Quote:
Originally posted by blk7404
It seems there is alot of information here about 34in widescreens, almost too much. I am new to this and the only thing I have learned about TVs is how to rest a sandwich on my gut so I can drink my beer while I watch it. I have been reading up on Hitachi, Toshiba, Sony, Panasonic, JVC, etc and I'm now more confused than ever with all of the tech info that I don't understand. I have checked them out in person and the same TV has looked totally different in terms of pq in different stores.
Working within a $1400 budget, I have found that I'm pretty limited to the entry level model from each brand for a widescreen 34. What do you recommend and what features should I place a higher value on than others given we only have cable now but may upgrade to satellite in the future? So, mostly basic cable and weekend DVD rental.
One thing I don't see mentioned much that is also a consideration for me is sound. I want quality sound out of the box because I cannot upgrade to surround sound right now.
I may just have to close my eyes and point randomly at which one to buy. |
You do have some choices in the $1400 range.(Is that $1400+tax or $1400 out the door?)
Don't just limit yourself to a 34" either. You can get some 36" HDTV under $1400.
And since, according to your post, you are going to be watching mostly analog cable(even if you upgrade to satellite, their material is shown in 4:3, albeit digitally) and DVD's on the weekend I would recommend going in the 36" HDTV direction(or the 4:3 direction as opposed to the 16:9 34" direction)
Also the 36" versions of the Tv comes in usually(not always mind you) between $150-$300 less than the 34" version of the same set. Sometimes it is a little less then what I wrote, but the 4:3 36" model tends to be cheaper than the 34" 16:9 model of the same brand. You widescreen image on the 36" would actually be a 33.5" image with black bars on top and bottom. You would only be losing a half inch n widescreen material.
I would recommend the 36" versions of the following sets in no particular order:
1. Sony 36HS420: Excellent overall set. Has all inputs including HDMI. No Pincture in Picture function though. This may mean nothing too you, but to some it does(especially for things like sports). Typically go for $1399+tax, but can be gotten for a cheaper price when on sale especially at places like Best Buy, Circuit City, and Sears.
2. Panasonic 36HL44. Tend to be a little cheaper than the Sony, but the picture is just as good. Has PIP, but it will not accept a 720p HD signal. This may be no big deal unless you are a gamer(XBOX especially) since some of their games are in 720p HD. This tv has all the inputs as the Sony, including the HDMI input. Also keep an eye out for unopened 36HL43(2003 model. Hence the 3 at the end of the number), especially at places like Circuit City and Sears. They would go for dirt cheap prices and the main difference between the HL43 and HL44 is that the HL43 has DVI input as compared to the HL44 HDMI input.
I don't know about the sound in these models. I THINK the Sony has BBE sound enhancement, while the Panasonic may not. This is something you may have to judge for yourself in order to decide.
Also with $1400(if that number is with tax included) you are most likely(unless you get a great deal) going to go over that figure with the tax included.
If that is set in stone, then you could go down to a 32" size set. All of the above have 32" size sets well within that price range.
