Hello all, need help on which tv model to upgrade from 21" CRT tv at home.
Budget at 2k max (but want to save money for other gadgets).
Use for viewing DVD (hoping to buy a DVD upscaling player), RTM (no Astro), soft movies (don't really know about video formats (mkv, rmvb, avi, mp4, flv, etc) but I guess can convert to one another, right?) and hooking notebook to do ms office/games?

Currently have two choices in mind...

1. Used (~ 3 years) 42" Samsung plasma tv = RM1100
Pros:
- bigger size! ;D
Cons:
- No warranty
- No HDMI port (if got PS3, can use HDMI to DVI cable to hook
- Afraid of screen burn (don't really understand, never use plasma before >.<)
- Don't know if this is HD ready or full HD >.<

Specs:
Dimensions 1027 x 79 x 630.5 mm ; 40.43 x 3.11 x 24.82 inches (W x D x H)
Weight 34.5 kg (Without stand)
Screen aspect ratio 16:9
Screen size 42 inch
Native pixel resolution 852 x 480(H x V)
Color systems PAL, SECAM, NTSC (NT3.58/NT4.43)
Sound Stereo, Virtual Dolby
Audio output power 10W + 10W (8Ω)
Power supply AC100-240V~ 50/60Hz
AC220-240V~ 50/60Hz
Power consumption 330 Watts
Video inputs;
VIDEO IN - AV/S-VIDEO
COMPONENT IN - Y/PB/PR (RCA, 3P, 480i~1080i)
RGB1(PC1) IN - D-SUB, 15P
RGB2(PC2) IN
VGA~XGA (R/G/B/H/V)
DVI IN - DVI-D type
Monitor outputs VIDEO OUT - VIDEO/L/R (RCA, 3P)
Audio inputs VIDEO IN - L/R
COMPONENT IN - L/R (RCA, 2P)
AUDIO (Stereo jack for RGB1/2(PC1/2) and DVI input, 2 x mini jack)
Audio outputs EXT SPEAKER (8Ω) - R+/-, L+/-
External control RS232C - IN/OUT (D-SUB, 9P)

2. New 32" Samsung LCD tv = RM1800
Pros:
- latest 2010 model! ;D
- Full HD (I guess higher resolution better when hooking up with notebook, if not, I can HD Ready at RM1500)
- has USB media sharing connectivity (really important for movies stored in HDD)
- 2 years warranty
Cons:
- Smaller size
- Extra RM700 leh...

This post has been edited by Nam226: May 15 2010, 07:21 PM

Thanks for your opinion, Neb Seems like it is worth the money to buy a full HD new LCD tv after all then. Now all I need is a good DVD upscaling player! ^^

Thanks, bro, will check out the model you suggested at Harvey

Thanks, everyone. The Toshiba 32AV700E price around RM1.3-1.4k is affordable indeed but like michael9413 said, not full HD lor...Actually, I just thought of going full HD instead of HD ready because I want to hook up my notebook to the tv and be able to get higher resolutions to see the fonts and gaming...and well in the future, if financial allows it, play PS3 or xbox 360 on it in full HD. If this stuff make no difference in 32", then I will consider HD ready

Sure bo? LG 32" Full HD around RM1500?? Which model oh?

Hmm...I also thought of getting a HD media player but at home got lots of old DVD movie collection (even if I have time to rip them with my notebook, not enough HDD space storage), that's why I thought of buying cheap upscaling DVD-player. I'm also considering buying PS3 (with blu-ray and DVD upscaling capability) and thought it's worth it since it can do everything so managing my expenses and saving here and there now.

Thank you for your input, enriquelee, I have decided to buy LCD tv now

Wah seh...really wan woh RM1.6k for full HD tv, now need to visit electronic stores to eye this model out

True, I also seldom play DVD movie using my PS2 for the same reason afraid it might "damage" the lens or something back in the days and bought a separate DVD player...sayang my PS2, haha. Wow...didn't know media player can support BT download...amazing. I will try to check out which model has and its price. I read in forum here, WD TV Live seems popular

Right on...still try to game on my 2 years plus notebook with GeForce 8600M GT as I can but sometimes missed playing those console exclusive games...but yeah, I don't have enough cash to keep upgrading also Thanks for your cents, michael9413.

Thanks for suggestions. Will decide between HDPro+ and WDTV Live if I'm buying

Aiks...you guys keep poisoning me with Blu-Ray Disc...soon I beh tahan and will go buy d

Don't lah....I'm trying to save money

Dune Prime 3.0 cost so much more...lol!!! My wallet will dry if I buy

Good point! Hope there is firmware upgrade in the future for RMVB files