[Mike Rubin]

I am stuck with a bedroom cabinet into which I barely could squeeze a 27-inch Sony XBR CRT, which needs to be replaced. I originally presumed I would replace it with a HDTV CRT of the same size, but, after being underwhelmed by those now on the market, I was steered in the direction of much more expensive LCD widescreens, which I am now considering.


Without getting into specifics, which would violate the Forum's price reference policy, I am having a DICKENS of a time trying to figure out why there are such radical price differences between otherwise similar-appearing HDTV LCD widescreens. Just as a general example, the 26 inch Sharp Aquos goes for about a grand less than the new Sony 26 inch WEGA LCD, with the JVC and Toshiba sets somewhere in the middle of the two.


I also am having a tough time understanding why the Sharp 30 incher costs 75% more than the 26 incher in my neighborhood. I understand that the 30 inch products include outboard video componentry boxes, and presume that has something to do with it, but is that the primary reason or are there quantum leaps in price with every handful of inches of increased screen size?


As you can tell, I am a complete novice in the LCD world, having never even considered these televisions before yesterday. Any insights are appreciated. Thanks!

 

[rogo]

I believe the Sharp 26" does not have HDTV resolution. If that's true, it's a reason why it's so much cheaper.

 

[a.macree]

Quote:

Originally posted by Mike Rubin I...As you can tell, I am a complete novice in the LCD world, having never even considered these televisions before yesterday. Any insights are appreciated. Thanks!

Hi Mike,

Hang on man. You're on the right track w/LCD. Bite the bullet. You'll not regret it.

IMHO,

AMc

Aquos LC30-2U, TS160, D*

PSVI, No. RGB/VGA, Yes. Superior PQ, Yes.

A.

 

[Odnetnin256]

Take a look at Sony's 32" LCD WEGA. It is picture perfect. Excellent shadow detail, contrast, black levels, and response time. The response time has got to be less than 15 ms. It also has HDTV resolution, and a built in ATSC tuner! The only drawback is the price tag: $5,999.99. Rest assured, you will be astounded when you see it. It has a very bright, phosphor-like look to it. Similar to a fine pitch CRT.

 

[rogo]

OK, this is the second public warning.

 

[genietime]

Mike,


I'm mildly baffled by your post. As a LCD owner, I'm surprised you like the PQ of the LCD vs. the good HD direct view CRTs (e.g. Sony XBRs). I like LCDs in fact I like them so much its the only HDTV I have, but in pure PQ terms at small sizes CRTs are hard to beat. Do you have other considerations, like computer use or wall mounting that are pushing you towards LCD? I like LCDs and highly recommend them (for the right people) but they are not usually the right choice for most people.


If I were if your position I would also consider ditching the cabinet (WAF issues?) and wall mounting a 42" plasma. You can get an excellent 42" plasma at the same (or lower!) price (generally speaking) of a 30" (or even 26" for some of the brands you mentioned) LCD. In my case I needed the extra resolution of LCD for dual-use as a computer display, if this wasn't the case I would have definitely got a Panny 42" plasma. I'm sure this will cause me to get kicked out of the "LCD Lover's Club" but if you are just going to watch TV and DVDs from a reasonable distance AND have the space, seriously consider a 42" plasma.


If a LCD is the right choice for you, I'd strongly encourage you to take a look at various models in person. You are right there is a large price different between brands. If you are willing and money is important you might also consider "off-brands" (e.g. Sceptre). Yes, there is a PQ and other differents, but you can get one at about half the price of some of the name brand LCDs. You'll only be able to make the determination if the extra money is worth it by viewing some panels, don't take someone's word on a forum for it. Also make sure you are comparing apples to apples (there are some non-HD 26" models I believe, however the Sharp 26" that comes to my mind isn't. The Sharp LC26GD6U is a 1366x768 panel, has both DVI and HDMI and 800:1 contrast, which is quite sweet!).


It can be great fun shopping for a HDTV, take your time and make sure you're getting the right panel for yourself.


Good luck.

 

[Mike Rubin]

Thank you all for the insights.


Rogo, the 26 inch Sharp IS a HD, with very nice features, as Genietime points out.


Genietime, I love Sony CRT tv's but the soon-to-be-released 27 inch CRT HD does not have detachable speakers, and, as a result, will not fit where a 30 inch LCD with detachable speakers can. The other CRT models I actually got to see also were too wide due to speaker placement, except the Panasonic. While the Panasonic would fit, I was not impressed with its SD performance and its having only one component and one SVHS input, since I am going to need a few, between cable box, DVD player, and SVHS VCR. (You are correct that WAF is the reason the cabinet stays; it is part of our bedroom suite and fits exactly between the closet door and heater vent, with zero room to spare, and, thus, cannot be replaced by a larger form factor. And the Sceptre LCD, of which I am aware and which is tons less money, does NOT have removable speakers and thus is 4 inches too wide for the cabinet.)


Odnetnin, thanks, but the Sony is going to be way too honking humongous to fit my little cubbyhole. I also am sure that my bride would prefer that I spend a lot less on a tv that, when all is said and done, is going to spend a lot more time on Court TV, the evening news, and Saturday Night Live than HD extravaganzas.


Right now, I am leaning towards the Sharp 30-incher, which seems a good compromise between price and performance. The outboard box means I can move the electronics to the shelves on which the other boxes sit, which shortens the leads considerably. The biggest question is whether I should spend the extra hundreds to buy locally or take my chances on mail order.

 

[TauRus]

Mike, what are exact measurements of your cabinet?

 

[Mike Rubin]

TauRus, there is a swivel "platform" that measures almost exactly 27 inches wide, and, with open doors, the opening is a little over 31 inches. I figured out that, with speakers removed, I probably could get by with the 32 inch Aquos, since (1) its base will fit on the swivel platform, and (2) the external electronics box negates the need to get at any inputs other than the single connector that runs from the box to the screen, so I don't have to worry that it is too wide to reach around if it exceeds the platform width.