HDTV emergency

[Squidmaster]

Hi all. My 26" HDTV just flat out broke today for reasons unknown. I am very ill, and my parents will be leaving for a trip in a few days. For large chunks of my day all I can really do is watch TV (can't even read at those times), so I'm in quite a bind. Can anyone recommend a good replacement?

Here are a few added details:

26" can work but the main issue is that I use a wall mount. The new TV has to fit on that mount. Here is a manual for my recently deceased TV that might help figure out what size the mount is. I assume it is standard within certain size ranges but I don't know for sure. If a slightly larger screen can fit on that mount that would be peachy.

Is it even possible to get a screen of this size that does not use a 1366x768 resolution? That resolution makes no sense, and my computer has fits with it if I want to use my TV as a second monitor.

Can we get something fast that I can be happy with from Costco, Bestbuy, or a similar local store? Are there any situations where an Amazon order or something along those lines would be preferable? If the quality/reliability jump is significant enough I could get through a few days.

I have a really nice monitor (DS-263N) that I use for movies but that can't output data from my cable box. Is there any way to remedy this? If not, what this would mean is that I don't need a TV that can display 1080p unless that standard is being implemented for HD cable in the near future.

Are there any panels to flat out avoid?

Last notes - I would like to have 2 digital inputs on this thing. Ideally I suppose that would be 1 hdmi and 1 dvi, but 2 hdmi is probably easier to find and adapters shouldn't be a big deal.

Sound is a very minor concern, as I use separate speakers.

Thanks a bunch all. This forum has been fantastic to me in the past. Hopefully I can get a little luck tonight and get situated again.

 

[SlickSnake]

Wal*Mart 30-39" HDTVs

Cheapest one shipped to store is $349 for a 32". In store availability cheapest one is $378 for a 32". They do free ship to store, too, but it takes a little longer. Just remember if you buy a off brand TV to get an extended warranty for 3 years at least. A lot of these brands are not repairable, and at least the warranty will cover a replacement set. Walmart also has dirt cheap 3 year warranties. Don't get smaller than a 32 inch. Most 26 inch wall mounts should support a 32 inch, I would think. They are only 6 inches bigger.

As long as you got the 3 year (or more) warranty, you should be able to buy without fear if you like the way the tv picture looks. If not, just take it back to the store if its an online only offer and try another brand. At that price point I wouldn't worry a whole lot about one brand over another, as long as you have a good warranty package covering you and it has the features you want.

 

[Muadib]

Costco has this 28" monitor for $300.

32" Vizio for $400

Best Buy has 32" Dynex for $300

Just posting deals in the stores you mentioned. The Vizio is the only one that I've actually seen.

 

[SlickSnake]

I also noticed Walmart is real hit and miss on HDTV availability in stores. About 3 months ago, I helped someone pick out a new Vizio (they insisted on one) and found a limited edition 37" inch for $544 and none on display (2 hidden in the back room) when the cheapest one in the store on display for a 37" Vizio was like $632, almost $100 more.

 

[Squidmaster]

I nabbed a Samsung LN32B460 that happened to be on sale. I am not entirely happy with my settings yet but the picture is good. Unfortunately the viewing angle is horrendous. Do you happen to know if any comparable screens do better in that area? I am not yet sure whether this is a keeper or not.

Thanks for your help all.

 

[Muadib]

If you are having problems with the viewing angle, then you should either get a plasma set, or a bigger lcd.