Video Asylum

Posted by Harmonia (A) on January 13, 2003 at 23:13:14

In Reply to: 30-34" HDTVs as Video Source posted by townsend on January 08, 2003 at 17:36:20:

I ourchased the 34" 9818 in October. I like it a lot.

I *strongly* recommend this size set - you may think it's too big for your room but you're wrong, 34" is a perfect size to watch DVDs in a small room. The 30" WS sets are REALLY (I mean really) too darned small - 2:35 films are *tiny*. I'm serious as a heart attack - go for the 34" set! For movies, bigger is much, much better. I watch my Philips from 8-9 feet and it's the perfect distance. Yes, the 34" sets are deep, and they're heavy. But they are the minimum for HT movie enjoyment IMO.

For standard def 4:3 cable viewing, I like the Philips' 14:9 expand mode. I never use zoom or stretch.

If money were no object, I'd have been interested in the 38" Loewe Aconda or a 42" plasma. (I almost pulled the trigger ona 42" Panny for $3600.) But it was and I'm very pleased with the Philips 34". I am still looking for a bigger display, but I'm waiting for some of the new technologies to settle down.

BTW, I got my 34" Philips for $1550 delivered. It's a refurb, but it came with full factory warranty and it's performed flawlessly. Contact Jason at ebay@hartoninnovations if you want to know more. Their service was excellent. There are many favorable comments about this reseller on avsforum.com.

I suspect LCOS and DLP will pull ahead of plasma. They have many of the advantages and fewer of the drawbacks, and will cost less.. Prices should be better in a year. I can't live with the black levels and shadow detail on the LCS RPs, not even the new Grand Wegas.

PLEASE - go bigger. If you like movies, stay away from the 30" sets. There are several good ones - Philips, Sony, Toshiba.