need a new tv for ny htpc

[htpc1]

hi

I am looking to get a new tv to connect to my htpc i have just started playing around with. at the moment i have it connected just to my 19" crt computer monitor. this is set up in family room ( hopefully i shal move it into lounge when i iron it out as not to cause viewing issues and ease of use)
i tried to connect to my old 55cm crt tv via svideo connection from video card but i could only get a grainy black and white image. tried to do a google and it seems tv may have been to old to accept computer image.
main use will be for viewing tv and foxtel and to store kids videos on as well as some internt surfing such as visiting here to get more info on setups etc.
i had a look at the new jb ccatalouge and saw the sonig 32" plasma for $499
it states resolution 852x480 with hdmi input
will this suit ny needs to view foxtel and fta tv ( including 10hd etc)
i am asking as this tv suits my budget but dont want to waste money on a tv that doesnt work
i dont need it to be the best quality but acceptable for viewing tv and pc use
thanks in advance for any replies
and sorry about the long lenght of this post

[jimbojumbo]

Apart from HDMI what connectivity options are available on that Soniq unit?

Svideo, component???

[htpc1]

hi here are specs from jb website
Latest LG Panel

HDMI Input

Wall Mountable
(with optional bracket)

Screen Size
32" (81 cm)

Screen
16:9 Widescreen

Resolution
852 x 480

TV System
PAL

Contrast Ratio
50:1

Brightness
550

Output
< 250W

OSD Languages
English

HDMI Input

Remote Control



Dimension (W x H x D) (mm)

825 x 233 x 596

[ExtremePC]

With that resolution it will never be any good for pc use and pretty awfull for hdtv use, sorry to say but you're going to have to spend more for acceptable hdtv use and a lot more for htpc and pc use.

[nikko1974]

Originally Posted by ExtremePC

With that resolution it will never be any good for pc use and pretty awfull for hdtv use, sorry to say but you're going to have to spend more for acceptable hdtv use and a lot more for htpc and pc use.

+1

Set your current monitor to that kind of resolution and see how it looks! Yuck.

If you're on a low budget and can't wait I strongly suggest you buy a 2nd hand high def CRT off Ebay or similar.

Sony's KVHR series are the best CRTs ever made (I have one) true 1080i available.....but be aware most CRTs won't have DVI or HDMI - so you'll be looking at needing a component video connection.

I use this and its fine - run 720p via an old Asus M2NPV-VM with onboard Nvidia 6150.

For your budget - a 2nd hand Sony, Panasonic, or Toshiba CRT is best.

Alternatively - buy a 2nd hand decent flat panel display in a few months when you've saved up more.

These kinds of el cheapo panels are TERRIBLE and only there to fill a need for people who feel they MUST have a flat panel - but don't have the money nor the sophistication as buyers to know what they're getting is complete and utter junk.

Even pixar flix would struggle to look good on that panel.

[htpc1]

hi thanks for the bad news
looks like i will just have to do with my 19" crt computer monitor for a little while longer
i am new to this htpc laerk and just starting to get the basics of what all the new tv technology and pc gear means. my lounge still has a 55 cm crt so i was hoping the soniq would be ok.
but like you said i want a plasma (or lcd) but am willing to do some research to get a decent one , not the best or anything just one that will do what i want

one more qusetion that may fix some of this i connected my old family room tv to the htpc via svideo out from the video card and could only get b& w i tried a google and found replies to the effect that the tv may be too old to accept input is this correct or if not how can i connect to tv that only has yellow video and white audioconnectors and antena in
thanks

[nikko1974]

I think you'll have a bugger of a time getting your current 55cm TV to work with the HTPC and personally I'd save your time and what hair you have and wait.

Post up the full details of what hardware you have in your PC and maybe we can help......but I'd say you'll be struggling.

[htpc1]

hi thanks for the help will update equipment list soon

[vlad]

http://www.itestate.com.au/products_...ode=PD00005323