Video Asylum

Posted by Lemonbishop (A) on October 02, 2007 at 08:09:28

Hello all,

I am in "need" of a new TV. This one will replace my "almost the cheapest thing at best buy" I bought in college in '92. I am planning on getting a Sony 32" XBR, or the cheaper Sony 32".

I am late to the party for video, so sorry for dumbass questions. I have read through the archives, but still have a few questions.

There seem to be no 32" TVs with true 1080p. This is fine for now, but when will 720/1080i seem obsolete (Or actually BE obsolete)? In the archives, it is vaguely agreed it won't be for "a while", but what does "a while" mean? 5 years? 10 years? I also saw that it could happen in cable much sooner, as they have the benefit of the set top box (if I understand correctly).

Currently, I will be watching digital cable (the level one needs to get the DVR service), regular DVDs and videos, and hockey games. I am hoping current SD stuff will not look worse than my old CRT, while not becoming obsolete too soon.

Basically I am wondering if I should just get the "best" TV that I think I want now, or get a less expensive TV, and wait for 1080p, and get a longer term TV in a few years. I otherwise would like to have my new TV indefinitely. I may have 3 sets of speaker by the end of 2008, but I will not be changing out TVs until I am forced to by a irreparable or obsolete TV .

How long should I expect a current production LCD to last? Is there a lifespan on these? This may also help determine which set to get.

Lastly, with things like dead pixels looming, is the "Extended Warranty" a good idea for LCDs?
Typically, the warranty just seems like something to make your purchase cost more, but as I am uninitiated, are LCDs fragile or finicky enough that I should pay extra for the insurance?

thanks for the help