Want input re: a new TV

[hyphenate]

My current TV, a 25" Magnavox, which is now about 14 years old, is beginning to take a nosedive. Every now and then (however, lately, more frequently) the picture "winks" out the same way a TV does when you shut it off (coalescing to a dot in the middle of the screen, and then going out completely). When it does it, the sound diminishes somewhat, so that when the volume begins to rise, the picture comes slowly back as well.

However, enough about the old TV--it's time to buy a new one!!

My deepest wish and desire would be the Panasonic EDTV 42" Plasma set which I set my sights on 6 months ago. However, I am not at a point where I can spend $1600+ for it, so I have to make up my mind what to do about the need for a new set.

I spent about $400 for the old one, so I figure something close to that in spending would be fine. I would hope to have at least the same sized screen or greater--I don't want something smaller, since my eyesight is a factor, and this TV will be my main viewing one. I wouldn't want to go over $600 at any rate.

I've looked at several "conventional" TVs that are 32" and one that is 35". One is a JVC, one is a Philips Magnavox, and two are RCA (a 32" and the 35"). One thing that bothers me is the weight of these newer TVs--one of them weighs almost 200lbs! That's downright unfeasible for me.

I know absolutely zilch about the LCD TVs, only that they aren't as bright and sharp (from my own experience) as the Plasma Panasonic which I would love to have; however, they are certainly lighter than trying to lug a 200lb. TV home from Circuit City. Alone. With little to no way to get it upstairs by myself.

So please--give me suggestions. What am I to do? Is there an alternative to consider? I am also considering getting a DVR, and wondered if that would affect my choice of a TV. I expect there to be increased costs as well, particularly in getting something that is HDTV ready as well as additional cost through DirecTV.

Reliability, sharpness and brightness are my main considerations, though. So if anyone has any ideas or suggestions, please let me know what options I have. Thanks!

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

1. One point of advice

It would make little sense to buy a non-HDTV now. This 27-inch Samsung (which is decent quality) HDTV goes for $450. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7045477&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat31800050031&id=1099396991085

[trogdor]

3. CRTs are proven technology.

They still deliver the best picture by a long shot. I have a friend who got himself an HD tube TV and he's giddily happy with it.

Of course, there are power consumption and disposal issues with them, as you'll find out when you try to get rid of your old TV in an ecologically responsible manner. Waste disposal companies in many locales put surcharges on items like that, which require special handling due to the use of heavy metals during manufacture. Plasma and LCD TVs don't have these problems (to the best of my knowledge), and they use less energy than CRTs.

Of course, you'll probably never make back the delta between $1600 and $450 in your electric bill.

[ldf]

5. not to mention WEIGHT

crts are incredibly heavy.

Ours is a zenith 36 inch. the two of us can't move it. we make sure the movers put it where it is going to be staying.

ok, slight correction. i did move it. by myself.

but i used a one ton hydraulic lift to lift it enough to edge the stand over a fraction of an inch at a time. i actually moved it a total of maybe 4 feet from where it originally was. took hours to do.

ya do what ya gotta do....

:shrug:

[Ohio Joe]

2. For some real comprehensive info

Check out the Home Theater Forum

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/index.php

[BlueJazz]

4. As a "Consumer Reports" member, I searched the CR site for..

the best deal and also the brands that were Trouble free and had the best repair record.
I came up with the Sanyo 30" Wide Screen High Definition TV.
It sells for around 700 bucks and I'm happy as a clam with it.
Looks great, works wonderful and is very user friendly.
I think it's the best deal out there.. :)

http://www.sanyo.com/entertainment/televisions/digital/index.cfm?productID=1240

[datsafact]

6. This should help also...

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?s=7da46f682966724777a071ea0e8206ea&f=63

[Tyrone Slothrop]

7. We have a Sharp Aquos

HD -- LCD 32" (I think the size is right -- it's my roommate's).

I have to say, the picture on that thing is vastly superior to any other TV I've ever seen.

Don't discount the LCD's until you take a lot at that one (at the very least.)

It's sharp. (No pun intended)

[hyphenate]

8. Thanks everyone

I wrote down some of those model numbers, and I'm going out now to begin my search. The Best Buy is closest to me, so I will check out those 30WS ones before heading to Circuit City to check out the 32" ones. The big dampener on me for the bigger ones is the weight--some of the HDTVs are somewhat lighter, and I looked at my cash and can afford about $600 if necessary. We'll see--I'm going to take my time looking, though it can't be a LONG time looking--it's especially difficult when my own set is ready to "wink" out permanently!