27" TV suggestions

[dullard]

The 13" TV my wife bought used 7 years ago is really on its way out. It is our main TV. We'd like to replace it with something with a reasonable size. Now I'd love a 32" HDTV, but that isn't going to happen - the only reasonably priced one ($700 Sanyo) isn't in any stores that I can find. I'm looking for something on a budget.

I liked the looks of these TVs:
Toshiba 27A43: $280 (or its low powered speaker cousin the $250 27A33).
Panasonic CT-27E13: $280

My question is what is your opinion on these TVs versus the rock bottom priced $180 TVs. No RCA for me - too much bad luck with those breaking.

 

[Saulbadguy]

There is a Samsung model that supposedly can be hacked to be turned into an "HDTV". I have it. I have turned on the 1080i option, but have not tried it out yet. It was 449. I'll find out the model # if you are interested.

 

[dullard]

I think $450 is too rich for my blood for a TV that needs modding. There are real (but refirbished) 27" HDTVs for $450 in the stores now.

 

[Saulbadguy]

Originally posted by: dullard
I think $450 is too rich for my blood for a TV that needs modding. There are real (but refirbished) 27" HDTVs for $450 in the stores now.

I bought it for 450 a year ago. Could be cheaper now. The "mod" wasn't really a mod..just a serviceman menu option that I had to change. No cracking the case or anything.

 

[LordJezo]

I spent the weekend at a friend's apartment watching a 36" HD Sony tv... mmm... got it $999 at Circuit City as an open boxed item.

 

[Slickone]

Originally posted by: Saulbadguy
There is a Samsung model that supposedly can be hacked to be turned into an "HDTV". I have it. I have turned on the 1080i option, but have not tried it out yet. It was 449. I'll find out the model # if you are interested.

Any bigger models that can be modded?

 

[Saulbadguy]

Originally posted by: Slickone

Originally posted by: Saulbadguy
There is a Samsung model that supposedly can be hacked to be turned into an "HDTV". I have it. I have turned on the 1080i option, but have not tried it out yet. It was 449. I'll find out the model # if you are interested.

Any bigger models that can be modded?

the 32"

 

[Uppsala9496]

So all you had to do was make some menu changes?

 

[RossMAN]

CostCo B&M has a nice Panasonic 27" for $219.99

The best of both worlds, quality and affordable.

 

[SoyBoy004]

Originally posted by: LordJezo
I spent the weekend at a friend's apartment watching a 36" HD Sony tv... mmm... got it $999 at Circuit City as an open boxed item.

my friend has this same one, except paid 1200 or so brand new. another friend got the 27" FS100 sony for 350 out the door while haggling during super bowl sunday.

 

[dullard]

Originally posted by: RossMAN
CostCo B&M has a nice Panasonic 27" for $219.99

The best of both worlds, quality and affordable.

There isn't a CostCo within 50 miles of my location (according to the CostCo store locator - you cannot go more than 50 miles). There might not even be a CostCo in the entire state (Nebraska). I did a quick look at the CostCo website and didn't see it.

Sam's Club has some nice JVC TVs for $290. But that brings me back to my original question. Should I spend the money for the ~$280 TV or cheap out and get the ~$180 TV?

I just love ATOT. I ask about $280 TV vs $180 TV and get a nice discussion about $1200 36" HDTVs.

 

[Salvador]

I'd tell you, but you probably don't care to hear about it.

Sal

 

[Doggiedog]

I've got the older Toshiba 27A42 and its been fine. Nice picture, good inputs and it even takes a component HDTV signal.

 

[ggavinmoss]

Originally posted by: Salvador
I'd tell you, but you probably don't care to hear about it.

Sal

This is the 3rd thread I've noticed you posting this in... you must be a bot.

-geoff

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

Originally posted by: Salvador
I'd tell you, but you probably don't care to hear about it.

Sal

do you ever say anything else?

 

[MaxFusion16]

projectors man projectors, go get yourself an old crt projector, cheap and high definition.

 

[Saulbadguy]

Originally posted by: Uppsala9496
So all you had to do was make some menu changes?

Yeah. Simple change in the serviceman menu.

 

[Night201]

I live JVC's

 

[Kelemvor]

I have 2 Toshiba 27" TVs and I like them both. No complaints about anything. One is a few years old and one about a year or so (maybe a bit less). BOth have lots of inputs and outputs, screen looks good, etc.

 

[dxkj]

I purchased a 27" TV for $139 brand new @ Walmart and I'm happy with it.

 

[Saulbadguy]

Text

Here is the info for the mod that I talked about. It also applies to the 27" model.