[DaveTheHutt]

Hi,

I've been toying with the idea of importing a HD CRT, and have a few questions....

1) What model HD CRT would you recommend - I have just enough room for a 29-32" screen, and want if for SD TV, occasional HD movies and gaming on a PAL Xbox 360 and NTSC Wii.

2) Where's the best place to import from? And will I need some sort of power transformer?

3) What sort of price can I expect to pay for the TV, and how much would it cost to import? (Approximately).

4) Any other tips/advice you have?

Thanks in advance for any advice you have! (Probably "Don't do it - you're mad!")

Dave

[Andy98765]

I would say you are mad. Depending where it came from, yes transformers required = expensive so no gain.
Different format NTSC/PAL etc, so more conversion = expensive so no gain.
Post and packing of such a heavy weight item = £££££££££
Basically the odds of gaining even 1p is remote.
Why not buy here less pain, they are still cheap, but thats it really.

God I will glad to see the back of my one 28" WS CRT left in the house, it's so huge compared to a flat panel, problem is it was a very good TV in its day and still is.

[NST]

See this thread, PM user Mofoman, he has a Sony '36 inch HD CRT Super fine pitch'

*EDIT* PM'd him for some info on your behalf, which might also include pictures!

[Matt_C]

I don't think the OP is tryting to import it to save money, but rather to have a HD CRT - something that never took over here like it did in Japan for example....

However, given the size he want's, I too think he would be daft to import one when he can buy a 32" Samsung SlimFit HD-CRT off the shelf over here......

[NST]

Originally Posted by Matt_C

However, given the size he want's, I too think he would be daft to import one when he can buy a 32" Samsung SlimFit HD-CRT off the shelf over here......

But they're not very good!

[clemenzina]

Originally Posted by Matt_C

he can buy a 32" Samsung SlimFit HD-CRT off the shelf over here......

Where

clemenzina

hm, HD CRT - never entered my mind these would exist, will have to look into them

[onkeh]

Originally Posted by phil56

hm, HD CRT - never entered my mind these would exist, will have to look into them

I don't think you can get them new anymore, so you'll have to look at the second hand market.

[Tight Git]

If you can't have bigger than a 32" CRT, why not get a Panasonic 32PD50?

They're quite cheap now on eBay and the 833 line interpolation mode is virtually as good as HD, unless you sit with your nose against the screen.

You know it makes sense!

[DaveTheHutt]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm not expecting to save any money importing a HD CRT - far from it, in fact! - I just don't want an LCD screen.

I would buy a Samsung if I could look at it before parting with cash, as I've read innumerable horror stories (as well as several love letters, to be fair).

Not heard of this 32PD50 before - could only find one mildly favourable review. Anyone got one? Are they any good? And what the hell is 833i!!!

[zircon3035]

Dave,

The Panasonic PD50 (and PD30) only accepts standard def signals but then resamples them at 75Hz to reduce flicker and motion artifacts commonly seen with 100Hz. The TV has a frame store which reads in 625 lines (576 visible) x 100Hz and reformats it as 833.3 lines at 75Hz (625x100 = 833.3x75). It does not accept HD signals. Still a very nice TV with a fine pitch picture tube.

There is also an Australian version with some HD compatibility but I don't know much about that. If you really want to import a TV, that "might" be the best bet, but I'd really suggest you consider a plasma TV.

The 32PD50 was the last model produced in the Cardiff factory before it closed in 2005.

HTH,

Ian

is it worth the aggro as i dont think they would work on our 50 ohm system there has never been CRT made for this country for HD Japan has had HD for about 10 years now, may get a japanese one second hand.. cheaper to get a chinese made LCD for about £250 or so,,, CRT manufacture has been banned in the west for a while now. due to damage to ozone layer... some are still made in countries like china or ones yu never heard of which use to be communist.. Remember they would not have uk digital tuner..

[Tight Git]

Zircon3035,

Thanks for your excellent explanation.

You've saved me a lot of typing and couldn't have put it better myself!

[per-Sony-fied]

Originally Posted by DaveTheHutt

Not heard of this 32PD50 before - could only find one mildly favourable review. Are they any good?

Thats because most of them had several issues with the picture. Annoying intermittent interference lines via RGB & a gamma problem that left dark scenes rather dark.... as you would expect but when the pic is 70% dark & you can't resolve no detail in those areas it's pointless watching.
IMO the only good thing going is the component i/p & sound quality, oh it's rather smart looks.

[DaveTheHutt]

If CRTs a no-go then of the remaining options - LCD or plasma - I'd prefer to get a plasma if it weren't for the risk of screen burn when gaming.

Also, don't they start at 37"? There's no way I could fit that in my living room - my living room is small and there's an alcove for the TV, which I could just about squeeze a 32" screen into.

[per-Sony-fied]

Originally Posted by DaveTheHutt

If CRTs a no-go then of the remaining options - LCD or plasma - I'd prefer to get a plasma if it weren't for the risk of screen burn when gaming.

Also, don't they start at 37"? There's no way I could fit that in my living room - my living room is small and there's an alcove for the TV, which I could just about squeeze a 32" screen into.

If you want a 37" plasma then Panasonic is your ONLY option as no other manufacturer makes one.

[DaveTheHutt]

As I say, I *don't* want a 37" screen as I can't fit it in the space available!!!

[per-Sony-fied]

Originally Posted by DaveTheHutt

As I say, I *don't* want a 37" screen as I can't fit it in the space available!!!

Yes I understand but if you measure a 32" CRT with internal speakers on the sides then the likely hood that the overall dimensions will be very similiar since Panny Plasmas have speakers underneath the screen & it is a true 37" screen (nothing hidden) rather than a false 32" screen with a few inches covered behind the cabinet.