Sony KD-30XS955 30-Inch FD Trinitron WEGA CRT HDTV
In My Opinion, Best Value in Price-Range
I spent quite some time comparing comparable sets in this price range and size range and there was no question in my mind that both quality- and value-wise this Sony KD-30XS955 set is the best out there. And after purchasing it and owning it for just over two weeks, I am only more certain that my initial assessment was accurate.<br /><br />First off, picture quality: There is no comparison between this set and comparable HD sets in this price-range. To get anything sharper or brighter you will need to at least triple your price range. Because this is a tube rather than one of the thin-screen technologies, you will definitely get more of a workout putting the extremely heavy television in its place (I almost killed myself), but the flat screen image is viewable from almost any angle and is extremely bright and dynamic.<br /><br />When you buy this set you are basically future-proofing yourself. There are so many different inputs and outputs that you will have no problem connecting each and every one of your peripherals. There are a total of 8 video inputs and the cable input is digital cable ready, which is very nice. You will not have to purchase a separate digital cable box to receive digital cable from your provider. There is a cable card slot. Two sets of HD-ins. There is even a memory stick slot.<br /><br />And finally, the tv is easy to use. The WEGA Gate menu is intuitive and very user-friendly allowing the user to control the sound, the video, the channels, and just about anything else you could want.<br /><br />Besides the weight of this set which makes the backside very difficult to access once it is in its place in my entertainment center, I have no complaints with this set. I am very satisfied with my purchase.