The time has come for me to get a new TV (For the bedroom) and so far I have narrowed it down to 3 TV's. Please don't advise me to get a 32". I know your intentions are good, and I respect that, but a 32" would be way to big for the bedroom for where I can fit a TV.

When im sitting at the desk (which I usually am), I am about 3 - 4 feet away from my TV. If im watching TV from my bed, then im about 6 - 7 feet away. So a 26" would do me good, especially since ive been watching a 20" TV for the past so many years.

These would be the 3 I have it narrowed down to. I know there are better TV's of that size, but my budget for a TV is only $350. So im looking for the best picture quality and the best build quality for what I can afford.

So far, from what I have seen in store (as far as picture quality), the Element 26" 26LE30Q looked pretty good. Walmart also had an Element 26" ELCHW261 but unfortunately, there was no video signal to it, so no picture to compare it to.

And the Sanyo 26" DP26649 has a lot of good reviews, but in store I didnt like the picture quality as much. Though, I have read that you have to really adjust the picture settings to get it at its best. (of which I didn't spend time in store to do - Plus, there was no menu button on the set)

If anyone can offer an honest advice on any of these 3 TV's, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you

I almost bought this, til we decided to go for a 32".
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-VIER...4907896&sr=1-1

And you have to adjust settings on any set if you want its best picture.

That one looks really good. Plus Panasonic is a pretty good brand as well. I seriously hope its still at that price in 2 weeks because that one seems to have gone up to the top of my list (so far)

Thank you for that.


I just noticed the only downside is that it has Optical Audio Output which sucks cause my stereo's input is RCA. But if the TV is good, then ill just have to deal.

They all have that, it is for surround sound from the internal HD tuner, so it must be digital to pass the Dolby Digital signal.

If you mean RCA digital coax audio, there are adapters that can switch easily. But if you mean red/white RCA for analog stereo, that is different. Most HDTVs don't have analog stereo outputs, they just assume you'll use the TV's speakers.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/su...&cs_id=1042302

I bought a Samsung for my father for Christmas and was impressed with the quality. It's currently $336 ar Amazon, but Amazon had it for only $286 when I bought it last month. I would say that there is a fair chance that they will have it for $286 in the near future.


http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-LN26B3...4952085&sr=1-1

I have the Samsung as well, it is superb. I love it. I got it on sale for around $275 as well.

The Analog is what I meant. I know theres adapters out there for that, but those are a little pricey for such a small thing. Maybe I can get one off ebay for cheap later on.

So far im really liking that Panasonic. It seems to be my top choice so far.

A DAC isn't really a small thing. Also, they really only appeal to audiophiles that want better DACs than the built-in processors in their CD players. That's why they are pricey.

Also, external DACs are for CD, meaning low bitrate stereo PCM audio. The Dolby output from HDTV may not work at all, even if it is converted to stereo in the TV. You really need a Dolby receiver to use this output, those have been out for well over a decade, so if nothing else you could try the used market.

Like I mentioned, they simply are not catering to those that have stereo speakers hooked up to just a TV, as that is a small percent compared to those with surround sound and/or cable/sat TV. Perhaps you can find a TV with analog audio out, I haven't really tried to shop that. Sony used to be one that offered that with SDTVs, even 20" models, perhaps they still do for HDTVs?

Unfortunately, im one of those that fall into that small percentage, but thats ok. So far, that Panasonic is still looking very good for the price, quality, and my needs.

I actually think I know a workaround since the TV doesn't have an analog output. My DVD player is an upscaling one.. So, I can hook that up to the TV via the HDMI cable which fortunately enough, my DVD player will also carry sound though that. And what I can do, is just plug in my RCA cable's into the audio output on the DVD player. whenever I watch a DVD and I want to hear it through my stereo (which would be mainly what I want), I just mute the TV and turn up the stereo and viola!

(unless the HDMI cable will cancel out my use of the audio out on the DVD player. If so, then no big deal)

So far, the Panasonic is top of my list still, and the Samsung is a close 2nd. Im still in debate, but not for too much longer. I appreciate everyones suggestions, and if people have any other suggestions, I would appreciate those as well.

I just ordered the Panasonic 26" Viera TC-L26X1, so in 3 to 5 days from now, ill have it here and set up.

This is my first HDTV for me and is a bit of a blind buy for me since there are no stores around here that carry it (thus I am unable to see it in person, as all I have here is KMART and Walmart, and 55 miles away a Target. Plus im certainly not going to drive an hour and a half each way to Vegas and back just for a 26" TV)

I'm trusting my gut feeling on this one, and 98% of the time, its always correct. I hope it holds correct here too.

I thank you all for your advice and input and suggestions, its greatly appreciated.

I bought this exact Panny for our bedroom (viewing from 6 feet away). For the price I love this TV, I must stress tho, for the best picture you'll need to have HD converted from your cable or satellite provider. Out of the box IMHO, hooked up "analog only" the picture looks like crap... BUT, once hooked up to a HD converter box... it's a night and day difference.

Sitting four feet away with only a analog signal, to me (and I'm super picky about picture quality) the picture will not be razor-sharp or crystal-clear. Keep in mind Best Buy, K-mart, Walmart and Target usually have all their LCD's and Plasma's hooked up with a high-def source, not analog. So, standing close and thinking the picture looks good at a certain distance, usually means the source is at it's finest.

We purchased this 26" Panny right before Christmas when Amazon was selling it for $269. I find it funny when I see 26" pieces of crap Vizio's selling for $350 at my local Target that when you include our "California Rape tax" you're out the door for almost $400!!!

Enjoy, I think you'll love this set and especially for the price, keeping in mind you didn't pay for shipping or tax... it's almost as if you stole this set!!!

What do you mean by analog source? It sounds like you mean SDTV, which I would hope would look worse than HDTV. You can also use an antenna to get what is likely the best HDTV signal, though this depends on your local channels.

Thats not a problem... I only have basic cable. Not digital, not HD, no satellite. So no worries there.

Yes sorry, when using the word "analog" I meant standard definition broadcast.

Yes I know you said a 32" was to big but I just thought I would throw this in. My brothers very old 20" crt finally kicked the bucket. So I was looking for a 32" and found the Panasonic TC-L32C12 720p LCD model for him. It was $349.99 at Sears and had him price match it at our local BB. Their price was $449.99. So a savings of $100. He is a happy camper.

Nice deal! If I had the room and money for a 32" and got a deal like that, id be a happy camper too


My Panasonic came today.. got it all hooked up and messed with the color and all that. It looks pretty good. Max Payne looks amazing on it. though I still have a few more days till my HDMI cable comes in the mail before I can take advantage of my DVD player upscaling. The highs are crisp and clear but ive yet to be able to crank up the volume with the bass up to really get a feel for it. But so far, I am happy with it!

I find Panny to be one of the better ones at converting NTSC onto an HDTV. But crappy signal is never going to be good. "Funny thing about that little white speck on top of chicken shit, that little white speck is chicken shit, too."

Use an antenna to pick up your local channels in HD. Or try the cable line into the antenna input and scan for channels, see if they are running HD locals on it, it's quite common, and free.

I think you'll like the Panny. The viewing angle is what finally made my decision. Looking at half a dozen TVs in a row (incl Sony, Visio, Samsung, maybe more), it had the best color and brightness from a ridiculously extreme angle.

Just to recap;

And to update;

my HMDI cable arrived today and got it all hooked up. The upscaling is really, really good. Picture is amazing and I thought the highs sounded crisp before? Was I wrong!

Luckily, my workaround worked. Even though I have my HDMI connected and my DVD player sound set to run through it, I am using the RCA jacks to hook the sound up to my stereo via the component audio out jacks. Fortunately, even though I have picture and sound both running through the HDMI cable, it doesn't cancel out the component audio output. So Yay!

Though, I may not be able to crank up a movie im watching on cable (yeah, like thats a big deal, lol), I definitely can when watching DVD's!