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Help me find a new HDTV...... for $3500

OK, I need to find me an HDTV set for <$3500 if possible. Obviously, that means no plasma, and I could care less, I don't like 'em. I'm good with RPTV, and don't think I have a preference for LCD, DLP, or good ol' 3-gun RPTV. I can probably get service codes for Mitsubishi RPTVs or Sonys from a contact, and using said codes (and in the old days a screwdriver) I have successfully dialed in many a RPTV- but that was years ago and I am now out of the loop so to speak. When I left the business, HDTV was a dream, and we demoed HD sets in our showroom with a hard drive full of boring nature films of close-ups of bugs. DTV had one HDTV demo channel at the time and the city I was in had no off-air HDTV, so I'm a little behind on the HD thing.

Looking for your advice on a 50-something inch, shallow as possible TV, prefer a "tabletop" style since I have a suitable stand, but I could sell that stand for a floorstanding model. I don't think I care if the tuner is built in or external.

I will be feeding it with an off-air HD antenna and will upgrade my DTV system to HD. My DVD has component out, but not progressive scan or DVI so I'll eventually upgrade that. Not concerned about control ease since it will be added to my existing control system which works fine.
pmkalby
russ_l
95 posts
 
Added digital cable to the home system last week and am looking (too) for an HDTV. Went to Circuit City today to demo Hitachi, Panasonic and Sony's new 3-chip LCD rear projectors (all on sale today for $3,099). Very impressive pictures with much improved blacks. I need to go back tomorrow for some more comparison viewing (all side by side in the store) Also checked out the Sony XBR direct views; even more impressive picture but limited to 40-inch 4:3, or 34-inch 16:9. Too small for my 15 x 21 room. I'll update tomorrow.
jasman
102 posts
 
The Panasonic PT50LC13 projection TV. It new in the Panasonic line. It has a great picture.
711smilin
513 posts
 
I like the Pioneer Elite the best, you can pick up the hd730
64" for under 3,000 when you get the 1000 rebate!!!!
It is a GREAT HDTV.
slartibartfast
100 posts
 
Having recently purchased a Sony GWIII LCD set, I can say that it is sensational. If you are sensitive to rainbows from DLP, you might want to avoid the Samsung, etc... One beautiful thing about the latest LCD/DLP/LCOS sets is that they have very small physical dimensions. The Sony is less than 18" deep (and not a big square box either) and weighs less than 100 pounds... hard to beat when space is a consideration and you don't want to go the plasma route (which I don't blame you).
eddaytona
216 posts
 
I just got the Samsung 50" DLP and think is is wonderful. No glare screen with no real off-angle dimming to speak of. VERY shallow (about 16-17") and with the speakers on the bottom it is not superwide (about 48"). I use mine as a table top set. Picture is bright and crisp. Makes LCD look dull and washed out IMHO. Bought mine at Tweeters for $3100 as an open box with a coupon. HDTV (what few channels TW Cable offers here) are incredible. Has DVI input and PC input too.

BTW: The new PACE HDTV cable box that I just got from TW cable has DVI, optical out etc etc and is far superior to the HDTV Scientific Atlanta box.

NOTE: I originally had a new 46" for $3100 but it didn't work right so beware. HOWEVER: This one has had no problems.

ED
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