HDTV buying suggestions.

[PtotheDOdoubleG]

Hello everyone,

Ever since I saw my buddy's HDTV I was hooked, I had to have one, so I've been researching for about a month or two. I'm about to move into a studio apartment and want to get a widescreen hd in about 3 weeks. Any suggestions? My budget is roughly between $1,000 - $2,000 and I'll probably get it at best buy or circuit city do to their no interest plans for 18 months or so. I'll be using it mostly for playing ps2,watching sports, and dvds. I know I've heard numerous peple say that they play video games on their projection screens, but I'm still not sold. I would like to get a bigger screen like the sony KP-46WT510 projection screen but the whole burn in kinda scares me. I have this feeling I would fall asleep or something, wake up, and have a madden symbol stuck in the corner of my screen. Should I just settle with a 34" screen instead? What tvs do you recommend?

Thanks,
jonathon

[57U]

What we recommend would not necessarily "match" your needs. Start with the FAQs like:

- How large an HDTV to buy
- Types of HDTV
- If only I'd have known
- What you need to do to your new HDTV
- Burn in
- Etc.

Then once you've chosen a size and technology, we can comment on manufacturers/ models to meet your needs. For example, if you want an LCD-based RPTV or a Direct View HDTV, Sony might be a good choice, whereas Sony may not be your best choice for a CRT-based RPTV.

[Smthkd]

If you have a studio apartment I wouldn't suggest a 34" direct view hdtv as the room will morph the size of the unit. On the other hand, you seem to be stuck on whats a good set, cost, burn in, and dependability! I would suggest that you first decide on what company's product you are most confident in. Next, decide whether you want plasma,lcd, or rear-projection. Then, decide on a size that you feel is right for you. Finally, test each model you have interest in and use the process on elimination. Although many on this site can give you opinions on what they like, your taste may be more suttle or advance. Nothing can ever take the place of what you like when compared with what someone else think you should get!

[schmidtandrew]

This is a little out of price range (2,657.99) but would fit your needs the KF42WE610 42 inch grand wega from sony. lcd projection. No burn in. native res of 720p great hdtv picture and ok features. The tv is only 64 pounds and 15 inches deep it will fit mostly anaywhere

[gparris]

Listen ot schmidtandrew : The Sony LCD projection 42" is the ideal size for now and later with no burn in, less depth for any room, no convergence to worry about and lighter weight...even in a studio. All of the forum members with these sets have been satisfied and in my own experience with friends of mine with the same product, very happy. Cough up the amount for the set and buy one!

[ernande]

I was debating on whether to go with a 30" or 34" Sony Widescreen HDTV for my bedroom, where I would be viewing it from 8 to 10 feet at the most.

I went with the 30", saved myself $600, and have been extremely happy with it. I'm mentioning this because at the showroom, next to all the other big screen HDTVs and plasma screens, the 30" can look kind of tiny. But in your bedroom, or in your case your studio apartment, a 30" is pretty impressive.

So that's my experience. Keep in mind, whatever set you buy, you're going to want to get the extended warranty. If you're looking at a $1699 set, it quickly turns into a $2400 set with tax and warranty. And stay clear of Best Buy, whatever you do!!! Circuit City will match any of their prices and they wont make you jump through hoops if something goes wrong...

[kevinw]

If you have a studio apartment I wouldn't suggest a 34" direct view hdtv as the room will morph the size of the unit. On the other hand, you seem to be stuck on whats a good set, cost, burn in, and dependability! I would suggest that you first decide on what company's product you are most confident in. Next, decide whether you want plasma,lcd, or rear-projection. Then, decide on a size that you feel is right for you. Finally, test each model you have interest in and use the process on elimination. Although many on this site can give you opinions on what they like, your taste may be more subtle or advance. Nothing can ever take the place of what you like when compared with what someone else think you should get!
Very well said.
Everyone's favorite will be the TV they own... narrow down your brands vs price vs size. Try out the menu options, look at remote contol ease of use. Connections -DVI and at least 2 component. Audio is not something to be concerned with.
consider Sears as an option to purchase also.

[PtotheDOdoubleG]

Thanks everyone for their input. I've been reading all the FAQs as well as other posts on the site and are going to start narrowing my choices. My two brands are sony or philips. My parents had a sony rear projection crt and it's still amazing and I have a 20" flat screen philips which I haven't had any problems with. I understand how I should go with what I like and I will, just want to be cautious though. As for the sony LCD projection KF42WE610, I would love to get this, but after taxes and warranty it's over $3,000. Who knows, maybe I'll just go for it. Sears has is for $2,4999 plus no payments or interest until july 2005.

If anyone sees any good deals out there let me know.

Thanks,
jonathon
~a graduate student who must have hd