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
Well, if you don't rent DVDs why would you want anything large? Obviously, I'm not a big tv watcher, but I, do, love sports and HD is amazing for that. The few tv series, I watch, luckily, are in HD. So that's cool. Good luck with that Sony. It's a bear to carry...
I have the 30 inch version of the Sony for my bedroom. The picture is very, very nice. The stretch modes, which converts 4:3 to 16:9, are excellent. I prefer the wide screen mode to 4:3. If you settle on a 16:9 tv, be sure to check out the stretch modes, as some sets are way better (Sony and Pioneer, for example) than others.

I agree that CRT produces the best picture, for now.

I have heard good things about the Samsung, and would consider purchasing one. Warren, or anyone else who would know, how is the picture quality of the Samsung with cable or over the air tv? How does it compare to CRT? The picture quality with cable would be important for me, because I watch cable 75% of the time, versus 25% for DVDs and VHS. What about the stretch modes? Are they any good?
Gee Warren, a big TV is only good for DVD? Why wouldn't one want a big picture no matter what the source? (I did not say I am purchasing the Sony, reread.)
once my Sammy is in, and I've watched enough boob tube and DVD, I'll give you the scoop.

Brian, a big tv is good for sports, as well. There are some things, here and there on tv, (national geographic stuff, discovery station, nature specials,--that's my kind of tv) that are worth the (for me) big picture. Like I said, I'm not into sitcoms, or any of the crap on tv. A HD signal does make the crap look great, though. Hey Brian, whatever floats your boat. When you go into a Video store, they don't show ER or Miami CSI. I wonder why? Anyway, if you're a tv buff and love that sort of thing, I'd go with the larger picture, as well. It's not like the Sony or the like, blows away plasma, lcd, or DLP. There isn't a perfect anything, yet. Except for my speakers. lol...just fool'n witcha...
Well I didn't seem to waste to much time researching, like I usually do; I purchased the 52" Mitsu, but the 52725 instead of the 52525 listed above. Time will tell how much I like using such a TV, I brought it home today and hooked it up, the DishNetwork channels can leave a bit to be desired sometimes, which will spawn a new thread by me, about the DishNetwork HD receiver.

I am a little upset with myself for not staying at least near our budget. A 52" TV is huge in our room, I may of been just as happy or happier with a 44"; Circuit City had a 44" LG that looked really nice for $2685. Anyway, the next few days will tell me more.