Lost...

[mhz40]

OK folks, my 27" Mitsubishi of 15 years is on the way out.  Over the years it's been a great unit (0 repairs).
I already have my Samsung in the basement, so a really big screen replacement is not needed.  Therefore something in the 32-37" range would work fine as a replacement.  In that size, my options are mainly direct view, LCD & some plasmas.  I have ruled the latter out due to cost.  Direct view's weigh a ton and LCD's I've seen just don't hit the mark in terms of black level quality... so here I sit... totally lost.
Against the advice that I've given others, I'm leaning towards simply replacing the set with a decent SD unit for 3 or 4 hundred bucks; waiting for better things to come in a few years in the display market.  Before I do, can anyone suggest an unit I simply should not overlook before making a final decision?  I don't think my Mistu has more than a few months left... so after the new year I will be looking hard for a replacement.

Thanks..

[Rick Sass]

Sharp Aquos LCD series

[Mark Strube]

I realize the black level issues with LCD's, but it just doesn't bother me. At first, it did... but once you start seeing the great quality (and adjust the black level properly so you're not seeing "too much" picture) the great quality quickly makes the black level thing a non-issue.

[StarvingForHDTV]

You will eternally regret buying another SDTV.  Go with the LCD.

[Gregg Lengling]

The black levels have improved wonderfully on the Sharp Aquos...but of course I don't thing you were talking about the 45" 1080p unit that retails for 9k.

[JoeK]

Here is my suggestion.  It's 480p, but this produces a pretty nice picture for any amount of money.  At this price it may fit in your buget.  It's dimensional width makes it great for areas designed for 36" 4:3 sets.

http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=4177573

[mhz40]

Interesting options.  I did see some units in the the Aquos line at Colders.  They are sweet, but come at premium $'s.  I'll have to go look at some of these options again in a local store this week.

[StarvingForHDTV]

If you are on a budget, maybe one of those direct view CRT HD sets might work for you.  The LCDs are so much cooler though.  Not to mention if you need to move it, it's that much easier to do.  Of course you have to pay for the "coolness" factor.  Tough call I guess.  Just don't buy anything that is 4:3, stick with 16:9, I guess that is my final advice.

Good luck.

[tazman]

You won't hear any complaints out of me about my SONY.  I'm glad I bought an older XBR model.  The new SONY XBR's are just not as good.  Maybe it's because the LCD panels that SONY uses now are a 1/3 smaller in size than what was used in my set.

[Greg Oman]

If you want a reasonably sized TV, look at the 26" Samsung HD monitor.  I think I recently saw them for $599 locally, and they have a tuner built in.  So that's not much more than a reasonable non-HD set, and it's 16:9.

Several of the local electronics and department stores carry it-- definately worth a look IMO.

Greg O.

[StarvingForHDTV]

There is a 30" widescreen direct view CRT HD set for ~$500 in the yard sale section of the site in case you are still looking for something mhz40.  FWIW

[StarvingForHDTV]

I thought about this again.  I think at that size you don't need HD resolution.  I think a 480p widescreen would be enough for a display that size.  Just my opinion.