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TV talk - Reliable TV - Tube, LCD, plasma...

Trying to research this can put one over the edge. Do newer technologies surpass tube picture quality? What is the most reliable?

I may be in the market for a new TV and I am wondering if it is best to go with something like a Panasonic Tau or move to something like LCD. Screen size could be anywhere from mid 30" to mid 40".

We all want a great picture, it's a given, but I want a reliable TV, one not ready for the scrap heap in a couple years, they cost to much.

Budget, anywhere from 1 - 2.5k. I see Tau's in my range for less the 1.5k or bigger LCD/Plasmas for more.
brianmgrarcom
brianmgrarcom OP
1,317 posts
 
Well I am back from town and basically have 3 TV's that have my interest, they are:

Sony KD-34XBR960 (tube) 34" - I can get it for $1979
Mitsubishi WD-52525 (DLP) 52" - Demo that I can get for $3200
Samsung HL-P4663W (DLP) 46" - I can get it for $3000

As you can see I blew by my budget on two of the TV's. The Samsung was at Best Buy and the other two were at the Stereo/Video store.

Let me add that I don't know much about TV's, in fact I just learned today that normal viewing is 4:3 ratio. All my viewing will be via DishNetwork, so these greater aspect ratios will get very little use by me, at least at this point; obviously if Dish starts putting out these signals I will be able to take advantage.

Between the big TV's, the Mitsu, which seemed very nice to me, seems to be the better buy, with my limited knowledge, over the Samsung as they are very close in price.

In talking with my salesman at the stereo shop, he says that with my Dish I will receive the best picture with the Sony (tube), I admit I can get caught up in the wow factor of looking at a bigger picture.

I am really torn between going with the (much lower priced) Sony vs. a bigger (sleeker) TV.
warrenh's avatar
warrenh
2,299 posts
 
George, maybe I'm behind the eightball, but I don't have a clue what you're talking about....
warrenh's avatar
warrenh
2,299 posts
 
Brian, I'll be getting that Samsung, as well. Acutally the 43" model. At least I think there is a 43" model. anyway, what screen do you want to watch the Gladiator on? 34" Sony, or 46" Samsung? Miami CSI? ER? On a 34"? Maybe. It's a personal thing. I would regret the 34" real fast. A DVD on the Sammy is drop dead amazing. No experience with the Mitsubishi.
brianmgrarcom OP
1,317 posts
 
Warren, I concede that the 34" of the XBR is the only thing holding me back from ending this short search; I am not saying I wouldn't enjoy it, but I had always planned on going at least slightly bigger than 34" when I made my next purchase. C/Net has a very favorable review of this TV.

I do not have a DVD player in the living room, my wife has one in the basement for workout videos. We do not rent movies so DVD playback is not a priority to me.

I doubt I will be able to tolerate stretched pictures, so I suspect whatever TV I purchase will be run in a mode that does not do this.
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