Questions about flat screen tvs

[Onlooker]

Realizing that my tube tv is never going to die, I'm thinking of buying a flat screen tv, probably one that's around 32", but I have a couple questions.

If I don't have cable and only watch antenna-based tv and dvds, will I get any benefit from an HDTV? Also, is there a big enough difference between a low-end flat screen tv and a higher end one to warrant the extra bucks? Is there a website you'd recommend for buying one of these tvs, or do you think it's best to buy it locally?

[sir_captain]

1. Answers

Get a Westinghouse 32" LCD--you should be able to find it online for 800-900 bucks. Check bhphoto.com and/or best buy.com

If you want to spend a little more, get a Sharp Aquos--they're cheaper than the samsungs and the sony bravias.

As for benefit--DVDs will look much better than on your regular tv. If you can get good reception over your antenna, you should be able to get your local network (CBS, ABC, etc) over the air as well, just fine. And those will look fantastic.

[NV Whino]

2. The real key for DVDs

is the connection cable. Be prepared to spend $50 to $100 for it. (I got mine at Radio Shack for $50. Best Buy, where I got my Samsung 32" LCD wanted $100.)

By the way, I use my exclusively for DVDs since I don't get television reception at all.

[sir_captain]

3. You can get fine component cables online for a lot less than that

but it is true--you want to make sure you connect your dvd player to the new tv using either component video cables or a HDMI digital cable.

[doc03]

4. Consumer Reports has a comparison of flat-screen TVs

this month.