not with a bang but with a wimper

[cellio]

Our previous TV died in a lightning strike, with accompanying sounds and smells. That was, I think, ten years ago, and we've been thinking idle thoughts about upgrading the current one, but haven't because (1) it works fine and (2) it weighs 200 pounds and is on the second floor. (Ok, maybe not 200 pounds, but heavier than the two of us can lift, let alone carry down steps.)

Tonight I turned on the TV and got a click, a brief flash of white light, and then nothing. Tried the actual power switch in case it's the remote; tried unplugging and replugging in case something had gotten jostled loose. No dice. Swapped the batteries in the remote anyway just in case the physical switch has been dead for years (who'd know?). No dice.

Well that's inconvenient.

Off to research modern TVs, then. I guess I know what I'll be doing tomorrow afternoon...

Comments

[dsrtao]

The size vs resolution chart here http://carltonbale.com/1080p-does-matter is based on 20/20 vision.

I suspect that for you, the interesting factors will be largest size in your budget, number of appropriate inputs, and overall longevity.

The most energy efficient screens available are LED-backlit LCD. They are likely to last longest, too.
Plasma looks very good but consumes almost as much power as a CRT.
A great warranty is probably better than any brand reputation for quality. Buying with certain credit cards (notably AmEx) can add a year to your warranty.

[cellio]

Thanks for the chart. I'd already decided that 1080 matters, if not for vision directly then for interoperability, but it's good to have that data too.

I was surprised by the viewing-distance recommendations in a recent Consumer Reports; they recommend sitting much closer than I would have expected. By their recommendation we are currently sitting too far away from our 32" TV, but will be about right for 42" or 46". (It's not a large room.) Which fits with my preferences -- 32" is ok for most things but I can't read most subtitles without leaning forward, and I'm sure I'm missing all sorts of other subtleties. (And, of course, old-style 32" isn't the same as new-style 32", which would produce a smaller image for the 4:3 aspect ratio.) Early in the days of the new TV, I plan to rewatch some B5 space battles -- just as a test, you understand. :-)

We don't watch so much TV that I really care about the power footprint. Based on specs I want plasma for viewing angle and suitability for darker rooms.

Thanks for the tips! Hadn't thought to check which credit card to use.