Buying advice: Picture-tube TVs

As new technologies take over, conventional television models dwindle in number

With manufacturers shifting their focus to newer TV technologies such as LCD and plasma, there are few new tube TVs coming on the market. Those that are available are small, low-priced sets sold at mass merchants rather than consumer electronics stores.

What’s available

High-def tube TVs are largely gone from the market, except for refurbished models. Over the past year or two, manufacturers have introduced standard-definition (SD) digital models, not to be confused with HDTVs. These accept not only SD signals but also HD signals, which they convert to 480i. Picture quality may be slightly better than with an analog set because digital signals tend to be cleaner than analog. All digital tube TVs have an ATSC tuner. This enables them to receive digital signals from an over-the-air antenna. Models available are mostly from brands such as Dynex, Memorex, Sansui, and Sylvania.

Size and shape

Most picture-tube TVs have a screen that measures 13 to 27 inches diagonally. The screens are usually squarish, with an aspect ratio of 4:3, meaning they're four units wide for every three units high.

Features

Smaller sets are often combo units including a built-in VCR or DVD drive. Most sets with screens measuring 26 inches and larger have flat screens, high-quality video inputs, universal remotes, and simulated surround sound.

Price

About $300 for a 27-inch digital SDTV. Less than $200 for a 20-inch digital set.