trying to buy an HDTV on a 300-500 dollar budget, possible?

[geoman2k]

so i'm in the market for a new tv, and since i'm a big console gamer, and all the new consoles are focusing on HDTV, i'm looking into buying a flat-tube tv that is HDTV capable. the thing is, i'm a college student so i'm not looking to spend a lot of money. basicly, i'm looking for the cheapest HDTV capable flat-tube tv possible, widescreen would be nice as well. i know that there are some out there on the market, but i'm having trouble researching them. here's what i've come across so far.

at my local best buy they have an Insignia 27" Flat-Tube TV that is capable of 1080i. This is by for the cheapest ($379) tv i've ever seen capable of HDTV. however, i don't know much about insignia and i'm not sure if i trust them too much. I really wish i could find another flat-tube tv at 27" that is HDTV capable, but this is the only one i've ever seen. does sony, toshiba or any other brand make a simillar product, a flat-tube tv capable of HDTV, for around that price?
the insignia's model number is NS-27HTV

second, at the best buy in naperville, where my parents live, i saw a widescreen (probably about 30") RCA flat-tube tv that was HDTV ready, for about $380. the problem is, i didn't write down the model number and i can't find any information about it on bestbuy.com or rca.com . its like the damn thing doesn't exist. i'm really interested in this one because it is widescreen (i watch more widescreen stuff than 4:3) and because i think rca is somewhat reliable (the tv i am replacing is RCA and its about 15 years old with no major problems).

last, i was at my local HH Gregg and I came across a Toshiba 30" widescreen flat-tube HDTV for about $560. this is a little bit out of my price range but its such a nice tv i might try to save up a little longer to get it. the model number is:
30HF85
if anyone knows if toshiba makes a tv like the one i just mentioned, but maybe a size smaller and a little bit cheaper, that would be awesome.

so that is the information i have so far. its all very confusing because originally i thought there was no way i could find an hdtv under $400-500, and then i came across a few. so i know they exist. but it just seems like none of the companies really adversive them, and each store i go to only carries like one. if anyone could help me track down these elusive flat-tube hdtvs, i would really appretiate it. thanks a ton in advance.

[geoman2k]

so, i did a little bit more research, and i think i've come across the perfect tv:

Samsung TXR2678WH 26" Widescreen Dynaflat TV

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009EXWIO/ref=pd_cp_e_title/104-4568888-6544739?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=172282

Looks like the perfect price, size, ratio and brand for me. The big question now is how to buy it. Does anyone have any experience buying TV's online from Amazon.com? I really would prefer to buy from a place like Sears or Best Buy, since they are trustable and offer waranties and such. is there a way to tell best buy/hh gregg/sears the model number of the tv i want, and have them order it for me?
any info about this tv would be really great, it looks like the perfect buy for me.

[damondlt]

Don't forget shipping charge !

[ohheck]

geoman2k,

I checked the Samsung site and found that the TXR2678WH is a 2005 model and not available for purchase from Samsung. The only place I could find it was via your link. I would suggest you check BestBuy/CircuitCity to see if they have any Open Box sets that might work for you. They generally carry the same warranty as a new one but at a reduced price. Just a thought.

[HD Sparklez]

That's an amazing price for the Samsung. It's a good set, and 26" is just big enough to get enjoyment out of hidef (I wouldn't go any smaller), plus it's a widescreen with the correct aspect ratio.

Assuming all is good with the deal (and it's amazon, so it should be) I'd say go for it :)

[JU1CYFRU1T]

Assuming all is good with the deal (and it's amazon, so it should be) I'd say go for it :)

I'd have to agree with Sparklez. I have only used amazon a half dozen times, but every transaction has been stellar. They are a huge web-portal distributor, so you shouldn't have to worry about shenanagans.

If you want a good waranty, go here (http://www.mackcam.com/warranty_dealerlist.php). They will sell you a warranty within the first 30 days of purchase. Find a seller near you. Since this is a 2005 model TV I would recommend getting some kind of warranty (since you can't just replace the TV, it's been discontinued).

JU1CYFRU1T

[Matt27]

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Philips-30-Widescreen-Tube-HDTV-30PW9110D-/sem/rpsm/oid/148780/catOid/-12867/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

Seems like a great deal!..Good PQ too!

[JU1CYFRU1T]

Again, if you haven't bought your TV yet, check out this thread (http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?p=157982#post157982). He sounds happy with Amazon.

Hope this helps,
JU1CYFRU1T