I'm looking to get a new TV, primarily for watching DVDs. I would like something around 27"-32", with at least an S-video input. Component inputs would be good, but not absolutely necessary. I have $500-600 to spend. Can you get progressive scan support for anywhere near this price range? Also, I was wondering which sets would work best for the anamorphic squeeze trick with DVDs. Any help would be fantastic. I have been looking around and have been overwhelmed by the number of choices I have, so I thought someone here would be able to narrow it down for me.

You will NOT find a progessive-capable set in that price range. I have only seen HDTV with it, the cheapest of which is well above your price range.

Regarding the "anamorphic squeeze" trick, be aware that this manuever can accelerate uneven CRT wear (aka "burn-in"), and may not provide better resolution in the 16x9 area for most sets. This is because actual resolution is determined by the limitations
of the TV's components (such as the chassis, CRT's, lenses, and screen). If scan lines are collapsed into a shorter (16:9) area,
they simply begin to overlap. Line thickness, which determines vertical resolution, does not improve, so actual resolution in the 16:9 area does not improve.

Okay, forget about progressive scan or the anamorphic squeeze thing. Thanks for the info. But does anyone have any recommendations for the best TVs that fit into my description? I could really use some help.

As I'm sure you've found, a 32" direct view model is the best that you are going to find in the $600 range. Check out the following sets:

Hitachi 32CX39B
Panasonic CT32G13
Phillips TP3284C
Sony KV32S42
Toshiba CZ32V61

The Toshiba is the only one that has component video inputs, all others are S-video.

Be aware that Toshiba is no longer authorizing the sale of their products online anyomore, although you may still find some for sale (Toshiba announced a June 1st cutoff for online & mail order sales). But I never recommended online purchases of television sets anyway.



[This message has been edited by tworischeck (edited June 03, 2000).]

Hey, thanks a lot. What about the Toshiba Cinema Series? Does the model you listed have advantages over those sets?

I think the cinema series (CN32) are basically the same sets as the CZ32's with only very subtle differences... "advanced velocity scan modulation", whatever that means(supposed to give greater sharpness).

The only difference between the CZ32V61 and CZ32V51 is a "multi-window preview" mode that lets you see multiple tv channels in a "tic-tac-toe" formation to help you decide what to watch. But since you want this TV to watch DVDs, I would go for the cheaper CZ32V51. The lower model 32" CZ32V31 has only S-VHS input.

BTW, I know you mentioned component video as a desired feature, but dont get too hung up on it. With a 32" interlaced tv you may not notice the same difference (if any at all) as someone with a 50+" high def tv.

I would ask a salesperson to switch between s-vhs and component to make sure I could see a difference before I shelled out an extra 50 or 100 bucks.

[This message has been edited by tworischeck (edited June 03, 2000).]

I just bought a Panasonic Superflat 27" CT27SF37 for around $500 and am very happy with it. It has component video inputs too.

I would get the Zenith flat screen tv. My friend bought one last week, it's 27inches flatscreen, all the in/outputs you can dream of, and best of all it was 619.00 at circuit city. Looks as good if not better than the 27 wega, which is listed around 800.00! You can check reviews out at deja.com. hope this helps!

quote:<HR>Originally posted by TriPoD:
I just bought a Panasonic Superflat 27" CT27SF37 for around $500 and am very happy with it. It has component video inputs too.<HR>

Where did you buy it for $500?

As an owner of the CZ32V51, I can truly say I've been thrilled to bits with it. Great picture quality, and the component DVD picture quality... Wow!!

Tworischeck, another small difference between the V51 and V61 is that the 61 has dual-tuner PIP and the V51 only has single tuner PIP. Considering how little I've used PIP, I doubt it's worth the extra money.

B

Here's a crazy question. You know how some receivers allow you to name inputs, instead of using say 'Video1' you could rename it to 'DVD Player' or 'VCR'. Do any TVs, like the ones talked about, allow for this on their inputs, or do you get stuck with the typical 'Video 1' 'Video 2' 'Ant' etc. crap? I'd like to see this added to TVs. Thanks.
-Incredulous

Rodan:

EBAY :>
Simplydiscount.com was the one that was ebaying it.

I was looking at a 27" Wega TV today, and it's making me think about settling for a 27" set. I know a lot of you really feel 32" is worth the extra $, but the flat screen and sharp picture are very appealing. I found one online for $599, and that's probably in my price range. Otherwise, I'd go with a 32" Toshiba, Sony Trinitron, or Panasonic. What do you guys think?

Speaking for myself, i own a 24 inch Wega and i love it! The picture is perfect, you can set upto 3 picture setting, which makes it perfect for movies, tv shows, and sports...that's how i have mine setup. The only kind of drawback is that i wish it had component outputs. It does have s-video and that's what i'm using, i calibrated my tv with video essentials and it is lookin mad lovely! hope this helps

madmike, do u live near by a sony outlet? I found the 27 wega for 550 refurb but with a full sony warranty. not bad considering an at cost value of 580.

Tavarua88:

I actually hadn't thought of that. Maybe I should check around to see what's nearby. I am living in Ithaca, NY right now in case anyone knows of anything.

No matter what you get make sure you have plenty of inputs on the back of the set..you never knoww hat you will need in the future..1 s-vidoe is not enough if you have aDVD but plan on getting sattellite..otherwsie you will be playing the switch box game..good luck..

Wow, I was looking for a TV with your exact specifications/needs just last week. RCA isn't a brand that I've seen mentioned, but I just recently got the F32665 and am quite pleased (32", PIP, Guide Plus). If you're willing to go the B&M route, I price-matched at Circuit City (they do 110%) with Sam's Club for right around $500 after tax; plus, it's interest-free for a year.