Buying a New TV?

Bob Bitchen asks: "I have had the current TV set for 10+ years and really haven't put any thought into a new one. The current set is having some problems and I'm thinking of getting a new larger set or possibly a projector, with a budget of $1000. What's the best thing to get these days? HDTV ready might be nice but it's not mandatory. I don't know enough about the projector technology to feel comfortable about buying them but I might be convinced, if I hear from enough converts. Do the projectors perform as well as conventional displays? If I do go with a conventional display TV, what models are preferred and why? I am also looking for some good sites for comparing and learning more about the current state-of-the-art in televisions. I found a good site for projectors but haven't found a similar site for TVs."

Comments

Me personally...

[Anonvmous Coward]

.. I'd spend maybe $200-$300 for a TV and the rest on a sound system + TiVo.

Not sure if that gives you much to think about, but considerations are always good. :)

a word of warning

[kommakazi]

I wouldn't reccomend getting a projection TV if you are planning on hooking up a newer gaming console such as a PS2 or Xbox, they will most likely damage it. (Look for warnings in your console's manual.)

Re:Projectors

[i_am_nitrogen]

Well, if you amortize the cost of a bulb over the bulb's life, I think it's worth the 30 cents an hour for a 110" diagonal screen with 1024x768 progressive resolution. If you just have friends over frequently, and have each one donate a dollar to your "bulb fund," you can easily cover the costs.

An important question though:

are you buying this to watch TV frequently for long periods of time? In other words, do you have kids who watch the afternoon cartoons every day? Projectors are better used in situations where you watch maybe an hour or two a day average, and mostly focus on high-quality content, like DVD's (or DVHS) and DTV.

Re:Semi-OT: Don't whine. Do something about it.

[Danse]

If he'd rather have a TV than a trip to Timbuktu, then how is that being wasteful? Maybe we should analyze all of your purchases to see if you're buying things that we think are wasteful.

Most Versatile Setup for LCD Television

[reporter]

For maximum flexibility, select the following for your $1000 budget.

1. NextVision N6 by Viewsonic
2. Sony SXGA LCD monitor
3. Sony stereo system
4. video/audio cables

The NextVision N6 will convert any HDTV or SDTV signal into an RGB video signal and an audio signal that can be connected to a nice LCD monitor and a high-quality stereo, respectively. Furthermore, the NextVision N6 has a built-in SDTV tuner, so you can immediately start watching standard NTSC television programs.

While you enjoy your time shopping for this equipment, please remember that when you buy products made in a particular country, you indirectly support the value system of that country. So, please avoid products that are made in China (which includes Taiwan and Hong Kong). At Amnesty International and Tibet Online, you can find plenty of reasons to avoid products "Made in China" (which includes "Made in Taiwan" and "Made in Hong Kong").

Re:Tee Eye Vee Ooooooh

[Anonymous Coward]

What lovely terminology there... care to explain yourself? Right now it's just sounding like more BS.

Man, you sound like a real jerk. Do you always talk to people like that, or just feel like you can get away with it because you're not f2f?

Come on man, whether or not your right -- don't talk to people like they're assholes. They probably don't deserve it.

--Jerk Police