Vanity: Please tell me which LCD TV to buy....

[StrictTime]

I'm just numb from doing research, so I'm opening up the floor to take suggestions from FReepers.

I hate to think that I'm going to be dropping $2K on a TV that has a life of 2 years (Samsung, Vizio, according to the interwebs). Looking for a 46" LCD with a matte screen (brightly lit room).

Anyone actually happy with a brand/model? Mostly interested in comments about reliability, since I HATE shopping for stuff like this every couple of years.

[Sir Gawain]

A plasma is better. Panasonics are good. I have one.

[Biblical Calvinist]

You probably would like the Samsung LN40c630..this is a middle of the line LCD set, with a Matte screen, with 120 hz. I have this model, it has a perfect HD picture, NO motion blur..and the 40 inch model is going for around 800 dollars at FRYS at this time. (www.Frys.com) I did extensive research on LCD HD sets before I decided on this model.. it’s the best that I’ve yet seen. Here’s the FRYS webpage on this set =
http://www.frys.com/product/6179439?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

You may wish to look at “Audio/Video Science Forum” for some great information regarding LCD and Plasma sets (actually, they have information regarding all sorts of electronics).. go to www.avsforum.com When the website comes up, click the FORUM tab, then on the FORUM page, scroll down to the LCD section. It’s one of the best websites regarding HDTV sets because it’s so informative.

[StrictTime]

I appreciate all the Samsung recommendations, but Samsung does not even offer a matte screen option anymore. A matte screen is necessary in the room ( wall of windows right next to the set). So Samsung is out.

Are there any LCD owners who have a strong preference regarding back lit or edge lit LED? Also, I'd love to hear from people who have experience with sets that are over 2 years old (not Samsung, because it's not an option at this point).

I think I have research fatigue. I have been to all the review/complaint sites and forums already, but do not have a clearer head about this yet. :(

Thank you to all the HELPFUL people who answered my question.

[Biblical Calvinist]

Actually, the Samsung LN40C630 does have a semi-matte panel..we have a bright, sunlit living room, with a big window; the Samsung is in this room. The semi-matte screen is specifically designed to be NON-REFLECTIVE..so we can see the screen without having the window, or lights reflect in the screen..it’s a good design..I’ve seen the Samsung LN40C650 HDTV set..and other models as well.. these sets have CLEAR screens, they are very much like MIRRORS..highly reflective.

Have you actually taken the time to go look at these Samsung semi-matte screens, personally? If you haven’t seen them yet, I think you might be surprised. These semi-matte panels are very good, NON reflective screens.

Heres’ the thread for the SAMSUNG LNxxC630/C650 model on www.AVSFORUM.com = http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1234637

[GOPJ]

For value go with a Vizio from Costco. We got one (47 inch) years ago - and really like it. The Bravia’s better quality - and again, go with Costco.

[altura]

I actually bought an LCD two days ago. It’s a 40” and I got it at Sears. I hate Sears—the salespeople are so inept. This guy had to keep running back to an unknown destination to confer with his manager. AND he knew nothing about the TV.

So, why did I buy it. I looked at it for 10 minutes and it had the absolute best picture of any TV in the store.

AND it had a tiny scratch on the pedestal and was on sale for $399.

As for the brand, I’d never heard of it, but it’s made by RCA. I’m afraid to look it up for fear ten people will testify that it broke two days after they got it.

That salesman was so lame, he didn’t even urge me to buy a service policy.

[Busta Rhymes]

We have a 52” Vizio. Had it going on 3 years, bought for
around $700.

The color and clarity are sharp. Never had a problem with it.

[Royal Wulff]

I just bought this UN55C6500 on the strength of your recommendation! $1800 from Amazon with free shipping for next 14 hrs. Hurry, only 6 left.

[TSgt]

You spent $300 less than me!

Congratulations!

[StrictTime]

Have you actually taken the time to go look at these Samsung semi-matte screens, personally?

They only have the reflective screens at Costco, which is the retailer everyone is suggesting for the warranty...

[StrictTime]

Ruh Ro! Maybe Samsung has changed the screen on the C630?? AVSforum:

"Just a quick update. The bottom line is that after living with the C630 we took it back. Calibration produces excellent results when viewed directly. However, room glare (wish it had a matte screen) and off-angle viewing issues where the colors fade out degraded the picture too much for us. We'll probably wait for future offerings, or turn to S"

BC, What are your thoughts on LED lit LCDs, if you don't mind my asking? Do you have any experience with them?

[StrictTime]

Ok, now I’m ready to tackle the pros and cons of plain LCD vs. LED-lit LCD. Any thoughts or recommendations for a room with lots of windows?

[Centurion2000]

samsung .... best value bar none

[DainBramage]

Ive had great experience with VIZIO. I had a friend who has had several large LCDs and he told me the best one he had had was vizio so thats the way I went and havent been disappointed at all.

[Biblical Calvinist]

StrictTime..I think this guy (whom you cited, from the thread at AVS) is confused..because ALL *c630* models are produced with semi-matte panels.

In other words, there are not SOME c630 models that have the clear panels, and there are not OTHER c630 models that have the semi-matte panel.

ALL *c630* models have the semi-matte panel.

The *c650* is the model with the clear panel.

In fact.. that’s really the only difference between the two models..the *C630* has the semi-matte panel, while the *c650* model has the clear panel...other than that, the two models are exactly the same HDTV set.

In regard to the new LED sets.. these are great, and the wave of the future. (and since they are a new innovation..of course the retail price on these sets are through the roof.)

I understand that the LED backlit sets provide a BRIGHTER contrast level, than the ordinary flourescent backlit panels. These new sets are lighter, because they don’t have the flourescent bulbs in them, and they are thinner sets as well..perfect for hanging on the wall.

But, the flourescent sets will still be with us for awhile. Now that the LED sets are being promoted, the price of the flourescent sets will continue to slide. These sets are a very good buy, especially with the declining prices.

[StrictTime]

Thanks, BC. I didn't know if they had changed the screen recently or what from that post.

I just went to Costco again today and they have nada that fits my criteria. :(

I guess I have to decide if LED is worth the extra $$ in our really bright family room. I hate to trust the salesmen at the store; it's funny how none of the high-end showrooms have rooms with bright light/big windows, so that I can see it with my own eyes. :)

[StrictTime]

Thanks, BC. I didn't know if they had changed the screen recently or what from that post.

I just went to Costco again today and they have nada that fits my criteria. :(

I guess I have to decide if LED is worth the extra $$ in our really bright family room. I hate to trust the salesmen at the store; it's funny how none of the high-end showrooms have rooms with bright light/big windows, so that I can see it with my own eyes. :)

[Biblical Calvinist]

Yeah, I hear ya, StrictTime..Sales people generally know little to nothing regarding these HDTV sets..you have to do the research, which you HAVE been doing, then make your own decision.

Besides Costco..have you looked at HDTV sets anywhere else ? For instance, Sears, Best Buy, or Sams Club, even WALMART ?

I agree, Costco and other stores have really poor viewing areas where they stock HDTV sets..Keep in mind, when you go to evaluate any HDTV set at these stores..they generally have all of the sets in DYNAMIC mode..(this is a sales technique; it’s truly NOT the setting which you would normally use in your home.)

The stores generally have animated DEMOS playing on the sets as well..not a good choice when critically evaluateing them; Animated features generally do not show the various subtleties that can be seen on any HDTV set..)

Well.. I know that you’re frustrated..BUT there ARE good sets out there..if I had the money, er. ah.. that is, if money was no object..I’d go with a Semi-matte, or Full Matte (if I could find one) LED panel, 120 HZ, to help reduce motion blur, and the LARGEST panel I could get.. yes.. BIGGER is better when considering HDTV sets !

I have a 40 inch set..I would truly love to have a 55 or 60 inch set..BUT..well.. the 40 inch is what we could afford.. I’m happy with it. The Samsung IS a great set.

And that’s the answer..pick a set that YOU would be happy with~ keep in mind, most of these stores have a 30 day return policy..if ya buy a set, but then decide it’s not the set for you.. you can always return it for something else.

Oh yes.. and it has to pass the WIFE factor as well. LOL~~!~ ;>)

[StrictTime]

The more I read, the more confused I get. Now I'm convinced that the Panny G25 plasma will work in a brightly lit room! LOL

Oh yes.. and it has to pass the WIFE factor as well. LOL~~!~ ;>)

This is funny because I AM the WIFE. My husband could care less about all this tech stuff... :)

[Las Vegas Dave]

http://www.lcdtvbuyingguide.com/
http://www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com/
http://led-tvbuyingguide.com/
http://led-tvbuyingguide.com/led-vs-plasma.html
http://www.3d-tvbuyingguide.com/

This will keep you busy!
LVD

(Keep in mind that the Sam’s, Costco, BJ’s, and similar clubs have TV’s with model numbers that differ from what the retailers have in the showrooms. This makes it difficult to do your research.)