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HDTV Widescreen recommendations, please

Hello, all--
I just bought a new X-Box, and I realized that my 6-year old Mitsubishi TV just isn't up to the task, in terms of inputs, color, sound, etc. If I'm going to buy a new TV anyway, I figure I should look for something in the 36"-40" range, and it may as well be HDTV-compatible. I like a lot of inputs in the back (maybe 2 component and 2 S-Video). The sound isn't *that* important to me, since I'll probably pick up a quality receiver and a 5.1 speaker setup at some point soon. I've seen sets in these sizes priced at $1500-$2000, which I can handle. Does anyone have any recommendations as far as a brand, a model, something they own, something they wish they owned, etc? Thanks in advance, as always, for your help.

--Brian
thedautch
2001impala's avatar
2001impala
102 posts
 
look at either sony' new wegas or rca 38 " w/ built in hdtv decoder. Either would suite your needs.

Damon
glen's avatar
glen
714 posts
 
The Sony XBR has a lot of versatility. I don't know about two component video inputs (DVD video input) but just short of that this TV does it all. The newer ones have progressive scan, flat screen, three comb filters and are HD compatible. Good luck!!!
cornfedboy
1,645 posts
 
if you want the very best, you're gonna need to save a few more euros. find a 38" loewe aconda to audition and i guaratee you'll be hooked (i have the 31" flatscreen, which actually has a better picture). i can lead you to a very nice discount from the $5.0k + msrp if you have any interest. -cfb
ncarv
983 posts
 
The Hitachi's and the Toshiba's are pretty good. Pioneer Elite is the one to buy if you can handle it. Stay away from the Mits. The Runco DTV-5801, at about $11k, is a heavily modified Toshiba.
thedautch OP
329 posts
 
Thanks for the postings to this point, everyone...I've always LOVED Loewes (I even learned to pronounce it "Loo-vah"), but the TV I'm looking for right now would be a step between my regular old television and a true, top-flight Loewe. It would be the type of thing that I'd keep as my main set for a few years, then move it into the bedroom to make room for a Loewe in 2005 or so.

Basically, I saw a Toshiba 42H81 on sale for $1500, and I wanted to see what you guys thought of it before I just dove right in. I live in Washington, so I'll never have enough space for one those those 64" monsters, and it looks like you can get a nice deal on the 36-43 inchers right now. The 42H81 seems to have plenty of inputs and a great picture (even at Best Buy, where the sets are calibrated to about 78,000 degrees Kelvin or so!). Because I hadn't been able to comparison shop too much, I just thought I'd see what everyone thought of that model, especially at such a deep discount.

Again, thanks to everyone for their help so far, especially to CornFed, whose generosity is especially appreciated.
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