Plasma HDTV vs. Old Tube TV…?

I currently have a 27″ tube TV that has served me extremely well since 1997 when I bought it new… I now have the opportunity to purchase a 42″ plasma…

Using a HDTV (LCD or Plasma) to watch non-HD TV channels can result in a slightly “fuzzy” picture because the HDTV will upscale any video input to its native resolution. This operation can result in the picture being sort of “fuzzy”, just as if you took a picture on your computer and blew it up.

Even without upgrading your cable service, you actually are getting some channels in HD right now. Just as the cable company must carry all your local channels (NBC, CBS, FOX, etc.) they must ALSO carry those local digital and HD channels as well. So if you have your new TV scan for channels, you’ll not only get the normal channels (e.g. “3″) but also things like 3.1, which in most cases is the HD version (e.g. NBC-HD)

However if you wanted things like Food Network or Discovery Channel in HD, then you would need to upgrade your cable subscription.

HD Product Reviews: Vizio Blu-ray Player and HDMI Switches

BluScenes: Journey Through Space 1080p HD Blu-ray Disc $14.95 BluScenes: Journey Through Space 1080p HD Blu-ray DiscJourney through Space – BluScenes Journey Through Space gives you an astronaut’s eye view of the wonders of the universe, featuring imagery and specially-created animations based upon images from NASA and the European Space Agency and presented here on 1080p HD Blu-ray disc. Your journey begins in Earth orbit and takes you past our moon and neighboring planets, before venturing into deep space for a stunning interstellar tour, with a digitally-recorded soundtrack presented in 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround, or 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio. Optional subtitles provide information about each scene.Features:Content: 1080p HD Scenery from Outer SpaceDirectors: Jason RosenfeldFormat: Dolby, Surround Sound, WidescreenRegion: All RegionsNumber of discs: 1Studio: Scenic LabsDVD Release Date: December 10, 2009Run Time: 63 minutes

When We Left Earth – The NASA Missions – Blu-Ray Edition $69.95 When We Left Earth – The NASA MissionsCommemorate NASA’s 50th anniversary with this stunning high-definition series chronicling the inside story of the space agency’s epic endeavors. From John Glenn’s Mercury mission to orbit the earth, to Neil Armstrong’s first historic steps on the moon, to the unprecedented spacewalks required to repair the Hubble telescope, these epic stories are shown in stunning clarity and told by the astronauts and engineers who were there. The missions, the people, and the triumphs of space exploration are revealed through exclusive interviews with celebrated astronauts including John Glenn, Buzz Aldrin and Charlie Duke, and newly-digitized, original mission footage from NASA’s secret film vaults.Features:Six complete episodesFour hours of bonus features including digitally restored NASA film highlights, mission clips, and astronaut interviewsEpisodes Include: Ordinary Supermen Friends and Rivals Landing the Eagle The Explorers The Shuttle

Gundam RX-178 MK-II Aeug Limited Model Kit $57.99 Build! Detail! Customize! This Gundam RX-178 Gundam MK-II A.E.U.G Version 2 master grade (MG) model kit is 1:100 scale and made of plastic. This RX-178 is a limited-edition version of the Ver.2.0 MG Gundam Mk-II that was packaged with the Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam Blu-Ray DVD set (sold separately). Leg joints feature adjustable extension, allowing the kit to take dramatic action poses from the series. Chest unit and leg units are built around a movable frame, just like in the series. Includes a beam rifle with exchangeable magazine, Hyper Bazooka, retractable shield, two beam sabers, and Vulcan pod.