> > I want to buy a tv, about 28-31 inch.

You can get a 28 inch pretty easy, but good luck finding a 31,  they come in
28, and 32.


> > Really, I want a monitor for my dvd and video player.  I haven't
> > watched terrestrial or satellite broadcasts for more than 8 years and
> > don't want to start now.

One question: does your DVD have a D3 output? If you only have D1 or
S-video, too bad,  but if you have a D3 output, that is the one with
separate connections for red, green and blue, or a little jack that looks
like it should go to your computer, then get a TV that will connect to that.
It kicks the arse of regular co-ax.

> > So I don't need a tv with a built-in BS tuner, but if it's nearlly
> > impossible to find one without one preinstalled then so be it.

Bingo

> > I'd love one of those thin tvs, but a tube set is about 1/3 the price.

Personally I still think cathode ray tubes have better pictures. The plasma
jobbies still trail a bit if you have something bright moving over a
completely black back-ground

> > Any recommendations or caveats about brands or models?

I have a 28 inch Toshiba wide screen D3 TV it is a slightly older, I guess
it is the predecessor to the 28ZP37. My box has a great and crystal clear
picture for something that isn't HDTV (D4), just beautiful, and it has great
sound too. One thing to note, next time you are out looking at these things,
run your hand over the screens. The Toshiba's don't build up a static charge
on the screen, and that means they don't get nearly as dirty as others that
attract every particle of dirt in your house directly to your screen.



> How about asking the folks at the local consumer electronics store?
>

Depends if they are honest and knowledgeable, or just lying dolts looking to
make a sale. I don't trust sales people for electronics in a country where
the changes in Technology are so rapid and dynamic. They all just want to
move stock in the end, and are not necessarily motivated by the desire to
have customers return home with complete satisfaction.

> >
> > Also, I should have fiber optic cable installed for internet use
> > within the next month.  Might I also have tv options?
>
> Ask the cable company.
>
> -- 
> Kevin Gowen


Well that's my 2 cents, hope it is of some use. There is always Hitachi you
know "inspire the next" guys, you know they are one of the largest
manufactures of dildos in Japan too?

Jon