Posted on 03/24/2018 6:49:04 PM PDT by BradyLS
A simple vanity post seeking recommendations from FReepers.
I gave up TV twenty years ago. But I still like watching DVDs. The player on the computer I watch mine on is giving out. I’d like to move on to a flat screen/player combo for both DVDs and Blu-Ray discs that’s in the 36” diagonal range. Larger is really no problem, but a huge, wall-mounted flat screen isn’t my style. Surround-sound and all that aren’t important to me either (good fidelity stereo is plenty nice for me.) My tastes are pretty simple that way.
My home entertainment-fu is weak, so the best brands/models are unknown to me and a visit to a local Fry’s was disappointing.
Can anyone offer a simple/straightforward recommendation?
And most likely a 4K player will do a decent job of upscaling regular DVDs. It won’t look as deep as Blu but it’ll still be pretty good.
The combo can be a headache. If the DVD player begins to fail, you’ve got to take your flat screen in for repair? Go with separate units.
I’ve always tried to score the lower-priced stuff. I’ve had a very large Vizio for a few years now. Amazing picture. And if it carps out, I’ll get another without breaking the bank.
That makes the mental math easier for me: if a 4K will handle both formats, then that’s something I want.
Just FYI: Wirecutter is New York Slimes. By using the site you’re sending clicks and money their way. It’s hard to find a good tech review site that isn’t supporting liberals. CNet is CBS, Engadget is Verizon.
The one I’ve started using is called Tomsguide.com they’re owned by a company called Purch Group which owns a bunch of websites. I can’t find out much about their politics, but at least I know I’m not helping out one of the big lefty MSM companies.
Excellent! Glad to hear there are units that are built to last!
Glad to hear Vizios are good on a budget. Will definitely keep that in mind.
Forget blu ray, 4K is the thing. I like Sony for the tv, Samsung is good as well. There is a lot of great 4K content available and the difference is clear. The tv and player will upscale other formats to near 4K.
CNET I was vaguely aware is affiliated with CBS. A local CBS radio affiliate runs CNET spots. Thanks for the heads up to Tomsguide.
I am propped up in bead right now watching my 32 inch TV from about 4 feet away. It is a 1080 resolution and for most programs, I don’t think I would be able to tell the difference if resolution was increased.
One thing which is striking is how much TV has improved since the golden age.
I love to watch the oldies such as Perry Mason, Leave it to Beaver, etc. From this distance, I can see the lines in the picture on those old B&W TVs.
The more I hear about 4K, the more essential it seems to be in a player. Thanks for the recommendation!
That’s about how I’d use a TV and player. Thankee!
I don’t think you’ll be able to get a 4K screen in the size you are looking for; you may not be able to get anything over 720. Any Blue Ray should be able to play regular DVDs.
BluRay players can also play MP4 movies on a USB drive, be it thumb drive or USB hard disk. You can rip the content off of your DVDs and BluRay disks and store them that way.
You present strong arguments for 4K! Sold!
Hmm. Well, 42” sounds manageable. I’ll keep an eye out for 4K in the closest range I can.
I hadn’t considered that. Thanks for the tip!
Walmart had a decent price on 4Ks tonight. Name brands seemed to be about $100 more than no-names.
4k wont do you much good unless you buy a 4K TV. Unless you are one of the freaks then you don’t need 4k anything. If you want full HD(non 4k) then buy a TV that is 1080P. Not 720P.
We dumped TV in 1997, but watch a lot of movies. We now use a 55” 4k set to watch blue rays and DVD’s. It’s hooked up to my 1970’s stereo separates system and uses a subwoofer. It’s better than a theater.
If you watch movies, this sort of thing (especially with blue ray) is jaw dropping. I never stop being amazed at the quality. It’s not just sharp. The contrast and color depth is simply amazing.
If you watch over-the-air broadcasts, you might want to delay your purchase 6-12 months to wait for the new ATSC 3.0 tuners that will have better reception and a longer useful life.
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