Hi guys
My samsung rear projection TV has started to die after only 2 years:( So im deciding to get a new CRT TV that will stand up to the kids TV habits. After a lot of research. i have come to the decision that it will be one of these 2.

TX-76DTX40A
76cm Fine Pitch Picture Tube
Standard Definition Tuner In-Built
100Hz Super Digital Scan
2 Tuner PIP
Virtual Dolby Surround Sound

http://panasonic.com.au/products/details.cfm?objectID=3143

or

TX-32F250A

HD Input (576p)
Progressive Scan
100Hz
Digital Picture Noise Reduction
Virtual Surround Sound
http://panasonic.com.au/products/details.cfm?objectID=3142

they are the same price but are slightly different. any suggestions on which one to get would be helpful. Thanks

JDC

Hi JDC,

Ok some stuff to consider:

1) The manufacturer websites are pretty notorious for inflated RRPs. I found these TVs for around $1200 at an online store, which sounds more reasonable for a 76 CRT these days.

www.shopferret.com.au

2) The two units appear pretty much identical, with the exception that one has an inbuilt SD digital tuner. The other plays up its 'HiDef' credentials but both seem happy to accept a 576p signal

3) 576p is at the low end of HiDef standards. Which is fine because these TVs work great at SD. If you plug a DVD PLayer with progressive output in though these TVs will be able to take advantage of it. However there's no real reason to get a HD STB if you decide to get a STB for some reason.

4) With in built digital tuners you can't send the digital signal out of the TV to a recorder (eg a VCR or DVDR). The best you can do is record the analogue signal.

5) You want a digital signal with these TVs because they are 16:9 Widescreen (Analogue broadcasts are 4:3)

6) When getting into the digital arena you also need to consider recording requirements.

If your kids are only going to watch live TV then either TV is fine (but (re 5 above) you'll want a SD STB if you get the TV without the digital tuner).

You might consider getting a cheap SD PVR (STB with a built in harddrive) for recording digital TV. Cost is around $250 these days. If the PVR is recording then the kids can switch to the built in tuner in the TV to watch live TV.

7) As to which TV - I can't see any reason why the one with the built in digital tuner isn't a better buy.

Regards

Peter Gillespie

Thanks for the info very helpful. I have Digital Foxtel IQ so i think i will get the one with the SDT. thanks again:)

No probs. You might be pleasantly surprised at the PQ improvement the SDT provides for the Free To Air channels over Foxtel IQ.

Regards

Peter Gillespie