Someone educate me...yet another HDTV thread
 

First of all, I've been through all the HDTV threads here and a number of the links provided and I still really don't have any idea what the snot I'm supposed to be looking for...

I've been kind of putting off buying a new television for a while. HDTV is nice, but I really couldn't justify dropping that kind of cash on such a thing for myself.

However, I was looking at the local Wal-Mart circular, which just happened to have a set of HDTVs for under $1000.

So, I guess my question is...being the ever pragmatic person that I am..what's wrong with these televisions?

52" RCA widescreen
51" Magnavox
and
51" Phillips from Circuit City

I don't need it to great things and I'm not looking to dangle on the cutting edge, but I'd kind of like a new television. I'm not looking to do anything fancy, just play video games and watch some television.

I'd really like an educated opinion on the matter because while $1000 is certainly doable, I'd like it to be spent well rather than flushed down the confusing acronym and mind-numbing technical lingo toilet.

Thanks in advance :D

First off RCA sucks, so ferget it.

Unless things have changed, Phillips and Magnavox use the same tubes. So you'll want to base your decision on warranty length and features. Of course, the fact that the magnavox is out of stock tends to slant things toward the Phillips ;)

The larger the screen, the crappier the picture will be, especially with projection tvs. Unless you want to spend a fortune on a plasma or something similar, the largest you should go is 36 inches.

On the projection screens, the HD stations and signals may look decent, but every other channel you watch will look like crap.

I will debate this. I have a Toshiba 51H83 (51inch) and the picture is phenomenal. Whether the television is showing analog, digital, or HD streams, the picture is still great. I've been quite pleased with this television.

I would suggest going to the store and see for yourself. Go to CNet and gather info and make a comparison printout, bring it with you to the store.

I've been. However, in another thread it was mentioned that the televisions on display are usually set up in such a way that makes it nigh impossible to duplicate at home.

I've seen the Magnavox at my local Wal*Mart. I couldn't dick around with it, but I thought the picture looked fine. I was just wondering if there was something I was missing.

Just find out if those tvs are showing an HD signal or not, and if so, ask to see a non-HD channel displayed on the screen.

I have the hc85 and I have to agree, the picture is similar if not better to my friends 3,000 dollar Samsung DLP tv. Most of the tv's I have bought over the years have been Toshiba and I've never had a problem.