LCD/Plasma/CRT/DLP - questions

[Kotatsu Neko]

Anyone had any experience buying from Digital Direct? They seem to be amongst the cheapest out there.

[RLench]

I bought from my TV from Digital Direct. They took the payment immediately, phoned me up to confirm my mobile number and say my credit check was fine, posted out my TV that afternoon, and I had it two days later (it was a 48 hour courier)

Admittedly I've only used them once, but they are fantastic IMO. I was very impressed

[Kotatsu Neko]

Were you able to specify day and time of delivery?

[RLench]

I don't know because I didn't ask. They asked if delivery for Wednesday between 9am and 12pm was convenient, and I said that was fine. I'm sure that they would have helped find a more suitable time if I had asked them

[andrewfee]

If anyone is looking for a new LCD, the Sharp LC37GE1E seems quite promising.

1920x1080, 1200:1, 450cd/m2 (which works out as producing better blacks than the BRAVIAs, on paper at least) 6ms, 4-wavelength backlight (said to improve red reproduction) 176 degree viewing angle (CE's listing is wrong) 2x HDMI, 2x SCART, VGA/Component, and it looks like it could be 1080p. (seen it listed as "Full HD") Just like the older Sharps, the speaker bar is removable too, which is perfect for wall-mounting if you have your own speakers. (I never use a TV's own speakers)

And all for only ?955 at cheap electricals right now: http://www.cheapelectricals.co.uk/ac...lc-37ge1e.html

Very tempted to pick one up myself.

[RLench]

Very good price as well

I'm still happy with my TV but I'm definitely starting to think that I should have waited a bit longer.

[EvilBoris]

Fook me that seems too good to be true,that TV is ?2500 on amazon

[andrewfee]

Well I know that CheapElectricals aren't a scam company (bought a BRAVIA from them, although I did have some trouble trying to return it) but they're known for highly fluctuating prices. At one point they had the 46" Sony X series around ?2500 and it's now up to ?3230.

Very tempted to just order it, but if it's not 1080p (the US one definitely is, but I've not got hard info on the European one) then I'm not interested. Whatever LCD I buy, I'm going to want to hook up a computer to it - while not ideal, a 720p set is almost certain to have a proper PC input these days, but a 1920x1080 one that can only accept 1080i is useless.

[EvilBoris]

I seen a fw places refer to it as full spec HD and also one had a logo that look like Tru D or TRU HD

[Mayhem]

Richer Sounds are doing a similar (though only 768 vertical) Sharp LCD for under a grand... I guess this one is defo better though.

http://www.richersounds.co.uk/showproduct.php?cda=showproduct&pid=SHAR-LC37GA8E

Maybe the other one is very new stock...? It isn't listed on Sharp's site (well couldn't find it).

[andrewfee]

I seen a fw places refer to it as full spec HD and also one had a logo that look like Tru D or TRU HD

I think TruD is Sharp's new image processing. I've seen "Full HD" on a few sites now, and after thinking about it - Sharp has typically named its models with GA or GD depending on whether they're the "cheap" models (usually the same panel minus freeview and advanced processing) or the GD. This being the GE leads me to believe it's a totally new series, so 1080p is more likely. (I don't think any of the GD series would accept 1080p, despite some having 1920x1080 panels)

Seeing as I would expect the price to increase, I've decided to go ahead and order one. It seems strange considering the GD9 costs more, but what the hell.

I've got a printout of the receipt and of the product info page to make sure everything works out ok.

The good thing (for us) is that CheapElectricals often gets its specs wrong, and under the distance selling regs. means that we're entitled to a refund if it doesn't match up. (iirc)

These days I seem to be watching less television, and when I do, I'm not quite as bothered about image quality now. I mean I don't want anything that looks bad, but if this will do 1080p, I think I'll probably keep it. (like I haven't said that before...)

EDIT: Came across a pdf with more info earlier btw: http://www.mentor-distribution.com/s.../LC-37GE1E.pdf

[Mayhem]

Heh I was just Googling about and found that PDF myself

[andrewfee]

http://www.sharpusa.com/files/tel_dow_AQUOS_Full_Line_0206.pdf

It's the European equivalent of the LC-37D90U. The US one looks much better, but that's always the story here - it's got 2x HDMI, 2x Component and a DVI-I port for computer use. (we get 2x HDMI, 2x SCART, VGA - which takes component through an adapter - not a problem as I plan to buy an auto-switcher if the TV is staying)

(Have I mentioned how much I have always loved the look of Sharp LCDs and brochures?)

[Mayhem]

http://www.dealtime.co.uk/xPF-Sharp_LC37GE1E

According to there, it's 1080i only but still, it does seem to be priced at half what everywhere else is selling it. Sorely tempted to get as my brother and I are looking for a plasma or LCD for the living room.

Regarding the component through an adapter into the VGA socket... I assume they are easy to buy? What was the other cable available for the Cube aside from the component cable... is that the same thing? Anyhow, I was planning on connecting the Cube/PS2 via component to the new TV, so I'd need a switch box anyhow.

[andrewfee]

http://www.dealtime.co.uk/xPF-Sharp_LC37GE1E

According to there, it's 1080i only but still, it does seem to be priced at half what everywhere else is selling it. Sorely tempted to get as my brother and I are looking for a plasma or LCD for the living room.

Regarding the component through an adapter into the VGA socket... I assume they are easy to buy? What was the other cable available for the Cube aside from the component cable... is that the same thing? Anyhow, I was planning on connecting the Cube/PS2 via component to the new TV, so I'd need a switch box anyhow.

Hmm, that's a bit worrying, but most of these shop searching sites seem to be a bit off on specs. I would hope that's the case, because it'll be utterly ridiculous if the US one does do 1080p and the European one doesn't. I see that it says no adjustable colour temperature, but it says that on the BRAVIAs too, and I know they have one.

I would assume the adapter comes in the box.