Need HDTV for parents under 2K? (1 Viewer)

[Matt_Stevens]

So the 2002 models are out, but looking over Sony and Toshiba's websites ain't easy. They load poorly and I am having a hard time finding what I am looking for.
My parents will need a RPTV under 50" that is HDTV ready AND that can do vertical compression with DVD. I believe the Sony KP-43HT20 is the 2002 model that does 16x9, but Sony's site will not load. Am I correct on this?
TOSHIBA also has a new 2002 model which I believe to be the
43H70 , but at $2700, that is a bit much (my parents just built a deck, went on a cruise and ordered DISH, so they set a 2K limit).
Advice? Any other options? They watch too much 1.33:1 programming to buy a 16x9 set (we don't need burnin), but I want them to have the 16x9 squeeze for DVD, as Dad has amassed a respectable collection of good films.
Locally we have a Tweeter, a Circuit City and Sears (which I personally want to bomb right now).
Thanks (also posted in the AVS forum).
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[Abdul Jalib]

You can get a Hitachi 36UX01S for $1200, but it's a direct view.
You can get a Sony 53HS10 or Philips 60PP9601 for about $2299/$2199 at Costco, but they are over your price range.
You can get a Mitsubishi 46907 for about $1999. but it's a 16:9.
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[David Head]

Matt,
The Toshiba 43H70 is this year's model. The new model is the 43H71 (all of the new 2002 models end in a one).
OneCall has a great deal running right now. They have the 43H70 for $1399 plus shipping. They are currently out of the 43H70 and are offering the 43HX70 (the Cinema series, which adds an anti-glare screen and a better remote) for the same price. The 43H70 and 43HX71 do NOT do the squeeze for DVDs.
OneCall also sells the new 43H71 (which does do the squeeze) for $1899.99, although it is not in stock yet. OneCall also offers a one year same as cash deal.
David
P.S. I am not affiliated in any way with OneCall.

 

[Matt_Stevens]

Strange. Toshiba's website says the following for the 43H70: "New 16x9 mode with Vertical Compression."
So wassup with that? And why is Toshiba's web site not updated with the latest models?
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[Abdul Jalib]

Beware, 4x3 Toshibas generally do the 16:9 vertical compression for 1080i but not for 480i/480p. That means sucky anamorphic DVD playback.
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[David Head]

Matt,
The "New 16x9 mode with Vertical Compression" on the 43H70 and 43HX70 are for 1080i sources only (HDTV), not 480i or 480p.
The new 40H71 and 40HX71 upconvert a 480i or 480p signal to 540p, so they DO play back anamorphic DVDs at full resolution.
David

 

[Andrew Grall]

If you can talk your parents into going widescreen, check out the new 42H81 by Toshiba. I have the 50H81, and it is an absolutely wonderful set. Even the 50" can be found close to $2000, so the 42" should definitely be under $2000.
Best of luck!
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[John-D]

I'm sure you meant HDTV under 2k FOR parents

Onecall has good bargain on 'last years' models. Remember, these were the most recent offerings just 2 months ago!
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The things we own end up owning us

 

[Matt_Stevens]

They watch way too much 1.33:1 material to have a 16x9 set. It would suffer burn-in in no time AND confuse the hell out of my mother.
So the 2002 Toshiba and Sony 43" sets will do what they need and can be had for 2 grand locally. That sounds reasonable.
Neither would want to go online for the purchase. They feel much more comfortable walking into a place and actually talking with someone. Of course, I'll be doing the talking.
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