Video Asylum

Posted by Taco (A) on January 05, 2003 at 14:27:44

In Reply to: Advice for Buying Big screen TV? posted by SD on January 04, 2003 at 00:19:01:

I just went through this. Whatever you do, try to include the 3-5 yr warranty package. I would not look at Sony in this price range. You would end up with a WS model which has had flickering CRT problems. You probably can't even get the better 55-57" models in this price range (out the door with warranty). I would look at the Hitachi 51SWX20b model (rated #1 by many this year) or the Toshiba HDX82 model. Maybe Mitsubishi 55" if you get a good deal (but stay away from BB and Sears) on the 55411 model.

I went with the Toshiba 50" HDX82 (NOT the HD82) from ABT in Chicago for $2050 including delivery & 3-yr warranty. Note Toshiba's also have their problems (as will all makes). They have had staticy sound (easily fixed with a resistor soldered on) and some have had color bursts on shutdown, needing a CRT replaced. For the money the Tosh is probably the best value, and also has better regular TV (non-HD) picture quality and 4:3 stretch modes according to many reviewers.