The brain trust here at LasVegasVegas has a few expected credentials including college degrees, serious tech types, geek speakers, digital gadget lovers, even one guy that can that set the clock on most anything; but, none of the education or years of experience or clever people could protect us from ourselves when we went shopping for our Hi-Def TV.Being cutting edge science types we knew the Creme D’la Creme of Hi-Def flat panel viewing technology was plasma. Just saying the word “plasma” produces that warm, smug feeling of techno envy. The way it rolls over the vocal cords like a dram of exotic nectar from the gamma quadrant’s far east. Hey guys, bought a pla$$$ma display for the big game.
In reality, plasma turned out to be TV technology born in the fires of research hell. A laboratory curiosity that makes a great laboratory curiosity, when it works. Our plasma spent its life in a cardboard box in the cargo hold of yet another airliner taking the balky plasma to an even bigger Operation Center with near Einstein level repair technicians. Unfortunately, repairs were neither permanent nor long lasting. A full length movie without timeouts would have been a miracle. True to its plasmic roots, it would emit that unique hot electronics odor that compels you to ask a very knowledgeable person about the melting point of cancer, and right soon.
Fortunately for us, Wo Fat Airlines permanently misplaced the asthmatic plasmatic TV during a 4:20 fuel stopover in Noyen-Unotoke, then months later sent us an insurance settlement check drawn against insurer AIG. Deciding the AIG check would probably bounce, we went shopping for our second flat screen TV, again with our money. At least now we know what not to buy. Absolutely positively no plasma!
As it worked out this was to be our lucky day. Strolling through the aisles of LCD’s, now that we know plasma is off the list there’s only one choice left, LCD. Right? LCD is the way to go…and while standing there deciding what size LCD to buy, we met Doc Hale.
Turns out Doc Hale has written something like 8 video books that cover some of his vast knowledge of large screen, flat screen, Hi-Def television display technology. Fortunately for prospective buyers and do-it-yourself hook-up artist, Doc Hale has a web site, www.video123.net. A web place loaded with answers to all of the questions every TV buyer should know, before they buy. There’s also plenty of How-to-do-it areas and links to other helpful home entertainment sites. It is the go-to place for setting up and hooking up for the best use of your media/entertainment equipment. Quick and easy and it’s all in one convenient place. Everything you need to know about digital TV technology is available here.
We got the advice and purchased a Mitsubishi DLP from Doc Hale at Fry’s Electronics in Las Vegas. If you think you’re as smart as we thought we were about current Hi-Def TV then we suggest you go to Fry’s Electronics in Las Vegas, head for the TV section where you’ll probably find the Doc among the Mitsubishi DLP TV’s. Introduce yourself and tell him you need help…lots of help.
Of course, you can do what we did. Buy something really expensive that you know absolutely nothing about. Commit to memory a variety of 800 numbers for customer service centers in India, and miss the big game completely. On the bright side, You now know to the penny what it costs to FedEx a 63 lb. package to Romania. You know that having anything with the AIG name makes you the laughing stock of the entire bank.
Who needs any of that? Take our advice and educate yourself about modern TV technology. We learned that the different types of TV are like different car types and we all know some car types are far less prone to failure. Know what you want before you go TV shopping.
We asked Doc Hale Five Important Questions every potential TV buyer should know before deciding their perfect TV. The Q&A; plus why you shouldn’t buy a Blu-ray today after the jump.
1. What are the most common mistakes you see buyers make that they really should avoid?
Stay away from Plasmas. Sony, Mitsubishi & others don’t even make them. I get a lot of complaints from people buying Visio. The #1 seller because it’s cheaper.
2. In 140 characters, why DLP?
You can go Bigger, Better, Lighter, Faster and Cheaper, (less expensive). Your colors will not fade over time. You replace a $99.00 bulb every 5,000 to 6,000 hours (3 to 4 years) and you have a NEW TV.
3. Any tips for tracking down the best deals?
Most stores have a 110% 30 day guarantee. Visit your favorite electronics store, mine is Fry’s, purchase your DLP TV and for 30 days if you find it cheaper the store (I like Fry’s) will match the price and give you an extra 10% of the difference.
4. Suggested movies for getting the most out of the 1080p format?
Blu-ray gives you up to 6 times the picture quality of a regular DVD. I would wait for the new models coming out the end of April, 2009
.5. What is your ultimate spare no expense dream system?
A 73″ Mitsubishi DLP, a Blu-ray, and a $1.5K sound system.