Toshiba 50A62

Price: $ - $

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Great value - excellent features09/23/03

Pros:

Price and features

Cons:

Not HD-ready

I wanted a big screen TV, but didn't want HD-ready yet as I think there aren't enough HDTV sources and the technology will improve greatly in the next couple of years as more signals are added and they reconcile the standards - and this TV is the best deal out there.

One of the biggest needs was the TV must have a 3-line digital comb filter, which this has (cheaper/less expensive brands don't have this, which is one big reason why they have inferior picture quality). Also needed component video inputs, PIP (has 2 tuners built-in), audio and center-channel out so I could use my DTS receiver, S-video for my Playstation and multiple antenna inputs. This model delivered on them all.

The picture quality is very good (if you haven't had a rear-projection TV before be forewarned - the capability of the sets are such that they will show all signal defects, which is why most people haven't liked them in the past - the TV was too good for it's own good! But with digial cable/satellite and DVD input, the picture quality is very good. And, since it's football season, why not watch it on a "real" TV! Trust me, you'll never go back!

Off-angle viewing is excellent - they've solved the old problem of needing to be in the "sweet spot" of the guns. Sounds is good (though you'll want to use a surround-sound receiver instead), and the remote is better than most.

Will you get a better picture from an HD-ready model - yes. But for my money, this was the best TV until HD is ready for prime time.

(As an aside, watch for it at Best Buy on sale for $899 - $999.)