Posted 2:57 PM by Gene

In my never-ending search for a new TV I've now narrowed it down to two or three models, including several Sonys top-rated in Consumer Reports. CRTs are out -- too bulky. I think. If money were no object I'd get something like this Sony plasma, which must have an incredible picture, and has an ATSC (hi-def) tuner to boot. But it's too big for me at 53" wide and over 86 lbs. (100 counting the physically separate tuner), it's too expensive (the lowest price I can find is about $3,500 with shipping), it's an energy hog at 430W, and plasma sets are said to dim over time and have burn-in problems, though not so much as in the past. Another choice is this now-discontinued Sony LCD. CR says its picture isn't quite as good as the top plasmas but it's a manageable 33" and weighs only 43 lbs. with the stand, and it's a solid 26" in the 4:3 ratio for standard-def, plus you can use its speakers for the center channel in a Dolby Digital hook-up; neat! Plus it's selling for under $1,500 with shipping on eBay; the price has come down $50 in the last few days. Sony has a new (and better looking) 32" LCD, however, and I shall wait until CR's new ratings, which are due out soon. Decisions, decisions.