Sharp 30" LCD-TV for $2500 at FutureShop

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

Originally Posted by 1madman1

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.

Originally Posted by EggsNasty

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.

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

Thanks

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