In the market for a 16x9 RPTV (1 Viewer)

[Mark Fitzsimmons]

I'm looking to buy a 16:9 rptv and the budget is going to be around $1,500 but is flexible.

Do I have to worry about HDCP, DVI, and the like? Or is buying a tv without these features expected to be future proof.

I'm not going to be watching any HDTV due to availability in my area. Sources will be PS2, xbox, cable, and dvd.

Are there any good buys out there right now? I was looking at either a 47" or 53" Panny. Occasionally, Best Buy runs a 24 month same as cash deal, this is how I bought my last tv. But, it seems that BB is no longer carrying these models which may remove that option.


Thanks in advance.

 

[Parisis]

Mark,
I found my 47 in Panasonic at a Boscovs store for $999. I heard they may also be had at Bj's stores. The typical price (Circuit City) is @$1299. It is a great TV after some setup. Good luck.

 

[ManW_TheUncool]

Given the low clearance prices of the ready-to-be-discontinued Panny models, you may or may not care that they are missing DVI/HDCP inputs. If it were my $$$ and I just want a 47" and can find one for $1K, that's the route I'd take and save the $500 or so for something else OR toward the next TV upgrade if/when I must finally have DVI/HDCP and/or when the digital-based HDTVs have matured some more and dropped to the $2K range.

FWIW, I have the 53" Panny (for 6 months now) and love it for the most part.

_Man_