Another "Need HDTV Advice" Thread
 

My sister needs some advice with an HDTV purchase. Since I don't own one, I'm not much help to her.

She and her husband are looking to spend under $2,000 on an HDTV. They'd like it to be at least 47", but would love a 54" tv.

She saw an LG at Sears within her budget, but didn't know if that's a good brand to go with.

Any recommendations from our resident HDTV experts? Anything to stay away from?

:thanks:

I don't know what the current prices are, but I do know that Samsungs 850 Plasma, 750 LCD, and all LED monitors are rated among the best in the industry. I have seen a 750 in action and it made me want to throw away my 50", $15,000 Fujistu monitor.....

All my installers recommend these monitors.

The other up and coming manufacturer is Hitachi with their new Ultrathin series, they are pretty good as well..

Long and the short is that plasma loose their contrast and brightness over time, LCD's just eventually burn-out, and i have no clue about LED's now as it's such new technology. 240hz on any monitor gives you the fastest response and least amount of "jerkiness" in a picture....

Good luck...make sure they get a blu-ray player as well to really enjoy the TV...try watching the opening scene of "Batman, The Dark Knight" on a good blu-ray player and HDTV with a great surround system...It will make you dizzy!!!!

I just purchased a couple Samsung Series 8 55" LED TV's for my house 3 weeks ago, and I have to say I am very impressed with them. It is the best (or one of the best) HDTV's available. The series 8 LED's cost me about 4.5k, but you could find a series 6 LED for under $2,000.
IMO, I wasn't to impressed with the Series 6. I needed one lower end HDTV and went with a 55" Panasonic over the Series 6 although they were the same price. The Series 7 and 8 are on a different level tho.

In your sisters case, If I was to buy an HDTV for under $2K, I would put in another $200 and go for the new Vizio 55" LED. It costs $2,199 but is supposed to be amazing. I have yet to see it in person, but maybe one of the other members have seen it (Possibly at Costco) and give more info.
VIZIO VF551XVT 55" LCD TruLED | VIZIO

If it must be under $2,000, maybe a Vizio 55" LCD or Sony 52" LCD.

I just saw that Sam's Clubs website is showing the Vizio 55" LED for only $1,976 which is under $2k :thumbup:

Thanks, guys. :)

I have nothing good to say about Samstung.
I have seen 55" 120Hz LCD and 240Hz+ plasma at Costco for under $2000.
1080p and at least 120Hz is what they should look for. If the TV will be in brightly lit (daylight) room than consider LCD.

Have you seen the new LED's? I was always a Sony fan until I got the Series 8 LED.
And I agree that Costco has some good tvs at a good price. The Vizio 55" LED should be at Costco as well. Its 55", 1080p, 240Hz, LED, and under $2k.

And I will piggyback on this thread, with Michelle's indulgence. I am looking for a 46-47 in flat panel TV of some sort. I can't go bigger, due to the space in the built-in cabinet. The rear projection Sony I have now was quite near the "top of the line" when purchased many years ago. But now, it just isn't doing the trick.

So, the question for the group is to recommend TV's both 47 in and larger, and others 46-47 in exactly. Thanks.

They live in a split-level home and the TV will be on their lower level/basement. It's a pretty dark room...not much daylight at all.

My brother has an LG flatscreen - he seems happy with it. It is probably 5 or 6 years old by now so I would definatly say LG can make decent TVs.

As far as advice for buying a TV - one thing people often miss is if the TV they buy have the right ports for what they need - like HDMI, DVI and VGA ports and what not - if it is just for a dvd player and a cable/satelite box any TV should do but if there is also a game console and a PC things can start to get complicated. A PC can be hooked up through 3 different ports - but the image quality is greatly affected by what port you choose. Basicly though - the more HDMI ports there are the better.

I think most brands are good, maybe you should break it down between Plasma or LCD.

Plasma is generally cheaper.

In my opinion you can't beat a Panasonic plasma. Here's a 54" G10 series for $1622.18:

PANASONIC TC-P54G10 54" VIERA G10 Series Black Plasma Flat Panel HDTV

The S1 series is even less. Both have a 600Hz sub-field drive. The G10 does have a LAN port and Viera Cast, the S1 does not I believe.

I love my Vizio's, and you can't really beat the prices. Got an older one(4yrs w/o a problem) in the bedroom and a new LED in the living room.

I am using a Vizio 32" at my ofice for my windows PC alongside a iMac and it is very nice. I am also using a 42" for my surveillance screen and I like that too. I considered the Vizio 55" LED when I purchased my Samsung, but they don't sell Vizio in Dubai. I might get it for my house in LA tho.
Which LED do you have? How are you liking it so far?

How are you hooking up your Vizio to your PC's? I'm doing the same for watching movies via my laptop using an S-Video cord, but the picture quality isn't what I had expected at all. I was hoping for something super crisp, but the resolution si like watching it on a huge tube television. :(

Thoughts on this one?

Sam's Club - 50" Panasonic VIERA Plasma 1080p HDTV

I did a LOT of reading on Yahoo in regards to choosing the right TV for the room based on lighting, spacing of the room, etc. I can't remember how it all broke down, but something along the lines of 720 vs 1080 and if you're more than like 10-15 ft from the TV that you'll never notice the differences, plasma vs LCD vs LED and eachs pro and con, yada yada yada. When it all comes down to it, for me it was best to just go down there w/ a DVD of my choice, take over the floor for like 30 min and just watch each one and see which I liked best within my price range.

The Vizio's are literally a tide me over until I can make an actual movie room, so I didn't beat myself up too much w/ my choices. I remember shopping for multimedia monitors in my M5, and until you see them all side by side, you never really get a good feel for it based on specs...kind of like driving a car on paper vs. sitting in the actual seat. For me, the biggest thing was warranty (Costco comes in handy here), the brightness ( for some reason i'm always watching my movies on WMP w/ the brightness a little bumped past the middle) and lack of glare.

Mich, pretty good price on that plasma from Sam's, and plasma prices are dropping
like a rock, due to phase out by many manufacturers. The problem imo, is none of us
can see "that" TV, and all the rec'd brands/models here are all held in some level of regard
by each of the owners...;)

$2Gs or way less, is easily doable by your sis, imo.

As for 1080 vs 720, unless they are visually challenged or only watch low def TV, get 1080:
it is night and day over 720 in any reasonably large size, imo.
GL,mD

Michelle:

First of all, I think they got the model number wrong. It should be a TC-P50S14. And......

...Notice the '4' at the end of TC-P50S14. That is not the exact same model as the TC-P50S1. Those models at Costco, Sam's, Mal-Wart and other such places are manufactured specifically for them and generally are not quite the same as found elswhere. TV manufacturers have to cut corners to provide those places with a similar product they can afford to let go of at a reduced cost. I really recommend going to a reputable electronics website such as abesofmaine.com, buydig.com, etc.

The HDGuru.com website I'm about to post a link to in a reply to MD has many links to the lowest price online retailers.

EDIT: Here's a TC-P50G10 I found there. It's a better TV for not much more money than the fake S1 you found a Sam's. It has a LAN port for hooking up to the internet/computer to use Viera Cast. Better contrast ratio, THX certified, well, take a look for yourself...

TC-P50G10 - All VIERA® Flat-Panel HDTVs - Shop and Compare at Panasonic

If $2K is their top limit, here's a 58" S1 that includes a Panasonic Blu-ray player in the price. (the one for $1881.67) The S1 series does not have a LAN port but is a good TV. The Panasonic Blu-ray players are top notch as well.

TC-P58S1 Plasma & LCD Televisions - Hdguru.com tells you everything you need to know about HDTV displays, high definition content, high def disc players, high definition reception and reviews on high definition products, blu-ray and

Pardon me MD, but plasma's are by no means on their way out. Many sales people would like you to believe such silly things because they'd rather sell you a more expensive LCD than a plasma. This link is a very interesting read about the future of plasma televisions straight from the horses mouth (the manufacturers themselves).

http://hdguru.com/is-plasma-dead-sam...lg-answer/422/

Everybody:

Check out the news on his site about the new Panny 103" 4K resolution plasma:

HDGURU.Com CEATEC 2009 Part II-More Photos

Michelle,

I bought a 50" Panasonc 1080p/600hz model TC-P50S1. Best Buy, HH Gregg and others had it for less than $1,000 a few weeks ago. As far as picture quality is concerned, it is great, IMO. I know two people in the home theater business and they swear by Panasonic as far as plasmas are concerned. If the TV is going into a dark room, a plasma should be perfect. My room has average lighting and it looks perfect.

TC-P50S1 - All VIERA® Flat-Panel HDTVs - Shop and Compare at Panasonic

This is the one I got. Like I said, I lucked out and it was on sale when I bought it a few weeks back. Paid $990 at Best Buy.

:iagree: Vast majority of TV's my friends theater business installs are plasmas. From cheap homes to mansions.

To be honest, plasmas are better than LCD as far as picture and motion are concerned. The only advantages of LCD over Plasma is that LCD's are available in sizes under 40 inches and they are better for rooms where glare is a major issue. Otherwise, plasma all the way.

Plasma vs. LCD: Which is right for you? - TVs

Video: LCD vs. Plasma

46" is a standard size

LGs are probably the best bang for buck
Samsung is my default brand for TVs now
120Mhz refresh rate is the lowest I would go but I think 240 is overkill and the LED is overpriced at this point. If you don't need cutting edge technology, I would recommend a 47/46 LCD with 120Mhz and 1080p output.

I bought a LG42LH50 (42") and I'm very happy. You could get the 47" version and pocket the difference.

Do a little research here to compare the sam's club model.
Find Your HD Plasma, Blu-ray Disc Player, Digital Camera or Full HD Camcorder From Panasonic

My PC output is DVI so I am using a DVI to HDMI adapter there and using HDMI input on the Vizio. the quality is not bad, and it does what I need. I mainly use the iMac and have Windows Vista Ultimate running off boot camp on the iMac so I rarely use the PC now. But the 42" is a pretty good set up for either a monitor or CCTV set up.

:iagree:

From what I remember, Plasmas are generally better and the preferred choice for people watching standard TV or looking for an affordable solution. LCD and LED is a better option when running everything in HD. I have seen regular TV on my LED, and I have to say it SUCKS. The picture quality is very bad. Good thing I have HD TV NOW.

OT...
Jessshh, you would think I called someones mother a b...h, :rofl:.
I should have worded that post, done while tired, a bit more
carefully. I was calling up the memory of some big brand(s)
"getting out of/reducing" their plasma efforts, combined with
watching the plasma prices drop in the ad circulars. :rolleyes:

I am thinking about a plasma for a replacement of our 8 yr old
low def 58 incher here at the Mtn house, so plasma is a serious
contendah.

My point was none of us have direct viewing info on every model
tossed up, we all tend to like what we have, and that 1080 is
worth it over 720, in the larger sizes, imo. Other than that, and
just waiting to get back to my 60" Sony,NoBaloney in FL, I'll get
out of this. :D

Yeah, no DVI on my laptop :rolleyes: I bought an S-Video to HDMI cord off ebay, but then I realized it was two completely different formats, I'd need a converter module, blah blah blah...I guess it is what it is. I thought about trying to use a regular ol' blue VGA cord, but haven't gotten around to buying and trying it. The picture isn't bad, but it leaves a 6" border around the whole screen, and I hate seeing movies in "theatre" view.

I would use VGA over S-Video but thats just me :D

I purchased the same Panasonic except mine has the internet capabilities. I have it in a very dim room and it plays very nice.

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/i...0212009048.jpg

The Samsung Series 8 55" LED

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/i...0212009045.jpg

And one of the best part of the LED
http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/i...0212009047.jpg

Nice. Those LED's are paper thin. I like the look of those, but didn't want to spend over $1,000. I couldn't pass up the Panasonic at that price.

This looks like a good deal

Costco - $1299.99 after $200 OFF Panasonic 54" 1080P Plasma

:iagree:

Although, at the end of the day, many people will be more than satisfied with going with a cheapo model. I haven't pulled the trigger yet on a new TV, but I'm almost certain that it will be a Panasonic plasma when the time comes.

:sorry: MD, I wasn't trying to bash you, I was only trying to be polite with the 'pardon me'. Just wanted to help you and some others out with some newer, more accurate information. I should have let you know that I agreed with the rest of your post.

Sorry again,
Ish

This guy couldn't have said it better.

Well, not much better... ;) I will elaborate a little more. Plasma's are more accurate in color reproduction, black levels and have better viewing angles than LCD. The fact that they can display standard def material better than even the newest LED LCD's should tell you something about the picture quality capability of plasma's. And don't let those outrageous DYNAMIC contrast ratios the LCD manufacturers like to tout fool you. There is a natural maximum limit to the human eye's contrast resolution of about 300:1.

I see your point, but like you said, plasmas have better color reproduction, deeper blacks, better viewing angles, no motion blur like LCD's can have, etc. Plasma FTW, unless you have a mega brightly lit room or want under 40 inches. Also, just about every review I have read/seen says plasma is more of a cinema viewing experience than LCD. On the other hand, LCD's typically use less energy, run cooler, weigh less and have brighter pictures. Don't forget about the possibility of individual pixels burning out with LCD. I have an LCD TV/computer monitor and it has one or two pixels that have been burned out for a long time.

Maybe plasmas are better at reproducing sub-HD signals because the plasma technology has a broader range capability? :dunno: I am not dogging LCD. I have both, I just perfer the benefits of the plasma.

I personally enjoy the brighter pictures on LCD's and LED's, but that's just me.

As for your burnt pixel issue, I was able to download a program that cycles colors in a little 4x4 pixel box that you leave running until the pixel unlocks itself from being stuck in one color. Happened on my laptop, fixed it right up. Just Google how to fix burnt/stuck pixels. This same technique can be applied to LCD TV's when a laptop is used as the video input.

Thanks. I will look into that.

UDPixel - udpix.free.fr is what I used. For the more stubborn ones, they also recommend that you lightly rub around the pixel while this is going on. I used the stylus from my Treo and it fixed the last remaining one right up.

OT: but while the mavens are here...any plasma users here have opins on a ~60" plasma to be used in a bright room,
(huge window wall that allows lots of ambient/indirect light during viewing hours in summer, eg 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM),
and to be used at 5,000 ft altitude? I have read pages of stuff on HighDefForum until my hair hurts, but that is like asking
100 economists their opinion(s)...

The prices are really coming down on large plasmas around here & on the net, so I may be interested in copping one for the
Mtn house here, before we depart or, upon our return in April. Don't make your response a term paper or project; just curious
about real world viewing in ambiently bright room and at this altitude.
Thanks, mD

MD, Why not LCD? LCD will be much better for your bright room with those huge windows.
From Crutchfield web site:
Pioneer plasmas were better than Panasonia for bright rooms. Worries over plasma in bright room - AVForums.com

Some plasmas have altitude issues. Google for "plasma altitude issues".
Plasma TV Buying Guide: Plasma TVs at high altitude
How Altitude Affects Plasma TVs

:rofl: I was saying YOU couldn't have said it better FSETH! It wasn't until I read your reply and then re-read my own post that I realized what it seemed to imply !ouch:

BTW, my little 24" LCD computer monitor seems to put out more heat than my 50" plasma TV!

I agree with LeMansX5 there, LCD would probably be the best choice. I've seen the pictures of your mountain house and you definitely have some huge windows! (Love your pics BTW) Reflection would be the biggest drawback with a plasma. Even with the anti-reflective coatings that have been added to plasma's lately the LCD's still hold the lead in non-reflectivity.

:doh: I got you now.

MD, sounds like LCD may be best if you have a really bright room, but if the sunlight doesn't directly hit the screen, it may be more of your call. From the link LeMans posted, sounds like you should be OK with plasma at sub 6,000 sq.ft. Your issue sounds to be more of lighting siutuation.

Not sure of the altitude difference, but I know a few people with lake houses on Lake Santeetlah in Robinsville, NC with plasmas. No issues that I am aware of. Their homes have pretty significant windows as well.

From Slickdeals.net:
Amazon has a few Panasonic Viera HDTV + Blu-Ray Player Combos available with instant discount when you add to shopping cart. Shipping is free.

Panasonic Viera TC-P65S1 65" 1080p Plasma HDTV + Panasonic DMP-BD80 Blu-ray Disc Player for $2188 (see discount in cart)
Next lowest on Google Products for the Viera HDTV is $2395 and The Blu-ray Disc Player is $176 = $2577 if purchased separately.


Panasonic VIERA TC-P42S1 42" 1080p Plasma HDTV + Panasonic DMP-BD60 Blu-ray Disc Player for $707. Thanks coobullets [Discuss]
Next lowest on Google Products for the Panasonic TC-P42S1 is $700 and the Panasonic DMP-BD60 is $145 = $845 if purchased separately.


Panasonic VIERA TC-P58S1 58" 1080p Plasma HDTV + Panasonic DMP-BD80 Blu-ray Player for $1630 (see discount in cart).

52" Sony no baloney for $1399 at Fry's
SONY KDL-52W5100
52" 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV
FRYS.com*|*SONY

OT, on my plasma wonderment: thanks to all for your replies. I think our 5k elevation is not a real issue, though the high volume ambient light may
be a consideration. With only 3 weeks left here at the Mtn house for the season, I suspect we will postpone the HD buy until next spring when we
return, as we also have to upgrade to HD sat, (either keeping DISH or going to Direct), and the different view angle of an HD sat dish also requires
some tree trimming on the neighbor's property. Everything is complicated and interconnected. I BM'd the links; appreciate the opins. :thumbup:
BR,mD

It's $1199 now.

FRYS.com*|*Sony

I just e-mailed her this link. If she doesn't jump on it, I'm done! :nanana:

Thanks for all of your help, guys! :hug:

Any news?

How about this one? At Sears for $1,399.99. Sale ends today!

Sony Bravia® 52 in. (Diagonal) Class 1080p 120 Hz LCD HD Television ENERGY STAR®

[QUOTE=Michelle;677934]How about this one? At Sears for $1,399.99. Sale ends today!

Sony Bravia® 52 in. (Diagonal) Class 1080p 120 Hz LCD HD Television ENERGY STAR®[/QUOTE

C-net review

Sony KDL-52V5100 Flat-panel TV reviews - CNET Reviews

She ended up buying the Sony on Saturday. The search is over! :thud:

Thanks again for all of your help, guys! :hug:

I guess she liked the size of the set.

Whew! ;)

I hope your sis and her new hub do that much DD on their 401(k) and
budget. :thumbup:

It seems many of us will investigate and hand wring a new gizmo, to the
Nth degree, but some don't spend an hour a year on their nest egg, savings and budgets.
Geezer Lecture over. :D
Hope she loves the new TV...
GL,mD

The LCD panel on Sony is actually made by Sharp.

The size is perfect for the room it's in. Their couch is ~10 feet from the tv, so anything bigger would be stupid.

They're very happy with it so far and can't wait for HD to get hooked up on the 21st.