Time Warner Cable -- Austin/Waco

[ValpoCory]

Has anyone heard whether the situation will return to the way it's been the last decade, where most Astros games are shown?   This year, I have never seen any baseball games on Channel 77 or 12 or 23 like in years past. 

Why are we seeing less Astros (and Rangers for that matter) games in 2009?

Sorry if this thread has been Cabrera'd.

[Gizzmonic]

I am in San Antonio and I've noticed this as well.  Last year and the year before, I could get at least some games on channel 50, the "GREAT STUF" channel, which normally shows infomercials.  This year we are getting a few more Rangers games on channel 4, but no Astros or Rangers games on 50 that I've seen. 

We, the Astros fans, should form some kind of fan organization and write letters to the Astros and to Time Warner.  It really sucks when the Astros are pre-empted for "Track and Field Spectacular" or "High School Sports" as it has happened this year.  Does anybody who posts in this board know anyone who the right person to contact would be?'

Edit: After some quick digging, I found this article.  It's bemoaning the lack of Rangers games, but it's related to our problems as Astros fans as well.  I am going to email this Jerry Garcia...perhaps he knows who to get in contact with at Time Warner.

[ValpoCory]

Thanks Gizzmonic.

Also,

"TimeWarner cable in Austin used to  the Rangers on channel 77 when the main FSN channel was showing an Astros game. I noticed that there hadn't been any games on 77 yet this year, so I called them up tonight and the rep said they weren't going to be broadcasting any of the alternate feeds from FSN any more because they couldn't renew the contract.
"

http://www.lonestarball.com/2009/4/17/843272/rangers-on-tv-in-austin

But that's only half the issue.  It's the games that were on local Houston TV (KNWS, etc.) that I am mainly asking about.

[Bench]

Edit: After some quick digging, I found this article.  It's bemoaning the lack of Rangers games, but it's related to our problems as Astros fans as well.  I am going to email this Jerry Garcia...perhaps he knows who to get in contact with at Time Warner.

Jerry's dead, man.  You just have to accept it and listen to Phil Lesh, Bob Weir and Warren Haynes.

[Gizzmonic]

Jerry's dead, man.  You just have to accept it and listen to Phil Lesh, Bob Weir and Warren Haynes.

How can he be dead?  He's still playing the solo from "Dark Star".

[Outlawscotty]

I saw something in the SA Express News just this morning to the contrary concerning Rangers games.  It was inside the front page of the Sports section as I recall.

and here it is: http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/TWC_to_carry_Rangers.html

[BUWebguy]

We've had the same problem in Waco this year (previously games had been shown on Ch. 15).

I e-mailed TWC a couple of weeks and got this reply:

Contractual agreements for carriage or removal of specific programmers are negotiated at the
corporate level and information about what our customers want on their cable service is taken into
consideration during those negotiations. Each individual affiliate, such as Houston Astros games,
makes the ultimate decision as to what programming they will provide to Time Warner for airing. If
there is specific programming that you would like to see added, we encourage you to contact the
affiliate directly.

It sounded like unhelpful rambling to me, though with the context of the info in this thread, it maybe sounds like what we've read here.

[Gizzmonic]

We've had the same problem in Waco this year (previously games had been shown on Ch. 15).

I e-mailed TWC a couple of weeks and got this reply:

It sounded like unhelpful rambling to me, though with the context of the info in this thread, it maybe sounds like what we've read here.

Yeah, it sounds like BS finger pointing to me.  I doubt there is a major difference between what TWC, Grande, DiSH, DirecTV, FiOS, and AT&T Uverse are being offered in the same region.  Maybe, MAYBE DirecTV is getting a better deal because Rupert Murdoch owns both DirecTV and the FOX affiliates. 

How does it affect us, the Astros fans living in SA, Austin, and Waco?  Well, I can only speak for San Antonio, so correct me if I'm wrong about this...it used to be that TWC was the only one that carried the Sunday/My20 games.  They played them on the infomercial channel called "STUF".

Now TWC doesn't carry those games anymore.  In addition, they don't provide the HD feed for some games that are available in HD.  They also don't carry Astros games when the Spurs are playing, even if the Spurs game is not scheduled to air on FSSW (this infuriates me).  And a few times, they just randomly pre-empt the games for Dallas Sports Beat and other inexplicable garbage.

In contrast, DirecTV and DiSH seem to offer all FSSW (aka FSH) Astros games, although I don't think they carry any of the My20 games.  I'm not sure about Uverse but I can probably check that out with my some of my friends.  Also, if anyone on this board has Uverse in Austin/San Antonio/Waco maybe you could tell us if Uverse carries all the FSSW Astros games.

[Craig]

In contrast, DirecTV and DiSH seem to offer all FSSW (aka FSH) Astros games, although I don't think they carry any of the My20 games.

Dish carries the my20 games. However, I've noticed a drop in the number of HD games being picked up by Dish. Dish has plenty of alternate channels, but there just don't seem to be as many HD games being shown. Also, Dish doesn't have MLB Network.

[MusicMan]

DirecTV offers both my20 and MLB Network.  I am an absolute fan of DirecTV.

[Gizzmonic]

Thanks for the info, Craig and MM.  It seems Time Warner is differentiating itself from its competitors...and not in a good way.

[kevwun]

Dish carries the my20 games. However, I've noticed a drop in the number of HD games being picked up by Dish. Dish has plenty of alternate channels, but there just don't seem to be as many HD games being shown. Also, Dish doesn't have MLB Network.

Last year, just about every home game was in HD on Dish.  This year, they might be in HD once a week.  That might even be pushing it.

[MusicMan]

Full disclosure - I do not have HD, so I can't comment on their offerings for that.

[kevwun]

I could be wrong, but I'm going to blame FSN for fewer HD games.  The carriers are rolling HD channels out as fast as they can and I don't think they would be involved with decreasing the number of HD broadcasts.  FSN still doesn't have an around the clock HD channel.

[Lurch]

I could be wrong, but I'm going to blame FSN for fewer HD games.  The carriers are rolling HD channels out as fast as they can and I don't think they would be involved with decreasing the number of HD broadcasts.  FSN still doesn't have an around the clock HD channel.

I don't recall any games this year from FSN that weren't in HD on DTV.  The carriers are limited in the number of HD programs they can deliver at once, so my bet is that they're making that decision rather than FSN not providing the HD option.

[JackAstro]

Full disclosure - I do not have HD, so I can't comment on their offerings for that.

DirecTV has had the vast majority of the games in HD.

ETA: Here in Austin

[JimR]

Full disclosure - I do not have HD,

you what?

[BizidyDizidy]

Full disclosure - I do not have HD, so I can't comment on their offerings for that.

Can you comment on phone service, or are you still using smoke signals?

[kevwun]

It's just Dish then because I'm in the Austin region also.

[MRaup]

you what?

I think he called you a bushneck pole smoke.

[JimR]

I think he called you a bushneck pole smoke.

oh, that HD....

[Andyzipp]

DirecTV carries all the Astros home games in HD on FSH.  The road games are dependent on the individual stadiums and their capabilities.

[MusicMan]

Can you comment on phone service, or are you still using smoke signals?

Some of us follow an ancient philosophy called "save for things until you can afford them", rather than rining up enormous credit card bills.

[BizidyDizidy]

Some of us follow an ancient philosophy called "save for things until you can afford them", rather than rining up enormous credit card bills.

You can buy an hdtv for under 300 dollars and they've been out for 10 years. If you want, I can help you come up with a savings plan where you put away 25 cents a week.

[MusicMan]

You can buy an hdtv for under 300 dollars and they've been out for 10 years. If you want, I can help you come up with a savings plan where you put away 25 cents a week.

I bought my main TV 10 years ago when HDTV first came out.  I didn't see the need then.  And I don't see the need to replace a perfectly fine TV for no reason.  So I'll save a little more than 25 cents a week for things like college for my kids.

[BudGirl]

I bought my main TV 10 years ago when HDTV first came out.  I didn't see the need then.  And I don't see the need to replace a perfectly fine TV for no reason.  So I'll save a little more than 25 cents a week for things like college for my kids.

What kind of dad are you to deprive your kids of HDTV?  I'm going to report you to CPS.  Bastard.

[JimR]

I bought my main TV 10 years ago when HDTV first came out.  I didn't see the need then.  And I don't see the need to replace a perfectly fine TV for no reason.  So I'll save a little more than 25 cents a week for things like college for my kids.

do the buffalo squeal when you rub those nickles together?

[MusicMan]

does the buffalo squeal when you rub those nickles together?

Oooh, look!  A haypenny!

[Limey]

I bought my main TV 10 years ago when HDTV first came out.  I didn't see the need then.  And I don't see the need to replace a perfectly fine TV for no reason.  So I'll save a little more than 25 cents a week for things like college for my kids.

If you like watching sport on TV, you are seriously depriving yourself if you don't have HDTV.  That's where it truly excels over SDTV.

[homer]

And I don't see the need to replace a perfectly fine TV for no reason.

HDTV is a reason. 10 years ago it probably didn't matter, but now damn near everything is in HD.

Also, quality large "main" TVs don't cost as much as they did 10 years ago.

[Gizzmonic]

32 inch CRT-based HDTV for $160, so long as you don't mind throwing out your back carrying the thing.  Not to be overbearing, of course, MM.  I get this same thing from my friends when they want me to join Facebook.  You obviously have your reasons, so if you don't want it, don't bother to get it!

[BizidyDizidy]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16889248030

60" 1080p for 1,300 bucks. College is overrated; that thing is not.

[MusicMan]

32 inch CRT-based HDTV for $160, so long as you don't mind throwing out your back carrying the thing.

Perfect for a guy with recent hernia surgery.

[jonbloozy]

If you like watching sport on TV, you are seriously depriving yourself if you don't have HDTV.  That's where it truly excels over SDTV.

                                                                                 By sport I'm assuming you mean cricket, right?  I agree, there's nothing better than watching a bollywacker force a rimdinger in HD.

[subnuclear]

32 inch CRT-based HDTV for $160, so long as you don't mind throwing out your back carrying the thing.  Not to be overbearing, of course, MM.  I get this same thing from my friends when they want me to join Facebook.  You obviously have your reasons, so if you don't want it, don't bother to get it!

Hey, I have one of those!  Great TV, but yes you need some help when moving it. 

[Reuben]

MM, I'm still using the standard-def TV I bought 4 years ago for $88, so I hear you on the non-HDTV lifestyle thing. Of course, now that I'm getting mlb.tv I can at least watch games in part-time HD on my $1300 Macbook.

[strosrays]

Yeah, it sounds like BS finger pointing to me.  I doubt there is a major difference between what TWC, Grande, DiSH, DirecTV, FiOS, and AT&T Uverse are being offered in the same region.  Maybe, MAYBE DirecTV is getting a better deal because Rupert Murdoch owns both DirecTV and the FOX affiliates. 

How does it affect us, the Astros fans living in SA, Austin, and Waco?  Well, I can only speak for San Antonio, so correct me if I'm wrong about this...it used to be that TWC was the only one that carried the Sunday/My20 games.  They played them on the infomercial channel called "STUF".

Now TWC doesn't carry those games anymore.  In addition, they don't provide the HD feed for some games that are available in HD.  They also don't carry Astros games when the Spurs are playing, even if the Spurs game is not scheduled to air on FSSW (this infuriates me).  And a few times, they just randomly pre-empt the games for Dallas Sports Beat and other inexplicable garbage.

In contrast, DirecTV and DiSH seem to offer all FSSW (aka FSH) Astros games, although I don't think they carry any of the My20 games.  I'm not sure about Uverse but I can probably check that out with my some of my friends.  Also, if anyone on this board has Uverse in Austin/San Antonio/Waco maybe you could tell us if Uverse carries all the FSSW Astros games.

I don't know if this is helpful or not, but if your local provider is telling you this is system-wide, that's a lie.  Time Warner Golden Triangle carries all the "off" games - those not shown on the local FSSW channel - on a "public access" channel normally used for local advertising, I think.  We don't miss any games.

And, I'm too embarrassed to say what the make and model my TV is.  I make MusicMan look like a profligate, though.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

I can one-up MM.  While I do have one HDTV capable TV, I see no point in paying for HD programming.  I could probably afford it but I'd rather put that money toward other priorities.  It's a budget thing, and when I assign priorities to expense items, HD is low on the list.  Thanks to DVRs, I'm down to about 3-4 hrs of TV a week, for myself (at least until the season started, now I watch more obviously).  

My kids, on the other hand, are brain-washed disney monkeys.  But that's a completely different conversation.  And I'm not going to make that addiction worse by bringing them disney in HIGH DEF!

[JimR]

I can one-up MM.  While I do have one HDTV capable TV, I see no point in paying for HD programming.  I could probably afford it but I'd rather put that money toward other priorities.  It's a budget thing, and when I assign priorities to expense items, HD is low on the list.  Thanks to DVRs, I'm down to about 3-4 hrs of TV a week, for myself (at least until the season started, now I watch more obviously).  

My kids, on the other hand, are brain-washed disney monkeys.  But that's a completely different conversation.  And I'm not going to make that addiction worse by bringing them disney in HIGH DEF!

you and MM should be married to confine the misery to one house.

[Limey]

Logistics and budget constraints were the only things that stopped me from making all the interior (and some exterior) walls of my new house entirely out of plasma screens.

[Ty in Tampa]

I took advantage of 36 months same-as-cash so I saved for my 2 HDTVs as I watched them.

[BizidyDizidy]

I can one-up MM.  While I do have one HDTV capable TV, I see no point in paying for HD programming.  I could probably afford it but I'd rather put that money toward other priorities.  It's a budget thing, and when I assign priorities to expense items, HD is low on the list.  Thanks to DVRs, I'm down to about 3-4 hrs of TV a week, for myself (at least until the season started, now I watch more obviously).  

My kids, on the other hand, are brain-washed disney monkeys.  But that's a completely different conversation.  And I'm not going to make that addiction worse by bringing them disney in HIGH DEF!

You can get network HD for free over the air.

[MusicMan]

you and MM should be married to confine the misery to one house.

Great, here comes the gay marriage debate.

[BudGirl]

Great, here comes the gay marriage debate.

If you find a good man, I'll fight you for him.

[BizidyDizidy]

Great, here comes the gay marriage debate.

I certainly wouldn't let either one of you adopt.

[MusicMan]

I certainly wouldn't let either one of you adopt.

Too late.

[Gizzmonic]

Hey, I have one of those!  Great TV, but yes you need some help when moving it. 

Heh...I have one too, slightly larger though.  36 inches, 200 lbs.  It's new enough to have HDMI and a built in HDTV tuner though.  Got it for super cheap off eBay...praying I never have to move it again.

[Andyzipp]

Heh...I have one too, slightly larger though.  36 inches, 200 lbs.  It's new enough to have HDMI and a built in HDTV tuner though.  Got it for super cheap off eBay...praying I never have to move it again.

I have a 250lb 57" CRT.  It's on casters.

[strosrays]

If you find a good man, I'll fight you for him.

I am already taken, but I appreciate the thought.

*****

I know all about HDTV, I have bought 1,000s of them at a time.  If you or your family watch an average to inordinate amount of televison, and you have the disposable income, it is a good entertainment investment.

If you don't watch a lot of TV, don't really care about it much, and would rather spend your disposable income elsewhere, I don't see a problem with ignoring high-definition entirely.  If it were just me, I probably wouldn't jump on the wagon.  Outside of baseball, I just don't watch TV very much.  My kids can mostly take it or leave it.  My wife is an avid follower of several primetime shows, though, and DVRs what she cannot watch, so we purchased her a modestly-sized plasma TV for her home office.  She's worth it, and she's happy.  So I'm happy.  I watch the Astros on a 27-inch GE tube I bought in 1993, I think.  It works fine, and is all I require.

[Waldo]

Great, here comes the gay marriage debate.

S.P. Rodriguez isn't a woman?

[S.P. Rodriguez]

With the digitial picture quality I had with Dish, and now have with Uverse, I haven't felt the need to upgrade to HD or purchase a HD antenae for local broadcasts.  And I thank the heavens for DVRs as I can now skip commercials.

The only reason I'm considering an LCD tv now is space.  I realize how much space my old crt style televisions take up and think "Gee, it would be nice to have 2ft back of the 2 1/2 feet that sucker eats up".  I have decent size TVs, they just aren't HD.  

[S.P. Rodriguez]

S.P. Rodriguez isn't a woman?

Aren't you an IT guy?  I said UNIX, NOT Eunuchs.

[Gizzmonic]

I have a 250lb 57" CRT.  It's on casters.

They are really cheap nowadays.  A friend of mine got a 48 inch rear projection 1080i CRT HDTV for $300. 

[chuck]

Logistics and budget constraints were the only things that stopped me from making all the interior (and some exterior) walls of my new house entirely out of plasma screens.

I imagine so. I've seen your new house and was left wondering how many fucking people are going to live there. Are you planning on adopting an Ethiopian village or what?

[HudsonHawk]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16889248030

60" 1080p for 1,300 bucks. College is overrated; that thing is not.

If you sell your sperm at $70 a pop, that's only what...65 days?

[BizidyDizidy]

If you sell your sperm at $70 a pop, that's only what...65 days?

Win-win.

[MusicMan]

Time to drag this up.  The MM clan will be relocating within Houston, and I am taking this opportunity to make the jump to HD.

So...

1.  ATT U-Verse: looking at bundling TV, internet, and phone.  Anyone had any problems with it?

2.  Plasma vs. LCD.  What the hell?  I'm looking for a big fucking TV to watch from anywhere in the family room and kitchen.  Is one clearly better than the other?

3.  Any common problems in making the HD jump that I need to know about?

[Ebby Calvin]

Time to drag this up.  The MM clan will be relocating within Houston, and I am taking this opportunity to make the jump to HD.

So...

1.  ATT U-Verse: looking at bundling TV, internet, and phone.  Anyone had any problems with it?

2.  Plasma vs. LCD.  What the hell?  I'm looking for a big fucking TV to watch from anywhere in the family room and kitchen.  Is one clearly better than the other?

3.  Any common problems in making the HD jump that I need to know about?

1.  I've had it for a month or so now, no problems whatsoever.  Heads and shoulders above Comcast.

2.  We went with a DLP a couple years ago, since you can get a bigger TV for the money.  Great picture, etc.  I've heard Plasma's don't last as long and LCDs are the best, but I very well could be wrong.

3.  The only problem I've had since making the HD jump is the inability to watch anything in Standard def.  It just doesn't compare.  You'll love it.

[Andyzipp]

3.  Any common problems in making the HD jump that I need to know about?

Time lost staring at the television.
Avoiding important information that's broadcast in SD to look at Discovery HD.
Several people REALLY don't need to be seen in high definition.
Screen burn when you pause the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.

[JimR]

Mark has U-Verse. i think he is pleased with it.

[Astroholic]

Plasma's have increased the hours a screen will last dramatically in the last few years.  I LOVE my Plasma and it is 4 yrs old. Can't beat Panasonic.

[Gizzmonic]

Time to drag this up.  The MM clan will be relocating within Houston, and I am taking this opportunity to make the jump to HD.

So...

1.  ATT U-Verse: looking at bundling TV, internet, and phone.  Anyone had any problems with it?

2.  Plasma vs. LCD.  What the hell?  I'm looking for a big fucking TV to watch from anywhere in the family room and kitchen.  Is one clearly better than the other?

3.  Any common problems in making the HD jump that I need to know about?

1. My buddy has U-Verse and the copy protection in receiver box does not like his TV, so it automatically sets the resolution down to SD , even though he's paying for HD.  He avoided this by using analog component, which is HD, but using the digital HDMI connection is ideal.

2.  Plasma has better color, but a shorter lifespan.  It also uses up to 4 times as much electricity. It can also burn-in like CRT. 

3.  Make sure all your gear is connected via the best possible connection, for your DVD player it's either component or HDMI, and for your cable box it's HDMI.   For game consoles, it depends on their age, for PS3 it's HDMI and for 360* and Wii, it's component.  Don't overpay for cables-get them off the internet.  You shouldn't pay more than $15 for a good quality HDMI cable.  I recommend bluejeanscable.com . 

*Newer Xbox 360s have HDMI ports as well, you should use them if you have a model that supports it.

[Astroholic]

2.  Plasma has better color, but a shorter lifespan.  It also uses up to 4 times as much electricity. It can also burn-in like CRT. 

Burnin has also greatly been reduced/eliminated with the newer plasmas.  The do use a lot more power.

[JackAstro]

4. LED backlights beat the hell out of traditional fluorescents. Not sure how many TVs are using them now, but it'll be common eventually. Just something to consider.

[MusicMan]

4. LED backlights beat the hell out of traditional fluorescents.

A whosawhatsnow?

[HudsonHawk]

A whosawhatsnow?

That means get the biggest fucking LCD TV you can afford. 

[MusicMan]

That means get the biggest fucking LCD TV you can afford. 

Now THAT I understand.

[HudsonHawk]

On a side note...I am thinking about putting a small LCD tv in my soon-to-be remodeled master bathroom.  In the vanity area, not the shower.  Has anyone done that?  I know about humidity and all that, but I really don't think it's gonna be that big of a deal, as there is still another wall and door to pass through to get to the shower, and small (19-20 inch) LCD's are so cheap. 

[Gizzmonic]

4. LED backlights beat the hell out of traditional fluorescents. Not sure how many TVs are using them now, but it'll be common eventually. Just something to consider.

Yes, there are LED TVs.  Don't know much about them myself.  Anyone else?

[MusicMan]

Yes, there are LED TVs.  Don't know much about them myself.  Anyone else?

VERY interesting.  I've had great customer support experience with Samsung.

[Andyzipp]

VERY interesting.  I've had great customer support experience with Samsung.

Wifey bought me a Sammy LCD for X-mas.  42 inches.  Great little machine.

[BizidyDizidy]

Did your kids flunk the SAT?

[Andyzipp]

Did your kids flunk the SAT?

Is your sperm weak?

[JackAstro]

A whosawhatsnow?

LCD screens (TVs, monitors, whatever) have a big backlight behind the screen that shines through he LCD pixels. These have traditionally been fluorescent, but the latest techonology is LED backlights. These white LEDs offer a bunch of advantages -- they get up to full brightness immediately, they have deeper blacks, brighter whites and more vibrant color, the backlight doesn't dim with age, they use less electricity, and they don't contain mercury (FWIW).

[Bench]

I have cable and internet through U-Verse, and other than the four and a half hours that it took for the initial set-up, I have no complaints whatsoever.  Better and cheaper than Comcast, and actually helpful customer service the few times I had a question.  The only caveat is no MLB network, though hopefully that will be remedied by next season.

[Lurch]

Don't overpay for cables-get them off the internet.  You shouldn't pay more than $15 for a good quality HDMI cable.  I recommend bluejeanscable.com . 

Great point.  Keep in mind that digital is digital and a cable either fully works or doesnt at all.  There is no in between based on quality of cable.  The gold-tip crap is meaningless on an HDMI cable.  Best Buy will try to sell you a Monster cable for $100 that can be had online, shipped, for $3.20.

[Lurch]

I'll also add that if you look around and do a little research, you can find TVs online for half of what you'd pay at Best Buy, etc.  Use http://www.resellerratings.com/ and pay with AmEx if you can to reduce risk.

[Outlawscotty]

Do all plasma screen TV's have a glass cover (or really glossy finish) on them?  To me, this picked up more reflection from behind and somewhat took away from the picture itself, similar to the CRT types.  LCD's have a duller finish and don't have a reflection to speak of.  I have neither one yet, but I have noticed this when browsing at the store and looking from the same angle I would from home (horizontal on the couch).

[BizidyDizidy]

I'd add that I got an HD projector, and could not recommend it more highly if you have a place for it. It's hard to beat a 160" HD picture* (for the same price I paid for a 42" DLP)."

*Caution: This statement does not apply to porn

[HudsonHawk]

Do all plasma screen TV's have a glass cover (or really glossy finish) on them?  To me, this picked up more reflection from behind and somewhat took away from the picture itself, similar to the CRT types.  LCD's have a duller finish and don't have a reflection to speak of.  I have neither one yet, but I have noticed this when browsing at the store and looking from the same angle I would from home (horizontal on the couch).

Yes.  This is why they're 1) significantly heavier than the same size in LCD, and 2) not recommended in a room where there is a lot of ambient light, especially sunlight.  They're great for media rooms, not so great for the den.

[Lurch]

It's hard to beat a 160" HD picture

300"

By the way, we have a few weekend West Coast night games coming up in July/Aug that I'll be setting this up for...

[Limey]

4. LED backlights beat the hell out of traditional fluorescents. Not sure how many TVs are using them now, but it'll be common eventually. Just something to consider.

Samsung and Sony (and others, I'm sure), offer LED backlit models.  They claim 40% less power usage over an equivalent fluorescent backlit LCD model - which is already dramatically less than a plasma.

Plasmas offer better colour and truer blacks (although this gap is closing), but still need a near-dark room to perform at their best.  LCDs are much better in rooms with significant light - i.e. not the basement.  LCDs are much less fragile, too.

Connect as much as possible via HDMI.  It's easier and much, much better than component.

I wish I could get U-Verse, but my new house is only a couple of blocks from the biggest fucking AT&T sub-station in Houston.

[Ebby Calvin]

I wish I could get U-Verse, but my new house is only a couple of blocks from the biggest fucking AT&T sub-station in Houston.

That's funny.  The day I got U-Verse installed, my next-door neighbor came by to bitch to the AT&T guy.  Sure enough, his house is still out of range.  It all evens out, though.  He got power three days before I did post-Ike.

And I second any positive remarks about Samsung.

[Limey]

Do all plasma screen TV's have a glass cover (or really glossy finish) on them?  To me, this picked up more reflection from behind and somewhat took away from the picture itself, similar to the CRT types.  LCD's have a duller finish and don't have a reflection to speak of.  I have neither one yet, but I have noticed this when browsing at the store and looking from the same angle I would from home (horizontal on the couch).

Some LCDs are glossy too, and the reason is that (for either plasma or LCD) it improves the colour performance.  The matte glass dulls the colours somewhat, but if the TV is in a room with ambient light, it's a must, IMHO.  What's the point of having better colour when all you can see is your own reflection?

Glossy in darkened theatre room.
Matte in den.

[Ty in Tampa]

I chose Samsung LCDs. The motherboard of the one in the den crapped out about 2 months after I got it and it was repaired in my home within 2 days. I was very pleased.

[Astroholic]

I chose Samsung LCDs. The motherboard of the one in the den crapped out about 2 months after I got it and it was repaired in my home within 2 days. I was very pleased.

My pany is an industrial model, and the protective glass must be dull as I don't have a huge problem with glare, and I have a wall full of windows that face southwest exposure less than ten feet from the tele.  I admit to closing the curtains when the sun is directly beaming in, but that is more to keep the sun out of my eyes.  I don't think the glare is any worse that the HDTV box tv (would call it tube but that is not accurate) that I have in the bedroom.

[Gizzmonic]

Another problem with LCD is that it's difficult to see the image unless you're looking directly at it.  I don't know if plasma has these problems with viewing angle...anyone else know?

[Bench]

Another problem with LCD is that it's difficult to see the image unless you're looking directly at it.  I don't know if plasma has these problems with viewing angle...anyone else know?

I normally just listen to the television. 

[Astroholic]

Another problem with LCD is that it's difficult to see the image unless you're looking directly at it.  I don't know if plasma has these problems with viewing angle...anyone else know?

No it can be see just as well from any angle.  That is one of its best selling points.

[Gizzmonic]

I normally just listen to the television. 

Ha, ha.  Try looking at a laptop screen from a slightly askew angle and you'll see what I mean.  If you have to sit directly in front of it to see it, then people can't spread around your living room for the big game!  And then you fall victim to...suburban shame!

[das]

On a side note...I am thinking about putting a small LCD tv in my soon-to-be remodeled master bathroom.  In the vanity area, not the shower.  Has anyone done that?  I know about humidity and all that, but I really don't think it's gonna be that big of a deal, as there is still another wall and door to pass through to get to the shower, and small (19-20 inch) LCD's are so cheap. 

I've had a bunch of luck just using Dell FP monitors hooked up directly to the Comcast DVR.  HD on the cheap.  You can pick up a very cheap used Ultrasharp 2208 for $150 and plug right up via HDMI.  Not the best choice for your primary set but perfectly great for bedrooms and such.  They come in 22", 24", 27" and 30", all wide-aspect and with HDMI, DVI, S-vid, component and composite (as well as VGA) connections.  My 30" for my bedroom has (Ultrasharp 3007) has run for 3 years no problem and I've been very impressed with the performance at a reasonable price point.

http://www.amazon.com/Dell-SP2208WFP-display-widescreen-dynamic/dp/B001FB4UM2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1243976754&sr=8-2

Wall mount brackets from Ikea (or similar) are down to $19.  

[Limey]

Ha, ha.  Try looking at a laptop screen from a slightly askew angle and you'll see what I mean.  If you have to sit directly in front of it to see it, then people can't spread around your living room for the big game!  And then you fall victim to...suburban shame!

Laptop screens are typically designed so that you need to be directly in ront.  It stops prying eyes from the next seat criticising your Solitaire technique.

[MusicMan]

It stops prying eyes from the next seat criticising your Solitaire technique. Korean hotel porn

FIFLimey only

[Gizzmonic]

I've had a bunch of luck just using Dell FP monitors hooked up directly to the Comcast DVR.  HD on the cheap.  You can pick up a very cheap used Ultrasharp 2208 for $150 and plug right up via HDMI.  Not the best choice for your primary set but perfectly great for bedrooms and such.  They come in 22", 24", 27" and 30", all wide-aspect and with HDMI, DVI, S-vid, component and composite (as well as VGA) connections.  My 30" for my bedroom has (Ultrasharp 3007) has run for 3 years no problem and I've been very impressed with the performance at a reasonable price point.

http://www.amazon.com/Dell-SP2208WFP-display-widescreen-dynamic/dp/B001FB4UM2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1243976754&sr=8-2

Wall mount brackets from Ikea (or similar) are down to $19.  

I don't recommend doing this if you plan on playing video games...at least, I didn't have any luck with the older models (2006-2007).  The lag on those are pretty terrible.

[Limey]

FIFLimey only

That shit can be shown on Nickelodeon.  Although the kids would get bored looking at close-ups of Vinegar Joe's gurning mug, and various items of strategically placed furniture.

Allegedly.

[Gizzmonic]

Laptop screens are typically designed so that you need to be directly in ront.  It stops prying eyes from the next seat criticising your Solitaire technique.

I'm just using that as an example.  All LCD screens are tough to see if you're off-angle.

[Ty in Tampa]

I'm just using that as an example.  All LCD screens are tough to see if you're off-angle.

My LCDs keep their bright picture pretty far off center, enough to where you wouldn't want to watch at that angle anyway.

[Limey]

I'm just using that as an example.  All LCD screens are tough to see if you're off-angle.

From stuff I've read (like on cnet), the viewing angle is pretty good for most models, but starts to weaken as you get to the top end of the size range.  It's one of the few minor criticisms of the Sony & Samsung 65" units.

[Bench]

I'm just using that as an example.  All LCD screens are tough to see if you're off-angle.

I have a 46" LCD that I can watch from a fairly extreme sideways angle. 

[JackAstro]

I'm just using that as an example.  All LCD screens are tough to see if you're off-angle.

Not true at all. I watch my Westinghouse from all over the living room, and it looks very nearly identical from all angles. I've had the problem you describe with DLPs a little, but never LCDs with a matte screen.

[HudsonHawk]

Not true at all. I watch my Westinghouse from all over the living room, and it looks very nearly identical from all angles. I've had the problem you describe with DLPs a little, but never LCDs with a matte screen.

I've never had this problem either, and I currently have five LCDs.

[Craig]

From stuff I've read (like on cnet), the viewing angle is pretty good for most models, but starts to weaken as you get to the top end of the size range.  It's one of the few minor criticisms of the Sony & Samsung 65" units.

I have a Sony 52-inch LCD and there's no problem viewing it from the sides.

[Kit]

He said, she said.....But I talked to Time Warner yesterday and they say that a deal will be worked out with ROOT somehow some way between now and the end of June..;sorry to bring this thread back from the dead, but I didn't find the most recent one.

[jbm]

I'm no longer stuck with those bastards, but I was just wondering recently if the Astros and Rockets recent success might exert some influence.  I hope it happens for TWC subscribers; everyone should get to see this team.

[Fredia]

i watched the walking dead. so i know a dead thread commig back to life is possible

[Noe]

He said, she said.....But I talked to Time Warner yesterday and they say that a deal will be worked out with ROOT somehow some way between now and the end of June..;sorry to bring this thread back from the dead, but I didn't find the most recent one.

That would be outstanding news for some of us here in Austin!

[Fredia]

you are preaching to the chior. amen

[Fredia]

not my normal babbling. what now
http://www.thewrap.com/time-warner-cable-set-to-sell-to-charter-communications-says-bloomberg/