Is $100 extra worth it for flat screen?

Spooner

Lifer
Jan 16, 2000
12,025
1
76
i need to replace the tv in the bedroom, so i'm hitting up costco within the next few days to grab a 32" set.

they have one that a toshiba normal boob tube for $299 and a Sharp 32" with flatscreen for $399

i can't decide if flatscreen is worth that extra hundo. I noticed no other difference between tv's (besides brand)
 

hjo3

Diamond Member
May 22, 2003
7,354
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0
If you don't need the space, grab the CRT and save some cash.
 

Koing

Elite Member <br> Super Moderator<br> Health and F
Oct 11, 2000
16,843
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Originally posted by: hjo3
If you don't need the space, grab the CRT and save some cash.

They are both CRT's but the tube isn't flat on the Toshiba one and it is on the Sharp one.

$100 over many many tv hrs is CHEAP. I would definately go with the Sharp one.

Koing
 

Spooner

Lifer
Jan 16, 2000
12,025
1
76
i'm leaning toward getting the flat one as $100 isn't all that much

but what am i gaining by it really? does it really make a difference in viewability?
 

spidey07

No Lifer
Aug 4, 2000
65,469
5
76
It depends. Flat screen CRTs can have severe geometry problems (bowing or uneven picture at the edges)

View them both first with some test patterns.
 

Tiamat

Lifer
Nov 25, 2003
14,068
5
71
Originally posted by: Spooner
i'm leaning toward getting the flat one as $100 isn't all that much

but what am i gaining by it really? does it really make a difference in viewability?

yes, less distortion. I find that mild viewing, it doesnt matter. But if you are watching a movie or a sports game, the distortion is very noticeable.
 

Viper GTS

Lifer
Oct 13, 1999
38,107
433
136
Yes, the flat screen makes a big difference.

Both of those seem awfully cheap, are 32" CRT's really that cheap these days? What's a Tau or Wega cost?

If a Tau is outside your budget I would definitely get a flat model, the glare reduction alone is worth it.

Viper GTS
 

Spooner

Lifer
Jan 16, 2000
12,025
1
76
ahhh... glare reduction!

i'm sold. there is a ton of glare in my room and anythign that reduces it is an A+ in my opinion
 

Patt

Diamond Member
Jan 30, 2000
5,288
2
81
get the flat one for sure ... much, much better picture with less distortion.
 

spidey07

No Lifer
Aug 4, 2000
65,469
5
76
Originally posted by: Patt
get the flat one for sure ... much, much better picture with less distortion.

actually flat screens have more distortion/geometry problems.

But that's a small price to pay for the easier viewing/antiglare.
 

Vette73

Lifer
Jul 5, 2000
21,503
9
0
Get a 36. I got a 32 and was upset in less then a year that i did not just go for 36inch. Bought the 36inch later, much happier now.
 

Spooner

Lifer
Jan 16, 2000
12,025
1
76
Originally posted by: Marlin1975
Get a 36. I got a 32 and was upset in less then a year that i did not just go for 36inch. Bought the 36inch later, much happier now.

32 is the biggest i can get that'll fit on my dresser in my bedroom :(
 

spidey07

No Lifer
Aug 4, 2000
65,469
5
76
Originally posted by: Spooner
Originally posted by: Marlin1975
Get a 36. I got a 32 and was upset in less then a year that i did not just go for 36inch. Bought the 36inch later, much happier now.

32 is the biggest i can get that'll fit on my dresser in my bedroom :(

Hmm, this sounds like an application for plasma to me.

(is there an echo in here?)
 

lytalbayre

Senior member
Apr 28, 2005
842
2
81
I would look for a 30 inch or 34 inch widescreen flat CRT. Better for moving watching.. .. and the proper perspective for HDTV/digital channels.

If you're willing to spend $400, spend a little more and do it right!!
 

codeyf

Lifer
Sep 6, 2000
11,854
3
81
Check the included inputs as well, to see if the $100 is worth it. Component inputs FTW!
 

Kaido

Elite Member & Kitchen Overlord
Feb 14, 2004
52,217
7,552
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The big differences are (1) glare reduction and (2) nice looks. My 27" Panasonic Tau flatscreen doesn't have nearly as much glare as my old bubble-style TVs. That and it looks really cool in my living room. No geometry problems with mine.

Also, if you are looking at other types of tv, there's the quality factor to consider. Ask them to put cable TV on a plasma or LCD...it looks like trash. I shopped around and looked at plasmas, LCDs, projectors, and big rear-projection televisions, and the CRT beat them all for general image quality. I'd say go for the flatscreen CRT.