Posted on 02/15/2010 9:18:24 AM PST by RayChuang88
I am right now seriously in the market to get a new 40" to 42" flat-panel HDTV to replace my old 27" Mitsubishi CRT television set.
Right now, my primary choice is the new 40" Sony KDL-40EX500 (I had considered the 40" KDL-40VE5 but most places wanted US$200 more for the set). From what I've read online, most people like it, and the suggested retail price of US$899 is quite attractive, especially since the KDL-40EX500 has 120 Hz refresh rate.
I would like to hear suggestions on alternatives from LG, Samsung, Sharp and Toshiba that I should consider (I'm willing to pay between US$800 to US$1,049 street price). I might consider getting a Panasonic 1080p plasma but I do have concerns about the peak power usage of a 42" plasma panel, which can reach around 300 watts.
Stay with Samsung, Sony, LG, or Vizio for LCD. Panasonic for plasma.
As such, I'm still leaning towards the Sony KDL-40EX500 as my first choice, though I'm going to Fry's at their special darkened screening rooms and see if I can find a better model.
Okay, scratch the Toshiba. I’m going to use the Sony KDL-40EX500 as my “reference” and see what how the other models compare.
Being ignorant of the particulars, I can still say I love Panasonic products.
To keep the cost down , this might be worth a look, or not.
and I have no connection with them.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4517143&Sku=T24-4232
Mine is the 62” Pioneer Elite which we got in 1996. We have been really happy with it.
Check out this month’s Consumer Reports if you can.
I used to have my plasma in a room with a sliding glass door, 4 windows and two skylights. I did have to close the blinds and block one skylight (light directly onto the plasma) but even then there was tremendous ambient light in that room. Washout wasn’t a problem.
I bought an LCD for my father-in-law because brightness was his #1 want. His nursing home room has a wall of windows they never close the blinds. It’s a Phillips and he’s very happy with it.
No it’s true. Showroom sets are always set in torch mode with white levels set to the max. This is necessary because they need to overcome store lighting. Once you get that set home where you don’t have harsh overhead lights you will be able to evaluate things like black levels and ease of long term viewing.
Don’t get a plasma. The picture is too blurry.
Go high end.
There are many highly rated LCD televisions available. An advanced version will supersede virtually every one of them in a few months so buy units with advanced features.
Look for 240 Hz refresh and LED backlighting and big. Possibly add Internet movie streaming.
Even with these new features, later models will have something you wish you had. Consider what is coming; Organic Light Emitting Diode displays thinner than a credit card, DLP HDTV in 3D, wireless media transmitting, and features we dont even know we want at this time.
An alternative that also has merit is to buy a lower cost Visio, which is an excellent television, and wait it out. If you are buying a 32 inch or smaller screen you dont need 1080P, 480P is fine. People have got along with 60 Hz refresh just fine for many years. You may find great sales as the stores have to sell off inventory to make room for the latest. All the new features you now see in a few models will soon be standard in all models.
Capitalism's competition and resulting economy of scale ensures we will always be able to buy the absolutely latest possible technology at the absolutely lowest possible price. That is unless a menace to the nation persuades us that a socialist agenda will improve us. Be grateful, not spiteful, that there were people who could afford these televisions before you could. Their ability to afford them when they bought is why you are able to afford them now.
God bless America and God bless Capitalism in a Republic guaranteed by Americas Constitution.
That is exactly been my experience with a 47 inch sharp. It look beautiful on HD but with lower quality input you can really see the flaws.
No matter what Hz TV one buys, make sure it says true 120-Hz or 240-Hz ( refresh rates ).
go with the Panny plasmas. They cannot be beat.
+1 ... have the 50” plasma and its great for my #1 use, sports viewing via Dish...
ymmv
480P is not fine. I meant to say 720P is fine.
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