Budget TV is flat screen worth the extra $ (1 Viewer)

[Robert Mayrand]

I notice that most of the posting wich deosn't deal with above 1500$ TV don't get reply, but i would really appreciate some input. Please don't tell me to save for later, or try to change my budget.

I'm really on a tight budget, but definetely need to change my TV wich only got a coax connection. I can't afford much more then 500$. I've notice a thoshiba flat screen that even goes fo less then that, but wich is only 24". Should I avoid flat screen to try to get a bigger TV. Or maybe stay small and try to get a vertical compression If this is available in small tv. I mainly use tv to watch dvd, but simply cant afford 16:9

So
-bigger plain 4:3 tv?
-smaller flat screen 4:4 tv?
-even smaller tv with vertical compression feature?

Any suggestions?

 

[Ryan LeSage]

I just bought a 32" Panasonic flat screen and found that anamorphic wide screen is still way too small. I couldn't imagine watching it on anything smaller.

IMHO, if all you want is a bigger picture, not necessarily better quality, and a few more "newer" connections, avoid the flat screen for now. You can always replace a lower cost TV.

Ryan L

 

[Matt Stone]

I bought a 27" Wega almost two years ago...w/anamorphic squeeze, it looks great...but Ryan is right, it is way too small.

I don't have any exra money laying around now...but I'm going to save for the next 6 months, and buy something ~50".

 

[Jason Hammerly]

I jsut bought a Samsung 36" analog direct view from American TV and I love it. IT does the squeeze and it was only $623 out the door. After calibration the pic is great. I'd look into it if you have one local. They are on sale at least through Saturday. Later

 

[Dan V]

There are a few of good 32" tv's in your price range, two of them being Toshiba and JVC' both have component and s-video, very good pictures, and can be had for around $500.Of the two brands, I prefer the JVC, it has a better picture and can do the anamorphic squeze, altough you have to access it thru the service menu. In a 27", you can still get into a flat screen in your price range, I would recommend either the Samsung($449-$499) or the Akai($379 which is the same as the Samsung but rebadged and sold at Sams Club)They have excellent pictures once you do some adjusting, have a full set of inputs, and do the anamorpic squeeze easily thru the remote. As far as which size and model to consider, if you watch a lot of movies, I would go with a 32", the size impact is defintely worth it, especiaaly since most dvd's are in widescreen.If it is going in a smaller room where your closer to the tv, you can't beat the clarity and detail of a flat screen.

 

[CraigL]

I am in a very similar situation.

I would like a 32" or 36" (preferable) TV under $800 (if i can help it) that is flat screen and does anamorphic squeeze. Is that possible?

 

[Brad_V]

I'd say a 36" Samsung for $623 sounds pretty sweet. That's as low as you'll find a decent 36" for. Otherwise it's the nice 32's for under $500.

Flat screen? Eh, why bother. It's hardly even a factor if you're not sitting to the sides anyway.

 

[Masood Ali]

I agree, try to get the biggest reputable brand TV you can get for $500; Toshibas, Samsungs, JVCs are all good brands. I picked up my 32" Toshiba for $300 in the classifieds; works like a gem, and the picture is really great.