HDTV recommendations

[jhollenbach]

I'm looking into purchasing a 32" inch HDTV in the next 2 months or so. Would consider upgraded to a 36" but only if the price is a real bargain. It's for a smaller room so i dont wanna go any larger than that.

I'm looking for recommendations as well as some good quality TVs for a reasonable price. Thanx for any advice

[jhollenbach]

bump

[LeeS]

I see your question but I'm not that familiar with direct views. Sony has a very good reputation when it comes to direct view TV's. Personally I like Toshiba's. :) I saw a new Toshiba direct view LCD that was amazing. It was in the size range you are interested in. A bit pricey, around $3,400.

Someone else will be along in a bit to help.

Lee

[jhollenbach]

Im looking at maybe the new Zenith C32V37, 32" integrated tuner, etc. and can be gotten for around a grand, if not less with sales. If anyone knows of anything better or a much better value let me know. I dont wanna get the tv when it first comes out so i can get some reviews first, make sure its not too flawed

[esarjeant]

32 or 36 inch models will be 4:3 aspect ratio
30 or 34 inch models will be 16:9 aspect ratio

Having my choice today, i would perfer a 4:3, but long term 3years+ down the road you will be alot happier with a 16:9 widescreen TV. Because the TV shows that will be broadcast in 3 years from now will all be 16:9 widescreen.

Now to answer you question, there are several good deals out there, but there are so many models to choose from... live is so hard :-(

32", which you are looking for, best deals are Samsung and HF model Toshiba, respective priced are 800-1050 US$
best TV (not Necessarily deal) are the Sony HS510 and the Toshiba HFX models, respectivly priced around 1100-1300 US$

If you choose to go widescreen, you would be in quite the pickle. JVC, Toshiba, Sony, Panasonic all make incredible 34" tubes. Personally I like the Toshiba 34HFX83 and the Sony KV34HS510 (and it's big brother XBR companion). Most 34" will sticker at $1999.99 and you should be able to get 10% off and 1-2 years same as cash deals at any retailer. (avoid phillips)

9/10 times looking for a high quality tube TV, it will boil down to which peice will be a better peice of funiture in your home.

-Eric Sarjeant

[rchampagne]

By the way, circuit city has a great online deal this week. For instance, the sony 34" widescreen direct-view is priced at $1999. But you get a $300 mail-in rebate and a gift card for 10% of the purchase price ($200). Plus, they have a great return policy.

[boogiemanp]

I have the Zenith C32v22? I forget - Anyways, dont buy the one with the
integrated tuner - waste of money. You'll probably get a STB anyway. Second thing - the TV with integrated tuner cannot display a progressive signal. Only 480i and 1080i unless they released a new model that can. For 1000 bucks this tv can do better than the samsung with regular analog signals and has better contrast/black levels than the Tau series Panasonic. I know its hard to tell in the department stores but when I looked at a true HD signal (PBS channel), looking at the SONY (forget what model 32") and the Zenith side by side, the Zenith had the more "looking through a window" picture. The Zenith costs less by about 300 . Impressive TV but there are 2 component inputs and only one of them does HD The other is interlaced signal, only 480i. An amplified component swither ($99) can be bought if you have multiple devices for progressive. My recommendation buy the Zenith if on a budget. Otherwise go big screen (since the full realization of HD can be appreciated at screens 40" and higher)

[JEFFDUBE]

34" Sony XBR is arguably the best. Nobody has a CRT set that measures up...NOBODY!

[JEFFDUBE]

34" Sony XBR is arguably the best. Nobody has a CRT set that measures up...NOBODY! The DLP guys hate the LCD black levels, the LCD guys hate the shadows on the DLP, hey...the RPCRT guys well they hate everybody....and the plasma guy... they just hide!They have no blacks, no shadows, no detail, just thinness and big bucks! Us Direct View CRT's...we have it all..go for it!

[spaceman_spiff]

Every TV technology has its pros and cons. Please check the FAQ on Types of TVs.
It all depends on whats suits you best. To each his own.
:)

[57U]

Originally posted by JEFFDUBE Us Direct View CRT's...we have it all.. Hmm, what's the largest widescreen Direct View HDTV again? (34"?). They look good 'cause they're small. ;)

I know not everyone has the room for 40-120", but for those that do, DV will not do.

[boogiemanp]

The largest direct view is 40" sony makes one.

[57U]

It's 4:3, not widescreen.

[esarjeant]

direct views own all, but for us that need bigger, in the years to come, LCD and DLP will be duking it out, i cant wait till July when new models start rolling out. Sony has signed on the LCD ticket, and will not be doing DLP period. Hitachi has talks of a DLP, but i don't expect it anytime soon. Samsung and RCA have DLPs out now, and Mitsubishi has a 65" in production. I think we will see the return of LCoS next year, I know Mitsubishi has a 83" coming out. Who knows who will win, but I am curious to see who panasonic signs on with, and maybe JVC even. Maybe some companies like Philips and Zenith will come back as serious players again by chosing the right technology. We'll see...

[jhollenbach]

after looking over prices and whats offered i might opt for a 42" or something of that sort. Some decent sets of that size can be gotten for the price of a 32 and i have read about them lasting longer. Plus hd looks alot better on a bigger screen and who ever said bigger isnt better.

[boogiemanp]

I looked at the specs on this set - much better than mine - It accepts a 720p signal! - 2 HD component ins I wish I could have this set. They fixed all the issues I had with my set. Dammit, oh well.

[jhollenbach]

which set are ya refering to

[JEFFDUBE]

Personally I prefer the higher quality picture..if I wanted a larger screen I'd need a bigger house. Can't afford that now.

Tubes are heavy and the 40" Sony is 300 lbs!. I guess I sort of like something substantial...these new RPTV are all plastics. They are light as a feather! Cheaper power supplies, on board transformers, and inards these days make many of these not very dependable for the future. But many want the biggest set in town regardless if the picture sucks.

For some reason DLP's are not doing well and the big three, with Sony having 7 of the top 10 selling sets at last count, has gone with the LCD for the immediate future for dependability. Their WEGA line has been a blockbuster!The Direct View sets will be phased out for consumers in time at Sony I heard because of mass merchandising reasons, weight, popularity and screen size. Glass tubes just weigh too much, and the sets expensive to manufacture. RPTV is CHEAP!.

All of the HDTV manufactureres are having multi-problems with the new technology so buy the longest warranty possible and you'll get a replacement when yours fails.

Just an opinion.

[boogiemanp]

How come the DLP's arent doing well? Sales wise? Or is there something wrong with them? I am debating <in other words going crazy> About buying the Sony XBR Grand Wega LCD RPTV but I can't quite get over the washed out look of dark environs as compared to the DLP.

Does anybody know the contrast ratio on the new Sony LCD Grand Wega 42in?
It is not listed on their site. DLP is 1000:1?

[vail55]

Hey, after seeing the sets at CES I would definitely wait till July when they come to market. Unless, you are just looking for a deal before that.
Rob

[kevinw]

DLP's are not doing well because the picture with standard TV is no better than a RPTV.. Why spend 1400 more? Even HD and DVD picture improvements are not enough to justify never doing a convergence to the average person.

As for the High quality picture--that is crap -RPTV's look every bit as good as a tube. Even better when you consider the size.
The rule to follow is buy what you can afford and fits the space.

[neilreid52]

Try a Samsung!! Excellent value and quality. Both 30" CRT HDTV Wide screen and 4:3 aspect ratio. Another avenue is there 43 inch and 46 inch DLP's, though there expensive.:)