Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

I always thought this one looked pretty nice, but it might be a bit big/expensive for what you want/need.

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

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No matter what you go with though - consider the extras. They add up REALLY fast.

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Yeah, if you're on a budget then this is a huge consideration. I ended up spending as much on the peripherals as I did my TV.

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Thanks for the warning. It's not so much I'm on a limited budget as it is a self-imposed limit. I don't have as extensive a home theater setup as most, so I don't see myself spending more than a few hundred on peripherals, and that's fine by me. $1800+500 is much more preferable to $3200+1000.

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

What about technologies? Seems like most suggestions are for LCD. Is that because Plasma is out of budget and rear-projections are too large?

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

for your price range and needs, which are similar to mine, I would go with DLP.

a 42 inch DLP is only about 13 inches deep and 70 pounds, making ir easy to house/move. it's picture quality is just as good as LCD/plasma, although you'll want to check out specific models at avsforum to see what the experts say.

finally, they are a much better value than wall-mountable TV's. a 42 inch Samsung should set you back about $1600.

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

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The only negative is that standard definition just sucks. I don't know if it's because Hi-Def stuff is just so awesome, but it really sucks to go from Hi-Def to regular programming. I also don't know if you're going to have that with EVERY Hi-Def set or not, but I have read in other "research" that LCDs are particularly bad for that.


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This is a very important point, and we recently purchased a conventional CRT instead of an LCD for exactly this reason. The flat panels look *awesome* on HD signals or DVDs, but fared poorly on conventional TV signals. Unless you (the OP) is certain of having an HD/DVD source for most of his viewing, a flat panel may not be a good choice.

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You WANT the good cables when you go to hook everything up, and they're expensive (I spent $75 each on cables to hook up my Hi-Def box and my PS2).

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In the audio world, cables are generally a huge scam. Buyer beware!

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The other "extra" with LCDs is that the bulbs burn out. And they're a couple hundred bucks each. I bought the Circuit City service plan, which has unlimited bulb replacement for 3 years.



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Sharp is quoting a bulb lifetime (to half-brightness) of 60,000 hours in their latest sets. If you're watching TV 8 hours a day, it'll take 20 years to get to that point. LCDs and plasmas have both moved past the short-lifetime problems of the past, at least for top-tier manufacturers like Sharp and Panasonic.

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

This is right in range if not ahead, I'm sure. Remember, what ever price you see at a Best Buy or Circuit City you can almost certinaly find it for...say 10/20% cheaper at a reputable online retalier.

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

Move your couch back, and get a projector.

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

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Move your couch back, and get a projector.

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Not an option, based on the configuration of the room.

Thanks, though.

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

True.

One thing to be careful of is what resolutions it can display. I think the key would be to make sure it can do true 1080p and 1080i.

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

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True.

One thing to be careful of is what resolutions it can display. I think the key would be to make sure it can do true 1080p and 1080i.

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even this is arguable. a lot of people say 720i is better than 1080p