Need help for 1st time HDTV buyer

[jw7]

I am probably the last person here that does not have an HDTV.

Here is the issue. I have an OLD DirecTV receiver, so old, they sent me a note that I better replace it or I won't be able to receive them anymore. They offered a free exchange to an upgrade, but I figure if I'm going to do that, might as well upgrade to HDTV and get a DVR.

Couple of questions:

1) See the attachment. I have an entertainment section built into the house.

Dimensions of Entertainment Area – W-46” H-35”

Dimensions of a 42” HDTV W-38.13” H-24.51”

Dimensions of a 47” HDTV W-42.31” H-26.89”


Would you go with the 42" or 47"? My concern is that with the 42" I get 4" of space on each side and with the 47" I would get about 1.8". It's only about a $100 difference in price, so that's not a problem.


2) From what I am hearing, I would need to buy the HDTV first, let DirecTV come over and install the new receiver an hook it up to the new TV. The sat dish is over 12 years old, would I need a new one for HDTV?


3) What the heck do I do with an obsolete 32" TV?

 

[thirty-two]

I can't help with the Direct tv stuff, but as for the 42/47 debate, definitely get the 47 inch. I have a 47 inch and its a great size.

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

I think your only real options for the old one are either goodwill or an electronics recycler. Can't just dump it thanks to the hazardous materials inside.

 

[Chaz]

If the 47 will fit I would do that.

Sizing rule of thumb is viewing distance is 2.5x the width (not diagional size) of the screen.

 

[Linderbee]

dcr says you will need a new dish, but they should replace it for free. I say, go with the bigger TV. You won't regret it, but you might regret the smaller one.

 

[BillsCarnage]

For the TV, you'll want to make sure there is adequate distance for it to vent the heat. I think 4" is recommended, but don't quote me. Less than 2" might be a bit close w/ the 47". Although I have a 50" w/ about 2-2.5" along the top where the vent is, but plenty of room on the sides for the air to move.

As for DTV, yes you'll need a new dish - they're much larger and oval compared to standard def. Same w/ the box to read the signal.

For disposing of the old tv, go here earth911.org. Plenty of places to recycle it.

 

[jw7]

Thanks for the help/advice all. I really appreciate it!

dcr says you will need a new dish, but they should replace it for free. I say, go with the bigger TV. You won't regret it, but you might regret the smaller one.

Yup, DCR is right. Just got off the phone with DirecTV. They will do the whole new dish, receiver, DVR and install for free. Just $20/mo more for the HD and DVR service charge.

Now I gotta go hunt down a 47" TV!

 

[BigRedRage]

Ill take the 32" for my kids living room!

 

[jw7]

Ill take the 32" for my kids living room!

Are serious or just joking? If you want it you can have it and I'll throw in $20 for saving the hassle of having to move it myself.

 

[BigRedRage]

im serious. I am near ahwatukee too. As long as it works, I want it! their living room currently has a smaller square tv in it.

No money needed, just the tv

 

[Russ Smith]

Thanks for the help/advice all. I really appreciate it!



Yup, DCR is right. Just got off the phone with DirecTV. They will do the whole new dish, receiver, DVR and install for free. Just $20/mo more for the HD and DVR service charge.

Now I gotta go hunt down a 47" TV!

I just bought a 47 inch LG that I absolutely love. has 3D too although I don't currently subscribe to 3D. the deals are pretty good right now my tv went down 75 bucks in 2 weeks while I had it sitting in my "cart" at Best Buy online deciding when to buy it. I was hoping they'd have a no sales tax Memorial Day weekend, heard they would not, so I just bought it after the last reduction.

 

[jw7]

Cool, I now have HDTV and DVR.

I went with the 42" just because I felt more comfortable with it fitting in the cubby hole with venting space. Although Costco has a 47" 120hz for only $539 that I was debating. That would have been a tough squeeze for my compact Mazda.

Took a long time to install everything, and there were glitches with connectivity to the dish and the WiFi, but everything is working now.

Thanks so much for the advice. I now have tons of instructions to read.

Tech ran thru all the features at about 100mph and I didn't absorb them so I need to figure out how to set favorites and record. And maybe try to hook it up to my surround-sound stereo (although the base speakers are pretty good as is).

 

[BigRedRage]

Old tv works great with the nintendo. Played Gauntlet on it all night with my son last night.

 

[jw7]

Old tv works great with the nintendo. Played Gauntlet on it all night with my son last night.

Glad the video input is working for you. I still would have paid you for the haul-away, but you wouldn't take it.

Good luck with it! It's way to heavy but a good solid TV. Thanks!

 

[O]

Cool, I now have HDTV and DVR.

I went with the 42" just because I felt more comfortable with it fitting in the cubby hole with venting space. Although Costco has a 47" 120hz for only $539 that I was debating. That would have been a tough squeeze for my compact Mazda.

Took a long time to install everything, and there were glitches with connectivity to the dish and the WiFi, but everything is working now.

Thanks so much for the advice. I now have tons of instructions to read.

Tech ran thru all the features at about 100mph and I didn't absorb them so I need to figure out how to set favorites and record. And maybe try to hook it up to my surround-sound stereo (although the base speakers are pretty good as is).

I would highly recommend having someone came out and calibrate your new machine.
The difference it makes is amazing.
It used to be expensive but it is now reasonable.

My friend owns this business.

http://www.advancedaudiovisual.tv/index.php

Tell Lee I sent you if you decide to do it.