Anyone Know about this set? RCA 52" HDTV (HD52W59)

[deldest]

Well after losing my family room 60inch (see other blackout post) I'm in the market for a new set. This wasn't planned so I really didn't have a budget and was just looking around to see if a more 'reasonable' set would do for now.

I saw this RCA 52" HDTV (HD52W59) for sale really cheap, and I can pick it up for $899 ($999 w/$100 coupon). It seams to have the basics that I would need such as HDTV WITH the TUNER, 16:9 format, and 52" didn't seem to bad (although it may take some getting used to after 60"). But it looks like they are calling this a CRT set? I'm assuming that since it's a projection that means its the old 3-gun type (am I correct?). I'm also assumming that the drawbacks to this would be cabinet depth, and side angle veiwing? Are there any other drawbacks?? I have NO problem with size (25X30 room) and even side angle viewing isn't really a big issue, but is this going to have a really bad picture compared to the new DLP/LCD sets?? I would think it should be pretty decent in HD at least. Are the RCA sets reliable? I was thinking 'IF' the picture was as good, It might be more reliable with not worrying about replacing bulbs every couple years (already gonna have to do that with my projector so eliminating more maintenance would be a plus).t Is it worth making the trip to go see it?

ANY thoughts, comments, or info are greatly appreciated!

 

[deldest]

Well everyone's silence seems to speak volumes........

I'm guessing that nobody here has anything that they could sell me that would come close (in price / size) ........Too bad.

I went to see the set and you all may be happy to hear that the picture was crap (AND I could only see it in HD). My 8 year old 60 inch rear projection had a much better picture (and it was NON-HD via s-video or even composite), and I don't think I would be satisfied with the RCA at any price....
Plus the cabinet was ugly and looked VERY cheap (I hate silver too)...
I tried to clean up the picture thinking this was a 'loss leader' that was purposely out of tune to try to 'upsell' people but I couldn't do much with the picture quality and the controls didn't allow much tuning.

O well, I thought that a very 'BASIC' HD rear projection set would have been ok but it looks like they are still way up there in price for a good one.

Anyways I'm open to suggestions for an entry level HD (w/tuner) set and I think it would have to be at least 52 inches. I don't care about fancy options, I only really care about picture quality for basic TV/DVD.
I will budget whatever I need to get a good picture, but I am looking for a less expensive set.

Reccomendations???? Pretty please?

 

[Hanse18]

You could wait for the new JVC HD-ILA models to come out (end of this month) and see if the old 720p models drop in price. I don't know, but maybe an online closeout will let you pick one up for under $1500.

Actually, and I'm asking if anyone knows the answer, shouldn't all 720p displays be dropping pretty quickly as the 1080p switch is made? Or at least the older models?