Another LCD TV question.

sean79 · July 2nd, 2008, 07:48 PM

Okay, it's more than one question.

First question. I'm looking at mounting this thing (32") on the wall. I think I'd be happy with a plane-Jane stationary mount. Am I overlooking something, or is there a reason I might want a tilt or tilt/swivel mount?

Second question(s). What is the HDMI cable? The cable that comes into my house from outside looks just like a coaxial cable. Does that go straight into the back of the TV? Does the cable line still need to go into my digital cable box (the new TV says it has a digital QAM tuner)? Where does the HDMI cable fit into the equation?

As always, any input, advice, or suggestions you guys (or gals) could give me would be appreciated. --Sean

Frank_Kimball · July 2nd, 2008, 07:57 PM

1. If you can do w/o the tilt/swivel deal (that is, if you can view the TV comfortably from the usual viewing angles of your room) that will be one less weak link in your system. Hinges, ball mounts, etc. can weaken over time.

2. The wire coming out of your wall is indeed coax cable. The QAM tuner enables your TV to process a direct signal (Over The Air, etc.). HDMI would run from your cable box to the tv (Coax -> Box, Box -> TV) to carry your HD signal (you usually need the box to decode premium cable stations, On Demand programming, etc...anyone correct me?). New TVs usually have at least 2 HDMI connex, better 3, for HD cable, DVD, Blu-Ray, game, etc.

Enjoy! I've been watching Wimbledon and the Olympic trials in HD all day.

Mark Davis · July 2nd, 2008, 08:04 PM

If you hook an HDMI cable from your cable box to your new HD TV it carrys the pic and sound so its a 1 cable hookup simple. The other old time cable you have always had does still need to be hooked to your cable box.

sean79 · July 2nd, 2008, 08:21 PM

Thanks, guys. So... I still need the cable box? Are there any HDTVs on the market set up to eliminate the digital cable box?

Frank_Kimball · July 2nd, 2008, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sean79

Thanks, guys. So... I still need the cable box? Are there any HDTVs on the market set up to eliminate the digital cable box?

TV mfgs experimented with a cable card (basically a PCMCIA card such as you'd use with a laptop) that would have reduced the need for a box (in some cases) but it never achieved wide acceptance. So yeah, you need that ugly box. We just bought my in-laws a 37" for their anniversary and they're bummed that they need the box too - father-in-law was pretty sure I didn't know what I was talking about but, so it goes.

Since you need the box, you might want to think about going for the DVR rental from your cable company - at least the box will do something useful besides take up space while it does its converting stuff.

sean79 · July 2nd, 2008, 08:43 PM

Not the answer I was looking for. So, if I need the big ugly box, I see no reason why it would have to sit directly under the TV. Is there a "maximum" run for these cables? I could easily run one through the crawl space and into a less conspicuous spot in the room - is there any concern with losing signal in a 20 foot run?

Frank_Kimball · July 2nd, 2008, 08:54 PM

Varying schools of thought, but most agree that a digital cable is not subject to the same types of signal loss and degradation as an audio cable since it only sends 0's and 1's. Theoretically the 0's and 1's come out the other end in the exact same state and condition they entered the system, but there are audiophiles who will actually argue that point (clocks, processors, etc. get in the way).

For a 32" set, I don't think there's ANY way to detect signal degradation over a distance of 20 feet. One thing, HDMI cable is notoriously overpriced, but there are some bargains to be had. Shop around. Of all things, the Apple store sells a 2.0 meter cable (in fabulous Apple white) for twenny bucks.

Joe M · July 2nd, 2008, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sean79

Not the answer I was looking for. So, if I need the big ugly box, I see no reason why it would have to sit directly under the TV. Is there a "maximum" run for these cables? I could easily run one through the crawl space and into a less conspicuous spot in the room - is there any concern with losing signal in a 20 foot run?

The biggest problem that you would have with a set-up like that is that the box still has to "see" the signal coming from your remote, otherwise, it won't be able to change channels, volume, etc. So, you can put it away from the tv, but it still has to be out in the open (or at least the remote sensor does) to have it work correctly.

Frank_Kimball · July 2nd, 2008, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe M

The biggest problem that you would have with a set-up like that is that the box still has to "see" the signal coming from your remote, otherwise, it won't be able to change channels, volume, etc. So, you can put it away from the tv, but it still has to be out in the open (or at least the remote sensor does) to have it work correctly.

Ha! That's a great point! Otherwise you have the counterintuitive (and possibly dangerous, for the uncoordinated, i.e. me) situation of pointing your remote at the box in one direction while watching the channel change on screen in another direction! Ouch, I need to call my chiropractor.

sean79 · July 2nd, 2008, 09:29 PM

Some good points... and thanks for the link to the cheap cables. I think we could manage the pointing-the-remote-at-not-the-TV maneuver if we decide to go that route. Might help keep me on my toes.

mudbean · July 2nd, 2008, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank_Kimball

... father-in-law was pretty sure I didn't know what I was talking about but, so it goes.

Ain't that usually the case?

I walked into my in-laws' place the other day, and there on the TV stand was a brand-spankin-new 50 incher.

In their tiny li'l living room - it's like sitting in a movie theatre, in the front row!

mud

Frank_Kimball · July 2nd, 2008, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mudbean

Ain't that usually the case?

I walked into my in-laws' place the other day, and there on the TV stand was a brand-spankin-new 50 incher.

In their tiny li'l living room - it's like sitting in a movie theatre, in the front row!

mud

Wow, bean. Be ready to be on call for tech support. I actually broke out the RTFM on dad-in-law last weekend.

mudbean · July 2nd, 2008, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank_Kimball

Wow, bean. Be ready to be on call for tech support...

Hee hee, funny - that's what I do for a living! (Not home electronics, though).

mud

giginthesky · July 2nd, 2008, 09:57 PM

keep your lcd away from children!!!!!!! mines busted!

sean79 · July 17th, 2008, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank_Kimball

HDMI would run from your cable box to the tv (Coax -> Box, Box -> TV) to carry your HD signal... New TVs usually have at least 2 HDMI connex, better 3, for HD cable, DVD, Blu-Ray, game, etc.

I'm just now getting ready to order the HDMI cables, and Frank was nice enough to point me in the direction of cheap cables.

Now here's another question - just looking for clarification. Do I need separate long cables for the cable box and the dvd player? Can I just run short cable(s) from the DVD to the cable box, then run a 20 ft. HDMI to the TV? Or do I need to run 20 ft. cable(s) from the DVD to the TV and run a 20 ft. HDMI from the box to the TV?

Thanks. --sean

Frank_Kimball · July 17th, 2008, 07:07 PM

Hey Sean! Back with more bad news, your cable box and your DVD player are independent sources and need their own cables. I've never seen a cable box with switching capabilities, but - there's plenty I haven't seen. Might want to call your cable company.

Other solution if you want to avoid running two cables along your baseboards might be a stand-alone HDMI switcher. This would call for a third cable, but - you jack each source into the box then run just one to the TV. Some of these get pretty intricate, with their own remotes, etc. I'm going to have to get one soon myself, my TV only has one HDMI input and I just got a new cable box so equipped.

These cost $50 - $100.

Good luck sir.

Mark Davis · July 17th, 2008, 07:33 PM

I have my dvd player hooked up with an HDMI cable to the TV and another HDNI from the cable box to the TV to see each one you just select it thru the input selector on your TV remote.

I got my HDNI cables for 5 cents each got 2 for 10 cents and $9.60 shipping for a total of $9.70. Got them in 2 days and they work perfect from a company called Brilliant thru Amazon.

sean79 · July 17th, 2008, 08:17 PM

Geez, Frank. Always with the bad news. I'll have to check out the HDMI switcher, but it may be cheaper just to get the two 20 ft. HDMI cables and run it like Mark does. I have two HDMI inputs on the TV. I was just looking at the upconverting DVD players this last weekend. Most of them seem to have HDMI outs... Thanks, guys.

July 2nd, 2008, 07:48 PM	#1 (permalink)
sean79 Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: northcentral/western Pennsylvania Posts: 1,749 9 Photos	Another LCD TV question. Okay, it's more than one question. First question. I'm looking at mounting this thing (32") on the wall. I think I'd be happy with a plane-Jane stationary mount. Am I overlooking something, or is there a reason I might want a tilt or tilt/swivel mount? Second question(s). What is the HDMI cable? The cable that comes into my house from outside looks just like a coaxial cable. Does that go straight into the back of the TV? Does the cable line still need to go into my digital cable box (the new TV says it has a digital QAM tuner)? Where does the HDMI cable fit into the equation? As always, any input, advice, or suggestions you guys (or gals) could give me would be appreciated. --Sean __________________ Every now and then I know it's kind of hard to tell, but I'm still alive and well.

July 2nd, 2008, 07:57 PM	#2 (permalink)
Frank_Kimball Tele-Holic Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Carlsbad, CA Age: 47 Posts: 698 7 Photos	1. If you can do w/o the tilt/swivel deal (that is, if you can view the TV comfortably from the usual viewing angles of your room) that will be one less weak link in your system. Hinges, ball mounts, etc. can weaken over time. 2. The wire coming out of your wall is indeed coax cable. The QAM tuner enables your TV to process a direct signal (Over The Air, etc.). HDMI would run from your cable box to the tv (Coax -> Box, Box -> TV) to carry your HD signal (you usually need the box to decode premium cable stations, On Demand programming, etc...anyone correct me?). New TVs usually have at least 2 HDMI connex, better 3, for HD cable, DVD, Blu-Ray, game, etc. Enjoy! I've been watching Wimbledon and the Olympic trials in HD all day. __________________ Seems like every time you turn around/There's another hard-luck story that you're gonna hear... -Dylan, "Black Diamond Bay"

July 2nd, 2008, 08:04 PM	#3 (permalink)
Mark Davis Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bakersfield Ca. Age: 58 Posts: 12,479	If you hook an HDMI cable from your cable box to your new HD TV it carrys the pic and sound so its a 1 cable hookup simple. The other old time cable you have always had does still need to be hooked to your cable box. __________________ I'm so blind my seeing eye dog needs glasses.

July 2nd, 2008, 08:21 PM	#4 (permalink)
sean79 Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: northcentral/western Pennsylvania Posts: 1,749 9 Photos	Thanks, guys. So... I still need the cable box? Are there any HDTVs on the market set up to eliminate the digital cable box? __________________ Every now and then I know it's kind of hard to tell, but I'm still alive and well.

July 2nd, 2008, 08:43 PM	#6 (permalink)
sean79 Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: northcentral/western Pennsylvania Posts: 1,749 9 Photos	Not the answer I was looking for. So, if I need the big ugly box, I see no reason why it would have to sit directly under the TV. Is there a "maximum" run for these cables? I could easily run one through the crawl space and into a less conspicuous spot in the room - is there any concern with losing signal in a 20 foot run? __________________ Every now and then I know it's kind of hard to tell, but I'm still alive and well.

July 2nd, 2008, 08:54 PM	#7 (permalink)
Frank_Kimball Tele-Holic Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Carlsbad, CA Age: 47 Posts: 698 7 Photos	Varying schools of thought, but most agree that a digital cable is not subject to the same types of signal loss and degradation as an audio cable since it only sends 0's and 1's. Theoretically the 0's and 1's come out the other end in the exact same state and condition they entered the system, but there are audiophiles who will actually argue that point (clocks, processors, etc. get in the way). For a 32" set, I don't think there's ANY way to detect signal degradation over a distance of 20 feet. One thing, HDMI cable is notoriously overpriced, but there are some bargains to be had. Shop around. Of all things, the Apple store sells a 2.0 meter cable (in fabulous Apple white) for twenny bucks. __________________ Seems like every time you turn around/There's another hard-luck story that you're gonna hear... -Dylan, "Black Diamond Bay"

July 2nd, 2008, 09:29 PM	#10 (permalink)
sean79 Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: northcentral/western Pennsylvania Posts: 1,749 9 Photos	Some good points... and thanks for the link to the cheap cables. I think we could manage the pointing-the-remote-at-not-the-TV maneuver if we decide to go that route. Might help keep me on my toes. __________________ Every now and then I know it's kind of hard to tell, but I'm still alive and well.

July 2nd, 2008, 09:57 PM	#14 (permalink)
giginthesky Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: south jersey Age: 36 Posts: 1,043 6 Photos	keep your lcd away from children!!!!!!! mines busted!

July 17th, 2008, 07:07 PM	#16 (permalink)
Frank_Kimball Tele-Holic Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Carlsbad, CA Age: 47 Posts: 698 7 Photos	Hey Sean! Back with more bad news, your cable box and your DVD player are independent sources and need their own cables. I've never seen a cable box with switching capabilities, but - there's plenty I haven't seen. Might want to call your cable company. Other solution if you want to avoid running two cables along your baseboards might be a stand-alone HDMI switcher. This would call for a third cable, but - you jack each source into the box then run just one to the TV. Some of these get pretty intricate, with their own remotes, etc. I'm going to have to get one soon myself, my TV only has one HDMI input and I just got a new cable box so equipped. These cost $50 - $100. Good luck sir. __________________ Seems like every time you turn around/There's another hard-luck story that you're gonna hear... -Dylan, "Black Diamond Bay"

July 17th, 2008, 07:33 PM	#17 (permalink)
Mark Davis Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bakersfield Ca. Age: 58 Posts: 12,479	I have my dvd player hooked up with an HDMI cable to the TV and another HDNI from the cable box to the TV to see each one you just select it thru the input selector on your TV remote. I got my HDNI cables for 5 cents each got 2 for 10 cents and $9.60 shipping for a total of $9.70. Got them in 2 days and they work perfect from a company called Brilliant thru Amazon. __________________ I'm so blind my seeing eye dog needs glasses.

July 17th, 2008, 08:17 PM	#18 (permalink)
sean79 Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: northcentral/western Pennsylvania Posts: 1,749 9 Photos	Geez, Frank. Always with the bad news. I'll have to check out the HDMI switcher, but it may be cheaper just to get the two 20 ft. HDMI cables and run it like Mark does. I have two HDMI inputs on the TV. I was just looking at the upconverting DVD players this last weekend. Most of them seem to have HDMI outs... Thanks, guys. __________________ Every now and then I know it's kind of hard to tell, but I'm still alive and well.