2. home-theater
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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
stereokarter
185 posts
 
The previous 16.9 Toshiba's were somewhat unreliable (see the Audio Review RPTV notes on the 40" model)...though they have improved a great deal. The Mits table-top...I didn't know about that one...looks interesting. My pick for you would be the 40" Sony XBR, though it's 460lbs. and kinda ugly...though you can probable get a good deal on a 36" XBR...though these are both 4:3 direct-view sets. Otherwise the consensus turns toward the Pioneer Elite/non-Elite as the best bet. Also remember the Panasonic 47" RPTV (HDTV "ready") has a great price and they usually throw in a progressive scan DVD player...see the "Perfect Vision" review. Have fun!
vamiller
3 posts
 
Have you seen the Sampo 34" flat tube set (model SME-34WHD5)? It's got a rudimentary tuner, so you might consider it as more of a monitor than a full TV, but it looks good and is reasonably priced.

Also, Princeton Graphics, the computer monitor people, make a 16:9 monitor that will take pretty much any video format you can throw at it (model AF3.0HD). It uses a curved-screen tube but the picture looks really great. The only bad thing I've heard about it is that it goes black when switching video modes, so on some DVD players or VCRs, when you fast-scan through the DVD or tape the screen goes black for a few seconds, which makes skipping around difficult.

Just for your consideration.

Vernon
sailinfla93c2
4 posts
 
I'd have to go with what the Gunbunny said! If you were to play say 80% video or above I might think about the 4:3 otherwise forget it and go with 16:9. Also I'd worry more about burn in with those icons that are used unless you play 8 bit nintendo! the boss
hager_charles
51 posts
 
Sony Wega XBR Flatscreens are the best going! The perfect flatness of the screen gives the picture an extra dimension and sense of depth that normal curved tubes won't.
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