Could really use some help choosing a 26" HDTV

Andrew.H · 11-27-2005, 07:08 AM

Well I'll start off by saying I am new to these forums, this is my first post. Someone recommended these forums to me so I thought I would come check them out. I am looking for an HDTV, but I do not really know much about them so I could really use some help.

My problem is that I have just purchased an Xbox 360, and anyone who's read anything about it knows that you will not get the full experience without an HDTV. I currently have a 32" Sanyo with a 4:3 aspect ratio, and it's just not cutting it.

I am looking for something that can do 720p and has an aspect ratio of 16:9 (widescreen). However, since it will be widescreen and it needs to fit in the same space as my 32", it will have to be a bit smaller diagonally, about 26" from what I have calculated (the space I have is approximately 30"x28"). I have the space for a CRT/tube TV, so I would prefer to go with one if possible. I have done some research and everything I find says that they have the sharpest image, but tradeoff by being the largest/heaviest which is why they are so inexpensive compared to slimmer LCD/Plasma TVs.

Also, I've been reading about HDMI and how important it is, but I can't seem to figure out WHAT it is. If someone could please explain it to me, I would greatly appreciate it. Should I look for a TV that has HDMI, is it very important?

Well, I guess that's everything. I've done some searching and I just can't seem to find the right TV, if someone could help me I would be very grateful. Thanks for your time.

Andrew.H · 11-28-2005, 02:13 PM

Is there no one at all that could help me out?

Michael TLV · 11-28-2005, 02:18 PM

Greetings

Most Tube sets out there don't handle 720p at all. At best, they take it and convert it to 1080i.

You can get flat panel LCD units of 27" or slightly less for $1000 or so.

Regards

Brian_Fly · 11-28-2005, 05:01 PM

If you're looking for cost effective, small, and well reviewed, look into the 26" Syntax Olevia LT26HVE. I've never heard of the brand, but it's well reviewed at amazon and circuit city. Look at radioshack for a good price.

Joseph DeMartino · 11-28-2005, 06:42 PM

Radio Shack has it for a fantastic price - $549.99 (After a $250 mail-in rebate.) They don't stock in it stores, but your local store can order it for you, or you can buy it on the website. If you're in a bigger hurry, you can find the same set in stock at CompUSA for $699.99 (After $100 instant rebate and $100 mail-in rebate. Technically CompUSA is not obligated to price match on items that are web-only or not in stock at local stores, but rather than lose a sale I suspect most of them will but the rules a bit if pressed by a knowledgable customer.)

Regards,

Joe

**HTF Ads**

Andrew.H · 11-28-2005, 07:36 PM

Thanks for all the replies, they've been really helpful. However, I'm starting to think I should go a bit bigger. I recently had a look at a 26" widescreen TV, and it's much smaller than my current 32" 4:3. I didn't realize it would be so much smaller. So I'm thinking I'd like to go with something larger, and just get a new TV stand at the same time. The TV that was suggested looks great, is there anything similar but around 30-34"? Obviously the price will be a bit higher, that's not too much of an issue as long as it is not TOO much higher. I really appreciate the help so far, thanks again.

Joseph DeMartino · 11-28-2005, 09:46 PM

Hmmm... I was just looking at the dimensions you gave in your first post. The Syntax Olevia 26" has built-in, side-mounted speakers, and that brings the width up to 35". You can imagine what the 3

Best Buy carries a 32" Westinghouse with bottom-mounted speakers which is just over 31" wide. The current price is $1299.99. Black Friday it was $899.99 and they may drop the price again before Christmas.

When you gave the dimensions the TV needs to fit in, you only gave two numbers and didn't indicate what they were. (I'm guessing width and height, but aren't sure which is which.) Also don't know what your budget is. If you could post the enclosure dimensions (H x W x D) and give us a ballpark number we should be able to give you some better suggestions.

HDMI stands for High-Definition Multimedia Interface - a digital connection that carries both HD video and digital audio. Should be as good or better than DVI (and analog component) although reviews have varied and I haven't had a chance to try it out myself. (My new JVC 56" D-ILA doesn't come in until a week from today and my 27" Westinghouse LCD HD TV doesn't have an HDMI input.)

Regards,

Joe

Andrew.H · 11-28-2005, 11:00 PM

Ah well the dimensions are 30" wide x 28" high, but I think I'll just get a new TV stand because 26" is actually quite small and I'd like something a bit bigger. As for price I was hoping for something around $1000, size around 30"-34 and definately something that can do 720p, that is the most important thing.

Joseph DeMartino · 11-28-2005, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Ah well the dimensions are 30" wide x 28" high, but I think I'll just get a new TV stand because 26" is actually quite small

Cool. I've never understood people who let their furniture dictate their equipment choices.

I once had a wall unit custom built in a house I used to own. It was made to hold my 56" CRT RPTV, audio and video euquipment, plus front speakers and subwoofer. I took the measurements for the TV, then went on the internet to get the biggest height, width and depth dimensions for a 65" set, which I figured was the biggest I might ever upgrade to. The TV cavity was built to hold that giant TV. The door that covered the TV (except for the screen) was made for the 56". If I'd ever bought a bigger set the guy who made it would have come back and recut the door for the new screen.

For my current installtion I've ordered a four piece unit from City Furniture with two equipment piers, a bridge that adjusts to handle different size TVs and a TV table/storage unit. (The same set without the TV table can be used for full-sized RPTVs up to about 65".)

Given that you're OK with a new table, I think it would be hard to find a better price/performance combo than this Olevia 32" from Radio Shack.

I haven't had a chance to set up my 26" Olevia yet, but I've been impressed by the reviews and there was nothing that came close to that price in that size. (Except a Sharp Aquos that my local Best Buy was selling for an unadvertised $599.99 before they sold out.)

Regards,

Joe