I'm finally going to make the jump to a HDTV this Christmas. Any recommendations w/ explanations for specific models would be appreciated. The set would be used 40% for XBOX (RS3, Halo2, PGR2), 20% DVD, 20% HDTV, 20% DTV. I would like the size between 50" and 60" and cost under $2500 including HD tuner. (I assume this would take me to Rear CRT.) Thanks,
Recommend a HDTV
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Since you'll be mostly watching tv/movies instead of playing games on it, you might want to post in the CRT/RPTV areas. 
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Still, thats a lot of xbox, I'd recommend a technology not subject to burn-in.
I couldnt locate anything in your size range and budget with a tuner like this. Here is something thats close to all your specs: http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTE...tion_42to51TVs
I couldnt locate anything in your size range and budget with a tuner like this. Here is something thats close to all your specs: http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTE...tion_42to51TVs
a good display is a good display - it makes no difference what you display (unless you have a really oddly skewed set of preferences which you don't seem to). Be aware that CRT RPTVs are subject to burn-in but this is almost a non-issue (read the burn-in sticky thread in the RPTV forum here) unless you really abuse your display. For Xbox be aware that some displays don't upconvert the 720p games to 1080i over the component inputs (Mitsubishi and all but the most recent Pioneers before they stopped CRT based sets). The selection of 720p XBox games is not broad and seems to very rarely include any big games but if it's a factor look toward Hitachi or another brand that you can confirm upconversion on. Next generation of consoles will have the power to handle upscaling and HD on their games so this should not be an issue in the future although some people won't believe until it's in their hands - but MSFT never promised the current Xbox was an HD console. On the burn-in front, you might be able to find a DLP or LCD based rear projection set for close to your budget (likely not much over the 50" mark though). Check around. Best advice is to see what you like and shop local as you can't truly evaluate most of these sets (specifically CRT based RPTV) in a showroom due to lighting, feed, and set-up issues.
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Like ChrisFB said, you'll want to make sure the TV can accept 480i/480p/720p/1080i. I know the Toshiba's do, and apparently the Hitachi's do as well.
The Hitachis are the best CRT RPTVs. If you're buying a TV under $2500, they're the way to go. Toshibas have gone to crap. If you've got room for a projector, look into them, or if you start sprouting dollars out your ass, look into DLP, but otherwise, Hitachi. Now turn your ignore on.
I like the Hitachi CRT based sets because of the Auto Convergence circuitry. I don't know if the newer Mitsubishi models support it but my 2000 model does not.
If you can go up to $2799 you might take a look at the Sony Grand Wega IV LCD set. I have last year's model in a 2nd room and Xbox games look very good. I'm pretty sure that they added the tuner in this year's model.
If you can go up to $2799 you might take a look at the Sony Grand Wega IV LCD set. I have last year's model in a 2nd room and Xbox games look very good. I'm pretty sure that they added the tuner in this year's model.
A way to get more TV for your buck is to forgo the tuner. In reality, it you get cable or satellite, you don't really need one. You could then get a Sony Grand Wega III or a Samsung HLN/HLP in the 60 inch range. Granted, these are older models, but they're good TVs that are natively progressive scan. Having owned both 1080i and 720p sets, I like videogaming on the progressive set. Just my $.02
The 57S500 is IMO the best value you can get right now. I have hundreds of xbox hours on mine, and no burn-in. It accepts 480i/p, 720p and 1080i. It does a damn good job of upconverting 480i too (which not all sets do well). The standard user menus are better than some service menus I have seen. The adjustable color decoder for each input is a big plus as well. This TV can be had from $1899-$2335 on yahoo shopping.
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