[Nosferatu]

First off LCD or non-LCD works for me, so you can give me suggestions on both. I'm not too familiar with the differences in clarity on either screen.


My budget is $2000-$2500 and I'm looking for something that will give me decent quality.


Here's what I need:


It's being placed on top of a wall unit with a surface area of 36" length and 17" depth so if the TV exceeds these dimensions, that's fine, however the base (legs) it stands on cannot exceed these dimensions. Does not matter the height since the wall unit is not enclosed.


I need composite input for 720p/1080i


HDTV ready (do not need a built-in HDTV decoder)


Must accept a VGA input from a PC

 

[cluemeister]

I have a 42 EDTV from Philips, the FD9935. Got it at BJ's (3 months ago) in your price range. It is discontinued now, so it may be harder to find. It does have a VGA input, and composite as well. Sam's had the 37" version of this in HD at that time, just above your price range.


I went back to BJ's earlier this week, and they have the consumer 42" Panny in their store now in your price range. Don't know if it has a VGA input, but the hundreds on this forum who own this set can tell you this.


Good luck,


Cluemeister

 

[absolutic]

HDTV ready? can it be a tube? Sony makes a killer tube in 36 inch for just under 2000$. Does it have to be plasma/lcd?

 

[PikminZeez]

You won't find an HD plasma for under $2,500. So, I would recommend the Sony KD-34XBR960.

 

[Nosferatu]

Quote:

Originally posted by absolutic HDTV ready? can it be a tube? Sony makes a killer tube in 36 inch for just under 2000$. Does it have to be plasma/lcd?

no I don't care what kind of TV it really is as long as it's HDTV ready...it does not have to be plasma/lcd...as long as it fits my above requirements and shows a picture.


I'll check out the other models listed in this thread tomorrow....3:45am too early to start researching.



Philips 42PF9936 is the new model I think of that Phillips model. How good is the quality on these Plasma/LCD screens? Am I better off with something like that Sony listed above still running off a convential picture tube?

 

[absolutic]

The sony listed above is a magnificent tv if you can deal with its 300 lb weight issue. it has stunning colors, build-in hd tuner, is probably the best tube tv currently on the market period. you can see it in your local bb. the quality of the picture is simply outstanding.

 

[gigaguy]

If you don't care whether it's Plasma, LCD, or CRT, then absolutely go CRT with the Sony 34XBR960. It is cheaper and has the best picture, bar none. You require decent picture quality, sorry this tube is oustanding PQ.


It just requires you hire or befriend a few strongarms to lift it! 200 pounds.

 

[Nosferatu]

I looked at that TV last night and I agree it looks amazing....any way I can find one with a RGB input for my computer? If not it's no big deal but I really prefer having that option.

 

[absolutic]

you can buy component to RGB adopter for 10$ from infocus site or other sites alike. Or you local specialty electronics store may carry one.

 

[Nosferatu]

Quote:

Originally posted by absolutic you can buy component to RGB adopter for 10$ from infocus site or other sites alike. Or you local specialty electronics store may carry one.

and the quality is still sharp? See I always found doing the PC --> TV over S-video or RCA just is fuzzy because of the TV being a low-resolution monitor.


Ok do we have more suggestions for TVs...that Sony I'm considering but how about a comparable flat panel?

 

[BobDobalina]

FYI, the tube TVs won't do 720p natively, they'll either up or down convert to 480p or 1080i.


For that price you can get a 32'' LCD that'll do 720p natively, but will have to downconvert 1080i. Depends which is more important for you Doesn't sound like plasma is the way to go for you, though, as it doesn't have the resolution.

 

[absolutic]

BobDobalina, but do you think that quality of the picture of Sony 34XBR960 can be beat by ANY lcd tv? One day I stood about 20-25 min in a local BB mesmorized by the Sony. I thought that picture on it was simply flawless. I could not find anything wrong with it. Since the original poster does not have size and weight constraints, this might be the way to go.


On the other hand, I personally would not buy anymore tube tvs simply because i think they are things of the past. But most people don't share my opinion.

 

[Nosferatu]

Quote:

Originally posted by absolutic Since the original poster does not have size and weight constraints, this might be the way to go. On the other hand, I personally would not buy anymore tube tvs simply because i think they are things of the past. But most people don't share my opinion.

Well I do have some restrictions with size/weight.


I'm placing it on my wall unit base. It has a surface area of 36" by 17" so if the TV's base is larger than that it'll be hanging over the edge.


As for that Sony 190 something pounds I don't think I can handle. I'll be moving often over the next couple of years (school and hospital rotations around the country) so I need something that I can easily transport.

 

[BobDobalina]

Sounds like LCD may be for you. You can get 32'' LCD models with detachable or bottom-mounted speakers that will fit in there. Not sure about which models will fit in under $2,500, though.


And regarding quality vs. the Sony, yes, when hooked up to a PC, I can imagine an LCD giving a better quality picture than the Sony. In other situations though I can't say, as I haven't had the opportunity to see them side by side.

 

[TauRus]

Nosferatu, given your requirements, your best pick would be an LCD panel (not LCD projection). True, its picture would be inferior to CRT direct view TV like Sony the other guys mentioned. In fact CRTs still have the best PQ compared to any display technology in terms of color reproduction, black levels, though they also have their downsides (focus, flickering, burn-in, weight, etc).

LCD panels have very decent picture quality. Among all TV displays LCD TVs are the best really to be connected to a PC via RGB/DVI. They are not as fragile as other flat panel displays and weigh usually much less, so again that goes well for your planned frequent moves.

In a word, if you are ready to sacrifice the picture quality somewhat, mostly in regards to black levels, then I would definitely go with an LCD TV panel.

Now, which of the numerous panels to pick - that's a different question. There are different panels available both retail and online that would fit your budget as long as their size meets your criteria. I used to own a 30" Sceptre LCD which was a great panel and worth a single cent I paid for it (and got back later .. ) It costs about fifteen hundred now at costco. Also, there were threads on this forum that Syntax is prepping a 37" LCD with true 1080P resolution for under $3K. So, take your time and do some research on LCD TVs.

 

[Nosferatu]

Quote:

Originally posted by BobDobalina You can get 32'' LCD models with detachable or bottom-mounted speakers that will fit in there

I can skip the speakers...I have a rather decent Denon AVR 5.1 setup (for a college student). However, I'm leaning towards the LCDs/plasma/flat panel. Any decent one's we can list (specifics). I'm running right now a 10 year old JVC 36" that is let's just say "getting me by."




Oh and Taurus good points and I will keep what you said into consideration. I know my audio fairly well but I'm weak on my TV knowledge...is LCD the same as flat panels and/or the same as plasma?

 

[Nosferatu]

Actually I was looking on crutchfield (will never buy there...just looking)


how's this TV?

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-UfsHGxz...0&I=257LT26W84

 

[TauRus]

Yes, LCD panels are the same as flat panel LCDs


As far as the link goes, overpriced IMO. If that screen size is ok for you, then better take a look at a similar priced unit but much better value:
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product...rPath=79*2341*


or

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product...rPath=79*2341*


or better yet

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product...rPath=79*2341*

 

[Nosferatu]

I really like the Sharp TV. Is that Aqueous thing good? I hear it on TV all the time but figured it was just some marketing ploy.

 

[absolutic]

I'd also watch the DELL site for any deals. They had that 23 inch LCD on sale for under 900$ last week but for one day only. http://www.**************/t/18/376522/

They have 30 inch model as well and I think a 26 inch model.