G'day,

I'm after a TV for under $1000. The reason I am spending so little is that I am waiting until I move into a bigger house before I commit to a bigger screen (viewing distance is around 2.5 m), and I prefer CRT over plasma and LCD. So this TV is a temporary measure (about 1 year or so) until then.

I currently have a 10yr old Akai 68cm, which has functioned perfectly, and produced excellent images. However, it only has a single composite input, and does not display NTSC. Viewing "Return Of The King" over composite is a pain, and the lack of NTSC playback is bugging me (no R1 DVDs, for example).

I'm looking for component input, NTSC playback, and side A/V composite for connecting a video camera. I have a Pioneer 676a DVD player, and a TEAC DVB 350 SD set-top box. All video and audio outputs go to my Rotel RSP-1068 pre-processor, which allows component, S-Video, or composite video connection to the TV.

I could go for a 68cm TV (I bought a $500 LG 68cm for my parents recently, and picture quality was streets ahead of my current TV, especially when connecting the DVD via component). However, I would like to get a bigger screen size if possible, but I assume that best picture quality in this price range would be for a 68cm TV.

So I'm wondering if there are any decent 76cm widescreen or 80cm TVs in this price range. My only concern with the 76cm is that any 4:3 image would be smaller than the current image on my 68cm.

However, an 80cm TV would be roughly the same width as a 76cm widescreen, and allow larger 4:3 picture. I've got a few childrens DVDs that are 4:3, and as these are on repeatedly, I'd rather not reduce the image size.

So I guess the question is: for $1000, which TV should I get? A 68cm, 76cm, or 80cm? And can anyonce recommend some models to consider, or avoid?

--Geoff

With digital tv or foxtel most of the stuff you watch will be widescreen, I advise you go widescreen because it will give a much bigger picture than any 4:3 for that price for DVD's and widescreen DTV content. Just go to a shop and find out what 76cm for around 1000 dollars has the best picture quality in your opinion.

I now have a TEAC 76cm widescreen. Got it for $660 at The Good Guy’s Its not flat but for the price its pretty good. It is reasonable value for money

The TV has two scart imputs and and RCA plugs.

I is not the easiest TV to set up, but if you already have a Box, it would be just the thing you are looking for.

The only other sub $1000 76 cm widescreen TV I have seen is the Sansui at Kmart I think that there is also a sub $1000 76 widescreen at Big W (it could be RCA).

Like yourself I am in the process of building a new house. I willl wait things are ready before I start to buy the exotic items!

Good luck

The Teac widescreen also has a free STB attached (you can hook it up to your other TV)...

http://www.teac.tv/comp/DSTBRedemptionEU32...ndJune%2005.pdf

Don't go for a 4:3 - it's the wrong shape for today's viewing requirements and you'll be wasting your money.

Helped my father in law buy a RCA 76cm WS from clive peeters a couple of months back. True flat screen, 100hz, $899. think it does component via scart. liked it a little more than the teac.

The remote and sound are ordinary but that doesn't sound like an issue.....

I'm running the 50Hz 76cm "marketing flat" (ie curved) screen RCA at the moment. I've seen it for under $500 in BigW.

It does RGB and S-Video (but no component) through SCART.

The remote's okay, the sound's crap (although I'm running a HT system) and the picture breaks up for c. 1/3 of a second during light to dark transitions, but for $500, it's pretty good (I paid $900).

I would consider the Sanyo 66cm for about $680 or the 76cm for $999. Both are available at Kmart, are real flat and represent good value. Saw the 66cm connected to a SD BOX (teac) and the picture quality was very good for the price level. Not too sure on input connectors et.al but definitely worth a look.

And, if you are going to K-Mart to buy a TV, remember they aren't going to haggle but they do regularly have 15% off everything sales, so you could save around $150 by waiting a week or so and picking your purchase date.

Best of luck,
Dik

G'day,



What model is that? 100hz for under $1000? Sounds like I should check it out.

The only RCA WS tv I can google is the 32WR22E, which is listed at $1999 on the www.widescreen.info page.

--Geoff

That's (almost) the same model that goes for $500 at Big W...

widescreen.info can be a bit out of date...

http://www.panasales.com.au/specials_tv.cfm might also be of interest - they've got a refurb Panasonic 76cm for $1199.

You can get a AkAI 76cm flat wide screen, 100HZ for $999. It also come with some useful features like PIP and teletext.

100HZ is particular useful on CRT TV and you should not ignore this feature!!

G'day,



Doing the rounds of Brisbane I've seen Teac, JVC, Sony, Panasonic, Samsung, LG, Thomson, NEC, Phillips, etc, but no Akai 76cm TVs.

Where can I found these Akai 76cm 100hz TVs?

--Geoff

Just a reminder.. Hope its not too late.. Kmart are 15% off storewide tomorrow 26 March (at least in Vic) Good Luck

I went to Kmart (Fountain Gate) today .. This TV was $515! today

One more TV that I would consider.. which should be able to be obtain within your budget is the Loewe
Aventos 3770 ZW
RRP: $999.00

See

http://www.internationaldynamics.com.au/

It is only 70cm CRT but it Loewe is a TV that is never short of superlatives.

Stretch your budget find a Spend and Save and buy the 76cm rank for $1199.

HD compatible,prog scan, 100htz and lots of inputs.

Regards

Daywalker

Hi, Just a word of warning on the TEAC 76cm widescreen. I have had mine for about 3 years and it has now started to play up big time. The picture cuts to a horizontal flat white line in the centre of the screen after a few mins. If I turn it off and wait 10 mins then turn it back on again it comes good. Often this happens 3-5 times a day. I also have a friend who bought the same TV about 2 years ago and his did the same thing, he has just paid $550 to get it fixed. Mine is heading for the compost bin and I'll buy a Grundig.

I just had a thougth.

I am sorry that I have waited this long but it only occured to me yesterday.

I found that you can get Grundig TV on Ebay. These are factory "seconds" with a 6 month warranty.

There is a current auction for a MFW 82-2501 Flat Widescreen TV - NEW. The current bid is $540 with 10 hours to go.

There is a an explaination with the reason that a particular TV is being auctioned ie broken box, scratches, demo etc.

However if you in the market for a grundig this may be the way to go..

Are they any good?

Thanks

It's hard to generalise about a "Teac 76cm widescreen" TVs being dodgy, given that they have about 3 different models at the moment.

One that was manufactured 3-4 years ago will likely have no comparison on a model today.

It is worth noting though that they now ship many of their TVs with a 5 year warranty. Their just-released flagship 76cm has a 5-year in-home warranty from what I understrand.

I own the just superseded model, the EU3216STF. I am happy-as-larry with it.

The new model comes in at a lower price point too. Should be able to get it for $850 no problems.

Back to the topic.

I am also looking for a WS teev under $1000. I am limited to 66cm. I have almost narrowed it down to:

Sharp SX66NF8 $699: because it has component and S-video inputs)
NEC PF28WT100 also $699: because it is 100Hz, but only composite inputs)
or
Sony KVSA28M36 $850 : looks good , S-Video and component inputs, plus other little things that may be good? (colour temp. adjustment, PIP, ...)

I will just be watching digital tv (footy) and DVDs.

I know this isn't the high or even mid range product that inspires heated debate on this site, but it is important to me. (not many $'s)

Any recommendations?

How about a Grundig or a Loewe? You can get their 100Hz 66cm models for under $1k. I assisted a mate with exactly the same problem as you, and we eventually plumped for the Grundig Cinaro for $900. The picture quality is amazing (STB hooked up by RGB, DVD by S-Video), there are three Scart inputs, all of which support RGB (I think), two of which support S-Video and one of which supports component via a Scart to component adapter. There's also another S-Video input on the side.

Have a look at graysonline.com.au they have regular online auctions , I have bought a lot of goods that way, you will get a sharp 76cm 100hz for around $820 to your door with 12 month warranty, also sony 86 and panosonic 86 for $2200 - $2700 delivered , rear projection very cheap, sony plasma hd for around $3900, pm me if you want further info

My advise is to try ebay... They auction a brand called OMNI TV's. These are refurbished and come with a 180 day (just under 6 months) warranty.

These TV's have the Toshiba Widescreen 76cm HD tube. I am sure that when this comes up you will probably obtain one within your budget.. You may even have change for a HD box!

Perhaps worth a look!

Regards

I think it's an RCA 32WF23EA. It is 100Hz, the screen is actually rather than marketing flat, 3 rear Scarts and front AV/S-video.

Shown here.

It looks nothing like the 32WR22E. It does not resemble the tvs in Big W in any way. Obviously different tube.

I chose it over the teac, as the model I saw in the flesh (I actually walked in looking to buy one) looked crap.

It is a nice TV. Having spent much, much more 3 yrs ago for a panasonic 10a, I still think it's the best I could do for the money.

But where do I find them?

A 66cm widescreen TV with 4:3 material gives a picture too small for me to tolerate. Widescreen stretch distortion options notwithstanding.

I have a limited space(80cm width) and a 66cm would give me roughly the same 4:3 image that my old telly does.

Actually my current ws 76cm tv would fit into that space (just). Monitor style. No frontage taken up by speakers. It (Panasonic TX-76PW10a) is 78 cm wide.

I guess you've had a look at the current crop re width, though.

Hardly Normal and a few high end shops sell Grundig, and they are flogging repacks (good) and refurbs (not so good) on fleabay. Interestingly, their 76cm Cinaro model is 80cm wide so it may just fit your cabinet, although it would be a gamble.

Many high end hifi shops stock Loewe. http://www.internationaldynamics.com.au/in....asp?id=2&pid=2 has a dealer list.

Beware of Omnis, worse still if buying them via Ebay. I used to be a dealer for their computer stuff and I can tell you they have treated me below spec. For example demanding a restock fee for a faulty new item returned... even after we informed them within the DOA period.

Recently I wanted to sell a new Logitech mouse in stock and when tested it did not work. On close look they actually sold me a used faulty mouse with dirt in the crevices as new!

Man these stories have to be told! Otherwise I feel used/abused!!!!

Hmmmm...

http://www.ocbwebnet.com.au/strathfield/pages/07/a.jpg

$999.00

I've not had problems with the OMNI but would tend to err on the side of caution.

Grundig regularly sell brand new TV's ie repair and damaged cartons etc on Ebay with the Seller "Premium Home Theatre" you can get them with factory warranties at a fraction of the price.

See for your self.. I regret I did not look here first