Looking to buy a TV- any recommendations?

[Ruahrc]

I'm planning on getting a TV for my apartment- and would like some recommendations on which brands/models to get.

Here's what I'm looking for as far as specs/size:
-Size- most likely 24"-27". I think 27" might be a little big though,
but somewhere in that range. (It has to fit inside an
entertainment center cabinet)
-Flat screen (CRT) is not a requirement but would be nice
HDTVs are too expensive for me right now
-Connections: (Plan on connecting an Xbox, PS2, possibly a laptop)
Needs to have at least 1 component video input (for xbox)
Would like an S-Video input (laptop, PS2)
Needs composite inputs for the rest (laptop, ps2)
-Price
$300 is the max that i'd like to spend but if there is a quality TV
for a little more (say $320 or so) then I'm willing to pay for
quality items.

I went down to the local BestBuy and saw some brands, does anyone have any experience with the following?
Apex, Advent, Sharp, Hisense, Daewoo, Toshiba

thanks!

Ruahrc

edit- can someone explain all the technics behind comb filters, etc? It seems like lots of TVs have them but I don't know if it's all marketing hype or not. Also- how closely should I look at horizontal resolution? I thought they were all the same....?

[elec999]

I love the Jvc I'Arts
they are great
Panasonic are also good
Or you can get a cheaper tv that is flat

you are not gonna get a HDTV for only $300

I have my JVC I'art FlaT TV 27" 700lines
its amazing sound and picture

AnD ALso a Panasonic Gao All are great

I dont like SOny that much

[Ruahrc]

I actually like the Sony models- but they are a good bit more expensive than other brands so I can't afford one right now. Their picture quality is very good, however.

Just to make it clear I am not looking for an HDTV- not yet. This one just kind of gets us by- in a few years time when I am living somewhere more permanent I plan on buying some better stuff. And by that time HDTV will have become more commonplace and cheaper.

I'll check those brands you mentioned out- thanks!

Ruahrc

[Darthgary]

Check out Toshiba and Sanyo also.

[kendo]

tv

circuit city has tons of useful information about consumer electronics plus they make it easy to compare one brand with another

i have been totally happy with my sony flat screen and i think you can get a 24" flat screen for slightly more than you wanted to spend

edit

i bought a daewoo cause i wanted a cheap tv for a spare bedroom, i pushed the channel button to change channels and it went into the cabinent, trying to call them about it proved fruitless so i just use the remote now IMO don't let the price be the deciding factor

[maface]

I bought a Toshiba flat screen I am happy with it. I think it's just as good as a Sony but it's a little cheaper.

[Darthgary]

I heard from a best buy employee that Toshiba and Sanyo were the highest rated and least likely to break, but who knows that could of been a bunch of crap.

[Ruahrc]

Hehe yeah I saw a Toshiba 24" flat screen for 329 on the BB website- I was thinking about getting it. I saw a great Panasonic 27" flat screen at costco but it was like 2" wider than i can fit in it. It kinda sucks since they were both the same price I think... BB seems kinda pricey when it comes to tv's are there better places to go? Circuit city didn't seem to have a good selection on their website.

Ruahrc

[shrae]

The WEGAs are very nice in the 24-27" segment, but the 27" will be out of your price range. I recently got a KV24-FV300 and it is an awesome picture... also has component inputs which you're looking for. You should probably be able to pick one up for around $300.

[Darthgary]

My friend has a Advent flatscreen, I was suprised how nice the picture was and how many fetures it had, its a litte over 20" maybe but it was only like $180.

I have a Toshiba, its been very dependable.