It's going to implode soon....I need a new TV

[sabotai]

My TV is on its last leg. For awhile now, everything that is white "bleeds" to the right. Its' very distracting when it's white on black, but otherwise it's not very noticable. At least, it wasn't. Now it's getting worse and I've also noticed thin red horizontal lines going across the TV.

Yup, it's going to implode soon. At least....I think it will.

But I need a new TV. A cheap one as I have not really been saving for a new TV. Or anything for that matter.

To give an idea of size, it's going to be sitting on a desk, not an entertainment system or anything like that. My current TV is 20' or so and basically "just" fits width wise. Meaning it's barely not touching the wall.

I'm not really up to speed on TV technology though. I've heard of progressive scanning and it has something to do with DVD players I think....other than that, I don't know what features I should be looking for in a TV.

Most of the time I'm looking at my TV, I'm playing a DVD or a video game. If I had to break it down to percentages, I'd say it's roughly 40% "watching TV", 30% watching a DVD and 30% playing a console. Just in case that has any impact on the features I should be looking for.

So, any TV gurus out there with some tips on what I should be looking for?

[sovereignstar]

*wonders if sabotai is one of those guys with cable-whoa*

[Karim]

Here is my recommendation:
http://www.tacp.toshiba.com/televisions/product.asp?model=27afx54

Pros:
1) 16:9 aspect ratio (never buy another 4:3 TV)
2) flat screen = great viewing angles
3) component video outputs for your DVD (Toshiba's Colorstream is very good)

Cons:
1) flat screens have geometry problems that are virtually impossible to repair
2) no DVI input/output but it doesn't sound like HDTV is a big consideration

At $399, it seems like a decent price. Sony has a name but from what I've discovered through the years is that Toshiba is better bang for the buck.

One thing that will GREATLY improve your image is to buy/rent a copy of Video Essentials or AVIA. These are calibration disks that make a huge difference in picture quality (and sound quality if its in a home theater).

Of course, if you're a grognard like me, you'd spring for ISF calibration but that's more than the cost of the TV! http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/eek.gif

If you're really limited at 20", go with:
http://www.tacp.toshiba.com/televisions/product.asp?model=20af44

$200 cheaper, 16:9, flatscreen, with Colorstream Component inputs...

[sabotai]

Thanks Karim. That 20' TV looks to be exactly what I'm loking for (and in my price range. :) ).

[Karim]

Here's a nice choice, although pricier...
http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/lcd_w1900?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

LDC, HDTV with DVI-HDCP input...

[sabotai]

Yeah, that one is quite a bit out of my price range. Maybe if I had been smart and started saving a bit ago, but that's thinking ahead. I never do that.

[sooner333]

I got my 20" Sanyo at Wal-Mart for about $130-140. Flatscreen, 4:3, good brand. In fact, when my parent's TV broke the other week, they didn't want to spend the money to get it repaired, so when they asked the repair guy a good brand for repairs, he suggested Sanyo.

[sooner333]

Dola- If your regular width TV at 20" barely fits width-wise, getting the 16:9 is going to make matters worse...the 20" is going to be wider at that aspect ratio because of the way TV's are measured diagonally. You would need to get a smaller TV if you are that cramped on your width.