I don't know jack... (1 Viewer)

[Kyle.G]

I'm new to this home theater stuff, I've been asking some questions and I just can't seem to compile enough information. I guess what I'm wondering is the following:
This is going to be a very modest HT system, probably in the $1000 dollar range for a TV. Am I stuck with a 4:3 ratio TV? Or are there 16:9 sets in the vicinity of this price range? I can MAYBE go up to $1500--that remains to be seen though. But if you all wouldn't mind humoring me, I'll take info for up to $1500.
Thanks for putting up with my questions!

Kyle

 

[Matt Stone]

You can get the 47" Panasonic Rear Projection 16:9 HDTV for around 1500...but I think that's about as good as it'll get, unless you buy used.

 

[Mike I]

The 47inch panasonic is receiveing good reviews...Look into it...Can be had everyday for 1600 but if you look around you will probably can get it for 1499..Good luck..

 

[Jack Briggs]

Second the above two suggestions. But do not purchase a used display.

Samsung also makes a 32-inch direct-view native 16:9 in this price range too.

Or, you could check for deals on the Sony XBR450 series (4:3, but with 16:9 mode) just prior to the new model introductions.

Whatever the case, at the kilobuck range and above, but into ATSC technology. Do not spend a grand or more on an NTSC-only set.

 

[Kyle.G]

Cool, this is all very helpful. Thanks guys!

 

[Jack Briggs]

Oh, and Kyle? I won't hold your using my name in vain against you!
If you can swing $1,500, I'd vote for the Panny RPTV.

 

[Kyle.G]

LOL, I didn't even notice that!

 

[Brad_V]

If you can't swing $1500 for the Panasonic, then I'd go for an analog RPTV. No home theater should be under 50". It's just not right. IMO, for someone wanting "a modest TV," paying anywhere near $1000 for a 32" or less TV is on the ridiculous side unless your eyeballs are trained to see the minor differences in picture quality.

A reminder: an HDTV is usually not worth the extra if you don't also cough up the bucks for an HD tuner.

 

[Mike I]

Hear we go again..Don't even consider analog..The difference in picture quality is like night and day..

 

[Vlad D]

I also vote against going with analog. If you can swing it go for the panny. Even if you can't afford an HD tuner now, you can always get one later.

 

[Jack Briggs]

Vlad, cool sig image. I love Excalibur.

No offense, Brad, but purchasing an NTSC-only RPTV in this day and age would be a mistake. And the OEMs are pretty much saying the same thing: Mitsubishi doesn't even make NTSC-only sets any longer, nor does Sony. Toshiba is following suit. Why go far a big, flawed, blown-up, non-line-doubled NTSC image when much sharper 480p and 1080i images can be had on a more advanced, ATSC-based direct-view set? That will bring him closer to the cinematic experience than would a blurry, soft NTSC-only RPTV.

My opinions, of course!

 

[Vlad D]

Jack - Thanks. I also love Excalibur. It's one of my all-time favorite movies.

 

[Kyle.G]

Well, sounds like the Panny is the one. Better dig deep into my wallet for that one!