Bedroom TV

[Jim]

Searched available groups but none seem to have a subject pertaining to my question. So here goes in this group where people have been well versed over the years.

I'm searching for what I call a bedroom TV. Not too big, not too small. An LCD between 24" and 32" perhaps. Trouble is I'm looking for a specific feature. An on/off timer. Sometimes called an alarm timer. Unlike regular sleep timers these turn on the set. Makes a nice alternative to alarm clocks.

Going to both Walmart and Best Buy I discovered they don't have any remotes available. The data cards don't mention it nor do the shipping boxes. So no way to check the on screen menus.

Perhaps someone here is in retail electronics? Or maybe someone has purchased a new set fairly recently? If so I would really appreciate knowing available makes/models to look for.

[DerbyDad03]

Have you heard of Google?

22":

34"

I'm sure I could fine more....

[Jeff The Drunk]

[Don Phillipson]

All Sony and JVC TVs over 15" diag. used to have this feature, and probably still do. It does not take long to ask.

[Jim]

You likely have better informed sales people near you. The ones near me thought a sleep timer was the same thing.

[SBH]

I've never had a TV which didn't have a timer. The two most recent LCD TVs I currently bought also have timers. When visiting the electronics/TV retailer, play with the features on the displayed TVs and/or search the menu option. I'm willing to bet you'll find a timer.

[Jim]

Just returned from PC Richards, a local electronics retailer, and did just that. Once again the salesman started by saying they all have it. Took three reminders that I specified a on/off timer not the sleep timer he was thinking of.

Did find a couple Samsung models to compare against. So the trip wasn't a total waste.

[mm]

I have a 20 year old tv that has that feature. I would think it would be even more common now.

Some stores used to have the manuals themselves under the tv. Less likely to be stolen than a remote.

But go to a better store. A family owned tv and appliance store, and ask there. I'm told their prices are often no higher anyhow, and you get better service.

Do the tv's really not have a menu button ON the tv?

Some features are so small or common they're not mentioned, but the features also might not be there.

Get the manual online.

[Jim]

Mission accomplished. While out searching for a TV I instead learned of a MONITOR that has a built in digital tuner. And of course the desired on/off timer function.

[Stormin Mormon]

Since when is 24 to 32 inches "not too big"? Having grown up watching a 13 inch black and white "GE Adventurer 1", I think your sense of proportion is a bit much.

[salty]

Go look at a 24 inch 16:9 widescreen TV and see what you think.

It's not very big at all compared to a 4:3 ratio 19 inch TV.

It's wider, but a LOT shorter vertically.

[Jeff The Drunk]

I have a 16:9 32" HDTV in my bedroom and it consumes the entire top of my vertical dresser. My 24" LG LCD PC monitor is also around 16:9 aspect but is much smaller than the 32" mainly because of the obvious difference in the size of the LCD panel but also because the 24" monitor has no speakers on the sides.

[salty]

Wow!

[LSMFT]

Nobody stocks anything now a days. You have to order everything on the internet.

[George]

Unfortunately big box has everyone trained to think they are experts.

There is a large family owned appliance/electronics store nearby and both the owners son and one of the employees are really knowledgeable. And unlike the big box place where they bring the sales people into the back room each morning and tell them what items they should push to get a $3 commission they give you honest and helpful answers because they are there for the long stretch. And as you noted the prices are competitive because they belong to a buying co-op.

[LSMFT]

I was looking for a window air conditioner that is also a heat pump heater. I could leave it in the window longer for that touch of heat needed when it's a little cool in the spring and fall. Does Walmart have one? No way. They have dozens but no heating air conditioners. Don't expect anything that is not a main line mover to be stocked.

[DerbyDad03]

Well, it's not "too big" compared to a 60" TV.

However, too big or too small has more to do with the viewing range than the actual physical size of the unit.

A 60" screen is "too big" for your average bedroom but "too small" for your average football stadium.

When choosing an HD TV, the size should be based on how far from the unit you will normally be while viewing it. Too big/too close means reduced quality. Too small/too far means eye strain.

Too big/too close is far worse than too small/too far. Why spend big bucks on a 55" screen just because it fits on a wall only to be stuck with deminished quality because your bed is too close?

Use a calculator like this to help determine the right size:

[Pete C.]

The LG 26LE5300 I got the other day does indeed have a programmable on / off timer function including source and channel selection.

[Ron]

Guess you should know....right HD Boi?

[Ron]

This isn't 1960 :)

Also, if you have to watch the TV in a 4:3 mode the picture is a lot smaller.

But of course a lot of people don't mind using the "stretch" mode and watching a distorted picture.