Which to buy? (Between two HD Tubes)

kathos

So I decided to spring for an HD tube and there's two I want, so here it is direct posting:

1) 30 inch CRT TV with Sony Stand for $500 EDIT: Might be the Sony KV-30HS420 not sure, it looks just like it.

HD TV Monitor
1080i display
16:9 image aspect ratio
Widescreen modes: Full, Zoom, Normal and Wide Zoom
Universal Sony Infrared Remote Control

Width: 35.4 inches
Depth: 22.2 inches
Height: 23.8 inches
Weight: 149.7 lbs



OR

2) Model 43UWX10B NOW REDUCED FROM $650, Beautiful picture, Excellent sound for $450
comes with remote & manual, original retail value: $3300 +taxes
Display Capabilities Aspect Ratio 16:9 · 4:3 Enhanced Remote Control Remote Image Quality Velocity Scan Modulation With VSM
Comb Filter 3 DYC / 3D Digital
With Adjustable Color Temperature Audio FeaturesAudio Type Stereo
Sound Leveler With Audio Leveler
MTS Stereo SAP / MTS Stereo
Secondary Audio Programming (SAP)With SAP
Technical Features Picture in Picture With PIP
Sleep Timer With Sleep Timer
Energy Star Compliant Energy Star Compliant
Dimensions
Depth 20.63 in.
Height 39 in.
Width41.26 in.
Weight 153 lb.
BEAUTIFUL PICTURE, EXCELLENT SOUND



I'm wondering if both have HDMI inputs and such (I hear HD tube rock although super heavy) and I can't find info on either (even though the Sony one lacks model # and such) and the second one is a rear projection which is not as good... size doesn't really matter to me and having 1080i is.

Anyway H/A help! Help, I need somebody, help, not just anybody, help, you know I need someone, heeeeeeeelp.

Djeet

If I had to choose between the 2, I'd shoot for the Sony tube, assuming it is indeed the KV-30HS420.

{CNET review link} http://reviews.cnet.com/direct-view-tvs-crt/sony-kv-30hs420/4505-6481_7-30895537.html

"Around back, you'll find a pair of broadband component-video inputs, as well as the new HDMI digital video/audio port "

I'd choose that because from personal experience, CRT tubes have fewer issues than CRT rptv. It could be my experience is due to lousy luck, but my dad's mitsu (46" CRT rptv) had it's convergence totally fucked after about 2 years of pretty light use, requiring $500 in maintenance (some chips had to be replaced). My own Toshiba 65" needed maintenance after about 3-3.5 yrs of moderate use (overscanning off the right edge, the service guys said some components were replaced, perhaps it was fixed in the service menu though). Also on these CRT rptvs, convergence is never quite right or is only really well converged when viewing from an optimal spot.

Instead of buying used why not save a bit more and get a 32-37 inch LCD panel? I think there's usually pricing softness for tvs in that period between the superbowl and march madness.

When buying used tv, when you get more than about 3-4 years old you really need to look out and see if they actually have HDMI ports. A lot that age or older only have component, or DVI w/HDCP (the 30-something pin computer variety), unless they were pretty high-end tvs when new.

vonPoonBurGer

I have an HD tube (Toshiba 34HF83), so I can talk about them in general. There was a time when CRT HDs had a definite place in the market. You could get a 34" HD tube for less than $2k (Canadian, back when our dollar was the Peso of the North). Compared to LCDs of the time, CRTs offered a vastly superior black level and richer color, for a price that was far less than plasma TVs of the same time. For new TVs though, they've really been surpassed by current LCDs and plasmas. Prices on flat panels have come down to the point where there's no real cost advantage to CRT any more, and LCD technology has advanced to the point that if you're careful in selecting a quality TV, the black level and color improvement in moving to CRT isn't worth the cost or size/weight. When buying used, I think they're a fantastic pickup that can let you get into the HD era for $500 or less. Any new HD set that costs $500 or less is practically guaranteed to be more or less total shite for image quality.

I actually considered the first TV you listed when I was shopping around, if it's the model you think it is (I think it would be, Sony didn't make many HD tubes). The only reason I went with the Toshiba is that it gave roughly the same picture quality at the same price, but with a larger screen. The 34" Sony was simply out of my budget at that time. From what I remember of the Sony HD CRT reviews, they were a bit of a bump up in terms of image quality, but they came at a price premium. That's ancient history now though, so when buying them used I'm sure the price difference has flatened out quite a bit. Anyway, if that first unit is anything like my TV, the image quality ought to be excellent, and it will be noticeably so if this is your first HD set. HD-DVDs / BluRay / HD cable or satellite really do look great on these TVs, and there's no issues with refresh rate or burn-in to worry about when gaming. Scaling on CRTs is also much better than most flat panels, so watching SD content isn't a jaggy artifact-laden mess. In terms of image quality, the only downside is CRTs don't render small text as well as flat-panels do, so I notice some fuziness in some games that have small text in their menus or HUDs. On the whole, it was a small price to pay for being able to get into HD earlier.

The major downside is that, yes, they are insanely heavy and awkward to move. My TV weighs in at around 175lbs, I think, but it's not just the weight. Even with the integrated hand-holds, the sheer size of it makes it very, very awkward to try and carry. It's very difficult for two people to move, yet getting more bodies to lift it isn't much easier because the available handholds only support two people comfortably. Getting four people on it might make it easier, one person on each corner, but then navigating hallways and doorways becomes a pain in the ass. Anyway, bottom line, when people say they're heavy and awkward, they are not kidding. These things really are a bitch to move. If I ever move again, I'm not moving my TV, I'm selling it on craigslist with the express condition that the buyer is responsible for getting it out of my place. :P Your experience with a 30" will probably be somewhat better, but not by much is my guess. Still, you won't need to move it that often, just be prepared for some heavy lifting.

Also, yes, that second TV is a rear projection set. Between rear projection and an HD CRT, I would pick the CRT any day. But then, I hate rear projection with a passion. Between a rear projection set and a sharp stick in the eye, I think I'd actually take the sharp stick. I find the limited viewing angle, dim image and washed out colors of the majority of rear projection sets to be pretty hateful. For a rear projection set that actually looks passable these days, I usually find you can get a flat panel for not much more that looks better. I'm pretty picky about this stuff though, so YMMV.

Svelte Penguin

I love the picture on my 36" Sony 1080i CRT, but the weight is just not worth it. Granted, mine is extra heavy because it's a flat tube trinitron weighing in at 250 pounds. When I bought it, the picture was the best around, but now LCDs and rear projections have pretty much caught up, if maybe still giving a tiny bit of edge for my TV. However, I have to hire a freaking mover just for the TV whenever I move. It's completely concentrated weight, so you can only fit like two people onto the thing at once . And if you are one of those people, god help you. You can get bigger, cheaper projection TVs with just as good an image nowadays.

kathos

Wow thanks a lot guys, the info really helped me out. It turns out the Sony tube IS the Sony KV-30HS420 and the guy is offering me a pretty sweet deal ($500, maybe bringing it down by $100).

Any tips on how to take care of a CRT? I don't know if there's anything I can do other than dust it and such.

PirateJon

Just get 3 other people to help you move it so you don't drop it.