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I need a TV for a temporary apartment (we're moving to a new state and split between two locations). I'm wondering what represents a good value for around $500 to $700 or so (and I can get at Sears). I'm generally not a big TV watcher, mostly into two-channel audio, so I need the wisdom of this group to help out. Should I look at CRTs, Plasma, LCD? HDTV? Have no idea what this blu stuff is that people are talking about. It would be nice if the size is at least 27". Help Mr. Wizard!
Follow Ups:
If you just want a temporary basic TV, there's some decent 27" 4:3 CRT sets for under $200. Try the audio/video department at a grocery megastore.
There's still some old stock medium-sized widescreen CRT sets to be found in stores. Those can offer a very good quality picture, better than almost any fixed-pixel display at any price. Maybe not at Sears, but take a look around. I got a Sony 30" widescreen for $400 Canadian. I'm a little worried about how badly it got burned in as a demo unit, though. If you have choice of one still in the box, go for it.
Prices and technology on the flat-panel displays are still improving, so you might be better off waiting. A smaller HD-capable, widescreen CRT set should make a nice bedroom or guest room set later on, or as an alternative to a big projection setup (front or rear).
What with your size, price and vendor requirements, your choice is actually pretty simple:
A Samsung HD CRT set with ATSC tuner and 1080i/720p res is probably going to give the best picture for your money...if you can deal with the fact that it weighs around 120 lbs! I might still own one myself, but the weight and non-portability became an issue. A good CRT is bright and vivid, with rich blacks that don't wash out when you view from different angles.
Plasma sets are generally only offered in larger sizes (40" and up) and over $1K.
LCD is the lightest and most portable of the bunch, and in your price range, you might get a good but smallish set or a larger set of average quality. All LCDs wash out to some degree (most noticeable with dark video) when viewed from off-axis, but better-quality sets do so to a lesser degree and have richer blacks. A 26" Panasonic may be well worth a look.
Features you probably will want, and why:
ATSC digital tuner: Because in the USA, analog over-the-air TV broadcasts are still scheduled for a 2009 phaseout.
HDMI inputs: Newer DVD players and all current HD devices (satelite TV boxes, HD DVD, Blu-Ray, Playstation 3, fancier upscaling DVD players etc) use it and sometimes it's required for the highest resolution settings. Greatly reduces cable clutter and avoids needless digital-> analog-> digital signal conversions. Where HDMI versions are mentioned, v1.3 or 1.3a would be ideal (but not yet common).
1080i/720p resolution: That's about as high a resolution as you are going to get on a TV below 32".
Don't forget that most MasterCards give you added warranty protection at no extra charge. That's why I put my Sharp LCD, Apple monitor and Playstation 3 on MasterCard, even though I had the cash.
Like you, I started with an interest in 2-channel audio, but I've been having fun with this high-definition video too.
Thanks! I appreciate the recommendation and the explainations - it's all Greek to me.
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