Least wide 34" HDTV

[rts]

Hi!

I have a limited space in my entertainment cablinet (36" max). I want the biggest screen possible widescreen HDTV which can fit there (probably a 32 or 34). Do you know a model with thinnest side pannels (no speakers on the side)?

The entertainment center itself is 2000 bucks from my mother-in-law .. and shifting/changing it is not an alternative as it will involve going through divorce formalities ...

Please help!!

[ttubbiola]

I have the exact same width available in my entertainment center. The biggest HD set I have found that will fit is the JVC AV-34WP84 (http://www.jvc.com/product.jsp?modelId=MODL027104&pathId=74&page=3). J&R has them in stock and overstock.com has refurbs available.

They are about a year and a half old from what I can gather. I found a couple at my local Good Guys and am going to try and make a deal on one tomorrow. Hopefully I can get one for the internet price and have them throw in the 3 or 5 year "in home" warranty. That may be too much to hope for, but if they have been sitting in the warehouse for more than a year I might be able to pull it off.

Wish me luck. . .

PS. Anybody here know any Good Guys managers in SoCal???

[ccallana]

I had exactly the same problem - and bought the same JVC TV :)

The new Toshiba 34" TVs are actually a bit smaller - but it seems to get mixed reviews around here.

I love my JVC - its awesome - I recommend it highly.

[rts]

Yeah .. kind of leaning towards Toshiba 34HFX84 (Link (http://www.toshiba.ca/web/product.grp?lg=en&section=2&group=6&product=3553) ) ... What's so great about JVC though? Any comparisons with Toshiba?

Thanks!

[rts]

I just took the final measurements of my cabinet space (door to door including space for hooks). It seems that the max TV I can fit is 35" wide. The JVC that you have posted is 36" ... so I guess Toshiba is the best option ... 33" total with no speakers on side!

[Joxer]

Yep the slimmest width 34" HDTV is the Toshiba 34HF(X)84, they put speakers on the bottom.

[ccallana]

Well it sounds like you really only have 1 choice - I don't have any direct comparisons between the Toshiba and JVC. I shopped around a bit.. the new Toshibas weren't out yet when I bought and they still had their side speaker model... I saw the JVC next to the vaunted XBR and thought the JVC looked better - that sold me :) (well that and the Sony was over 3 inches wider). Honestly I don't think you can really go wrong with either... enjoy!

[RandyWalters]

Originally posted by rts
I just took the final measurements of my cabinet space (door to door including space for hooks). It seems that the max TV I can fit is 35" wide. The JVC that you have posted is 36" ... so I guess Toshiba is the best option ... 33" total with no speakers on side!

I recommend that you buy this TV locally, from a store that has a liberal return/replacement policy if you're not happy with it or it is defective which seem likely based on numerous posts here. There are lots of posts here from new Toshiba widescreen owners who's new TVs have problems out of the box (some fixable, some not). You might want to read all the Toshiba threads (if you haven't already) as i haven't seen too many posts from owners who are actually happy with their new Tosh's (but there are a few) so hope for the best but prepare for the worst :D

Toshiba has historically made great tube TVs, but it seems their new HF84 widescreen TVs have taken a serious quality nosedive. They used to be my favorite brand, but not so much anymore.......

What will all your sources be (Cable SD, DirecTV, HD, DVD, etc)?

[rts]

Hello ttubbiola .. DId you then buy the JVC?

I'm so confused about the Toshiba now since I have read so many bad things about it... How about JVC .. and drawbacks?

[rts]

Found a skinny panasonic model .. thought maybe this one should also be added to the list:

CT-34WX53 : 35.3" wide!

[ttubbiola]

No, I didn't make it over there yet. I'm vacillating between a new car stereo or the new HD Set. I have HD in the family room otherwise it would be no contest.

I need to check into that Panny. . . the more options we have for our entertainment centers the better. :)

Tom

[rts]

Okay now ...

Well, if width is a limiting factor and you want a better TV, then I guess there should be no second thoughts on getting the 37" Pnansonic Plasma linky (http://www.plasmaconcepts.com/store/detail.asp?product_id=PD203) - Model: TH-37PWD7UY for under 2k shipped! The width is exactly 36.2" (Same as the 34" tube JVC)

You get a bigger screen and style of a plasma which fits in your cabinet. I think I have decided on it now! Might be slightly difficult to close my cabinet doors, but I'll tilt he TV at an angle if I have to do that!

[gtree10]

Originally posted by rts
Okay now ...

Well, if width is a limiting factor and you want a better TV, then I guess there should be no second thoughts on getting the 37" Pnansonic Plasma linky (http://www.plasmaconcepts.com/store/detail.asp?product_id=PD203) - Model: TH-37PWD7UY for under 2k shipped! The width is exactly 36.2" (Same as the 34" tube JVC)

You get a bigger screen and style of a plasma which fits in your cabinet. I think I have decided on it now! Might be slightly difficult to close my cabinet doors, but I'll tilt he TV at an angle if I have to do that!

I thought you wanted an HDTV, that plasma is an EDTV (480p resolution)

[rts]

Well ... you know after so much research I think panasonic EDTV is no less than an HDTV .. and in 37" I'm sure it will almost be impossible to tell.

I didn't believe it myself until yesterday when I went to an electonics shop .. conducted a quick survey using 4 passerby customers ..

The pani HDTV and EDTV were one below the other .. I asked them which one was better picture ... 3 out of 4 pointed to the EDTV!! (By the way .. the source was HD)

I know this doesn;t mead EDTV is better .. but I'm saying they are so close that margin of error is pretty high while distinguishing the two ...

[ttubbiola]

Thanks rts, that tv will fit exactly in my armoire.

I also found it for $200 less here (http://www.1800plasmas.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=TH37PWD7UY) . I'm a little hesitant because of the EDTV vs HDTV thing. Also, I hadn't really planned to go plasma this early. . .

Oh well, more research to come. :)

[rts]

Yes .. actually tha't exactly where I'm thinking of buying from .. let's keep posting our research .. four or benefit ,.. and also as Kerry put it .. Global benefit!

[Joxer]

Actually the link to the second reseller that appears cheaper is actually more expensive, the first reseller has free shipping where the second you have to add $200+ for shipping to the cost.

[rts]

No .. I don't think so .. It's clearly written: Shipping: $175.00* (Includes shipping, handling and full insurance)

Now do you think 1995 includes this 175 .. I doubth that!

Tried to test this after adding to cart .. and see the following message:

Free Shipping on orders over $30,000.00!

[ttubbiola]

Originally posted by rts
Tried to test this after adding to cart .. and see the following message:

Free Shipping on orders over $30,000.00!


So. . . . group buy??? :D

[Joxer]

Pay cash at that place and you get another 2% off. But that isn't one of the recommended resellers by the AVS forum members - I don't know if its worth the risk for $200.

[rts]

Joxer, how do you know who is 'recommended' by AVS form and who is not? Can you please pass on the list to us? .. I don't buy plasmas very often!

[rts]

Pulled the trigger on TH-37PWD7UY. VA is offering the best price (except for ecost which might be 10 bucks cheaper after shipping) ... VA even beat the price of 800-plasmas!

Got sold by the posts on this forum + their dead pixel policy for this unit + price

Link to AVS Powerbuy for TH-37PWD7UY (http://www.visualapex.com/powerbuy2/)

Bought it with Visa Platinum .. so have 1+1 = 2 yrs warranty. Know .. not a very excellent deal compared to 42" .. but that's all that will fit in my entertainment center ...

[Joxer]

Originally posted by rts
Joxer, how do you know who is 'recommended' by AVS form and who is not? Can you please pass on the list to us? .. I don't buy plasmas very often!

Read a log of the posts and see what resellers they give the most praise for. Also look at the top of the aVS forum page at all the AVS Forum Alliance Members - there are 2 Plasma resellers listed there that are highly recommended by forum members.

[zorki1c]

Got our Toshiba 34HFX84 up and running over the weekend. It was the only 34" set I could find that would fit our cabinet. It comes in at just over 35" wide because the speakes are underneath the screen. Our daughter has the 34HFX83 with the speakers on the side of the screen and it wouldn't fit in our available space.
I had some reservations after ordering the set because of some of the bad reviews the model has received on this forum but those must have been early models as ours looks great right out of the box with no picture distortion. Probably could use some fine tuning on the color but we aren't hooked up digital yet so I'm going to wait.
I'm not an audiophile but to me one of the big pluses is the sound the set delivers which is head and shoulders above anything I'm ever heard in a tube set. The setup menu isn't particularly intuitive but I eventually managed to sort everything out.
All in all we are very pleased with the Toshiba.

I found it interesting that the set is obviously designed to fit in a cabinet with limited space but the manual warns not to put it in a "bookcase" because of ventilation issues!

[Joxer]

Yes be sure to have plenty of air space in the back or it may overheat.

[my311]

Can anyone with a JVC AV-34WP84 verify the maximum width is 36" or less? My armoire maximum allowable width is 36 1/4"

[ccallana]

yup - my opening was about that same size - fits - just! ;)

Get somebody to help - its heavy

[my311]

Thanks for the quick reply ccallana.