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Need help making TV decision

I'm looking to replace my ancient Proton 27" CRT with something new. I've poked around AVS forum and CNET but still feel confused and underinformed. Would welcome advice here and pointers to other sources of information.

Here's our situation:

-- Can accomodate up to 40"-42" wide display
-- Use Comcast digital cable box through TiVo box as main source; also DVD
-- TV (not DVD) probably 80% of viewing
-- Viewing distance is about 8 feet
-- Can accomodate the depth of a CRT or rear projection, but a flat panel would be just fine (will sit atop 40" AV cart)
-- Don't need built-in audio as I route audio signals through an AV receiver
-- Price not too much of an issue

So....LCD, Plasma, DLP or CRT? HD or ED? One of my main fears is that I will get a set that kills on DVD or HD but leaves me unhappy when I watch an old movie or a Seinfeld rerun or any non-HD TV program. There's also the issue of our addiction to TiVo and the absence of an HD TiVo box for digital cable (as far as I know).

Thanks for any guidance you can provide.
drubin

Showing 4 responses by reubent

reubent
7,080 posts
 
Tvad,

Although a good concept, the 30" Samsung Slim-Fit TV has horrible geometry issues that I don't think can be corrected. I really wanted to buy that set, but after viewing 10-15 sets in different stores, it became apparent that the set is "not ready for prime time".

Drubin,

For me the choice was simple: My Plasma got me nearly 2 extra feet further back from my set which optimized the viewing distance at about 7 1/2" feet for a 42" Plasma. The 36" CTR that it replaced was only about 5 1/2 or 6 feet viewing distance, which was too close for my taste. The 42" Plasma is mounted on the wall and I gained viewing distance and space in the room by removing the 25" deep CRT.

Also, I don't think any 36" CRTs are 16X9. I think you have to go with a 34" CRT for the 16X9 aspect ratio. So, when you watch in widescreen, your picture is pretty small when compared to a 42" Plasma.

Lastly, I have Time Warner Cable and I have their HD STB with built in DVR. The DVR is high-def and I love it!

Enjoy,

TIC
reubent
7,080 posts
 
Drubin,

Absolutely get an HD STB with the EDTV Panny. I have the consumer version of the EDTV Panny Plasma and I love it. It looks incredible when fed an HD signal from my Time Warner HD Digital cable box/DVR.

I'm not sure there is a Cable Card available for one of the slots in the commercial version, but you won't want to use CableCard anyway if you already have an HD STB. It would be redundant.

Enjoy,

TIC
reubent
7,080 posts
 
Drubin,

I have the previous version of the Consumer Panny EDTV (TH-42PD25). It has 2 sets of Component video connections, plus HDMI, plus the cablecard slot.

I like using a STB because I have the combo HD STB w/DVR and I really like it. It records HD programming in HD resolution which my TiVo could not. If I didn't need PVR, I would probably use CableCard and save some shelf space and money!

db,

The commecial Panny does not include speakers, but I think it does support external speakes via a built-in audio amplifier and speaker outputs. My guess is that an HDMI connection would send audio to this output and you would just need a couple of speakers.

The consumer version has speakers and a built-in HDMI connection, so it might be a better choice, especially since it is selling for around $1799 at many retailers. Since you would not need to buy speaker (and figure out where/how to install them), a tabletop stand or an HDMI blade, it might be more cost effective and offer a better solution.

Enjoy,

TIC
reubent
7,080 posts
 
From what I've read on AVS forum, I think they are the same. I'm no expert, so if you need a true video geeks opinion, ask over at AVS forum under the display forum.

Enjoy,

TIC
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