LCD's w/ Bulit-in DVD Players - Opinions Needed Please

[JasonRR]

I've got my heart set on buying a 37"-42" LCD with a built-in DVD player for my bedroom. The idea is that I would hang the TV on the wall, and run the power and DirecTV cables through the wall for a really clean install. Having the DVD player built into the TV seems like the easiest way to go.

I'm not all that concerned that the TV or DVD player be the latest and greatest, as they would only be for occasional use.

I know that Toshiba used to make a 37" LCD with DVD player, but Frys and Best Buy only carried the 32" model. With the Toshiba's being the exception, I typically only see the built-in DVD players on the "generic" brand TV's, and not on the more well known brands (Pioneer, Sony, Samsung, Visio, etc...).

Does anyone know if there's a reason why more manufacturers aren't getting involved with the whole TV/DVD combo with LCD's? Is there something I should be concerned about.

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks.

- Jason

[Grant]

I don't see a whole lot of benefit. DVD players are cheap and if you're spending the coin for a decent HDTV, why not at least get an upconverting DVD player for ~$60, or even an HD-DVD/BD player for $1-$300. If you're going for convienence and space-savings, then it may work better for you.

The reason why they're not more involved? That's easy; $. You can't upgrade them; it's one more thing to break which would then require having to either send the TV in or pay a contractor to come out and service it. For what you're aiming for, I guess it's not a bad situation. Just know that you're over-paying quite a bit for the added convienence of a built-in DVD player.

[JasonRR]

Good points.

I just really like the idea of having nothing but the screen hanging on the wall, but having a functioning DVD player and satellite TV. I'm planning to put my DirecTV box in my closet and using a RF remote, but if I did the same with a DVD player, I'm thinking that the remote control wouldn't work (unless I buy one with an RF remote..if they make such a thing...or maybe I could buy an RF universal remote???).

I see that Westinghouse has a 40" LCD with built-in DVD for around $1,200, a little cheaper on Ebay (with Refurb models for around $700+shipping). The few consumer reviews I read looked

- Jason

[93powerranger]

i have the Westinghouse. It is a decent tv and dvd player. I would read reviews on it. I have not had one problem with it and it gives a great picture for lcd. The dvd player is convenient but it also isnt the best .