posted on April 1, 2006 08:04:45 PM new
I just ordered a 42" Plasma TV, will be delivered next Friday. I took the extended insurance/warranty on it for 3 years. I don't usually take the insurance on stuff, but the sales person kind of made me nervous when he said that if anything goes wrong with the Plasma TV it costs a fortune to get someone to work on them. But he told me that if after one year if I decide that I don't want the extended warranty, I can cancel and get my money back in full.
This is my first plasma TV and I basically bought it so I can hang it on the wall, maybe over the fireplace, but then I realized that I would have to have the fireplace wired, so I think I'll choose a wall with an outlet and a cable line.
The sales person said I need a DVD player to run the cable connection through.. which I have, but I'm not sure why the TV doesn't have direct connect to the cable.
Does anyone have a plasma TV who can tell me why I need the DVD player to connect??
posted on April 1, 2006 08:13:22 PM new
Thanks Krafty, It will arrive after my hubby has returned to Mexico, so it won't get installed on a wall until he returns...I'm not good with power tools. Looking forward to it though.
posted on April 1, 2006 08:48:52 PM new
"why I need the DVD player to connect??"
Does the TV say it's cable-ready? If not, then it's probably just essentially a big monitor, with no way of tuning channels. I know you can use a VCR to change stations, but maybe a DVD player will do it too- I've never tried that.
Or it could be something else completely.
Dr. Arcane, revelator of mystical secrets http://www.drarcane.com
Got questions about the secrets of the universe?
posted on April 1, 2006 09:02:48 PM new
Dr.Arc. it says it is HGTV and Cable ready..could it be possible that I've just ordered a monitor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Congrats maggie, but watching the Home and Garden TV channel all the time could get boring
Sounds like you did get the one that doesn't have a tuner so is basically a monitor but you will need to make sure your DVD player or VCR is cable ready and can be used as a tuner.
My DVD player does not have that function. So I would have to buy a new one.
Also the extended warranties are actually good for 2 people, the one selling it to you as they probably get a commission and the company getting the money. Most extended warranties start immediately and not when the manufacturers ends. So you actually are paying for time that was already covered. But it does provide for piece of mind. Especially on something like this.
posted on April 2, 2006 07:44:21 AM new
Thank you Ron, very much! I am so dumb when it comes to these things. I'm thinking about canceling my order now. I don't want just a monitor.. I don't know if my DVD player is cable ready or my VCR for that matter. They aren't old and I use them attached to my existing television which has cable, but I don't know if they are cable ready like you said. I agree about the extended warranty, we never usually buy it but knowing nothing about these televisions, I was scared not to.. and it cost 400.00. What do you think I should do, cancel and purchase another that has a tuner? Or go shopping for a VCR or DVD player marked cable ready? Another thing, I got on the web site last night and read that installation or set up is not included, I have to set up another appointment for that.. the sales man told me they would bring it in and set it up on delivery in the cost of delivery....not...
posted on April 2, 2006 09:16:43 AM new
Maggie - two simple questions... if you can answer yes to either, you are good to go.
Do you have a cable box?
Can you change the channels on your DVD player?
As long as you run the cable signal thru something that allows you to change channels - you are good to go. No need to spend even more money on a TV with a redundant option.
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
Never ask what sort if computer a guy drives. If he's a Mac user, he'll tell you. If he's not, why embarrass him? - Tom Clancy
posted on April 2, 2006 09:50:30 AM newWhy don't you come over and help me out here!
With your power tools???? And a week before the tv gets there???
Seriously though, if the tv says it is cable ready & you have a cable box (Directv or local cable). the cable converter is your tuner, that is what you change stations with. You should be ok.
Even without a converter, the tv should have a internal tuner, (for those who dont have cable).
"“More Iraqis think things are going well in Iraq than Americans do. I guess they don’t get the New York Times over there.”—Jay Leno".
posted on April 2, 2006 09:59:25 AM new
No, I think Ron is correct.. I've bought a model without an internal tuner. The sales person told me the tuner would be my VCR or dvd player.. but I don't know if either is cable ready. The DVD player control has tv/video on it but I can't get it to change the channels on my cable box...
I have a cable box, but he said I'd need to run it through a dvd or vcr to tune. Okay, I'm to confused now, so I'm calling them and canceling my purchase. I will go to Best Buy and buy another after I know for sure what I am getting this time. Why do you have to be a bloody rocket scientist to operate a TV system.
I'm pitching a little fit right now, so the best thing I should do is to cancel the whole damn thing.
I'd rather pay another 1000. and get one with an internal tuner.. it will cost me the same if I have to go out and buy a compatible vcr or dvd and pay installation..geeeeessssuuusss!
[ edited by bebeboom on Apr 2, 2006 10:03 AM ]
posted on April 2, 2006 10:22:28 AM new
Cabel Ready = Proper input and a channel changer that does not involve a dial that only goes to 13
Don't get freaked out by terminology Maggie. All "cable ready" means is that you can plug the cable in to it and change the channel.
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
Never ask what sort if computer a guy drives. If he's a Mac user, he'll tell you. If he's not, why embarrass him? - Tom Clancy
posted on April 2, 2006 10:23:30 AM new
Hold the phone....
I am assuming that when you said you got a HGTV TV you meant HDTV - High Def. If so, you can only utilize the HD function with an HD converter from your cable company. That HD converter box is going to serve as your tuner. Just call your cable company. They will send someoneout with the box and hook everything up for you. A really nice guy might even hang it for you but if not, they come with a stand you can use until hubby gets home.
[ edited by fenix03 on Apr 2, 2006 10:32 AM ]
posted on April 2, 2006 10:55:47 AM new
But I feel like I'm being short changed buying basically a big plasma monitor without the stuffing. If I'm going to pay big bucks, don't you think I should get one with the stuffings and not have to rely on dvd's or vcr's to hook to my cable box?
Oh, if you only knew the caliber of cable techs in my area, Fenix, you'd tell me to do it myself..LOL
posted on April 2, 2006 10:56:47 AM new
maggie if you like what you picked don't cancel the order, the website I gave you explains the ins and outs of the different types.
Do as fenix said and just run the cable from your cable box if you have one. The person saying DVD player is just using the most common item that may have a tuner.
He may not know if you use a cable box. Here if you get Digital cable you get a box, so that would be perfect for what you are going to do.
posted on April 2, 2006 11:01:55 AM new
Ron, I have a cable box for the HBO and extra channels. It isn't HDTV ready, I think that is another type of cable box. I told the sales person that I have a cable box but he said I'd still need to connect through a VCR. I read the site and I don't understand what they are telling me.. since my DVD and Cable controllers won't change my tv channels...
It is a big beautiful plasma monitor.. run by gas or neon or something... that's another thing it says all gas products will need professional installers???
posted on April 2, 2006 11:05:52 AM new
Now, I don't know if the friggin thing has built in speakers or not... if not, I'd have to buy speakers.. geesus..what did I get myself into.
posted on April 2, 2006 11:08:33 AM new
Sound, Overall Type Stereo, 2-channel basic
Stereo
TV Type Plasma
Screen Size 42 in.
Screen Aspect Ratio 16:9
EDTV Monitor
Tuner Type None
Item Weight 94.8 lbs.
General Warranty 1 year parts/90 day labor/2 years plasma screen
Jacks, IN-OUT:
Component Input Sets, Total Number 2
DVI Inputs, Number N/A
Composite Video Inputs, Number 2
S-Video Inputs, Number 2
Analog Audio Output Yes
Analog Audio Output, Type Fixed
Digital Audio Output N/A
Digital Audio Output Type N/A
HDMI Inputs, Number None
Other Audio Enhancements:
Watts per Channel 10 watts
MTS/SAP TV Stereo Yes
Display, Resolution:
Maximum Resolution 852 x 480
Display, Enhancements:
Comb Filter Type Digital, 3D Y/C
Input Compatible 1080i/480p/480i/720p
Dimensions:
Height 28-3/4 in.
Width 41-1/2 in.
Depth 13 in.
Energy:
Energy Star Compliant Yes
Included Remote:
Remote Control Type hStandard or simple (single device)
posted on April 2, 2006 11:27:16 AM new
Mags - here you go - here is all the info you need.
1) Your salesperson was an idiot who had no clue what he was tlaking about and seems to be about 10 years behind the technology curve. Not exactly shocking.
2) Since the assumtion is that anyone that purchases 42" HD Plasma TV has, at the very least, digital cable, an internal tuner is redundant techology that only adds added expense but gives no added value.
3) Your specs state that you have analog audio output which means that, yes, you have speakers.
On the otherhand, despite the fact that three people have told you that what you have is fine, if you just want to spend more money and buy something with options that you have no need or use for ... run with it.
BTW - Cable guys can be dumb as a rock but the one thing they know how to do, is hook up TVs.
Honestly Mags - you are stressing over something that you really don't need to stress over. If I was in the area I would help you. I think half the reason my mother wanted me to go down to Texas with her for the move in was to hook up their TVs and computers.
posted on April 2, 2006 11:39:14 AM new
ok if he told you need a DVD or VCR to connect to the tv even when you have a cable box it means you do not have the one coaxial connection on the TV you need to be able to connect the tv with either digital outputs (not on every DVD or VCR) or you need RCA outputs and or S video. Some TV's have all of them and a lot don't have that one coaxial cable that is with the cable TV. Some Cable TV boxes usually only the digital ones have those kind of connections. I have not seen a VCR in past 3 years that was not cable ready with 125 channels available. Most likely what the guy was referring to was that you have to have at least RCA jacks(3 plugs) to connect to the TV as it does not accept just the one coaxial cable. Digital is better if you have a progressive scan DVD you might have those on it. Come to think of it my combination DVD VCR has the digital outputs maybe you have one of those?
Now if you have Direct TV or Dish network Their new recievers have all the connections to get digital quality picture and stereo blablabla. PLUS you can get their HD package. I have Dish Network and HDTV channels. A lot of Cable co's are not offering HDTV but most are coming around it depends on your cable company.
My son's 51" HDTV was just over the year mark when it went weird on us and had to get it fixed took forever and he had extended warranty good thing cause the cost to fix was more than most HD TVs cost. Cost was over $1800.00 this was parts only. His TV cost when new was $3500.00 SO extended warranty was well worth a little extra cost.
**************
Some minds are like concrete,
thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.
posted on April 2, 2006 12:03:26 PM new
Irked - you know you just confused the holy hell out of her right and put three unnecessary concerns in her head and now she is going to be convinced she has no co-ax input and needs to buy a dog and a gramophone because of the RCA reference
Mags - Ignore everything he just said. Call your cable company and tell them you want an HD box. They'll someone out... fix the guy a glass of lemonaide and an hour later you will be up and running.
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
Never ask what sort if computer a guy drives. If he's a Mac user, he'll tell you. If he's not, why embarrass him? - Tom Clancy
posted on April 2, 2006 12:05:41 PM new
Okay, thank you all very much. I have decided not to cancel and wait for it to get here and if I can't hook it up, I will start calling for an installer. Irked, I think I remember him saying what you just told me about it not having the one coaxial connection.. My DVD player has 3 prong connectors. My vcr has a 3 prong connector, both are quite new.
I will stop stressing and hope that I will get a nice delivery person who will unpack it and put the stand on it and lift it onto my tv stand for me..who knows with any luck he might even help me hook it up.
If not it will sit until I get an installer out here and or for a few months until my DH returns home. I bought the brackets to hang it on a wall, but will need a strong person to do that.
Thanks again all.. I'll update you on Friday after it arrives..
Thanks Ms.Fenix..I wish you lived close too!
Ms.Fenix will I need the HD box or will my digital cable box work???
[ edited by bebeboom on Apr 2, 2006 12:07 PM ]
posted on April 2, 2006 12:17:36 PM new
Your digital cable box will work fine. The HD box is needed if you want to watch the HD channels in high def. You probably have all of about a dozen actual HD channels so it's not as if you are acutally missing out on anything
(BTW - wish I was in your area too - my step just stopped by to check on me while he's in town. We don't like each other very much but are civil in my mothers presence. Unfortunately when she is 1200 miles away, we are not good at pretense. No one can piss me off in under 30 seconds without saying a word quite like he can. Would have liked to have not been here.)
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
Never ask what sort if computer a guy drives. If he's a Mac user, he'll tell you. If he's not, why embarrass him? - Tom Clancy
[ edited by fenix03 on Apr 2, 2006 12:23 PM ]
posted on April 2, 2006 12:33:10 PM new
I understand Fenix, my son never got along with my present husband and it tore me in two all the time he was still living at home. I would always take my son's side on everything and that just made things worse. He has been on his own now for 15 years but you can still feel the tension when they are together.
Much thanks again and stay tuned for the next episode.. LOL
posted on April 2, 2006 12:48:37 PM new
Oh Bear, I am so sorry. I missed your last post!
Thank you very much for the diagram. I will keep it handy for next Friday.
posted on April 2, 2006 01:43:05 PM new
maggie-while you're at it-you should get a dvd recorder and can your vcr.Dvd recorders arent that expensive now-a-days.If you're going to record tv programs you might as well get the better quality.Here is what I have and you can take what you want from this.
I have my directv satellite wire going into my directv/tivo.This has the receiver from directv and the tivo in one box.The wires go from my tivo into my dvd recorder and the output wires from my dvd recorder into the inputs of my 56 inch wide Toshiba tv.I also have 5 speakers-left-right-front and two rear speakers,plus a sub-woofer hooked up to my 5.1 surround receiver.The sound system isnt a real necessity,but when the wife aint home I can crank that sucker up so loud the windows will rattle.
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Beauty is only a light switch away
[ edited by classicrock000 on Apr 2, 2006 01:53 PM ]
