I recently received a promotion at work, and in an act of sheer frugality, I think I'm going to celebrate by putting a chunk of my first new paycheck towards a TV upgrade. My 27" 4:3 RCA flat-screen CRT has done well by me, but I need to get prepped for that much ballyhooed next gen in addition to the other HD luxuries. I don't want to go too crazy, just a really nice mid-size TV with an integrated HD tuner, HDMI input, 720p/1080i support, etc. Which brands, particular models should I look into? I tend to lend towards CRTs, but I'm open to any suggestions. Thanks.
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Good $1000-range HDTVs?
- Thread starter tedtropy
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I'm in the same market, I had to get rid of my 40" Wega (I moved).
I've been looking at another, smaller Sony.
I'd love to see some more suggestions.
I've been looking at another, smaller Sony.
I'd love to see some more suggestions.
Manick Joe
Member
Well the first decision you need to make it what kind of TV you want. The three you can choose from in that price range are CRT (30-34'), LCD (23-26") and Rear-Projection (50-65"). When I was TV shopping this Christmas and had your price point in mind, I was willing to spend more if need be, I settled on a CRT. LCD just wasn't big enough for me and they tend to have low viewing angles (watching the screen from any direction aside from straight on). While the huge screen size of Rear Projection is nice; they have similiar issues with viewing angle PLUS the potential for burn-in which is a huge no-no for a gamer like myself.
Initially I had my sights pegged on this 30" Sony set
which now sells for around $900. Also Panasonic's set in the same size is just as good in quality to me and you can find for a little bit cheaper.
However, I ultimately caved and went bigger and threw down the extra cash for the 34" Panasonic
It has 2 component, 4 s-video/composite inputs along with HDMI which will come in handy for the next-gen consoles. Instead of picture-in-picture, it splits the screen vertically so I can watch my Phillies and Sixers play at the same time (I think this is awesome) and standard definition broadcast doesn't look like crap on it which is nice. No HD tuner built-in, but I signed up for digital cable with Comcast soon thereafter and they provide the box obviously. I think the Sony in the same size has a better HD picture but the price jumps up to about $1800 then for the XBR screen.
Oh and one final note, these guys weigh in at around 150 pounds so make sure you have a strong friend or two to help you move this sucker.
Initially I had my sights pegged on this 30" Sony set
which now sells for around $900. Also Panasonic's set in the same size is just as good in quality to me and you can find for a little bit cheaper.
However, I ultimately caved and went bigger and threw down the extra cash for the 34" Panasonic
It has 2 component, 4 s-video/composite inputs along with HDMI which will come in handy for the next-gen consoles. Instead of picture-in-picture, it splits the screen vertically so I can watch my Phillies and Sixers play at the same time (I think this is awesome) and standard definition broadcast doesn't look like crap on it which is nice. No HD tuner built-in, but I signed up for digital cable with Comcast soon thereafter and they provide the box obviously. I think the Sony in the same size has a better HD picture but the price jumps up to about $1800 then for the XBR screen.
Oh and one final note, these guys weigh in at around 150 pounds so make sure you have a strong friend or two to help you move this sucker.
Manick Joe
Member
An HD Tuner allows you to watch your basic channels (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX and whatever else) in HD. So you'll still have ABC on channel 4, but you'll also be able to tune in to channel 186 for ABC-HD. I'm pretty sure you don't have to do anything else, might need to call local cable company if you have problems.
*EDIT Forgot to mention that CRT's don't do 720p but will upconvert said image to 1080i. They only do 480i (standard resolution), 480p (Enhanced Def) and 1080i (High Def). LCD, DLP and Plasma are your only option for 720p/1080p.
*EDIT Forgot to mention that CRT's don't do 720p but will upconvert said image to 1080i. They only do 480i (standard resolution), 480p (Enhanced Def) and 1080i (High Def). LCD, DLP and Plasma are your only option for 720p/1080p.
Shogmaster
Member
Manick Joe said:Well the first decision you need to make it what kind of TV you want. The three you can choose from in that price range are CRT (30-34'), LCD (23-26") and Rear-Projection (50-65"). When I was TV shopping this Christmas and had your price point in mind, I was willing to spend more if need be, I settled on a CRT. LCD just wasn't big enough for me and they tend to have low viewing angles (watching the screen from any direction aside from straight on). While the huge screen size of Rear Projection is nice; they have similiar issues with viewing angle PLUS the potential for burn-in which is a huge no-no for a gamer like myself.
Initially I had my sights pegged on this 30" Sony set
which now sells for around $900. Also Panasonic's set in the same size is just as good in quality to me and you can find for a little bit cheaper.
However, I ultimately caved and went bigger and threw down the extra cash for the 34" Panasonic
It has 2 component, 4 s-video/composite inputs along with HDMI which will come in handy for the next-gen consoles. Instead of picture-in-picture, it splits the screen vertically so I can watch my Phillies and Sixers play at the same time (I think this is awesome) and standard definition broadcast doesn't look like crap on it which is nice. No HD tuner built-in, but I signed up for digital cable with Comcast soon thereafter and they provide the box obviously. I think the Sony in the same size has a better HD picture but the price jumps up to about $1800 then for the XBR screen.
Oh and one final note, these guys weigh in at around 150 pounds so make sure you have a strong friend or two to help you move this sucker.
I got my parents the 34" version of Sony (34HS420) for only $1199 new. It pays to look around duder. The Sony destroys the Panny in IQ (Aperture Grille vs Shadow Mask).
Shogmaster said:
I may have to check into the 30" version of that set. My first encounter with a new Sony Trinitron a few years ago wasn't a pleasant one (bad browning towards the edges of the screen), but chances are that was just a fluke.
Circuit City currently has this deal going on:
http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/prod...broadvision.session.new=Yes&BV_UseBVCookie=No
30" Sony for $800. I am contemplating that deal right now.
http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/prod...broadvision.session.new=Yes&BV_UseBVCookie=No
30" Sony for $800. I am contemplating that deal right now.
Manick Joe
Member
While that 34" Sony you bought your parents is nice, I am referring to the KD34XBR960 which is still around $1800. That thing is beautiful and gorgeous. Make sure to take a trip to your local Sears/Best Buy/Circuit City/whatever to get a first hand glimpse of what you're considering.
Shogmaster
Member
Manick Joe said:
If I had a choice between the 34XBR960 for $1800 and 34XS955 for $1500, I'd jump on the XS955 in a heartbeat since they have exact same tubes. I use to spend hours at Magnolia HiFi gazing at those two sets.
LG 30" Widescreen 30FZ4D
I realize I'm bumping an old thread, but I started it and it's topical.
I was checking out TVs at Best Buy today, and this 30" widescreen LG really caught my eye. Goes for $853.99, very sharp picture, good geometry, looks nice, has a ton of inputs, and had an intergrated HD tuner. Compared to the 30" Samsung that was right next to it, the LG seemed to have better geometry (much less bowing), and while I like the Sony sets, they cost quite abit more and don't seem to have intergrated tuners until you get into the $1500 range. Does anyone have any personal experience with this set? Is it a good deal or should I keep looking? Thanks.
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