Gateway 17" LCD TV, As Good as It Seems? Options

[cpsubrian]

Anyone have any experience with these, or with gateway tvs in general? Im thinking about picking this up for a Pro Lense setup. There is a link on the page to gateway's site and it seems to have everything u could want input wise, and decent contrast.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...ADME:B:AAQ:US:1




This Gateway 17" LCD TV includes the following features:

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A bright, flicker-free image
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Automatic detection and conversion of film content for correct display with minimal motion artifacts (noise)
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Accurate color processing
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One component video input source that automatically synchronizes the display to match the incoming source
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Two composite video input sources, with one that automatically synchronizes the display to match the incoming source HDTV signal compatibility using an external HDTV decoder with component video outputs
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A built-in 3D sound processor that simulates "surround" effects using only two speakers
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A built-in Digital Visual Interface (DVI) to eliminate the need for digital-to-analog conversion
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1280 × 769 SXGA support for computer input
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480p support for EDTV signals
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720p and 1080i support for HDTV signals
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500:1 Contrast ratio (Much higher than average LCD TVs with 300:1)
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450 cd/m2 Brightness (Compare to average of 300 cd/m2)
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This is BRAND NEW TV. It comes with Universal Remote Control. The TV comes with a a detachable base and can be mounted on a wall with any standard LCD TV wallmount.

[heli0s]

I've been doing a lot of research on 17" LCD TVs, and what I've found is that only two really stand above the rest as far as specs go, that is:

Viewsonic N1750W 600:1, 12ms
Sony Xbrite MFM-HT75W 800:1, 16ms

Both are expensive, but just last December they had refurbished Viewsonics on sale at I think newegg for only $350! (I missed it).

From what I've been able to tell, a lot of tv's like the gateway show decent contrast ratios, but they don't publish the Response Time, and the ones I've been able to dig up are only 25ms. I have a feeling most are like that since they don't tell you. And of course I don't know how most of them strip. I know someone here has had luck stripping the Sony Xbrite though, and I heard they don't have the antireflective thing that needs stripping, so that's a plus. But I don't know about the gateways.

I guess it boils down to how you feel about possible ghosting and contrast, and if you want to take a leap to see if it's stripable. For me I want to build it right from the start, so I'm looking for super high contrast and as low a response time as I can get. Some people don't care so much.

I'm still holding out to find one of those Viewsonics on sale again, unless I run accross a cheap sony.



heli0s

[cpsubrian]

THnx for the info. I agree that it is probably 25 ms which is definitely unacceptable for gaming and possibly even dvds. The more I think about it the more I realize that for 150 I can get a good LCD and with th eextra 200-300 I would have spend on the tv figure out how to get the inputs I want into it. This way I have good response, good contrast, and hopefully confidence in stripping and AG removal. This is where I am leaning right now. Once my PRO lense comes in Ill have to make a decision.

T

[heli0s]

yeah, the way I see it too is I wouldn't mind just getting a nice high contrast low response moitor for a few hundred, but I've been unable to confirm which monitors scale best for wide screen viewing. I prefer letterbox viewing, but I want something I know will scale it right and not stretch the image full screen like most monitors do. If you find a good one and can confirm it will scale properly, please post. Whereas, with the LCD TV, I know it will work, and I don't need my HTPC either which means I can use my already nice progressive scan dvd player.

[bevo77]

yeah, the way I see it too is I wouldn't mind just getting a nice high contrast low response moitor for a few hundred, but I've been unable to confirm which monitors scale best for wide screen viewing. I prefer letterbox viewing, but I want something I know will scale it right and not stretch the image full screen like most monitors do. If you find a good one and can confirm it will scale properly, please post. Whereas, with the LCD TV, I know it will work, and I don't need my HTPC either which means I can use my already nice progressive scan dvd player.

25ms response time (vs 12-16 ms) may not be a bad thing. To achieve faster response times, manufacturers adjust the color depth, often going with 6-bit color instead of 8-bit color LCD. Specs will tell which is used--16.2mm colors and 16.7 mm colors, respectively. Doesn't sound like much of a sacrifice until you understand how they're achieved.

8-bit or "true color" is: 2^8 x 2^8 x 2^8 = 16.7mm colors
6-bit color depth calc: 2^6 x 2^6 x 2^6 = 262,144 colors. The 16.2mm is achieved by dithering where nearby pixels are changed slightly to achieve a different color and trick the eye (like color in a newspaper).

For me, I'm sticking with "true color" due to the magnification levels of the PJ's. I don't want my pixels dithered and I will trade 12ms of response time for it.

I guess it all depends on the application / use.