Ok so I am readt to replace my Sony 27" CRT that is near death. So I've done some research, and I think with the space I have I can fit easily a 26-27" widescreen or possibly a 30". Now most of my viewing of the TV will be from a maximum of 10-12 feet but on avg about 7 feet. Now I know everyone say's "Sony, Sony, Sony".
I was looking into the Panasonic CT-26WX15 or CT-30WX15. Can anyone give me any feedback on these sets? Are they any good? Is there another set out that is better for the price range? At circuit city I can get the CT-26WX15 for $420 plus $50 delivery and then tax so im looking at about $570 final price. My price range is no more the $600 delivered. Can anyone throw me some opinions. Thank you so very much.
Porcupine
03-23-2006, 02:30 PM
I'm in a similar situation as you, but unfortunately after TV researching, shopping, and returning for two months (though all the buys and returns occured over a period of two weeks, after which I went into an annoyed and cautious mode) I'm at the conclusion that there are really no good CRT HDTVs being made these days.
A lot of people say the Sony and the Panasonic are the best, but all the different brands have their own pitfalls, and I'm not sure any of them are decent. Measure how much space you have available in the length direction in your room/cabinet/stand and let us know. If you have more than 35" free at least you have more options, such as the Sony. If you only have around 33" like me, you are in big trouble because so few CRT HDTVs will fit in that space, and the only ones that do aren't that great.
Porcupine
03-23-2006, 02:32 PM
Personally since the beginning of my shopping adventures a local store has sold the Panasonic CT-26WX15 for only $300 plus tax, but I've never bought it. So that should tell you something about what I think of its quality. :) It's a decent TV but I'm not satisfied with it, even at that price. It's also because I'm really trying to fit a 30" TV in the 33" I have, I feel the 26" Panasonic might be too small (the 30" Panasonic is not available here).
At the price range you are looking at you there are still some 30" CRTs available to you. But again, let us know how much space you have free in the length direction first so the choices can be narrowed down.
stylez11375
03-24-2006, 10:32 AM
Ok well after meassuring I have around 37" and can move the dresser a bit to make more room if need be. Now here is one HUGE!!! problem for me. I live in NYC, the Sony KD-30xs955 is NOWHERE to be found!! I mean serious bestbuy, circuit city, radioshack nobody has it!! I don't know what other stores to check, and there isn't any little electronic shops by me that carry TV's.
The Panasonic CT-30wx15 is only available at Circuit City, but they want like $760 plus tax for it.
After alot of careful reading of reviews it seem the masses have chosen the KD-30xs955 model as the best in it's class, saying the Picture is unmatched by any other brand.
So here is my 2 dilemas. 1:) I want the best TV I can get for $700 (budget went up some) I am connectiing my DVD player, XBOX, and HDTV set-top box to the TV. 2:) If anyone lives in NYC and knows a good place to go for a TV or a place where they carry the Sony KD-30xs955 please please please tell me :)
Porcupine
03-24-2006, 02:30 PM
Well it sounds like you have plenty of space so that is good for you. So you can easily fit any company's 30" CRT in there, including Sony. If you want, you can even fit the Toshiba 34" w/bottom speakers in there too (though that's not necessarily what I'm recommending).
I will agree that (assuming you have the space) both the Sony HS and XS models are the top in quality among CRT makers today, though I wouldn't say they are anywhere near close to perfect like some others say. The Sony HS models are maybe only marginally better than the CRTs from the other decent brands such as LG, Philips, Panasonic, Samsung. The Sony XS models are definitely a step above everything else but they also cost a step above everything else, roughly 50% more. I don't think the 30XS955 is in your price range, is it? Maybe the 30HS420 would be a good choice for you if you can find one.
stylez11375
03-28-2006, 01:29 PM
Well That is the thing..I found a few 30 XS Sony online last week, but with delivery cost it was like $950. Though I did find one store last week by me that had it for $699 and I can pick it up in store, so im only looking at 760ish out the door. They only had 1 left, so I hope they still have it sunday when i go to buy it (they wouldn't let me put a deposit on it...) So if they don't now i'm back to my search, and I swear I gonna go nutz if I don't get a TV this sunday!!
