Posted on 09/13/2010 6:33:23 AM PDT by 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.
We recently bought the 60” Sharp Aquos (LED-LCD), and are really happy with it.
Panasonic service is for the sh!ts. Never buying Pana again.
Spent $1100.
I have 3 Vizios, a 60 plasma (5 year old),22 LCD(six months) and a 26 LCD(2 years) with no problems.
Look only at 1080p sets.
Figure out what size you really need (for larger) and/or can live with (for smaller).
They need to have at least two HDMI inputs (one for BluRay or DVD connection, one for later).
If it’s important to you to hook your existing and future computers to it (and you live alone, or your kids have a game system), you may want a third HDMI and/or a DVI and/or a VGA connector.
Go to a store with a lot of brands.
Let your eyes decide, and make sure you examine the leading models on your list in several different stores (sets are not always getting a strong signal, other glitches).
Then purchase based on price.
The Samsungs appear to me to be the best smaller sets when examined side by side with other brands (I bought a Vizio).
You "do" understand that there are other sources of viewable content that the networks, right?? I'm building a "Media-PC" right now in order to take advantage of sources that are not available either by broadcast or cable.
Sony KDL-46EX500
I have the 40" version and love it for its sharpness and bright colors.
Ooh..I didn’t realise that you were the wife...heh..please forgive me..
Las Vegas Dave is correct..all of the Samsung sets at stores like Sams Club or Costco DO have different model numbers..for instance..they may carry the *c640* model, which IS the exact same model as the c650..with the clear panel - it just has a different model number..the stores do this because this enables them to avoid the Price Matching business that goes on in other stores, like Best Buy..
Soo; if Costco only carries those Clear panel Samsungs.. then. you may wish to look in other stores, such as Sears, or Best Buy...I KNOW that hd sets with matte panels DO exist.. ya just have to find them!
Ok, since you guys so graciously replied, please allow me to pick your brains again.
:)
CCFL LCD vs. LED-lit: For a set right next to tall windows (<2 ft. away), which is best?
Any thoughts on the Panasonic TC-G25 plasma (has a good anti-glare screen per reviews)?
120hz vs. 240hz.: Salesman at Modia (Home Theater Store) says that in the near future, programming will be available to utilize 240hz technology. Really? or is this salesman talk?
Maximum size for space is 47". Wish list includes at least 120hz, 1080i, anti-glare/matte screen, best internal processor (but not so good as the $3000 Mitsubishi LOL) for the <$2K sets. No gaming on this set.
So which do you like best “Psych” or “Burn Notice”? ;-)
Internet widgets? Can you summarize features?
Note this TV connects to the Internet through an 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi connection and supports a features called VIZIO Internet Apps (VIA), which allows you to access Twitter and Facebook, download the latest news, and even stream movies from Amazon, NetFlix and VuDu.
Which set is best, (flourescent or LED, in a bright room ?) The correct answer must always be - what looks best to YOU. You have to make that final decision. No one else can answer a question like that, but YOU. The answer depends on your evaluation of how the panel LOOKS in YOUR living room.
That’s why I suggested; in passing, that it’s good that most stores have a 30 day return policy. You can choose a set, but, when you get it home and properly set up..IF you DON’T like what you see; in your own home environment, you can always return it for something that might be better for your home environment.
I’m sorry, but I’m not the proper person to ask regarding Plasmas..I’ve never owned a Plasma, although I’ve heard that they have vastly improved over the past few years..it’s now not very likely that the panels will have any “BURN-IN” problems. (this was a major problem with Plasma sets in the recent past.)
120 HZ vs. 240 HZ - yeah.. this has absolutely NOTHING to do with what is broadcast. It has EVERYTHING to do with reducing motion blur on the HD set..regardless if it’s from broadcast media, or DVD, or Blu Ray. My opinion? Ignorant salesman talk. I’m sure you can find significant discussions of motion blur factors on AVSFORUM..
You have a solid wish list, StrictTime..umm.. all new HD sets WILL only output 1080P (P= Progressive output) You might have a hard time these days finding a new HDTV set that will only output 1080I (I=Interlace) Keep in mind that all broadcasts are inputed at either 720P OR 1080I..the set will always CONVERT the OUTPUT to 1080P..also, broadcasts are always , ALWAYS at 60 hz..Samsung will always REPORT the INPUT at 60 hz, when you press the INFO button on the remote..BUT the set will ALWAYS convert that 60 HZ input to 120 Hz. In Samsung sets; the 120 hz conversion process is ALWAYS on. It can’t be “turned off”. This is a GOOD thing.
The “AUTO MOTION PLUS” function CAN always be modified, or turned off. This process is NOT the same process as the 120 hz function. They are two, very different, separate processes.
Yes..a better computer processor comes with the more expensive sets...my sister has an expensive Mits..she loves it, this set DOES have a very fine panel..gorgeous picture. BUT.. I spent less than half of the money on my Samsung, than SHE spent on her Mits..I’d say the picture on the Samsung panel was just as good as the picture on the Mits. but, that’s my opinion.
Yes.. it’s frustrating,, BUT, I’m sure that you’ll find the HDTV set that’s perfect for YOUR living room enviroment.
Very nice.
HDTV ping list, I will post a thread in late October or early November about the up coming BlackFriday sales.
See below for the latest prediction:
http://www.tvpredictions.com/blackpredicts091310.htm
HDTV: Black Friday Predictions!
TVPredictions.com
Washington, D.C. (September 13, 2010) — Fifty-inch HDTVs for as little as $550? 32-inch LCD HDTVs for under $200? Blu-ray players for $70 or less?
These are just some of the incredible deals that retailers will offer on HD-related products on Black Friday, predicts a web site that tracks retailer discounts on what has become the unofficial opening of the holiday shopping season.
Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, has become a cultural phenomenon with waves of shoppers crashing into retail outlets at the crack of dawn in search of great deals.
BlackFriday.org, which has carefully monitored past Black Friday sales, predicts that physical and online retailers will heavily discount Plasma, LED and LCD HDTVs.
“The televisions that go on sale typically fall into 32” to 46” category, but you will see some reduced prices on 50” to 55” HDTVs as well,” the site writes.
For instance, BlackFriday.org forecasts that 32-inch LCD sets will be available for around $199 while 19-inch sets will discounted to as little as $99.
In addition, the site predicts, 42-inch LCD and Plasma models will be priced between $400 and $500 while 50-inch sets will be marked down between $550 and $650.
In the Blu-ray category, the site says feature-laden Blu-ray players will be available between $70 and $80 and some Blu-ray movies will be offered for about $5.
We bought a 52 inch Samsung 3 years ago, and it has been terrific!
You totally can’t go wrong with a higher end Samsung. While you are at it, pick yourself up a PS3. Great Bluray player, and gaming console.
I'm getting closer! Whew!
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