Need your opinion on a Samsung 54" HDTV-first HD TV purchase

[Jeager76]

Hey Was hoping I could get all the vets opinions on the following TV, ie. try and convince me not to buy it or try and re-assure me its a good buy at >1499.

I know its a little unusual for and HDTV in that its a 4:3 screen and not a widescreen. But even though I have DirectTV and live in D.C. where some HDTV channels are available most TV isnt 16:9, and the screen is still a 50" widescreen. Its my first purchase of and HDTV and I have read all I can find, but need some input from this forums experts. I dont know if I will get an HDTV tuner right away as I would rather wait to get a reciever/Tivo system such as the one I have now for my DirectTV.

http://www.samsungusa.com/images/prod/product/b2c_pcn5425_sm.jpg

Samsung PCN5425r 54" 4:3 HDTV monitor (http://www.samsungusa.com/cgi-bin/nabc/product/b2c_product_detail.jsp?eUser=&prod_id=PCN5425RX%2fXAA)

Specificiation and feature brochure (http://www.samsungusa.com/SamsungUSA/PRODUCT/20030710/PCN5425R.pdf)

[57U]

Depending on your viewing habits, a 4:3 HDTV can be an OK purchase. Visit the FAQ section, if you haven't done so already. View the posts:

What you need to do to your new HDTV
4:3 vs widescreen
How large an HDTV to buy
Etc.

[Zini316]

Jaeger,

I purchased the 54" 4x3 Samsung HDTV back in May. I'm pretty happy with it. Yes, it's not 16x9, but you also save $500-700 versus the 16x9 screens.

I'd recommend the set, but like Mr Canada Man said the best thing is to read the FAQ's regarding 4x3 vs. 16x9