Opinions on TVs.

[Witchboard]

I'm doing research on which TV is should get for my cabinet.  I've limited my selections to a 27" TV with standard component inputs and a price less than $250.  Here is the pricegrabber list that I've come up with.  Unfortunately, it seems I'll only be able to use the first two as an option.  They are carried by local stores and I will not have to pay another $50 or so in shipping, which would be over what I'm looking to spend.  Has anyone had any experience with any of these items?  If so, is it good, bad?  Are you using the component option?  Is there another set that you're using within' my price range that isn't listed? Thanks for the help.

[shmokes]

The forth one down in the list (Toshiba 27A33) is perfect.  You won't find a better TV for a MAME cab.  Not only is it 27" with component inputs, but it remembers the last input (stays on S-video or component or whatever you were using last after power off) and in case of a power loss it comes back on automatically when it gets power again.  This means that you can set up a "one button turns everything on" cab either using the smartstrip powerstrip or just pull the plug like you would with a real arcade cabinet.

Additionally the dimensions of this TV are significantly smaller than any other 27" TV on the market.  It is especially nice that there are no speakers on the sides since the width of a 27" TV is the most troublesome part about fitting it into a cab.  Even though it's speakers are on the bottom, though, this TV is still shorter than most others.  Perfect.

Last, but not least, Sears carries this.  Even if they don't have it in stock you can just go to their website and order it for in-store pickup.  You don't pay anything for shipping (but of course it gets shipped to the store, not to your doorstep).

Oh yeah...really nice picture.

[Witchboard]

Hmm.. It seems that I can't find that TV online at Sears.  Here is the Sears list of 27" sets, but it's not listed.  I'll look around at a few other places and see if I can find one.  Thanks for the input.  Once I find my TV, I can make final adjustments to my plans.

[eli curtz]

You can get the Toshiba 27A33 from BestBuy with free shipping if there isn't one near you. (Not that I'm implying BestBuy aren't total scumbags or whatever, I have no idea...)

- eli

[Witchboard]

Hmm.. you're right.  Best Buy does carry it.  That's odd.  Usually they will be listed.  Looks like it's right at my price mark.  Thsnks eli.

shmokes: What's your component video setup?  I was thinking about going for a Radeon 8500 (128) with an ATI dvi-component dongle.  Should cost me about $100-$125 for both.

[Zathras]

I'll third the recommendation on the 27A33  I've got one in my cab w/ an ati 9800 xt w/ the component adapter.  

Works like a charm and looks great.

[Witchboard]

Hi Zath, thanks for the info.  Are you using the DVI-component or the VGA-component adapter?

[Veinman]

It would seem that the 27A33 has been replaced with the 27A34. I would assume that it is the same, or virtually the same, but figured I would ask if anyone has any personal experience with the 27A34.

bestbuy

Otherwise, if you have other 27" tvs worth recommending, I'd love to hear about them.

[Steve Kaz]

Target in my area had that Toshiba TV for $115, but they didn't have any in stock.  When i went to the next closest Target, they didn't even have the floor model any longer.

I ended up spending $215 for this Magnavox, but haven't hooked it up yet.

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Magnavox-27-TV-27MS3404-/sem/rpsm/oid/86035/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

Thoughts?

[Joystick Jerk]

I'd recommend a Toshiba as well, as I use one as my standard TV in my bedroom. There is one caveat though. Toshiba's televisions are well know for having smearing, or "ghosting", issues. My 27A33 certainly has these issues, and that's why it's not my primary set. Most people I've met as well using Tosh sets also complain about ghosting issues, and others don't, even though I can see the ghosting on their set.

The easiest way to see it is to display white text on a black background. If you see a blurred afterimage of the text smeared across the screen to the right or left, then you know the set is ghosting. Keep in mind, it's not like it's distracting or will destroy your gameplay experience, but once you notice it, you'll have a hard time from then on not noticing it whenever you get high-contrast images on-screen.

Also, all CRT televisions will ghost to some degree, but Toshiba's seem to be the biggest culprit. Test the set out in the showroom to see if you notice any ghosting, and if you do, whether it will bother you enough to justify it's purchase.

[Veinman]

Ghosting on a CRT? First I've heard of that issue!

Does the Magnavox have the other features of the Toshiba? (small size, powers up to last input, component video?)

[Steve Kaz]

Here's what i definitely know about the Magnavox (which i got for $210 at Circuit City because they had $5 off coupons yesterday)

1)It's 25.5 inches wide, so i'm building my cab 27 inches wide so i can brace the TV with some studs.

2)It has component AND S-video input.

[skim36]

yeah, you want to make sure it does what you want....here's an area where it's not good to skimp....I bought a cheap 24" KLH from Best Buy and you have to go thru the options to get it to s-vid everytime you start it.  And if that weren't enough, everytime it changes resolutions the on-screen display reappears....but it's good enough til I get the arcade monitor fixed.  Go with component...but if you must use s-vid....make sure you get good quality cables....like monster cables or the like...it does make a difference...did with mine anyway....