i was at good will today and found a 2004 toshiba crt, it was huge! it was 29 by 10 inches! it was called a toshiba theaterview. the model number was 36hf73 would this play squeeze LD's?

for that matter, would any 16:9 widescreen TV properly unsqueeze a squeeze disc?

Any 16:9 TV that has a "Stretch" function should display a SQUEEZE LD in the proper aspect ratio.

Even some of the Sony WEGA 4:3 aspect ratio TVs with a 16:9 mode will display a SQUEEZE LD properly

Since analog sets seem better matched for the LD picture I would think that a 480i 16:9 set would probably be the ultimate television for Laserdiscs. Unfortunately if these even exist they are rare, at least in the States. It's scary to think what I would pay for a 50+ inch analog widescreen TV....

i think the sony wega was 480i

There are quite a few "HD-Ready" Sony WEGAs. This Wikipedia article (yeah, not the best source, but this page seems legit) gives a good rundown of the best to least of the WEGA tube TVs . . .

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FD_Trinitron/WEGA

I have one of the Hi-Scans--KV-40XBR800. It will accept a 1080i picture, and performs well with my Xbox 360 (haven't tried with a blu-ray yet.)

Plus, the 16:9 Enhanced mode works really well. I'm trying to get a hand on a Squeeze LD or two so I can see how they look with this enhanced mode.

I believe Sony's later HD-Ready 4:3 RPTVs have the 16:9 Enhanced Mode as well. I've seen a 61" Sony 4:3 RPTV that has the 16:9 mode. The model # was KP-61HS30.

I am a big fan and proponent of using the Sony CRT Wega XBR series for laserdisc watching, and CED & VHS as well.

For one, the trinitron tube has never had an equal direct view CRT (I consider the Pioneer Elite series CRT rear-projector sets pretty close to these however). Sony has had many years to perfect this CRT.

Also, they usually are the best bargain for the quality among all used sets available, often selling for less than $200, because they are big and heavy, and considered "white elephants" now by many who have them.

They have the perfect size for superior resolution, even on the 480i setting, and yet still give you a nice home theater experience. If you watch many 4:3 programs, the 36" (33" widescreen) or 40"(37" widescreen) are best suited. For mostly widescreen viewing. the 34" 16:9 model is a good one to get, and a little lighter weight.

They are flatscreen, so there's less light reflection problems and they have a wide viewing area for good seating arrangements.

Many models are HD ready with 1080 resolution and accept DVI or HDMI input, allowing the use of upscalers/enhancers if desired.

Most of them have 6 or 7 inputs, including RF, so it isn't a hassle using more than one of the older formats.

Parts availablilty is not a problem, as they were big sellers and Sony support is good. My 34" I got free because it would not turn on, and a new Sony high voltage switch & labor repair was a mere $80.

The downside is that they are heavy, 200 to 300 lbs, and that's why they can be had cheaply now. So you need a really good stand and buddies tohelp move it. Mine is on a heavy duty stand with rollers so I can foll and rotate it most anywhere, with care of course!