Surprise! People still buying tube TVs
Cory Bergman February 23rd, 2007
Last year, old-fashioned CRT TV sets accounted for 46 percent of all shipments to North American retailers, partly because they’re so affordable compared to pricey flat screen sets. The Consumer Electronics Associates predicts that CRT sets will no longer be sold in the U.S. in two years time, but perhaps that’s a little optimistic. Unless, of course, TV manufacturers want to slash prices on flat screens. Two years ago, I bought a 32″ Sony CRT HDTV set for $799. Today, the least expensive 32″ Sony HDTV flat screens still cost over $1,000. And I bet my CRT picture beats the LCD in quality.
Adds Zack in comments: “I prefer my HD CRT over any LCD on the market. Unfortunately it’s VERY heavy. Recently, I hired movers because I didn’t want to take it down three sets of stairs again. I’m just holding out as long as possible until they can improve the flats.”
Adds FishPatrol: “I won’t argue that some analog HDTV sets can outperform most or all mid-level LCD TVs, most likely including mine. For me, the logic included being able to move it myself, using less electricity, and connecting to a computer via DVI to watch movies, play games, etc. And with i.Link (Firewire) I can record shows directly off the set, onto the computer for later watching or archiving.”
12 Comments Add your own
1. Tom | February 23rd, 2007 at 10:59 am
I actually like the picture quality of the CRT HDTV’s better than the flat screen ones… I mean, the ones that are close in price at least.. I’d rather buy a CRT one for $800 than a flat screen for $1100.. I mean, I guess its just a little heavier.. LOL!
2. Zack | February 23rd, 2007 at 11:10 am
I prefer my HD CRT over any LCD on the market. Unfortunately it’s VERY heavy. Recently, I hired movers because I didn’t want to take it down three sets of stairs again.
I’m just holding out as long as possible until they can improve the flats.
3. Steve | February 23rd, 2007 at 11:34 am
You could always wait for the SED sets, but who knows when those are going to come out.
4. Drew Robertson | February 23rd, 2007 at 11:47 am
I was at the Best Buy on Northern Blvd. Long Island City is not a fancy-dance suburb, it’s working class Queens. BB had CRTs jammed in an aisle. No one looking there. Meanwhile the entire back corner of the store had dozens of flat screens. And that’s where the people were. I think two years is about right. Not because CRTs won’t be better values but because the big box stores won’t give you a choice.
Me? Still waiting for my 25″ to die. In about two years I figure.
5. Charles | February 23rd, 2007 at 4:08 pm
I can buy a nice, “old-fashioned” TV at Best Buy, with good quality, for $100-$200. Next time I buy a TV, I’m hoping they’ve slashed the prices on next-gen TV’s enough to compete with the “old-fashioned”, as to not COMPLETELY break my bank!
6. fishpatrol | February 24th, 2007 at 6:54 am
I’m not not what size good-quality set is less than $200. I’m also certain that Best Buy wouldn’t stock analog sets if they weren’t selling, just like I’m sure that HDTV sets are sure to draw attention in stores, though it doesn’t as often draw out people’s credit cards. HDTV prices will keep coming down, but you’ll have to define “competitive” to include the fact that a high-definition picture puts the old 480i sets to shame–oh, such shame.
I won’t argue that some analog HDTV sets can outperform most or all mid-level LCD TVs, most likely including mine. For me, the logic included being able to move it myself, using less electricity, and connecting to a computer via DVI to watch movies, play games, etc. And with i.Link (Firewire) I can record shows directly off the set, onto the computer for later watching or archiving.
Of course, if you can wait, the trends work in your favor. Prices lower, specs and features improve. I’d love to have a 32″ 1080p display, sure. But am I glad I upgraded from my 20″ JVC CRT? Oh, in every way yes.
7. Mark Mascolino | February 24th, 2007 at 9:56 am
It all come down to weight…eventually people’s desires for bigger televisions will cause them to think long and hard about acquiring a heavy, pain-in-the-butt object to move around. I have a 32″ set that I got about 5 - 6 years ago and it weighs 180 pounds. Its a struggle to find furniture large enough to accomodate its dimensions and weight. Thankfully I am pleased with my current setup and hope that I can hold out a few more years as the tech goodness increases and the prices drop.
8. invitedmedia | February 24th, 2007 at 10:29 am
our 50″ is on rollers but sits on a beautifully refinished 1940’s hardwood floor so i dont move it often.
we have an assortment of 20″ tube sets throughout the house that were all purchased a number of years ago. a few we’ve replaced the remotes on but otherwise than that the picture is as good as the cable allows.
my son took one of these off to college last september and i just bought one from best buy last week to replace it. agreed with the person above who noted the limited number of tube set vs. flat screens, but the BUYERS were all in the tube aisle. the LOOKERS were in the aisles with all the flat screens.
$110 out-the-door for a magnavox. it had a brushed aluminum-look case (plastic) but when we got it home we noticed it was a perfect match for a room we just renovated; its set went to the rec. room and the new set went there.
$110!
such a deal!
9. FrankM | February 24th, 2007 at 12:03 pm
“Not because CRTs won’t be better values but because the big box stores won’t give you a choice.”
True.
We’ve already seen this with computer monitors. Only bargain 15″ or 17″ CRTs are available in stores. CRTs 19″, 21″ and up are only available online.
10. Steve Safran | February 24th, 2007 at 1:59 pm
I wanted to buy an HD CRT a while back, but had to put the brakes on because LR Spouse wouldn’t let me saw the back off our cabinet. (True.)
Glad I waited.
11. Tim | February 24th, 2007 at 3:44 pm
Well, some of us are of the generation that remembers when COLOR television was a technology-lust item… so anything else is gravy.
What’s the magic number? $500 for a 32″ 720p LCD is about when I might look at replacing my 2-year old JVC; of course how will I get rid of it in two years? I’ll have to buy a digital set-top converter for it in order to sell it.
12. Charles | February 24th, 2007 at 3:55 pm
“Well, some of us are of the generation that remembers when COLOR television was a technology-lust item… so anything else is gravy.”
We HAVE color TV. While HDTV’s are extremely nice, and technologically revolutionary, for most sets, it’s not a HUUUGE difference in picture quality from old analog sets. It’s not like going from B&W to Color. It’s like going from what, a Grand Am to a Mercedes? A Mercedes may definately be a whole like nicer, and if everyone had one, they may get more out of their driving experience. But it’s not like if you don’t have a Mercedes, you can’t enjoy driving to it’s fullest.
That all said, when my TV dies, I’ll saving for a good, cheap next-gen TV. If anything, because the government will eventually force that upon everyone, anyways. ^_^
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