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26"-32" LCD HDTV Buying Angst--Toshiba? Sony? etc.

I'm shopping for a LCD HDTV, probably a 26", & probably either a Sony KDL26S2000 26" Bravia, or a Toshiba REGZA 26HL66 26". This is based mainly on reading reviews on Amazon, & in CR. It would be either for my 12" x 16" LR, or my 10" x 11" BR, why I'm leaning towards a 26" (& the rooms are adjacent, so I can move a 35lb. TV from room to room if need be). I can order the Toshiba for about $800, or the Sony for about $724.

Any advice? Should I wait for the prices to drop more? I have CRT TV's in both rooms now, so it's not urgent, but I have "the urge to Buy Something", you know how that is :-) Oh, & my LR is my main Listening room, with Totem Mani-2's, etc., so TV & DVD watching is important, but secondary to music listening.

TIA for any feedback, steve
steveaudio
steveaudio OP
331 posts
 
Perhaps using the word "angst" was an overstatement. Maybe I'll flip a coin, or post on one of the more video-specific boards. I find, in smaller rooms, that a 26" TV is "just right"--not too big, not too small, but I'd consider a 32" if there wasn't much other "stuff" in the room.

It's tempting to go bigger tho, these days. The 42" Panasonic Plasma that's so popular is only $1299 now. But in my small rooms, not practical, IMO.
fiddler
581 posts
 
Before you buy the Sony LCD, you should read this. I think it might change your mind.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=748779
rodman99999
5,980 posts
 
I have a Toshiba 36HFX73 that has treated me VERY WELL for the last couple years. With the DVI input(get a Kimber Kable) the HD picture quality is no less than excellent. Sucker weighs a ton though!!
markphd
667 posts
 
I recently purchased a small (32") LCD. I ended up getting a Sony but I was very impressed with the Panasonic LCDs. And they're cheaper than the Sony too. I thought the Toshiba was good too, but just a tiny touch less good than the Panasonic or Sony.
donbellphd
205 posts
 
Since I discovered how much stereo imaging improved when I removed my Sony 36 XBR from between my KEF 104/2s, I've come up with a plan for a Sony Pearl (VW50) projecting onto a 92" diagonal Stewart SST FireHawk screen for movies and certain HDTV programs. For casual TV viewing I plan to supplement this with a 26" - 38" flat panel TV that can be wheeled into place much as a tea or bar cart might be.

The room is 14 X 19, we would be 10.5' from the projection screen, within SMPTE and THX guidelines.

I ask Chadnliz why this isn't practical. Only needs power and HDMI cables; wheeling distance would be about 6'.

The result would be the best of both worlds: great stereo imaging for music and video immersion for movies. 5.1 is already spectacular.

db
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