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General discussion

Sony KV-30HS420 vs. SamsungTX-R3079WH (Another TV ?)...

Oct 2, 2005 11:40AM PDT

I'm looking into getting an HDTV about 30-inches (cause of the price). After some research, it seems that I have found two that appear to be what I want. One is the Sony KV-30HS420, found here: http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_KV_30HS420/4505-6481_7-30895537.html?tag=txt

The other TV is the Samsung TX-R3079WH, found here: http://reviews.cnet.com/Samsung_TX-R3079WH/4505-6481_7-31420321.html

The Sony is about $900 and the Samsung is about $1000.

My biggest questions about which one to get are whether they will be capable of doing what I plan to use them for. Which ever comes first for me, I want them to be able to fully utilize the capabilities of either the PS3 or the XBox360. I'm also wondering how they would work with the current generation of consoles.

The only other thing I'm wondering about is whether they will work with HD-channels. If I understand correctly, the Sony TV will require an HD-tuner.

I appreciate any advice, info, and/or input.

Thanks,
Jon

Discussion is locked

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There's also this: Panasonic 30" HDTV Monitor (CT-30WX15)..
Oct 3, 2005 10:27AM PDT
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Sony 30xs955
Oct 3, 2005 3:04PM PDT

i'd actually recommend the Sony KD30XS955. it is a great tv and essentially a higher end model of the 30HS420. it also comes with a built in tuner. they are actually on clearence right now at BB for $997 which is a GREAT price.

i dont want to get flamed, but the 30XS955 is like the closest thing to an XBR tube without going above $1000. its definitely a great television...especially for games.

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How does this one compare to the Samsung and the Panasonic?
Oct 3, 2005 11:51PM PDT

From what I can tell, this Sony has the HDTV tuner built-in as opposed to the Sony V30HS420. But it seems to basically have what the Samsung and Panasonic have.

One reason I was looking at the original Sony was because we don't have HD cable at the moment, and right now my biggest reason for getting an HDTV would be for DVD playing and console gaming. HD cable would be something that would happen in the future for us. So I think I would want a TV that would not only be sufficient for what I want now, but be capable of any future use (like HD channels, the PS3, and the Xbox360).

Thanks,
Jon

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better picture
Oct 4, 2005 5:14AM PDT

looking at the specs, they seem the same but just with and without a tuner.

but when i see it on display in the store i work at, the 30XS955 has the best black levels and difference between the colors out of all the other tv's. and the fact that its on clearance right now, means you can get a great tv for a great deal.

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You're right...(and a question about warranty)
Oct 6, 2005 6:26AM PDT

I went into my local BB and saw it right next to the Samsung (haha) and you're right, the picture does look better than those other TVs.

So, right now, it looks like that will be the one I get...hopefully.

It sounded like you work at BB, so I have a question about any extra warranties. I was wondering if you had seen any problems with that model and do you suggest getting an extra warranty? If so, for how long or what kind of one? Hopefully, it's okay to ask these kind of questions, ha.

Thanks,
Jon

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best buy psp
Oct 6, 2005 1:43PM PDT

yea, i do work at bb. ;p

there is only a 4 year psp for $199. its up to you. the tv is quite heavy as with most 30inch tubes. the service plan is an in home service and covers wear and tear on the tv and the remote. i havent seen any problems with it or have heard of any problems with it like some other tubes. the $199 will pay for itself if you ever have to fix it once. its up to you.

personally, i'd take that $200 and get some component cables for your xbox and ps2. if u get the $400 package xbox360, that comes with component cables so you'll be all set.

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Got it...
Oct 7, 2005 12:41PM PDT

So, I decided to go ahead and get it, right after I posted the question about warranties. I couldn't wait. Ha. It was a good thing, too, cause I got the last one in stock. I actually decided to get the service plan. I figured that I'd rather be safe than sorry, ya know?

A good friend works at BB's arch-nemesis CC. So, he already got those cables for me and at cost; which is ridiculously cheap, IMO.

Anyways, thanks for all the info.

Jon