bglynn

This is kind of a funny story, considering the Wally-world thread

I have a 1991 27" Trinitron that I am still VERY happy with to this day. It had been my main TV for all these years where ever I went and I had NO plans on upgrading until HDTVs came down in price, as I would surely make a big leap all at once, go HD, widescreen and BIG all at once, however I will never pay the price of a good used car for a freaking TV!

So I'm walking through Wal-Mart to get a DVD and as I'm passing an isle I take a double-take at a nice big RCA widescreen HDTV they had a demo rolling on. Next to it was a smaller set then some regular RPTVs. The difference was night and day (of course), running the DHDT channel. Then I saw the incredible price of under $1200!

My first reaction was - WOW that is a LOT cheaper than the last time I looked, about a year ago for a big TV! So I went home and contemplated upgrading. Not knowing ANYTHING about HDTVs, I started with the RCA model that Walmart had. After about 1 hour of reading, I realized that Walmart doesn't stock normal units. I could only assume this, because the models were not listed on the parent websites, and the cabinet designs were of at least last year. The feature sets were also slightly different than what is ont he parent sites. I also couldn't find model reviews of exactly what was at Walmart.

So then i started researching all the differnt features and specs of HDTVs in general, and decided against the models at walmart. By this time, I had convinced myself that spending that much on a TV was OK (if I say it engouh times it will be true), and maybe even a touch more for better quality.

A good friend here at work had recently purchased a 60" Philips from a local Rex, and he recommended that I head down there if for nothing else, to look at all the models and brands side-by-side. I did so and talked to the salesman there for about 30 min as he demo'd several brands and we talked about some key differences. My first impression was that there were a few distinct tiers of quality, and he confirmed that with his feelings. We both agreed RCA was at the bottom, Hit and Mitsu being at the top, projection at least.

Given my room size, I knew I wanted something in the 50's (bout 8 feet from the screen), so I looked at what was available in my price range of around $1300. Well, not much that looked good...at least good after seeing what was POSSIBLE with the better sets. So back home to think about it some more.

About a week later, I hit CC and BB, and by that time had convinced myself that maybe a couple hundred bucks more wouldn't hurt That really only opened up another model line, Toshiba...but I would have to go into the 40's. Then I started hitting review sites looking for the best quality. I saw the x83 line was getting very good reviews for the price range, so I started looking for prices.

On Rex's website they were having a huge sale just before xmas! Not only were they giving the free DVD player (crap) but $150 any RPTV over $1200, AND $100 in 'rexbucs' - another $100 off! So ended up with te 51" afterall, and got it for $1449, and converted the free dvd player into free cables!

The Rex guys were great, not pushy whatsoever and took the time to go over everything I wanted. They even pulled a new 51H83 out of a box and set it up real quick for me to see before I bought it, as they were selling them as soon as the trucks would unload...none on the shelf (the only model selling out).

The only cavat was at the VERY end, they tried selling me the 3 year extended plan for $400, which I passed on. That wasn't a problem, but right after that when I said no a few times, the guy saiud, oh yeah, I forgot to tell you, you can get anotehr year of manufacturers coverage for $10, do you want that? Of course I said YES - and was mad that he would purposely with hold that information and try to peddle the grossly overpriced service plan instead.

But all in all a very happy customer with a so far, great product that calibrated out VERY nicely! I got HD cable hooked up that weekend and LOVE it DVD's look nice too, not nearly as nice as HD, but really good

Splicer

Did you have the set ISF calibrated or did you calibrate it?

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Toshiba 51H83 CRT RP HDTV | LG LST3510a ATSC/QAM Receiver | Toshiba HD-A35 HD DVD | Denon AVR-789 | Sony CDP-CX55 CD | TAD 805C Center Channel | TAD 803SD Front Mains & Surrounds | DIY 300w 12" Sub | APC H15 Power Conditioner | Harmony 550 | 43 OTA Channels

bglynn

I did it, using many guides and test dvd's. I've probably spent about 10 hours doing so but it was well worth it, the picture is still flawless now 7 months later!