New Televisions...
 

My sister tells me mom wants a new TV this year for her living room. last year we got a really nice 27" Sony for about $330, so we start looking for something similar...

Nothing!

The only TV's we find for similar price are new brands I have never heard of like "Envision," the TV she wants to get.

When did good companies stop making regular TV's and just start making the flat panels that cost hundreds more?

When they needed the resources to make the flat panels that cost hundred more that the buying public demands?

Make sure whatever TV you buy has a digital tuner, or your mom will be screwed come 2009.

FYI, it does appear that both Phillips and Sharp have TVs under 300 that are of the 27in and lower variety...

Is this in Michigan? Did you go to ABC Warehouse?

The closest thing to wholesale.

I think it's now illegal to sell those sets, at least as new.

Or a converter box that converts everything to HD on a "regular" tv. Cheaper but uglier IMHO.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure to buy it at best buy and pick up their extended warranty.....

Actually it converts it to Digital, not HD. Wouldn't really say it's cheaper since you shouldn't be able to buy a new TV without a digital tuner anyway.

She is in Michigan and has been looking around. I don't know where. I've just been looking online. The usual course of gift-giving is for her to find it and buy it, and I pay her half the cash! :D