Looking to buy 27" HDTV, any suggestions?

[rsimson]

I am looking for a 27-30 inch HDTV. I don't want to spend a ton of money. I currently have a 28 inch Samsung TV which I have liked because the picture is excellent (after I fixed all the factory settings), but the TV is starting to take a VERY long time to turn on. I get audio immediately but the video sometimes takes 2 minutes to appear (less if it has been on recently). I suspect this means the TV is dying. This is disappointing because it is only a few years old.

Since it seems I will need to purchase a new TV, I thought that it is time for an HDTV.

I was wondering which 27-30 inch HDTVs are the best buy.

[57U]

If you're happy with the Samsung, then you could always get another since they make some of the least expensive units.

On your existing TV, the "keep warm" circuit may not be working. If the TV is fine after it warms up, there may be nothing to worry about...

Have you decided whether to get a 16:9 or 4:3 TV? Take a look at the FAQ section for various hints.

For a little more money, you can look at the Toshibas, or for more money, the Sonys - in terms of direct view sets. I don't know if you want a larger screen, but you could look into the various RPTVs if you have the room...

[pappasp]

I have seen the 30in Samsung 16:9 wide screen with the atsc tuner for 699
at Target. I believe I may have even seen it for as low as 599. I thought Sears had a nice selection with decent prices when the models on sale. Of
course I can't say the picture will stay on after 5 minutes. I have been very
happy with my Toshiba regular tv, It's 6 years old and looks just like the day I got it. I am looking for a plasma and was going to buy a Toshiba but found
a better deal on Panasonic. No loyalty anymore!

[ernande]

I've found a 30" widescreen Sony WEGA for $899 (listed as $999 but Circuit City has 10% off all TV's, and any other major electronics store should match that).

There's also a 30" Samsung out there for around $799 with a built-in HDTV tuner.

I've also scoped out the low end Samsung and Phillips HDTVs and have been pretty disappointed. Most of the models which are $600 to $800 have very little features.

I plan on buying the Sony because I think it has the best display and offers the same controls as the high-end 60" Sony TVs for $3000. Turning on the WOW sound option was amazing too, real crisp sound with low bass (oh, and you have control over the treble and bass in the TV too). And for the kicker, it uses the new HDMI interface for HDTV instead of DVI.

The only drawback is a 30" widescreen tv is about the same size as a standard 4:3 20" tv, only wider on each side.

[anteater]

Ernade, could u share what disapointed u with the Philips? I am not looking for a lot of features but the basic HDTV. Any feedback is appreciated.

Hey hows the Magnavox 27MS5402?? Its listed at $450 for 27" at CC. A very very affordable price!

Any views about Magnavox or Philips CRT HDTVs anyone?

Thanks!

[57U]

Neither manufacturer is a major player in the HDTV market. That doesn't mean they're bad, but it may be more difficult to get help on forums, etc.

[Ratman]

All I can add is that Philips and Magnavox are one and the same.
FWIW, I have a Philips 27" (plain old TV) that I bought back around 1986. Still looks good and never had one problem problem with it.

Obviously not that today's products are the same, but thought I'd provide my past experience.

[ernande]

Ernade, could u share what disapointed u with the Philips? I am not looking for a lot of features but the basic HDTV. Any feedback is appreciated.

Thanks!

Anteater, if you're looking for a basic TV thats capable of HD, the Phillips may be perfect for you. I've seen some Phillips tvs with excellent pictures at Sears and the Good Guys.

The Phillips models I saw disappointed me when it came to the remote control and menu features. They were both very basic and didnt feel like you could do much with adjusting.

I recommend going to a store that allows you to play with the remote and see if it works for you and has the options you're looking for.

I ended up buying the Sony 30" because it has different picture modes, surround sound controls, sound adjustments, timers, etc.

[anteater]

Thanks, guys i think that was positive.

[summerfun]

I just went out today looking for a small HDTV direct view CRT as well. The 30" Sony was really nice. Some of the other off brands were a little cheaper, but I really liked the Sony. $899 seemed to be the going price.

I only have a limited space in my built-in TV display area in the bedroom. Unfortunatly, the set is so wide, I don't have any room left for the STB. Not sure what I am gong to do. I am replacing a 27" 4:3. The 30" 16:9 is actually shorter, but wider.

[scherer326]

Toshiba 30HF83 is a great 30 inch widescreen tv. You should consider it.