[drphoto]

Hey all, I want to get my parents a new TV for Xmas. They only view std. defintion cable. Most of the LCD and plasma sets I've seen look like crap when fed low rez signals. Are there any that work better than others? I don't want to go too big, probable 32", maybe 36".

Would I need to look for a CRT unit? Are they even made anymore?

I have a last generation Sony XBR CRT and it looks great w/ plain old basic cable.

thanks

[Mariusz]

I've plasma Pioneer Elitte 50" 720p (I am not sure if they did anything smaller then 40"or42") which looks fantastic on standart and HD.
If you can find one, I would say go for it. They should be discounted quite a bit since it is a discontinued product.
My other LCD 1080p display doesn't look half as good, even on HD.

Mariusz 

[satfrat]

Hey all, I want to get my parents a new TV for Xmas. They only view std. defintion cable. Most of the LCD and plasma sets I've seen look like crap when fed low rez signals. Are there any that work better than others? I don't want to go too big, probable 32", maybe 36".

Would I need to look for a CRT unit? Are they even made anymore?

I have a last generation Sony XBR CRT and it looks great w/ plain old basic cable.

thanks

Hi DR,

I would recommend a simple 4:3 CRT if your folks never intend on upgrading to high definition as nothing can match a CRT for standard definition quality. I would look for a 36" Sony as you already know what to expect. I also have a 1st generation Sony 36" XBR, the 36XBR400 which was the first 4:3 Sony to be HD Ready. I would also look for a 4:3 unit as there's no reason to stretch the picture out to 16:9 if HD content is never going to be shown on it. A new 4:3 TV is hard to find tho and these are the only Sony's I could find with a quick search. I didn't look for other 4:3 brands tho other than Sony. Good luck.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EOWRJ4?smid=A2E7NH3SLWCOH4&tag=cnet-ce-20&linkCode=asn

http://www.techforless.com/cgi-bin/tech4less/KD-36FS130?mv_pc=ciao

Cheers,
Robin

[jqp]

I have a last generation Sony XBR CRT and it looks great w/ plain old basic cable.

That is the best one to give them if you could (I have the 40" 40XBR800). Looks good with all content.

Wow heres one for sale!  http://prescott.craigslist.org/ele/933924215.html

[jermmd]

For std def cable, I agree that an old CRT is best (by far). When I moved recently, I couldn't give away my formerly top of the line 36" Toshiba CRT. Even Goodwill didn't want it. I would think a decent CRT could be had for dirt cheap. On the other hand, flat screens (LCD or Plasma) are modern, cool looking displays and might be what your parents would prefer even if the picture is not as good. Go to a big TV/electronics store and have them put std cable into the feed. Buy what looks best for the price.

Joe

[mcgsxr]

It is hard to imagine recommending the old CRT - I have a 32 inch Sony Vega as my main TV, I bought it around 6 years ago.

It is bulky, DEEP, heavy, unattractive, demands to be kept in a huge case - and a great picture on standard rez material.  Far better than the more modern flat screen units my friends have, with standard material.  Shifting to HD and it makes my old unit look like it is - outdated, and way past the delightful possibilities of current displays.

The widescreen CRT units were excellent, if you can find one of those, I would look into it.

Else, I agree that the more modern units, and their associated smaller installs, would likely make lots of folks happy.

[jqp]

I keep thinking that I will go to HD sometime, but with standard cable I think I would really be disappointed. HD cable with Time Warner does not seem to be worth it yet, especially with special adapters required for HD Tivo since trhey are going to Switched Digital Video.

Remember that an XBR800 CRT basically has line quadrupling in some scenarios and upscaling to/accepts 720p and 1080i. It truly bridges the gap between SD and HD. I am seeing these for $500 on the internet and I would really consider it id SD cable is what you have. IMO it is worth it for a few years use. I upscale DVDs to 1080i from my oppo player.

Mine is huge at 300 lbs, but is this really unattractive?


[not my photo]

Hi-Scan 1080i™ Display Sony’s Hi-Scan1080i™ TV’s accept
the full 1080 interlaced scanning lines (1080i) or 720 progressive
scan (720p) from an external HDTV receiver or a compatible high
definition digital satellite receiver. It also accepts 480 progressive
(480p) scanning lines from compatible DVD video sources.
Digital Reality Creation (DRC™)-Multifunction V1
Circuitry The latest version of DRC™ circuitry minimizes the visibility
of scanning lines to create a beautiful, smoother picture,
while also offering user control over detail and communicate the
necessary levels to allow for a customized picture that is optimized
for signal quality, viewing conditions and personal preference
CineMotion™ Reverse 3-2 Pulldown Technology Is a
fixed algorithm irrespective of source which preserves the integrity
of movie film frames to create the best possible image
DVI HDTV Interface (Digital Visual Interface) Has been
added for the latest generation in high definition television connectivity.
A single wire delivers a full digital uncompressed HD signal
that can be received from a DVI set top box.
Multi Image Driver (MID™-X) With Sony’s Twin View™ 2
Tuner Picture and Picture you can watch 2 full motion pictures
side by side. Together, Twin View tuner, and Sony’s proprietary
Multi Image Driver-X allows you to view analog along side of
HDTV at the same time on the same screen. Also, with MID™-X
both picture images are improved to 480 progressive image quality.
Specifications
Inputs and Outputs
• Composite Video Input:
3 Rear/ 2 Front
• S Video Input:
2 Rear/1 Front
• RF Input: 2 Rear
• Monitor Out: 1 Rear
• DVI-HDTV Interface

[satfrat]

My Sony 36XBR400 is 275lbs and it was very unattractive to pick up 4 years ago. But to me the quality of the picture is everything and there's still not a plasma or LCD that surpasses a CRT IMHO. And when you're simply talking standard definition w/o mentioning high definition, then you suffer mightily with a 16:9 HD set. It's either vertical bars, stretch or pan & scan. You're distorting the picture anyway you look at it. For pure picture quality, it's a 4:3 CRT and especially if you have it ISF calibrated which for me personally is a must have for the absolute best picture regardless of brand.

Cheers,
Robin

[BigRick]

If you are really wanting to buy a new high def though to use on standard def in the 32" to 37" size the Samsung a450 and above in that size have 10 bit processing which will allow for better noise reduction which will improve ever so slightly on SD picture quality.  If you have a working CRT and don't plan on upgrading your source then going flat panel is purely a cosmetic upgrade.  If you don't wanna upgrade your source my best recommendation is keep your CRT.

[Lyndon]

I'm with these guys on checking out the local online listings, as these are a monster in the weight department.
Target.com has some refurbished Toshiba 34" HD CRT's for $449 plus shipping for 160 pounds.  And you would need a digital tuner box by February, 2009.
http://tinyurl.com/5aonn2

Plus, you cannot return the set if defective to your local Target, but must pay the shipping again.
Sounds worse all the time...sigh...
But the PQ for standard definition is excellent.

[satfrat]

I'm with these guys on checking out the local online listings, as these are a monster in the weight department.
Target.com has some refurbished Toshiba 34" HD CRT's for $449 plus shipping for 160 pounds.  And you would need a digital tuner box by February, 2009.
http://tinyurl.com/5aonn2

Plus, you cannot return the set if defective to your local Target, but must pay the shipping again.
Sounds worse all the time...sigh...
But the PQ for standard definition is excellent.

Why would you need a digital tuner? The only folks that need that are those on an antenna or with a really old analog tv.

Cheers,
Robin

[drphoto]

Again, this is for my parents who are in their 80's.  They certainly won't care if it's cool looking. In fact they'd probably think a flat panel was weird!

I love the XBR. I'm glad I got one that was a close out floor demo. Mine is the last of the 'nearly' flat screens.

[satfrat]

Again, this is for my parents who are in their 80's.  They certainly won't care if it's cool looking. In fact they'd probably think a flat panel was weird!

I love the XBR. I'm glad I got one that was a close out floor demo. Mine is the last of the 'nearly' flat screens.

So maybe you should give them your set and go out and buy a new one for yourself?

Just a thought,,,,,

[Lyndon]

Robin said:

Why would you need a digital tuner? The only folks that need that are those on an antenna or with a really old analog tv. Very Happy

Well, guess what I'm using after somebody cleaned me out of my Toshiba 42" 1080p, three iPods, Dell laptop, digital camera last September?  I'm back on the old Philips 32", and waiting for prices to tumble even more.  Almost jumped
on those Panny 1080 plasmas, and am lured by the Samsung 630 lcd model.  George's deal on the Panny BluRay on Monday was very good.
I have a friend in Seattle, who swears by the CRT HD projector.  He bought it rebuilt, and it still cost ten grand!
But he is way more into the video than I. 
Those older XBR's do look to be the ticket for your folks, though.  Or they can do the Ozark Hillbilly thing, and place the flat screen on the CRT for dual broadcasts.  Just look at what you save for a TV stand!

[satfrat]

Robin said:

Why would you need a digital tuner? The only folks that need that are those on an antenna or with a really old analog tv. Very Happy

Well, guess what I'm using after somebody cleaned me out of my Toshiba 42" 1080p, three iPods, Dell laptop, digital camera last September?  I'm back on the old Philips 32", and waiting for prices to tumble even more.  Almost jumped
on those Panny 1080 plasmas, and am lured by the Samsung 630 lcd model.  George's deal on the Panny BluRay on Monday was very good.
I have a friend in Seattle, who swears by the CRT HD projector.  He bought it rebuilt, and it still cost ten grand!
But he is way more into the video than I. 
Those older XBR's do look to be the ticket for your folks, though.  Or they can do the Ozark Hillbilly thing, and place the flat screen on the CRT for dual broadcasts.  Just look at what you save for a TV stand!

Hope you've got your digital converter ready.