Would you buy a rear projection TV <$1000?

[BooneRebel]

I've been looking to buy a big-screen TV for a couple of years. I think the biggest TV I own right now is 27". I've been watching the prices on the 42"+ units drop for the past year or two down from $2000 to $1500 until just recently I've seen some adverstised for $900 or so. Even WalMart carries a couple big TVS these days. I'm all about getting the best bang for my buck and I don't think HDTV is going to be reasonable (at least for the 4-5' model I want to buy) for another couple of years, so I'd like to compromise with a standard format TV for now. Should I go for a new unit at $900-1000, knowing that it won't be the best picture quality? Or go for a used TV, better model? Basically trading off the warranty for a better picture? I don't want to spend more than $1200 or so, less than that if I can...

 

[Mutilator]

Honestly I would say hold off until you get closer to $2000... you should be able to get a nice Hitachi 51SWX20B for that price in a couple months. It'd be foolish to buy a non HDTV right now. Stick with your existing TV and then by the time you save up $2K you'll be able to get a great HDTV and there will be even more programming then there already is now.

Or if you have good credit you can do what I did... wait until CircuitCity has one of their 12 months no interest financing sales and apply for their card... then buy the TV on that. I'm paying $300/month for my 51SWX20B.

 

[Pliablemoose]

The CRT's on RPTV's have a finite life span, I'd be wary of a used one that someone hasn't carefully turned down to brightness to a level that maximizes CRT life.

& they're hella expensive to have fixed.

If you go with conventional 4:3 aspect ratio, go with the largest screen you can possible afford, especially if you like wide formatted movies.

Big screen TV is one of the few items you should consider (yes I know, they cost a lot of money) an extended warranty purchase.