Recommendations for a 36" TV!!!

[FrontlineWarrior]

I need to buy a 36" TV. Here is what I'm looking for:

1. Flat screen
2. High quality DVD display. (Is able to utilize the full 480 lines or whatever)

That is basically it.. More info:
1. Already have home theater system (so don't need good built-in speakers)
2. DVD player is Panasonic 31k? (The one that plays mp3's)

Budget: $2000 or less. HD-readiness is a bonus, but I'm REALLY having a hard time trying to figure out if it's worth it. I will probably never watch broadcast tv. It will probably be Digital Cable or Satellite. Right now, the most important thing is being able to show DVD's in good quality. (In other words, when I'm watching a DVD, I don't want the TV to be the limiting factor, aka weakest link)

Some models I've considered: Sony something HS20, 36", Sony 36" XBR450, Wega FS13. I also looked at Tau's but they are expensive too.

On the AVForum, they are talking about the Hitachi TV that's around 1300-1400. Anyone have experiences with those? Does anyone even sell them anymore?

I hope someone can help!

 

[Viper GTS]

Wega XBR is not in the same class as Panasonic Tau's, XBR's are progressive scan whereas Taus are not.

For a 4:3 tube, I don't think there are better options out there than the Wega XBR series.

There are some 16:9 Wegas, you might look at them. I don't know whether or not they are progressive scan.

Viper GTS

 

[IBhacknU]

If you're mostly gonna watch DVDs, why not find a 16x9 format TV? You know, the letterbox type.

I have a 35" here and just finished watching U-571. Great DVD (especially the sound), but the black bars still eat away a bunch of my screen real estate.

 

[FrontlineWarrior]

Thanks for the advice guys, but it would help if you gave me model numbers so I can look them up

 

[psteng19]

are WEGA's just different in that they are flat screen?
or do they have higher resolution than normal tv's (trinitrons)?

i like the WEGA XBR for your budget.

 

[Viper GTS]

Example

One big problem, though, they operate on 240.

:Q

Viper GTS

 

[FrontlineWarrior]

Concerning the progressive scans, I don't think my Panasonic DVD player is progressive scan. Should I buy a progressive scan TV anyway and upgrade my DVD player later?

What are some good widescreen TV's? Which one do you have IBHacknU?

 

[Nutdotnet]

Go to SONY and look them up yourself!

 

[Viper GTS]

If you have $2,000 to blow on a TV, by all means get a progressive scan TV. You can upgrade the DVD player later.

Viper GTS

 

[IBhacknU]

<< What are some good widescreen TV's? Which one do you have IBHacknU? >>

I like to brag about my 35" TV. It's a good 'ol fashion picture tube Mitsubishi I bought used 5 years ago. The guy I bought it from had purchased it from one of the local hotels. They were upgrading the Presidential Suite. Needless to say, the thing has given SOLID years of service. Oh yea.... did I mention I paid $400 for it.

I only hope it lasts long enough until HDTV becomes more mainstream. That or I can afford to hang a Plasma TV on my wall. Either way, I'm likely to get something that is 16x9 in its aspect ratio.

Speaking of toys... anyone want a sweet deal on a Billiards Table?

 

[RossMAN]

For that price range I'd recommend either a Panasonic Tau PureFlat or the Sony WEGA 36HS20 which should sell at your local A/V dealer for about $2,000 (that's how much it costs at Home Video Library in Gresham, Oregon).

Since this is a big heavy expensive purchase I recommend buying it locally at your nearest A/V dealer, Fry's, Best Buy, Good Guys, Sears, etc.

 

[Sugadaddy]

You'll never beat a 16x9 HDTV for DVDs. A Toshiba 42H81 (42inch, widescreen, HDTV...) will make widescreen movies look so much bigger you'll slap yourself for buying a 4x3 set... (it's around 1600-1800$ I think)

If you were only interested in watching cable TV, then I'd agree on buying a 4x3 TV, but since you seem to want the best for DVDs, don't waste your money on a Wega. (and I own one, so I'm not biased )

Wegas are awesome TVs, but the best deals for them is in the 27-32 inch range. After that, they're too expensive to be worth it, and don't offer as much as a true HDTV widescreen set. Some people are gonna say RPTVs don't look as good, but I suggest to go look at them and see for yourself.

 

[kertmit2004]

Sony