Keep my CRT?

Question

I have a 30-inch Philips CRT HDTV, widescreen, manufactured in 2004, and it has component and HDMI connections. I got it used, for cheap. It looks great, but I'm sort of itching to "upgrade" to something else used and relatively cheap.

My understanding, though, is that CRT, especially the kind I have, is still competitively good compared to the LCD, plasma and projection HDTVs that generally cost more. All I really do is watch DVDs. I don't watch television. Am I wise to keep what I have?

Answer 1

Yes you are wise.  Don't discount yourself.  You are saving lots of money.  I happen to be on the other end of the boat.  55 inch LCD projection with Blu Ray PS3 and home theater, HD programming and Blu ray movies.  Believe me you pay huge chunks of cash for all that.

But DVD's and Blu rays are all gonna look the same on a 30 inch HDTV.

If you do want to get something bigger and better,  quality 40 to 42 inch at Full HD are pricing online for $1100-1200 at online sites like Buy.com or amazon.com.  32" are 500 to 800.  I wouldn't upgrade what you've got until you're ready to make the jump to Full HD tv's generally 40+ inches.

Answer 2

There is no need to upgrade your tube t.v.  It is a proven technology that has been refined over the last fifty years.  The new flat panel sets have yet to surpass the CRTs in picture quality, value or reliability, only in ergonomics (size and weight).  The best upgrade you could make  is to buy an upconverting dvd player ($75) and a HDMI cable, set it to 1080i and your movies will look like film!