Chance for a do-over. (Store agreed to take back my 3079)

[rcs476]

Need a little advice. I had all of the standard problems with the Samsung txr3079wh. I am a little over two weeks past the 30 day return period on the TV. I had a store tech come and look at my tv today, and he actually said I had one of the better ones that he's seen. Still not comfortable with that, I went back to the store tonight and discussed my situation with the manager. He agreed to take it back. I might just try to get a store credit and wait another week or two to make a decision.

If you could do it over and choose a set that does not have nearly as many (uncorrectable) issues as the samsung, which would you get? I have a DVE disc, and feel very comfortable using it at this point, so correctable geometery issues are acceptable. They carry the Toshiba 34HF85, they have a few floor models, one being a 30" Panasonic, the other that sticks in my mind is the Sony 30XS955, but for the floor model price I could pick up a 32" LCD for about 200 more. (JVC, Sharp)

I don't know if I should just completely walk away from the CRT sets. DLP Projections are out of the question as I will burn through the bulb in about a year and a half with the amount that the TV will be on. (For the dog during work hours, sad I know).

HDMI is a necessary feature, as are multiple component video inputs. I don't mind spending an extra couple hundred on a set that I will be happy with, so money is not too much of a factor.

So again, of the sets that you have seen out there and have some experience with, which would you choose. The 30" is a pretty good size, but I could definitely use a bigger screen as I have plenty of space for it.

Thank you in advance for any input.

[Brechenme]

THe Panny 30" or that sony are both the best bets i think...but if you want bigger go bigger then! Just get what looks good for you if you go LCD, or even plasma. You can alwasy bring it back if you cant get teh picture to what you like on an LCD or plasma.

[nick2003]

Im sure you would be happy with the Sony XS CRT and that would be my first choice, Second being the Panasonic 30" If you decided to get LCD or another display technology just remember The picture quality won't be as good as CRT and imho black levels on a display are a big deal if you want the best possible image and CRT still has everything beat with that. Also LCD's tend to look a bit unreal, what i mean by this is they have a bit of a digital look to them while CRT looks more natural. The advantages with a LCD is the size and weight and the ability to use it as a computer monitor easily but my sony does just fine used with my HTPC also overscan is usually better on an LCD but thats not always a good thing sense anything below 5% and you'll start seeing things you shouldnt and geometry is usually near perfect. The Sony CRT's are the best consumer tv's on the market and are very adjustable to get the best picture. If you've got the space i would go for that.

[rcs476]

I went back to the store and returned the TV, instead of a store credit, they gave me a full refund, so I can basically start over.

I looked at the LCD's and was not too impressed with what I saw, I thought I had decided on a 37" black framed Sharp set, the price seemed kind of high so I wandered over to the plasma's. Wow. Those things are beautiful. Out of all of the sets in the store that I saw in my new found price range, I really liked the look of the Toshiba 42HP95. Of all of the other plasmas in this range 2400-2700 (at that particular store), the toshiba looked the best and had the best price.

I know tubes will produce the best image, but I really don't feel like dealing with the geometry issues again.

Soooo, It looks like I am going to be without a TV for at least a week and a half, I don't know, maybe I'll read a book or clean up some more of the wiring on the HT stuff.

Either way, I'll post whatever I end up doing in the way of buying a set.

Thanks again.

[Porcupine2]

Nice store manager you have there. You are lucky.

> For the dog during work hours, sad I know

Dog? Does your dog like to watch TV/HDTV? I have some relatives who turn on the radio for their dog when everyone is out, but not the TV.

[rcs476]

[QUOTE=Porcupine2]Nice store manager you have there. You are lucky.

> For the dog during work hours, sad I know

Dog? Does your dog like to watch TV/HDTV? I have some relatives who turn on the radio for their dog when everyone is out, but not the TV.[/QUOTE]


I realize how lucky I was. Originally I spoke with them and told them I would agree to purchase another set. I am guessing they were supposed to give me a store credit, but instead processed it as a refund.

Unfortunately, they put 500 from the set back on a giftcard that I threw away (since it was depleted) and there was no way for them to pull it back in. So, amex is going to send me a new gift card now. So all of the money has been freed to me.

I will certainly stay within the same chain of stores, but not necessarily the same store. I didn't appreciate a few of the sales associates attitudes and pushiness while I was trying to decide on purchasing a $2400 set from a $700 one. I understand that they're working on commission, but damn, let me think a bit. Besides, since there was a big sale due to presidents day, about 70% of what they carry was out of stock. So the waiting period due to the gift card is completely justified and will help me get through this knowing that new stock will be coming in over the next two weeks.

As for the dog, I don't really know what she likes to watch, she hasn't told me. Usually I throw Animal Planet on for her, I figure the barks and meows could be stimulating for her. I am sure a radio could be just as effective though. Maybe I will look into that. It will probably save on the electric bill too. Thanks for the tip.