HDTV LCD comparison
 

Can anybody with good technical knowledge tell me the main differences between these 2 TVs and which maybe better?

I'm looking for something this size for the bedroom and I'm pretty set on getting one of these since its the best ones offered by Costco (can't beat their return policy).

Sony Bravia S-Series 32" LCD HDTV
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product...1&Sp=C&topnav=

Panasonic 32" LCD HDTV
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product...1&Sp=C&topnav=

That Sony is a model they've phased out of regular inventory (no longer sold at SonyStyle stores), but it's still a good TV with nice sound and great picture if you hook up component or HDMI for HD viewing. Either one is LCD, so don't expect real deep blacks or anything.

Looks like the main difference between these two TVs is one says Panasonic and the other says Sony:dunno:

For me, you can't beat Sony customer service. My fiance straight dropped our VAIO notebook on a marble floor and smashed the chassis of it. I called them, they ship me a FedEx box to put it in for overnight, less than a week later I have a brand new chassis and motherboard on the VAIO- no charge. I had the VAIO over a year when this happened.

Nice prices on those TVs, Paul:thumbup:

I agree about Costco. I'm still waiting/hoping for the new Olevia HDTVs to get into Costco. They are definitely worth looking into and are quite possibly the best bang for the buck. They even follow the BMW naming convention of 3-, 5-, and 7-series models. Here's their 32" 5-series which can be had for $999.00 retail ($780 at J&R plus $65 shipping):

http://www.olevia.com/jsp/products/detail.jsp?pid=532h

Thats not bad, although I've never heard of Olevia. Anybody had problems with this brand?

From what I saw, the major difference between the Sony and Panasonic is the contrast ratio. Based on that, I'd go with the Panasonic. I'm not extremely knowledgeable, but while I was shopping around for LCD TVs, I was told multiple times that the contrast ratio is one of the most important things to note, as the higher the ratio, the better the image. In addition, the Panasonic is cheaper! Use the money you "save" to buy a mount! :)

Recently there was a 37" Olevia model at the local Tiger direct outlet at $999. I looked at the picture and it was very good. I read pretty good review of the Olevia LCD models. Definitely the best bang for the buck. I do not know anything about reliability of this brand though

this is the same one I saw at TigerDirect
http://www.amazon.com/Syntax-Olevia-.../dp/B000B6JJNC

Those were the previous generation Syntax LCDs, prior to their merger with Brillian. They were a great value, generally got good reviews, and were always best sellers at Amazon.com, HSN.com, Target.com, etc.

The current generation (3, 5, & 7 series) just came out (not all sizes are even available in the channel yet) and supposedly is even better (quality & value). They are in discussion with more national retailers (hopefully Costco, Best Buy, etc.) but so far are only available online, CompUSA, and at some regional chains like RC Willey and hhgregg.

I'm hoping there are some reviews available after CEDIA next week, especially for the 7-series 1080p HDTVs...

Just an idea here, but Best Buy is doing that 36 months no interest financing deal for a limited time.

Get a 46" Bravia XBR, Paul! :D

JV

I second that. Get that new 46" XBR. I bought mine back in March this year and should have waited for the 1080p :(