[eljay04]

Well, I was pretty much set on the new Panny 34", but I can get the Toshiba 34HF83 for CAD$1799 including stand. The new Panny would be CAD$1999 PLUS stand (another $200-$300 maybe).


So, it there a significant difference in last year's Toshiba vs this year's Panny?


Thanks!

 

[mikejwil]

The 04 Panny is supposed to have a higher resolution tube. But, I'm not sure the difference on a 34" is worth the extra $$$.


I'm leaning toward Toshiba...I'll get the 03 model if I can get it for quite a bit less than the MSRP of $1399 USD on the 04 (due out this month). If not, I'll probably just get the 04.

 

[eljay04]

Anyone else have any words of wisdom for me?

 

[Stickee]

No wise words of wisdom, but I'm in almost the exact same boat as you. Please let us know what you end up with, and why you did so. The thing that's different for me is that I might wait for the 04 Toshibas in Sept.

 

[eljay04]

Will do once I make up my mind. Unfortunately, I don't have any TV at all since I moved, so I can't wait that long. My sofa will be here 5 weeks from now, so I may hold off until then, but I may not.


Until then, I'll see if I can live with my PC and its TV tuner card that I'm putting in this week.

 

[alaindelon]

Get the Toshiba(thats a good price you quoted)or see if you can find a good price on the older model Panasonic or Sony.Read my post regarding the new Panasonic:

 

[eljay04]

Thanks Alain.


If I could afford it, I'd jump on the Sony 34HS510, but it's $2999 without stand compared to the prices I listed above. The 34WX53 Panny is the same price. It seems like there is never a clearance sale on Sony TVs.


I'm really leaning towards the Toshiba since I did stretch my budget already when I decided that I wanted a 34" instead of 30". I'll see what kind of sale will come next weekend and I'll possibly pull the trigger at that time.

 

[celtsfan44]

I realize you are apparently from Canada but I'd try to see if the more affordable Sony 34HS420 is available in your area... It appears to be a clone of the 34HS510 but without PIP and I believe advanced sound but in return you get HDMI and a set that may have pretty much solved the only bugs in the HS510 series of sets at a much more attractive price point.


I would forget about a clearance on Sony's HDTV's this year since quite frankly the prices are dropping so much on the newer models that the old models on 'clearance' will probably still be more expensive then the new models on a typical sale. Clearance deals work out well when the new sets are about the same price as the old sets but this is clearly not the case this year.


I believe one of the first site's to advertise Sony's new HS420 lines of tv's was a store in Canada so I would think that even the Sony 34HS420 should be arriving relatively shortly in Canada but I could be wrong. Goodguys.com already has the 34HS420 set in the US but Sony isn't even offering the set on its website the last time I checked..

 

[eljay04]

celtsfan,


I found the 34HS420 listed on one site in Canada. The price is CAD$2489, so it's CAD$500 more than this year's Panny and about $700 more than last year's Toshiba. So, unfortunately, it won't even make my shopping list.

 

[walkman666]

Prices are definitely coming down on '03 models. I just got the toshiba 34HFX83 for $1388 in NYC. I am most pleased with this price.


- walkman

 

[eljay04]

Well, I finally pulled the trigger. I got a Toshiba 34HF83 with a stand and a 5-year warranty.


It will be delivered in a week or so. I'm psyched! Now I just need to find a decent HTIB for a reasonable price since I can't use my nice 5.1 PC system in the living room.


Now, I'm focusing my research on cable vs satellite to make sure I get the best HDTV programming on this set.


I'll post my impressions once I get to play with it.

 

[Trent]

That's great to hear. I also got that same TV a couple weeks ago. Has been an excellent TV so far!

 

[Gregd33]

Any impressions yet?


I am interested in this set...

 

[Sonikku]

Brand wise I like Panasonic, although being a xbox gamer I like Toshiba's ability to display 720p into 1080i. I'm torn.

 

[Stickee]

In the latest Futureshop flyer, the new Panasonic 34wx54 is now $1799. I'm now considering this again after I thought I was set on the Toshiba (either this year or last year's, depending on price)

Quote:

Originally posted by Sonikku Brand wise I like Panasonic, although being a xbox gamer I like Toshiba's ability to display 720p into 1080i. I'm torn.

Haven't searched yet, but how does the Panasonic handle 720p?

 

[Sonikku]

It doesn't. That's the point. (you get static)

 

[Jet Champion]

Go Toshiba all the way and then you can play all the childish games you want in perfect clarity--it should make you a happy boy!