Last week’s column about my two-year search-and-acquisition mission for a high-definition television generated such an avalanche of e-mail.
Q. You didn’t list the model of TV you bought. You mentioned it was a Panasonic, but I’d like to know which model for my own comparison.
–Matthew Polenzani
A. We bought a 50-inch Panasonic TH-50PX60U. That’s the entry-level version of this television. The higher-end model is the TH-50PX600U (note the extra zero), and it features nicer built-in speakers and a VGA port so you can plug your computer into it.
Our audio runs through a surround-sound receiver so the improved sound didn’t matter. The VGA port nearly had me pulling the trigger for the top-line unit, but, ultimately, I learned I could plug my Mac Mini into one of my TV’s HDMI ports.
Q. You stated that cable and satellite companies are broadcasting in 720p. This is wrong. Locally, DirecTV and Comcast show both 720p and 1080i material.
—Tim Adams
A. You’re right, and thanks to everyone who wrote for catching this. This broadcast quality standard is determined by each high-definition network independently. So while FOX and ABC broadcast in 720p, for example, CBS and NBC broadcast in 1080i.
The point I was trying to make was that, currently, no network broadcasts in 1080p, which today’s top-end HDTVs can support. And, I believe, it will be a very long time before networks go to this standard, which is one reason why we bought a television that handles a maximum of 1080i. (Today, only the new Blu-ray DVD players support 1080p.)
Q. You did not point out to readers that free over-the-air HD is possible with just a regular antenna. I mounted a new Winegard HD7084p antenna on my brick chimney, and the picture quality is razor sharp. It cost $129, plus tax.
–Allan Fisher
A. Indeed, by attaching an over-the-air antenna to your HDTV, you’ll get the local channels for free. Since the networks’ transmission towers are in the city, you can keep your antenna indoors if you live nearby. But if you’re a suburbanite, the antenna, like Allan’s, will need to go on your roof.
Also, by consensus, the free over-the-air HD signal delivers the sharpest, clearest picture when compared with cable or satellite signals.
The downside, obviously, is the antenna only receives local channels. It can, however, be used in conjunction with your cable or satellite system. You’ll just have to switch inputs on your HDTV between the antenna and your cable or satellite box.
Q. What about the audio? I am pretty happy with the video on my system but am having a heck of a time sorting through all the audio choices.
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–Jim Shover
A. At the risk of exposing myself to the wrath of audiophiles, Jim, here’s what’s powering our sound:
We have a rather modest Yamaha HTR-5850 surround-sound receiver, which can be found online for about $230.
It is connected to five mini speakers and a subwoofer from a company called Canton (www.cantonusa.com). Our set has been discontinued, but they’re from the Plus Series, which is alive and well. These speakers are expensive, retailing for about $200 each, but they are spectacular.
The sound became decidedly more spectacular, however, when I upgraded all the audio cables running to the receiver from RCA cables, which have the red and white ends, to optical digital cables, which have the small square, or Toslink, connectors. I was stunned at the difference these optical digital cables make.
Along the same lines, when you go HD you will have two options for the wiring from the cable or satellite box and DVD player to your TV: component video cables, which have three separate plugs for the video signal, and an HDMI, or high-definition multimedia interface. You’ll need to use one of these for an HD picture. (HDMI provides for sharper video.)
The S-Video or yellow RCA cables you might be using now, cannot transmit a high-definition picture.
Q. I enjoyed reading your article regarding your TV purchase. I think you do the reader a disservice, however, when you fail to mention how much this adventure cost.
–Jim Etzkorn
A. Prices on HDTVs are constantly changing, but our 50-inch Panasonic can be found at retail for about $2,500, and less online. The higher-end TH-50PX600U runs several hundred dollars more.
The cost of furniture depends on what you buy. A metal-and-glass stand–or a wall mount–is far more affordable than wood furniture, which can cost thousands of dollars.
Remember to factor in the cost of new digital cables, which can cost hundreds of dollars all together. These cables are dramatically more affordable if purchased online.
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Alex L. Goldfayn is host of “The Technology Tailor Show” on WGN-AM 720 on Saturdays from 6 to 8 p.m.