I do not have HD, yet, but I purchased a large (52" DLP) TV two weeks ago and I can say it can be a love / hate thing. I really like viewing with a large screen, but bad signals look really bad, as all things are much bigger, obviously; I use Dish Network and my connection is via coax.
A couple terms to get straight - for years we have all watched TV's that displayed the picture is 4:3 aspect ratio, where the new larger TV's have a screen that is 16:9 aspect ratio; these TV's allow users to view non 16:9 signals is a 4:3 mode as well as stretch those 4:3 signals to the 16:9 to fill the whole screen.
Personally the stretch modes bother me so I suggest everyone to consider this before purchasing; if it will bother you then narrow your search to a TV that doesn't have "burn in" issues from someone viewing long term in 4:3 (narrow) mode.
You asked what the picture on non-HD signals would look like if not stretched, well the picture would look normal, but it wouldn't fill the whole screen, you would have "black bars" on the sides. Take this into account too because the screen is obviously not viewing at its actual size. Example, my 52" TV when viewing in 4:3 mode becomes a 42" TV. Another example, the Sony 34XBR960 is an awesome (tube) TV, but if you view in 4:3 mode that 34" picture is now 28"; this was a huge turn off to me as that was much smaller than I wanted, but that is me.
Lastly, non-HD channels can at times leave you wondering why you spent the money, but HD is the future, it is my suggestion to buy with that in mind.
C/Net has 10 buying tips that are quite good.
http://www.cnet.com/4520-7874_1-5108432-1.html?tag=glnav
A couple terms to get straight - for years we have all watched TV's that displayed the picture is 4:3 aspect ratio, where the new larger TV's have a screen that is 16:9 aspect ratio; these TV's allow users to view non 16:9 signals is a 4:3 mode as well as stretch those 4:3 signals to the 16:9 to fill the whole screen.
Personally the stretch modes bother me so I suggest everyone to consider this before purchasing; if it will bother you then narrow your search to a TV that doesn't have "burn in" issues from someone viewing long term in 4:3 (narrow) mode.
You asked what the picture on non-HD signals would look like if not stretched, well the picture would look normal, but it wouldn't fill the whole screen, you would have "black bars" on the sides. Take this into account too because the screen is obviously not viewing at its actual size. Example, my 52" TV when viewing in 4:3 mode becomes a 42" TV. Another example, the Sony 34XBR960 is an awesome (tube) TV, but if you view in 4:3 mode that 34" picture is now 28"; this was a huge turn off to me as that was much smaller than I wanted, but that is me.
Lastly, non-HD channels can at times leave you wondering why you spent the money, but HD is the future, it is my suggestion to buy with that in mind.
C/Net has 10 buying tips that are quite good.
http://www.cnet.com/4520-7874_1-5108432-1.html?tag=glnav