The high definition technology, to me, is the best thing since air conditioning, but the damn thing is just too expensive to be logically affordable. A good, enthusiast level high definition home entertainment system would probably end up costing you as much as a high quality small car (which too, I feel are obnoxiously expensive in our country). We always get queries like 'is there any HDTV I can buy without selling an organ?' to which we can only suggest that the body donor market isn't too hot these days because of cheaper South East Asian imports. But, that's not what this feature's about.
In my recent trip to the market, I managed to pick out a few HDTVs that you can pick up from your local stores for under Rs. 40,000, which is quite cheap for an HDTV. The screen size may not be the biggest, but it sure does make a great personal entertainment display unit. Moreover, if you've managed to pick-up a new Hi-Def gaming console and are playing it on your regular CRT TV, then you definitely need to look into these models.
Samsung Bordeaux 26R7
This one seems to be a favorite for gamers around the country, probably because Microsoft has been putting these on display with their Xbox 360s in every electronic store they could find. Not that I'm complaining in any way, as the 26R7 is a great TV to have for personal entertainment purposes.
The plentiful connectivity options makes sure you can connect your game console, DVD player and your PC to this one, making it an all-round entertainment display for you. Though I have a personal gripe against the Piano finish trend, plaguing all electronics these days, I have to admit the curvaceous body and the glossy finish does look stellar on this one.
Rs. 37,900 was the cheapest price I could find on this one, which is still better than the Rs. 39,990 that the company offered us. If you have the money, then this is a great TV.
LG 26LX2R
The biggest advantage this flat panel display has is the XD picture enhancement technology that boosts the colors and the sharpness of the picture to give you near-HD quality from your regular DVD player or a non-HD home gaming console.
You'll get just as many connectivity options here as in the Samsung TV above, and though it may not look like a Bordeaux, it does hold its own when it comes to overall performance.
At its price of Rs. 38,500 you will probably end up spending a bit more on this unit than the competition's, but the XD technology may come in handy when playing your older game consoles from a shorter viewing distance.


