Wow, I can't seem to find a TV to use!

[Skadar]

Cabinet-worthy televisions appear to be extremely hard to find these days!  I've been searching the forums for potential 25" to 27" televisions to use.  Every model that was recommended is now "no longer available" or otherwise impossible to acquire.

I just went to Best Buy.  Only 1 possible unit, their house-brand(?) Insignia 27" with s-video for $189.  Then I hit CircuitCity, 1 possible unit there as well.  A Magnavox 27" with s-video for $179.  Haven't heard anything about these sets with regard to cabinet friendliness, ie... do they remember their last input and channel selected?  Do they power-on automatically after power loss?  etc.

Also, after seeing these monsters I'm thinking that a 25" set would be fine for my cabinet... however, 25" sets appear to be even more difficult to find than a usable 27" set.  Neither of these stores had a 25" set on the floor.  There were 2 or 3 24" sets, but they were all wide HDTV thingys.

eBay is virtually out of the question unless you are willing to drive X-miles across states in order to "locally pickup" your purchase.  Almost nobody wants to ship a TV and I don't blame them.

Didn't think buying a TV would be this difficult.

[wast3d]

Try Walmart, you might have better luck there. I have great luck on craigslist also.

[boodroe]

The best tv out right now is the JVC AV-27530. It is 27 inches, has the speakers on the bottom so it will fit in a mame cabinet. When unplugged it returns to the last input setting you had it on. Perfect for mame. I have one in my mame cabinet and i couldnt be happier. I got it at Fry's electronics for $219.

[picasso]

JVC AV-27530  I bought one of these at Conn's Appliance about 3 weeks ago.   They seemed to have them in quite a few stores but were closing them out.   I would call them if you have one close and ask if the have any.

[Skadar]

The best tv out right now is the JVC AV-27530.

I've read about these JVC TVs in a number of different places.  None of the big electronics stores around here have them.  I'm going to start calling some of the smaller, local TV & appliance stores.

Thanks for the info!

[lettuce]

Anybody know if this model is available in the UK or similar?

[GameOver]

Just FYI I got a 24" RCA scratch 'n dent from Best Buy for $129.99 when I built my cab last fall.  It's hooked up thru S-vid and delivers a great arcade picture.  It's worked beautifully.  It does remember last input, but I've never tried to see if it would power on automaticall after power loss.  I just use the remote.

I recommend this TV.  I guess it's really only a deal if you can find one scratch 'n dent, they were selling for $175 new when I got mine last fall (probably less now).

Good luck!

[ginno]

You could always try a 2nd hand one from a TV repair place.

I bought a 68 cm Sony Trinitron, it had a warranty until I told the owner I was pulling it out of its case..

He couldn't get me out of the store fast enough after that, on the way out all he said was "if you drop the tube, run like hell"

Cheers..