The difference between an “HD ready” TV and a “full HD” TV is usually the tuner, or lack thereof. HD ready TVs typically lack the internal stuff needed to process over-the-air signals. In other words, if you’re using the TV just as a display for your PS3 you will be fine. I’m surprised you found a TV that lacks (what are now) standard features.

My biggest concern is that if you’re buying an HD ready TV it may also lack other features such as support for new HD standards for resolution, refresh rate, color space, etc. If the TV seems to be OK in other performance terms but just lacks the tuner or “built-in processing” then go for it.

I can’t give you a “how much” answer because there are just too many unknowns. But I can say that if you have a non-HD TV and a non-HD source, switching to component from S-video is going to produce small improvements in picture quality. In fact, the gain might be so small that the time and money invested in switches and upgrades wouldn’t be worth it.

If you’re going to spend the money for a DVD player that upscales your video — and believe me, you’ll have to get a good one for decent results — you’d be better off going Blu-ray. Think about it: if you spend a little more you’ll have the latest player technology that plays BD’s and upscales!

Another option would be to place a high-quality home theater receiver between your input and display components. This would allow your disc, satellite and gaming system to be run through a receiver which would simplify outputs and also allow for better sound. You may already have a receiver, but is it ready for HDMI and all the new surround sound modes, does it have an iPod jack?

Things to consider, for sure.

If you want to try component then go ahead and do it. Check the return policy for opened items, so if there’s no change or if the system gets too complicated you can return the new stuff. Or you can call and talk with one of our guys about upgrading your stuff. We have lots of really good specials, including BOGO sales on HDTVs, hundreds off Blu-ray players and all sorts of deals to get you setup right. Call 1-866-224-6171 and talk with our specialists. They’re not pushy and are happy to “talk shop” with home theater enthusiasts such as yourself!

Thanks for your question. Yes, I have a few ideas that might help.

1. Have you updated your components to the latest software/firmware versions? Many players and HDTVs are purchased and used with outdated versions of software and firmware which can cause problems related to playback, compatibility and enhanced features like exclusive online content, etc. Check your owners manual and the Pioneer and Samsung websites to see if you need to download and install updates for your Blu-ray disc player and HDTV.

2. Check your HDMI cable. Is it a good cable? Is it seated (connected) properly? Is there another HD connection such as component? Sometimes this will create a conflict and the proper output setting will need to be changed.

3. Are the player and HDTV directly connected? Running HDMI cables through switchers, VCRs and other devices often causes handshake problems and can trip HDCP which degrades the picture because it thinks you’re trying to illegally copy movies. Make sure each device is HDCP-compliant and is capable and configured to handle 1080p video via HDMI.

If that of that works I would recommend resetting your devices. Again, consult your owners manuals for proper procedures. The purpose of a reset is to clear any custom settings that may be causing an issue, and will restart the handshake process between devices. Make sure and turn the TV on first, then the player, then the usual disc load and play.

I hope this helps!

Thanks for your question.

From a sales and tech-buff standpoint I would recommend upgrading. There are many HDTVs that are 1080p with contrast ratios of 20,000:1 and higher. You also have to consider that US televisions are NTSC format in 60Hz multiples, which is incompatible with other formats like those outside the US and certain parts of the world.

You can buy converters and adapters but the quality will be less and the cost is high. Plus if you’re spending money to ship a TV around the globe you could put that money towards a new HDTV instead. It just depends on your budget, expected time in those countries and access to affordable technology.

But keep in mind that a 2007 HDTV has technology from the previous year or two inside. It’s still a decent TV but features have improved and prices dropped on new sets.

I hope I have helped!

I have a 2007 Samsung LN4042 LCD – 40″ which is 720p with a dynamic contrast of 7000:1. I have two questions –

1. Can I use it in other countries out of US such as UAE (Dubai) or India?
2. Does the low specs mean that the picture quality would be significantly bad compared to the newer HDTV’s with higher dynamic contrasts – that are thinner etc.

Basically, I am wondering if i should sell this TV and buy something more latest or is this good enough for watching normal programming and movies as well as playing games?

thanks

I won’t be much help because I lack the details to really help you. But there are a few things to check and consider. They are,

1. The content coming in to the TV varies depending on the source, such as 1080p from Blu-ray or 1080i and lower for satellite. It may well be that the content is 720p but is being displayed at the TV’s native resolution.

2. The cables matter. If you’re running HDMI for Blu-ray then you’ll get full performance, but component is geared toward 1080i/720p and lower.

3. Check your settings. Chances are you had your old setup just the way you liked it, but if you change TVs and have to re-run wires and stuff the old settings may be erased or changed. More likely, you’ll need to make sure your current system is set the way it needs to be first, then go back and make adjustments that you want (like visual and audio tweaks).

4. New technology is smarter. If you upgraded to a new LED then it may be changing itself to provide the best picture even if you think it should be doing something else. For example, it may source 720p content instead of 1080i if the picture is better.

Finally, check with your cable provider to see which programs are broadcast in HD and what the specs are in terms of resolution, frame rate, etc. If you’re getting 1080p from your Blu-ray then the 720p is caused by your cable box setup. I can’t help you with that — contact your service provider.