I’m in the market for a new TV. The inherent instability of the Gainesville power grid (above ground lines, lots of oak trees, frequent tropical storm force winds) killed my TV’s power supply last year. I’ve been putting off big purchases (for a reason that will have to remain a secret a little bit longer), but am now ready to commit. I think that HDTV prices have dropped enough to be affordable, and there is significant benefit, what with video games and HDTV over cable.
I like to spend under $600… $700 at the very most. I’d like it to be widescreen (16:9) aspect ratio. I’d like it to be 720p and 1080i capable, with component inputs. Other than that, I’m open to suggestions. I’m guessing that a tube TV will get me the most bang for my buck. LCDs are expensive, and the quality is generally lacking. I don’t care about bulk… I have an entertainment center that can house a big tube.
If you have any suggestions or recommendations, please let me know.
tree says
Well, I don’t have any suggestions or recommendations, but I did want to tell you that it doesn’t seem like your secret will stay that way very long if you mention it like that. Of course, I could be wrong, but that rarely ever happens. 😛
Mark says
Well, it won’t need to remain a secret for very long. 😉
Peter Kashou says
I’m not sure about the $700 max, but I can suggest you take a look at AVS Forum for suggestions. That site was instrumental in my hunt the for a 16:9 screen. I know it’s above your price limit, but the Panasonic TH-42PWD8UK is an amazing screen. Not true HD (it’s ED), but the difference extremely minor unless you are connecting it to your computer.
Greg says
We went through this last year. We were looking for the same thing you are: 720p/1080i, component inputs, 16:9 widescreen. We also opted for a CRT instead of a plasma or LCD. It’s deeper (and weights a ton) but our entertainment armoire is fine, we just took off the back. Anyhow, we spent about $1000 for a 42-inch, but I’m sure there are 30-somethings for your price range. At AVS, they seem partial to certain brands, so take it with a grain of salt. We went with a Philips because all of our other stuff is from them and it works wonderfully. Also, we noticed that a lot of commercial establishments have Philips sets on day and night. Anyhow, choose the brand you’re comfortable with.
Also, once you get it, sign up with either DirecTV or your cable company for their HD package because you won’t be able to get by without it. TV in HD is like crack. Finally, go for the HD, not the ED and only get one with a built-in tuner if you don’t plan on having cable or satellite. The built-in tuner makes it cost more and the cable/satellite company acts as your tuner so why be redundant. If you do get the built-in tuner, you’ll need some rabbit ears for the free HD local channels. Otherwise your cable/satellite company will probably offer locals in HD. We use DirecTV with it’s HD DVR and also have an antenna on the roof for the free HD locals, which plugs into the DirecTV tuner/recorder box.
Oh, and then you’ll need a good sound system. It’ll take over your life. Muahahaha!
David says
At that price range? In a flat-panel, Syntax Olevia 26″ LCD, 1280x720p, dual-component, DVI. If you watch the sunday sales, usually someone pricing with rebates for around $500-600. I’ll hopefully have a review up one of these days… 😉 In a CRT? you could probably get a Panny or Toshiba 34-36″, likely HDMI if a newer model. Circuit City is running some TV sale right now, as most are before ‘the big game’.
I prefer the LCD as I use it for HTPC stuff, so I want actual pixels, AND because it is actual 720p (some of the newer/bigger sets are 1366×768, which means they have to scale or black-bar stuff, and many plasmas are 1024×768, which is just weird…).
-d
ogd says
Try the phillips outlet store there are often good deals some with free shipping. the range you are looking for will get you a good HD Tube TV. Westinghouse site also sells their refurbed units online. I have a 37″ Westinghouse not tuner, and my friend has the 37″ sceptre (atsc, QAM & ntsc tuners built in) from costco which both seem to be very nice 1080p units. But both are 1K more than you want to pay… good luck on the new (relationship, baby, or job) or what ever it is.
Bob says
I love my Sony HDTV. Now is the time to buy!
HDTV says
If you haven’t picked up yet, you should look at samsung. They have the best quality valued priced TV. You could also look at pioneer, but these are a little more expensive.