Toshiba 32HF73 32" HDTV-Ready TV with FST PURE Flat Tube
HDTV in decent size and price
This is my first HDTV. I have very good regular TVs (with a recently retired Proton that had a picture that was truly exceptional). I would love to spring for the 16:9 format, and the real impact and fun are at the 40 inch or larger realm. So this 32&quot; version (32HF73) was the choice at $999 over Christmas. We have HDTV signal through cable (have not tried over the air HDTV). Only a few options for us at this point: networks, 2 HBOs, 2 Showtimes, and INHD channels. Since this is a 4:3 screen, movies are viewed through letterbox on the premium channels. Showtime is reduced slightly from the full screen (cable installer said that was Showtime). <br />The picture is really great, even when a network isn't broadcasting in HD (which is often the case for the regular networks). I am told that is changing. I have had digital cable for some time and Cinemax has a spectacular picture. Showtime has never been as sharp as Cinemax. So the analog to HDTV was never a shocker via digital as an intermediate. But this tv delivers all channels in a more pleasing form and appearance. There was a tremendous change to HDTV in both picture quality and apparently in sound as well. At this time, I use the tv speakers, but the Toshiba has some good processing to deliver increased audio dimensionalty. <br />High points of the conversion, besides picture quality: multiple component video inputs (so a dvd player can be added), easy changing from a normal 4:3 to a letterbox shape (networks often display better without distortion as a 4:3 rather than letterbox), easy connection to cable and set-up, and improvement in all ordinary signals (analog or digital). The last could just be the construction of the tube and masking qualities.<br />Low points: slowness in transitioning from the analog signal to an HDTV signal of the same program content (I was trying to do an A-B comparison but my memory fades during the wait), fundamentally 32\\" is too small when in the letterbox format (not that I haveany better choice at home, but my expectations were raised), bad for me was the $100 price drop to $899 I just noticed (good for you), and, if I inadvertently turn the set off, I need several steps to get back to the proper HD feed input. It would be nice to set defaults to go there automatically (perhaps there is, but I haven't found it as yet).<br />My entire family really likes the picture. It falls short of the large screen blast (not Toshiba's fault). If you want HDTV now, it is a great $900 option. If you want a more overwhelming hit: get a larger screen. Cable HDTV costs extra (a new cable box and service). The 57 page manual is very good, but it doesn't elaborate all the time on choices and why you'd choose one setting over another. More technical information is available at the Toshiba website.<br />As a postscript: delivery from Amazon was problematic. It comes by freight and the freight company was in no hurry to deliver it. Not an Amazon fault. So it was in town for awhile before I could arrange delivery. Arggh when you can hardly wait for delivery.