Suggest to me a television

[jonessoda]

What it absolutely needs:

-at least 20", no more than 30"
-component input
-flat screen (Trinitron-type, I know I won't be getting LCD or plasma on my budget)
-built-in cable tuner
-from a reputable brand
-no more than $250.

What I'd really like it to have:

-HDMI input
-HD resolution (1080 if possible, 720 certainly acceptable)

What it definitely should not have:

-a built-in VCR or DVD player (I'd prefer to select my own)

Thanks for your help.

 

[jonessoda]

Or is there no TV that fits that description?

 

[azoomee]

Take a peak at consumer reports, they normally have some real good recommendations.

 

[MrChad]

At that price point you'll be looking at a standard definition 27" television. I would stick with reputable brands such as Panasonic, Toshiba or Samsung.

A 30" high definition television will run you at least $600-700.

 

[SLCentral]

Originally posted by: MrChad
At that price point you'll be looking at a standard definition 27" television. I would stick with reputable brands such as Panasonic, Toshiba or Samsung.

A 30" high definition television will run you at least $600-700.

30" HD CRT for $388 refurbished from Philips Outlet FTW.

It's not worth spending $250 for a SD TV at this point...save up more money and then purchase, IMO..

 

[buzzsaw13]

I just got the Viewsonic N2751W from Compusa for $500+tax, so I'd say save up for an LCD

 

[lokiju]

Your price is the issue, not going to get a HD for $250.

 

[ForumMaster]

there is no CRT HD tv at your size and certianlly no HD TV at your budget. you're asking for too many things. HDMI output is worthless for SD TV but you're asking for a built in tuner and VCR/DVD? raise the budget a couple hundred dollars and you might find something.

 

[MrChad]

Originally posted by: ForumMaster
there is no CRT HD tv at your size and certianlly no HD TV at your budget. you're asking for too many things. HDMI output is worthless for SD TV but you're asking for a built in tuner and VCR/DVD? raise the budget a couple hundred dollars and you might find something.

He specifically does NOT want a built-in VCR or DVD.

 

[jonessoda]

Well, as to the price and size comments, let me just clarify something. I'm a student, this is a dorm-room television. I'll be purchasing the TV with my coming tax refund, currently the only real income I'll be getting for a while. I will have a total of about 300 (may be able to scrounge just a bit more) to spend on TV and DVD player. I have a single room so I have a relatively good amount of space, but it's still a small room, so I can't have anything too big.

So, there's no real point in me saving scratch until I can afford a big-screen LCD or anything, because I'm going to be in a dorm room for at least a couple more years. If I keep this TV beyond then, it'll be a secondary thing like a bedroom unit. If I can't get 1080 or 720 HD on my budget, then I can't get 1080 or 720 HD on my budget; it's not necessary, but it would be useful.

 

[MrChad]

If you have a desktop PC, you could always purchase a TV tuner card and watch on your monitor. It won't be as large as a TV, but it should suffice and would help you save space as well.

 

[jonessoda]

Originally posted by: MrChad
If you have a desktop PC, you could always purchase a TV tuner card and watch on your monitor. It won't be as large as a TV, but it should suffice and would help you save space as well.

That might work, but there is a problem. The only slots I have free are 1 PCIe x16 and 1 PCIe x1. My NIC (which, unfortunately, I need because my mobo's onboard LAN doesn't work) and my sound card take the plain PCI slots. I haven't seen any good TV tuners that fit into either PCIe slot.

Edit: I guess I could use a USB-based one... any good tuners you can recommend (pref. HD but SD will do)? I've heard good things about Hauppage.

 

[MrChad]

Originally posted by: jonessoda

Originally posted by: MrChad
If you have a desktop PC, you could always purchase a TV tuner card and watch on your monitor. It won't be as large as a TV, but it should suffice and would help you save space as well.

That might work, but there is a problem. The only slots I have free are 1 PCIe x16 and 1 PCIe x1. My NIC (which, unfortunately, I need because my mobo's onboard LAN doesn't work) and my sound card take the plain PCI slots. I haven't seen any good TV tuners that fit into either PCIe slot.

Edit: I guess I could use a USB-based one... any good tuners you can recommend (pref. HD but SD will do)? I've heard good things about Hauppage.

This one seems decent

 

[Josh123]

I have a Sanyo 27" SDTV and its great. I got it from Wal-Mart for about $280 after tax.

 

[Albatross]

watching tv requires half a mile screen,otherwise one couldn`t understand all that depth in tv land.

 

[jonessoda]

I now have a PCI slot I can use. Don't bother asking me how (and anyway I posted it in another applicable topic of mine), but I suppose that opens up a range of usable tuners.

 

[jonessoda]

How about the Leadtek PVR2000?