big new_novel_technology_costs or not. There's too much gold in them hills. It's not the vendors holdin it up. It's the entrenched old technology and conversion costs and the politics of how to carve up the territory. And yes I have experienced (is that the politically correct label) HDTV. A friend of mine has spent thousands to play with his. He's happy, he's also rich. So that about sez it all for the moment. Also trust me I'll be there the moment it hit's the main stream. But then jeez, I like reading books and sitting on the Deck in the sunset sipping fine wine and chatting with the wife. TV is still TV is still TV . . .

yup TV is TV.....
Like I said, not really that much interest in the HDTV part of it all, since most of what is ON TV is crap anyway...., but I do enjoy a good movie and would like to get a 16x9, line doubled DVD setup going on. I could see buying into one of these for that advantage and just skip the HDTV part until it gets more main stream. Besides most programming wil be geared towards Sports .... sorry not interested.

Before you buy anything, find someplace you can view the Loewe digital direct view TV's. They are simply stunning... like a window onto an 'alternate reality'... compared to the consumer brands like Panasonic/Toshiba/Sony's/etc.

Mike,
In complete agreement. I went out to watch the basketball game two nights ago, and was blown away by how bad the analog tv's looked. I found myself trying to watch the screen (and it wasn't a slouch tv at all) and all I could see was interlacing artifacts and scan lines. The picture was horrible in comparison, and I couldn't appreciate the game as much. I found myself staring at the NBA playoffs logo and the side-lines, and was really surprised at the stairstep artifacts, and the logo was barely readable. Its amazing to think what a good line doubler can do to a standard definition signal, and I can't wait now for hi-def.

-Jon