Help me understand television purchasing.

[jow]

So I have 3 roommates, and a shitty 27 inch standard def TV. We want a high-def set for the exboxening.

I understand I can get like a decent set for like 6-700$, but we discussed the idea of one of those stores that you can like pay off in installments - maybe getting something nicer.

Does anybody have any advice, ideas or pointers they can give me? Thanks.

[Cheeto]

Do NOT do rent-to-own. If you can't pay it all now, buy it on a credit card.

For a 27 inch TV, you need to go at least to a 32 inch HDTV to match the vertical height. I'd suggest going even higher to 37 or 42 inch. Get 1080p if you can afford it, but you won't hate 720p.

Plasmas are great if you can afford one but expensive as hell. DLP is cheapo but big (but still HDTV). LCD is the sexy thin one.

All this advice is for someone on a strict budget, as all the photos you've posted of your place suggests a budget of about twelve dollars and half a shoe string.

[straybullet]

Yeah, do not do any rental kind of program.

It also depends on the size of your room. If you're going to be sitting five feet away you can get a smaller TV with 1080p (since you'll be closer and can distinguish the definition) if you're ten feet away it might be better to get a bigger screen at 720p.

Also keep in mind: AFAIK the Xbox 360 can only output in 720p, so if you're planning on using it primarily for playing and using a standard def cable/satellite, you might want to just get a 720p. If you're planning on getting HDTV cable/satellite or a Blu-Ray player, then you might want to opt for a 1080p. Remember to factor in the additional cost of TV programming, or a nice home theater.

EDIT: I guess the 360 updated and does have 1080p, but I think only through HDMI cables and with games that render in 1080p. So potentially scratch that last point.

[Leomhann]

I got a 42" Sharp Aquos (full 1080p BEAUTIFUL pic) off Newegg for $1400 ($1500 originally with shipping, but DHL fucked up the shipping date so I got free shipping)

[Shade-of-Grey]

i wouldnt finance it if i were you

plasmas are generally much cheaper than LCDs

[Puddle]

As a recent owner of an HD TV and HD cable I have some very good advice. As they say try to stay away from financing. However the brick gave me a credit card and I have 3 months to pay at no intrest. The intrest is a rediculuos 30% if you don't pay it. Last years 720p tv's were $1400. You an get em for $800. recently snagged a 37" sony Bravia for $1100 including extended 4 year warantee and taxes. It was last years model. All the newer ones at 1080p are 1400 for 37 inch. Now the 1080p question. A 32" realy is too small to notice the difference unless your like right close to it. Go for a 42" if you can. Also LCD's are better for video games than Plasma. Now cable and satelite will not go to 1080p for a heck of a long time because of bandwidht issues. So don't buy into the hype unless you want full res for games and blu ray. Shop arround and remember thsalespeople work of commission and will lie to you. I had 3 different sales people feed me 3 different fucking stories. Hey I'm in sales you can't fuck with me. everything I have posted has been done through research and findin the best knowledge on HD.
Common Statements:
If you want 1080p go for a 42" and above. Plasma is better if you go larger than 42"
1080p for cable ans satelite will not happen for a while due to bandwidth
You don't need an expensive HDMI cable. You can get cheaper cables as long as it supports 1080p
Don't listen to one salesperson. Shop arround and find the best price
No HD porn service in my area :(