older hi-end tube tv recommendations.....and hdtv.

Loewe is about the best you can get, Panny Tau also v. good. Some Loewe's could display 480p but some were also able to display true HD (not sure if it was 720p or 1080i. Big, heavy, expensive, but to die for PQ.

I own a Sony XBR WEGA 34" Trinitron that does up to 1080i via DVI wire but you can use adaptor for HDMI video only, ofcourse it has a couple Comp video connections aswell. The pic is just awesome. This model came out in 2002-2003

I had the 36" hi def. Sony CRT and the picture was very good. Weighed over 200LBs. After living with my 720 Panasonic 50" Plasma I have never regretted changing. If you find a good deal on a high quality CRT they are capable of an excellent picture but with Plasma prices coming down as they are it is hard to beat the bigger screen.

Your best bets are these Sony KD series sets: KD-30XS955, KD-34XS955, KD-36XS955, and KD-34XS960 (most recent model). These were Sony's very best and nearly last CRT HDTV's. They have full high definition tuners and are capable of displaying 1080i. The plasmas and LCD TV's could not come close to the picture quality of these sets at the time. Plus, these models are loaded with a ton of high-tech and features, unlike the later Sony CRT's, which were cheapened and offered less attractive cabinets, cheaper tubes, and less features. Understandably, after the XS9 series, Sony focussed their efforts and investment on the flat screens.

I have the KD-30XS955 and love it. It's beautiful TV, but it's huge and weighs 154 lbs. I had lots of trouble getting it into my basement because the cabinet is so long. By comparison, the 34 inch set is even bigger @ nearly 200 lbs.

Yet, if you can find one in good order and have the room, youll love the HD picture on the CRT. Plus, they can be had for next to nothing!