What is the best 27" TV I can get?
 

I currently have a 20" Sony Wega TV that is really nice (except for the size). Now that I've upgraded to a pretty nice 5.1 system I'd like to get a bigger TV. It's for my bedroom so I don't need anything bigger than 27".

What are the best 27" TVs from $300-$500 range? I was thinking about a 27" Wega that my friend has and its really nice and big. But that is ~$530 and I'd rather pay less.

Need something with S-video and component would be nice.

How important is a flat screen to you? 27" flat screens tend to start around $500, but normal tubes can be less.

Well... will there be a huge dropoff between the Wega I have now (flat screen) and a regular $300 ish 27" TV From Panasonic or Toshiba?

Have a look at the Akai 27" flat screen TV at Sam's Cub for around $350. It's a rebadged Samsung. 16x9 mode, component inputs and a very nice picture.

There are a couple of threads here about it. Here is the main one:

http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...hreadid=195515

Anybody have a picture of this elusive Akai TV?

But it is confirmed that it is the same thing as the Samsung?

Here's a picture:

http://graphics.samsclub.com/images/...2522794_L4.jpg

I read some posts in hometheaterforum.com about this TV, and supposedly it's exactly the same as the Samsung model, just different case and name marker (don't know why that justifies a $120 price difference). I went to Sam's Club today to check it out, and the sound was great. Wasn't able to fiddle with much more than that.

My own question: Is it worth it to join Sam's Club ($35 for a year) to get this TV for $349? I haven't seen this TV (nor the Samsung version) anywhere else, so I haven't been able to price-compare. I can't see myself doing much more shopping at Sam's the rest of the year, since the nearest one is not very near, and their discounts otherwise don't seem all that spectacular.

Edited to add: Here's a picture of the Samsung Dynaflat, if you want to compare the appearance to the Akai:

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0...1.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

My dad has a Sams Club membership so I can use that. Wow... that is a nice looking TV.

Does anyone know if this TV is sold anywhere other than Sam's Club (or online)? Haven't seen it at Best Buy, Good Guys or Fry's (though I'm going to try a different Fry's tonight).

Anyone know if there's a 36" version of this TV and it's price?

Yes, it is same as the Samsung. Check out the thread I posted.

Sam's Club seems to be the only place selling it.

Sorry, no 36" version.

Thanks, Nekobus, I'm going to Sam's Club today to pick it up (they had at least five models when I went there yesterday). I'll post my thoughts about it once I've got it all set up and I try it out.

I could not find the 36inch TV on the internet. I already have a 27inch TV, when I upgrade my TV I want a 36inch Screen.

Bought the Akai model today. Briefly connected it to check out the picture/sound quality, and it looks/sounds great out of the box! Tested it with GLADIATOR and it was clear and crisp, and excellent sound with volume only turned up less than 50%. I especially love the 16x9 option; my first time using that feature. Can't wait to set it up and play with it more fully (but must go buy an entertainment center first).

Well, I'm not interested in how it sounds ((all my audio is through my reciever now)) but if it looks good and has a nice 16x9 mode that is good enough for me!

i would go bigger if you want to spend $500, you can't get a big wega for that much, but I always say get bigger.

Depends on the room/space it's going in. -wink-

This Akai 27" is going to be big enough... I have no idea where my front speakers will go.

agreed, i should know i had an old tv stand that only took a 27 inch tv.