what a dilemma!

[motdaugrnds]

Our 10 yr old Television is beyond repair! The Hitashi (25-30 yr old TV that had been stored in the barn) worked fine .. for awhile. Now it's gone! Would you believe we're watching a 5" black & white that is 23 yrs old now?

Well, we must invest in a new television. (I enjoy keeping up-to-date with all news; plus a "soap"..Young and Reckless.)

We have a converter box we purchased a couple of years ago when everything went digital. We have an outdoor roof-top antenna. We have no interest in TV much; but do enjoy our CD/VHS Player and classic movies.

My question is this: Should we purchase a TV (good name brand) that requires a converter box (Would be cheaper than one that does not need a converter box.) or a brand name (No more "off-names" for us!) that does not need a converter box (Would be more costly.)?

[Our Little Farm]

Have no idea but am interested in the answers. We do not currently have tv at all, but our boys are at the age where they love basketball, so I have been thinking about getting it.

I have no idea what to buy. I am at least 10 years behind in technology! LOL

[pheasantplucker]

We just bought a new TV. (Vizio) Great picture, although I have a little pet peeve with how slow the remote works changing volume and channels. Don't know that there will be that much difference in price based on the criteria you're wondering about. I think screen size and brand name are going to affect the price a whole lot more...We got a 32" set for around $400. (Target) It had far and away the most crisp picture of all that were on display. We went to other stores were they had 50 tvs all going and sure enough the same tv we got still had the finest, cleanest, most crisp picture...

[littlebitfarm]

I don't think you can still buy a new TV that needs a converter box. But there are lots of people getting rid of old, nothing wrong with them, TVs. I'd look on freecycle or craigslist and get an older set for about nothing and still use the converter box. Unless you want HD, than you need a new one.

Kathie

[Joshie]

I doubt you could find an older TV. Salvation Army and Goodwill won't accept them. No local charities will take them here. If you don't watch TV much I'd get a cheaper digital TV. I'd suggest a place like Best Buy because they'll take your old TV. You have to pay for someone to take your old TV and they'll credit the $25 or so towards the purchase of a new TV.

We recently purchased a new TV. We had one that was about 36" and worked fine. It just wouldn't fit into the cabinet we kept from our recent move. The only suggestion I can make about the purchase of a new TV is to not allow your husband to go to the store and choose the TV by himself. Ask me why I say that........ <sigh>

[Sumer]

Originally Posted by littlebitfarm

I don't think you can still buy a new TV that needs a converter box. But there are lots of people getting rid of old, nothing wrong with them, TVs. I'd look on freecycle or craigslist and get an older set for about nothing and still use the converter box. Unless you want HD, than you need a new one.

Kathie

From what I have seen this is true. You can only get the old kind that needs a converter used. They sell them cheap too at the Salvation Army and such stores. They accept them here still.
I got mine out of someones garbage last year. They had a yard sale and didnt sell it and my sister saw them putting it out after the sale with a note on it that said it worked. 27? inch color TV free!

[PNP Katahdins]

Start networking around with anyone you know locally. It sounds like you're using a camping TV! My choice would be to buy a new smallish decent set, but I know you're on a tight budget so free is better. Someone close to you has a good digital TV just begging for a new home rather than a trip to the junkyard. Are there any recycling places near you? Just remember that newer TVs may require a remote control and are useless without it.

Good luck. We haven't had TV since the digital conversion because of antenna issues out here in the boonies. We both miss the news programs, PBS shows, and sports. I kicked the soap habit years ago.

Peg

[zookeeper16]

Check your local Freecycle group and the free section in Craiglist. I've been seeing lots of TVs posted for free.

[watcher]

Check thrift stores and pawn shops. Many of them still have analog TV's and the prices are way down.

[oregon woodsmok]

Do a bit of shopping. I've got a brand new 32" Vizio flat screen that cost $200. It's mounted on the wall over my treadmill. Has a perfectly good picture and sound.

All the TVs are made in China and they probably all have the exact same guts. I don't think name brands mean much any more.

[Ravenlost]

Originally Posted by zookeeper16

Check your local Freecycle group and the free section in Craiglist. I've been seeing lots of TVs posted for free.

I agree! People give away TVs all the time.

Last October my sister and I had four TVs in my mom's yard sale and couldn't get rid of them (we even tried giving them away). After the yard sale we hauled them to the thrift store.

[Peacock]

Ditto, lots of people getting rid of old TVs as they convert to digital. Heck, I've got one I'd give you if you were near me.

[mellba]

I agree about looking for a free TV. Maybe you could post on craigslist and ask if anyone has one to give away. I've upgraded and have a couple I don't need and bet lots of other people do too.

[edjewcollins]

Don't spend a lot on an LCD TV. My LCD TV blew from a power surge when it was one year old. Luckily, I bought from Costco and they automatically extend the warranty to 2 years. When they had me send it to the manufacturer for repairs, they couldn't fix it because they no longer made parts for my 1 yo TV!!!! Costco made them replace it so I got a new one. My point is, if its out of warranty it is going to be a "throw away" if it breaks so don't break the bank on it.

[Melissa]

I was reading a report about that in Consumer Reports and they also said that price is no indicator of longevity. The cheaper TV's lasted just as long as the most expensive ones.