Sharp 30" LCD-TV for $2500 at FutureShop

[EggsNasty]

Finally, FS has some movement on the price for their Sharp LCD HDTVs.

I've agonized over which to buy for months now. Checked out <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=150 target=_blank>TigerDirect</a>, who had a 30" Syntax Olevia for about $1800, or Kreisen (with panel by Samsung) at $1789 for the 30" or $2429 for the 32". On paper, the Kreisen 32" looks like the best deal. They all have DVI-I inputs.

However, the big issue that no one seems to talk about is whether the LCD-TV is if the DVI input is HDCP compliant. If it's not, you'll have to use the component inputs when playing DVDs, as most DVD players output HDCP-encoded signals. I emailed Kreisen to ask if their 32" panel was HDCP-compliant. No one had a clue. Finally they emailed Taiwan and got some cryptic translation that still didn't tell me if it was HDCP-compliant. I'm guessing that'd be a no.

So, when the Sharp (who is probably the premier maker of LCD-TVs) went from $3500 to $2500, I picked it up. I've seen it in FS - it's a breathtakingly beautiful display.

[cpoole]

I was hoping for a big drop on the 37 inch. Maybe next year.

It is marked down $1000 but still a lot higher than the $3400 US street prices.

[EggsNasty]

Yeah, the 37" is beautiful. A bit more contrast than the 30" - 800:1 for the 37', 500:1 for the 30". 1366x768 vs 1280x768. Other than that, the features are all the same. Can't justify the extra three grand - $5500 vs $2500.

Glad I got mine already, looks like FS is sold out at that price, and doesn't promise to replenish for tomorrow.

[1madman1]

However, the big issue that no one seems to talk about is whether the LCD-TV is if the DVI input is HDCP compliant.

The Syntax ones do support HDCP.

I've got the Syntax LT30HV, certainly not the greatest panel but I cant really complain given the price.

[EggsNasty]

That's good info, Madman. Syntax doesn't say anything about HDCP support, so I assumed it didn't.

What did you get your Olevia 30 for? Obviously you're using the DVI input. Are you using an upconverting DVD player that outputs SD-DVDs in HD?

[cpoole]

The Syntax ones do support HDCP.

I've got the Syntax LT30HV, certainly not the greatest panel but I cant really complain given the price.

Thanks for the info. I have been tracking these as well - do you think that there is a big deifference or not - I guess hard to say unless they were side by side.

[cpoole]

Glad I got mine already, looks like FS is sold out at that price, and doesn't promise to replenish for tomorrow.

Congratulations!!! A friend has a Dell 30 inch and he is very happy with it. I am sure that you will really enjoy it.

[koolly]

Can this be used as monitor for a nice gaming computer? Looking for a big lcd to play eq2 on.

Thanks

[Raxel]

Just wondering what's the response time on these LCD-TV, are they better than normal LCD monitor we are using?