OK, here's an example of a brand new "premium" HD ready set available today - the Sony KDL-W40a12U. Here are its connection options from the Sony tech webpage here -
http://makeashorterlink.com/?B2D32270C ....
4 Pin (Y/C) In
Composite Input
MiniJack (Head/Earphone) (mm) 3.5
RCA Audio Out
RCA AV Input
Scart 1 RGB
Scart 2 RGB
Scart 3 RGB
Component
HDMI
So there's no VGA input and no DVI input. Where do I connect my MCE PC? If I convert from DVI to HDMI then where do I connect my Sky HD box, or my HD DVD? If the DVD goes to the component inputs where does my Xbox 360 go? etc. etc..
I hope the video signal processing is fast too, because I note there are no digital audio connections so I sure hope there is no visible lag between sound and picture when fed from external sourcecs.
This is the latest and greatest Sony LCD on the market. The lower grade sets have even fewer connection oprions. It's not good enough. I don't want to pay another £200-£300 for a digital switch box and have more clutter in my AV corner. The new sets on the market really need to pay more attention to probable signal sources.
I've looked at the back of many LCD panels in Comet/Currys and the options just aren't there. These sets are still aimed at people with a "TV" approach, with maybe a DVD, Sky Digibox and PVR/VCR connected, and with a cursory nod towards the HD future. I expect more!
And look at the 50" Samsung SP50L7H DLP thingy - very stylish but what's the point in those bloody great speakers stuck on the sides? Surely you would have a home theatre system to support a set like that..... and that pedestal stand - where is the centre speaker supposed to go?
Sorry to rant but I just don't think the marketeers and product planners are really thinking this thing through properly. You can't just lay down £2,000 or £3,000 and be satisfied with connections only for today's products. They really need to make provision for all the new stuff coming within 12 months too!!!! (if not rather more than that).