*** Flat Screen Tubes VS. Newer Conventional Tubes *** (1 Viewer)

[Brian Mansure]

My parent's 32 Sony Trinitron of 10 years just died earlier this week and they asked me to help them shop for a new television.
I believe after talking with them we've narrowed down some specifications/requirements:

1) A direct view analog set
2) At least a 32" set but possibly would buy the right 36"
3) Somewhere in the range of $500 - $600
4) Component inputs not a necessity but would be nice
(I can't seem to convince them it makes a difference, oh well)

The main question I have is...

How much difference do you think it would make between a flat screen set compared to a conventional curved tube set in an open-style room with lots of natural and man-made light?

Of course the flat screen should make some type of difference but enough to spend almost $200-$300 more per tv?

The room which the TV is in has a sloped 15' ceiling, 2 large 6' tall windows on either side of French doors.
I've asked if they would consider window treatments that would dim some of the light while they are watching TV and my mother is dead set against it.

Anyhow, back to the television hunt, right now the short list consists of (in no particular order)

Toshiba 32AF42 - flat screen - $649.95 @ Sears or Best Buy
Sony 32FS100 - flat screen - $649.95 @ Boscov's
Sony 32FS200 - flat screen - $699.95 @ Boscov's
Toshiba 32A33 - conventional tube - $429.95 @ Best Buy
Toshiba 36A42 - conventional tube - $599.97 @ Sears

I appreciate your opinions and suggestions.

Thanks,
Brian

 

[Joshua_Y]

I'm actually probably gonna get the 32' Sony today...looked like a hell of a TV...but the Toshiba is excellent as well...I've had a 30" Toshiba Tube for 7 years and looks as good as the day I got it...

 

[GregAnderson]

Not to "push" an HDTV on you, but electronicsnation.com sells refurb Philips with full warranty. They have 2 32" models. One for $650, but unfortunately no stock on that. You may want to drop them a quick email to confirm they don't have it (and if they do, see if you can find one to look at to see if it would meet their needs while providing a little "future insurance").

Greg

 

[Karl_Luph]

I was going to suggest checking out the sharp 32"flat screen tv. I saw one at BB and it looked great. Of course the toshiba 32" flat screen would be my next favorite.I cannot stress more that whatever you get, spend a little more and get a flat screen! I think you'll really enjoy it.

 

[Brian Mansure]

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

My parents ended up purchasing the Sony KV32FS100 for $644.99 + tax from Best Buy.

It was kinda funny watching the lady behind the customer service counter call a local Boscov's to verify they had a much lower price than the $749.00 BB was asking for the same set.
She couldn't believe that I found any place with a lower price than them. She gave me the evil eye while filling out the price match form and I just looked right back at her with a huge kool-aid smile.
My parents are happy with the set and even more happy I saved them $105 bucks.

Thanks,
Brian