Help me pick out new TV

[Sweeper]

Talked with Circuit City today and it looks like the Tech. put in for a request (replacement) TV stating " The TV will need more repairs to fix the problem. The convergence panel is bad, it will need the tubes replaced and a new PSU due to the etchings the tubes keep getting caused by a short or to much Voltage to the tubes." The lady ran over the list and it was rather large and looked expensive for him to come out and add more time and $$$ into the set. So she told me 9/10 times they usually replace the set rather then spend more $$$. Anyway, it's being looked over now by "CIRCUIT CITY and the SERVICE MANAGER where I bought the TV. I should have a final answer early next week. She told me that I should find a TV and have everything ready so when they call with the service/claim number I can just call up CC and tell them which set I want. But I'm not sure... They will pay up to $1999.99 (the original cost of my set). So I found this one:


51" 16:9 Hi-Scan® Projection Television
KP-51WS510 which has what I need. I invite every whose interested in helping me pick out a set to give advice. Take a look at the sets at www.circuitcity.com and let me know your opinions.

Thanks,
Sweeper

[thekingofpain]

Not sure if HDTV is in your neighborhood yet, my local cable co. offers it for a couple bucks more----not sure what makes a TV hi-def compatable but id make sure my TV could deliver it since its on the rise...

Whatever you do make sure its in your home before the Superbowl!

[RedFury]

Didn't notice if it has progressive scan or not...is that part of HDTV, or a seperate entity ( noticed a large number of DVD players now come with progressive scan, but only TVs that support it can use it, which is why I ask ).

Nice TV, and they should refund you the diff....which is enough for a decent PC upgrade

[Sweeper]

I'm assuming with the new widescreen and 3/2 pulldown convergence, etc. they should have progressive scan. But I don't know .....

thekingofpain I have a HDTV STB I use with an Antenna on the roof. Hi-Definition comes in great!!!!!

[crazyray]

Glad to see the nightmare is coming to an end.

I went with the Hitachi 65S700 and couldn't be happier. They make 57 and 51 inch versions as well. There are some very positive reviews on these but they are pricey.

The Sony looks like a good choice. Make certain that you have the desired inputs for your use: DVD, cable box, satellite, etc. At least 2 progressive scan inputs are needed to make me happy.

Enjoy!

[RedFury]

I do like the idea that you can have the screen split into 2 completely independant screens ( hello I link cabled PS2 games....like anything supports the i link, but you could still do it! )

[Sweeper]

crazyray you said having at least 2 progressive scan inputs are needed... I am assuming the progressive scan inputs are the RGB inputs / Component in for Hi-Definition? I will be using one Component in for my HDTV receiver and the other for my XBOX & DVD player. I have the Xbox and DVD player running into my Sony receiver then out to the TV so I can just select which input I will be using on my receiver. The HDTV STB goes directly to the other component in / RGB.

[Sweeper]

Decided to go with the HIT 51S500 Hitachi. I hope I made the right decision. It seemed to have the best picture next to the Sony. One question... My convertor box (Zenith HDTV) can send 1080i, 720P, 480P, 480i. Now, if I select 720p, will the TV produce 720p or down convert it as I have heard other TV's do. Also, Hitachi states that any signal from 720p will be up converted to 1080p? The picture was nice, but wasn't sure what they were broadcasting at Circuit City. The only thing the guy said was it was DirecTV HD. I'm just looking for the sharpest picture. So, do I set my HDTV STB to 720p?

Thanks,
Sweeper

[Warthog]

Personally I'm going with a projector as my next 'tv' and connecting it to my PC along with a tuner card...need a dark room all the time, though *shrugs* which mine is. Can get a good used one for $500-700 on Ebay

Good luck with your new tv

[RADAR1797]

I'm with you Wart, I installed a Viewsonic PJ501 projector for my apartment and it has been awesome! One day I will get an HDTV tuner, but I know the projector will handle it.

Watchout for the cost of bulbs thought...


-RADAR