Best TV for approx. 300? 25"-"27

Per your request, I will let you know how this ends up.

I would like to reiterate that this is for the bedroom, hence not wanting to spend double for an awesome 27".

I have an awesome 27" Mitsu in my living room that we purchased just over 10 years ago. This TV has an awesome picture and some bells and whistles that I do not find on TV's today; namely two antenna inputs!

I have talked with another who also has fond words for Panasonic TV's, but advised that the G series has a lousy picture. I would agree with that assessment after last nights outting and I would add that we compared the D series to the G series and it was no better.

Other than the "grainyness" of the JVC, the picture was much better that the G/D series, that said, it is a little more expensive TV too.

Brianmgrarcom:

Actually, I have to disagree with you there too (as far as the features on today's newer sets are concerned). Actually, my TOL 27" Panasonic also has two antenna inputs. If anything at all, I believe my Pany has one feature even 27" Mitsu does NOT even have.

Want to try "component video inputs"???

But anyway, good luck in your search for an affordable TV (and I am sure that even for $300.00, there are some worthy candidates out there).

--Charles--

Brianmgrarcom:

And about Panasonic's entry-level "G" series (and "D" series as well)??? Looks like I have to concur with whomever advise you against getting one. Think that you may have to look elsewhere if you are thinking about getting a good, but affordable TV. If you are getting a Pany today, then I would only advise that you check out only their "Tau" series. At least, those sets are worth talking about. And even then, neither one of those sets can hold up a candle against my two year old Panasonic SuperFlat.

Maybe a JVC or a Magnavox is your best bet. Keep us up to speed, will you??

--Charles--

Charles,

Sorry, but the 10 year old Mitsu has two video inputs! I wasn't trying to get into a "my TV is better than your TV." I purchased this TV in 2/1992 and it was something like $800 back then; it is a great TV.

It sounds like we made the right move not buying the Panasonic G/D series and purchasing the JVC instead.

From what I understand, there was much more focus on 27" TV's by manufacturers years back as they were more popular at that time, now it is the larger TV's. Talking with a salesman/friend of mine a few years ago, he stated that he wouldn't recommend a 27" Mitsu anymore, but their larger TV's were great, as that was Mitsu's focus.

I used to work at a high end video store--my advice is to find a salesman you can trust and choose TV size considering the distance you will be from the set. The general rule of thumb is 4 times diagonal picture, so (4 x 27" = 108"); 108"/12 = 9 feet. That's your recommended viewing distance.

I would not buy Panasonic over Sony WEGA...

I bought my first TV set ever back in October--a 27" WEGA. I called the owner of the store I used to work at and told me I made the right choice of TV. He gave me the proper order to fine tune a TV (I had forgotten--I'm an audiophile!).

Here it is:

1) Color OFF
2) Brightness
3) Contrast
4) Sharpness

Get the best B&W picture you can.

5)Color ON
6)Tint
7 Drop brightness
8)Work on high resolution settings

This is a no-brainer if you follow it step by step and take your time. Steve Blumenthal of Gallager TV is a master at this. My TV was fine tuned in just a few minutes with no need for any 'special' DVD. Back in those days we didn't have any DVDs or LDs to tune the TVs!

After setting my TV I rented Water World and played it through my JVC XV-S45 DVD player and those water scenes (both above and under) were just stunning!