HDTV for the dorm

[tr10av]

I'm starting college in the fall and am looking for a good, cheap HDTV, nothing fancy, just better than what I've got now. I just saw this TV in the Best Buy ad and was wondering what you guys thought of it.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1165610379206

It's an Insignia 19" 720p w/ 850:1 contrast for only $250. Is this the best I can get for that kind of money?

Thanks for any advice you can give me.

[jermwhl]

Yea, for 250 bucks why not! Go for it. Just keep in mind, your definately not getting the best picture...save your pennies for something a little better further on down the road!
Good luck in college!

[matthewrounds]

Check ebay, craigslist, and any other online retailer besides BB and CC. What is your budget? If you have more cash, I would tell you to get a Vizio as they have the best value for size.

What are you going to study in college? Engineering...

[resmonkey]

What about your PC monitor? If it has HDCP and 1280x720 or better, 1920x1080, then there's your HD display. All you would need is a cheap tuner.

[raginranger]

dude don't get insignia. My friend has a 27 inch insignia hdtv, and it's terrible. It hardly even looks better than a standard definition tv. I have a 32 inch samsung, and there is no comparison. It looks 20 times better than his. Now I realize that is way out of your budget, but I would advise you to either wait until you have enough cash to get a better brand, or just hold off on a purchase for now. I know it would be cooll to have an HDTV in the dorm since it will attract people over, hopefully some females too...but anyways it's really not worth it to just get one because its so cheap. You will like it for about a month, then see a friend's model which is a good brand, and think about how you just sh*tted away $250. I would recommend to at least spend $400 for a Vizio 20 inch as they are a decent brand and produce a decent picture. If not, just save up cash, wait until the holiday season and get a better brand.

hope this helps...

[supersix4]

http://www.ubid.com/Toshiba_26HLC56_...601939833.html

for only a little over 100$ more you can get more tv more contrast ratio and 1080i via 1366x768


http://www.ubid.com/Vizio_VIZIO_VX20...801664929.html

there is a vizo for 239 if you "buy now"^

[jermwhl]

Originally Posted by supersix14

http://www.ubid.com/Toshiba_26HLC56_...601939833.html

for only a little over 100$ more you can get more tv more contrast ratio and 1080i via 1366x768


http://www.ubid.com/Vizio_VIZIO_VX20...801664929.html

there is a vizo for 239 if you "buy now"^

Yeah, for the price..that's alot better! It even has an HDMI port! It is a Toshiba, but other than that.

[k20king]

Originally Posted by resmonkey

What about your PC monitor? If it has HDCP and 1280x720 or better, 1920x1080, then there's your HD display. All you would need is a cheap tuner.

Bingo!

[tr10av]

Yeah, my budget is pretty limited so $300 is about all I can really afford. I'm going to U of Miami so I'm paying a pretty hefty bill (~45k) so I'm trying to "ball on a budget" as they say.

I'll definately check into eBay and Craigslist. What are some cheap brands that are highly recommended for PQ?

(By the way I'm going into pharmacy.)

Thanks for all the help and advice.

[tr10av]

Well I went and bought the Insignia. The display model looked pretty decent and I am used to the 480i so it was still a pretty good upgrade as far as PQ is concerned. Plus the only HD I will be watching will be off my PS3 because I doubt that the cable package provided will have any HD channels. Plus when I get a job after college then I'll be ready for a better TV.

[Dadds]

Good luck man sounds like you made the choice for yourself.