I'm Getting a New TV

[KipWellsFan]

Hey guys need some tips on tvs. I haven't kept up with the technology.

 

I'm looking to get about a 46 inch widescreen tv. But beyond that I don't really know what I'm doing. Should I be looking at getting an LCD or a Plasma? What's the difference? Are there other kinds? Is everything flatscreen now? I've heard that plasmas burn out quicker and take more power, but also that they've improved a great deal. Which one is more expensive? Which is the best quality for movies and tv?

 

I'm also concerned about watching normal tv on a big widescreen tv. I've been over to peoples houses with huge tvs and the quality of normal shows and sporting events is just crappy. It's bigger but if the quality drops like that, what's the point? Is this unavoidable with a widescreen tv. Or can this be solved with an HD subscription?

 

Also, what would you say is the best quality television available? Sony? Sharp? LG? I'm not afraid to spend a little bit more money for a better quality product. Hey, I watch a lot of tv and movies. Spare no expense!

 

Thanks

Edited December 16, 2009 by KipWellsFan

[Tuna]

I won't kick off the LCD vs Plasma thread (again) because it appears LED has them both beat. I personally live and die by Samsung, Sony is obviously top of the line and pricey. I hear Vizio offers a good product with really good prices but I don't know that from experience.

 

As far as the question regarding normal TV picture, that will be fixed with an HD subscription. I don't even know what normal TV looks like on mine because there's no need to watch it. Pretty much every channel offers HD now and if you watch any sporting event in anything but HD your TV should be taken away from you by force.

[Jenksismyhero]

ditto on the samsung.

 

Look up tv model rankings from last year on cnet.com (or some other review site) and try to find one of those at a store instead of the newest models. You'll save yourself 3-400 bucks on differences you'd never know existed unless you had the two tv's sitting next to each other.

[Y2HH]

I won't kick off the LCD vs Plasma thread (again) because it appears LED has them both beat. I personally live and die by Samsung, Sony is obviously top of the line and pricey. I hear Vizio offers a good product with really good prices but I don't know that from experience.

 

As far as the question regarding normal TV picture, that will be fixed with an HD subscription. I don't even know what normal TV looks like on mine because there's no need to watch it. Pretty much every channel offers HD now and if you watch any sporting event in anything but HD your TV should be taken away from you by force.

 

LED may have them both beat -- someday -- but right now LED's do NOT have them beat. First and Second generation techs are often "good" but nowhere near as good as they will be when they mature, and this is where bigger screened LED's are right now.

 

A really good plasma or non LED will look superior right now, simply due to the more mature technologies behind them. Not to mention the bang for the buck you'll get right now. If you want LED, look to pay 2.5k+ (if not more) if you don't want really crappy tech stuffed into the box.

Edited December 16, 2009 by Y2HH

[GoSox05]

I've had a 37 inch Vizio for about a year and everything had been great. Vizio usually has pretty good prices if your looking so save money.

[southsideirish71]

LED may have them both beat -- someday -- but right now LED's do NOT have them beat. First and Second generation techs are often "good" but nowhere near as good as they will be when they mature, and this is where bigger screened LED's are right now.

 

A really good plasma or non LED will look superior right now, simply due to the more mature technologies behind them. Not to mention the bang for the buck you'll get right now. If you want LED, look to pay 2.5k+ (if not more) if you don't want really crappy tech stuffed into the box.

 

I was looking at the LED tv's for a bit now. Fry's had a nice looking LED Samsung, but when it came down to actually doing comparisons with price versus value versus picture. I wound up picking up a 55 inch 120hz LCD. It was to replace an older 1st gen DLP that I have had for years. The picture is absolutely amazing and when it comes down to it, above 120hz people really can't tell that much of a difference. Very happy with my purchase.

 

Remember also. The manufacturer is starting to become moot to a point. Outside of the service and support, a lot of these vendors source their parts and screens from the same pool of vendors. You will see that multiple vendors share the LCD technology and its the same as you move from vendor to vendor. Think of it as an OEM agreement.

Edited December 16, 2009 by southsideirish71

[StrangeSox]

I've had a 40" Sony LCD for about 18 months now and its great. I've only heard great things about Samsung as well. I'm pretty sure they manufacture the screens for several companies.

 

Analogue cable on an HD TV looks like garbage. It will look worse than a 10 year old CRT. That will be a moot point soon as Comcast is slowly switching everyone over to digital-only signals. Non-HD Digital Cable/ Satellite doesn't look any different than on a regular set, at least to me. The bigger the screen, the more the flaws will be noticeable, just like blowing up a photograph. This is fixed with an HD package.

 

 

Don't know anything to comment on LCD vs. Plasma.

 

[BigSqwert]

http://www.yugster.com/dspYoursUntilGone.aspx

[iamshack]

Panasonic makes the best plasma tvs, unless you want to spend $4k, in which case you get a Pioneer.

Samsung is quality.

 

The LCD market is pretty much dominated by Sony and Samsung.

 

My advice would be a 50 inch panasonic or samsung plasma. You should be able to pick up a 1080p for about $1200-1300 I would imagine...

Edited December 16, 2009 by iamshack

[bigruss]

Checkout slickdeals.net for updated deals on lcds or plasmas, many people comment on the threads too if they have any experience with the product giving you personal input (take it for what its worth though.).

 

I would go to Frys or some other large electronic store to actually view the product in person to find one that suits you the most, remember that plasma requires a darker room for maximum viewing.

 

Personally, Samsungs are the way to go, im dissappointed in my Toshiba now, it just doesnt compare, but then again I saved a crapload compared to a Samsung.

[bigruss]

Panasonic makes the best plasma tvs, unless you want to spend $4k, in which case you get a Pioneer.

Samsung is quality.

 

The LCD market is pretty much dominated by Sony and Samsung.

 

My advice would be a 50 inch panasonic or samsung plasma. You should be able to pick up a 1080p for about $1200-1300 I would imagine...

50in Plasma Samsungs should be well under $1000 on a good deal, most likely in the $900 range and sometimes down to $800. 720p, which really alot of people cant tell the difference (especially older people or ones with poor eyesight, can be found as low as $600 at the 50" range which is crazy.

 

If you want 42in LCDs I ahve seen a plethora of deals in the last month or so at the $500 range for 1080ps, and decent brands too.

[Texsox]

My main TV is a Sony and I'm happy with it. I also have a 19" Vizio I use as a monitor/TV and that is fine as well. I believe it is getting to the point where the parts are about the same.

[iamshack]

50in Plasma Samsungs should be well under $1000 on a good deal, most likely in the $900 range and sometimes down to $800. 720p, which really alot of people cant tell the difference (especially older people or ones with poor eyesight, can be found as low as $600 at the 50" range which is crazy.

 

If you want 42in LCDs I ahve seen a plethora of deals in the last month or so at the $500 range for 1080ps, and decent brands too.

Yeah, I was referring to 1080p models, and not the older models either. If you're going to buy a new tv, and as he said he is willing to spend a little extra cash to get something high quality, I would go with the Panasonic because of the black levels. Especially if you're considering getting into blu ray, I think it's best to get the 1080p.

[GoodAsGould]

LED may have them both beat -- someday -- but right now LED's do NOT have them beat. First and Second generation techs are often "good" but nowhere near as good as they will be when they mature, and this is where bigger screened LED's are right now.

 

A really good plasma or non LED will look superior right now, simply due to the more mature technologies behind them. Not to mention the bang for the buck you'll get right now. If you want LED, look to pay 2.5k+ (if not more) if you don't want really crappy tech stuffed into the box.

 

Thats not even remotely true, LED's right now look nicer than regular LCD's and Plasma's but cost a significantly amount more. If you arent looking to spend that kind of money though Id suggest a Panasonic plasma, they will be a better picture for a longer time than any regular lcd and actually are more energy efficient now as well.

Edited December 17, 2009 by GoodAsGould

[Texsox]

Hey KWF, aren't you up in Canada? Does it have to be steam driven or something? Y'all getting digital anytime soon?

[CanOfCorn]

Hey KWF, aren't you up in Canada? Does it have to be steam driven or something? Y'all getting digital anytime soon?

 

I think the parts are all made out of backbacon.

[Y2HH]

Thats not even remotely true, LED's right now look nicer than regular LCD's and Plasma's but cost a significantly amount more. If you arent looking to spend that kind of money though Id suggest a Panasonic plasma, they will be a better picture for a longer time than any regular lcd and actually are more energy efficient now as well.

 

Yes, it *is* remotely true.

 

LEDs do NOT look better than my new Samsung Plasma -- at BEST, they could match current plasma or 120hzLCD in terms of visual quality, but at a premium of 1500$ and possibly in a smaller size. I know because I had one...and returned it for the Plasma I now own...which I will not be returning, because it's that much better, it's bigger, and it was way cheaper. I repeat, someday you will be right...but right now LED TV technology is in it's infancy, it has it's problems, and it's too expensive. Problems that have long been worked out of LCD 120hz, Plasma, and DLP televisions.

 

If I was to recommend anything to someone right now, either get a current generation Plasma or a current generation LCD @120hz.

 

And don't believe the screen burn hype when it comes to Plasmas...that's a thing of the past. They have many built in protections against this now.

 

This is the TV I currently own...it's a bit expensive for Plasma because it's current generation...but I couldn't pass up the fact that it's 1.2" thick.

 

http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/tv-vide...type=prd_detail

Edited December 17, 2009 by Y2HH

[Y2HH]

Oh, also note, that if you want to watch BluRay, now or in the future, you NEED 1080P. So do not get a 720P television thinking someday you'll watch BlueRay on them...you may as well just use a unconverted DVD.

[Palehosefan]

Yeah, I was referring to 1080p models, and not the older models either. If you're going to buy a new tv, and as he said he is willing to spend a little extra cash to get something high quality, I would go with the Panasonic because of the black levels. Especially if you're considering getting into blu ray, I think it's best to get the 1080p.

 

Agree 100%. I spent about 2 years researching before finally purchasing my 1080p Panasonic and I couldn't be happier.

If you want to get deep into it, you can view this site http://www.avsforum.com/

[RockRaines]

I won't kick off the LCD vs Plasma thread (again) because it appears LED has them both beat. I personally live and die by Samsung, Sony is obviously top of the line and pricey. I hear Vizio offers a good product with really good prices but I don't know that from experience.

 

As far as the question regarding normal TV picture, that will be fixed with an HD subscription. I don't even know what normal TV looks like on mine because there's no need to watch it. Pretty much every channel offers HD now and if you watch any sporting event in anything but HD your TV should be taken away from you by force.

Vizio just passed SAmsung as the worlds largest LCD maker.

 

 

I live by Sammy as well. I have a 50 in plasma and a 40 in LCD. Both are awesome, both ordered off amazon with ZERO tax and a ridiculous price.

[Marky Mark]

I'm also about to get an HDTV. I decided on the Panasonic (plasma) 50 inch S1 model, but refuse to buy it until it comes down. Best Buy buys this TV for 1000 from Panny. However, they were selling it for $899.99 in late November. Go to edealinfo.com for good deals and use bing.com for discounts. If you can find a place thats selling your TV for a good price, has free shipping, has a bing discount, and is out of state (meaning no tax), you'll get a good deal.

[GoodAsGould]

Yes, it *is* remotely true.

 

LEDs do NOT look better than my new Samsung Plasma -- at BEST, they could match current plasma or 120hzLCD in terms of visual quality, but at a premium of 1500$ and possibly in a smaller size. I know because I had one...and returned it for the Plasma I now own...which I will not be returning, because it's that much better, it's bigger, and it was way cheaper. I repeat, someday you will be right...but right now LED TV technology is in it's infancy, it has it's problems, and it's too expensive. Problems that have long been worked out of LCD 120hz, Plasma, and DLP televisions.

 

If I was to recommend anything to someone right now, either get a current generation Plasma or a current generation LCD @120hz.

 

And don't believe the screen burn hype when it comes to Plasmas...that's a thing of the past. They have many built in protections against this now.

 

This is the TV I currently own...it's a bit expensive for Plasma because it's current generation...but I couldn't pass up the fact that it's 1.2" thick.

 

http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/tv-vide...type=prd_detail

 

Thats nice and all, but for the last 2 years Ive been working in an electronics department where I get to stare at the tv's all day long. I agree with you on LED's being way too expensive currently but that doesnt change from the fact that they offer a clearly better picture and anyone who looks at one next to a 120hz LCD or Plasma can tell you the same thing. That being said, like I said before the Panasonic Plasma is probably next best after the LED's and a helluva lot cheaper. And like you said burn in and glare are not an issue like it was in the past.

[southsideirish71]

Thats nice and all, but for the last 2 years Ive been working in an electronics department where I get to stare at the tv's all day long. I agree with you on LED's being way too expensive currently but that doesnt change from the fact that they offer a clearly better picture and anyone who looks at one next to a 120hz LCD or Plasma can tell you the same thing. That being said, like I said before the Panasonic Plasma is probably next best after the LED's and a helluva lot cheaper. And like you said burn in and glare are not an issue like it was in the past.

 

I would say that the LED backlit display is a brighter picture. However all things being equal a 240hz LCD versus a 240 LED lit are a very similar picture. The main difference is weight, and power consumption and possibly lamp life. In the end once you get above 120hz you really are at an overkill state considering that there are no general sources today that output to true 120hz and above. Most of these TVs input at lower rates and use frame stuffing or other types of buffering technology to smooth out the inferior source. LED is impressive due to its bright display. However its hard to justify the cost difference versus benefits of the LED over LCD or Plasma.

[RockRaines]

I would say that the LED backlit display is a brighter picture. However all things being equal a 240hz LCD versus a 240 LED lit are a very similar picture. The main difference is weight, and power consumption and possibly lamp life. In the end once you get above 120hz you really are at an overkill state considering that there are no general sources today that output to true 120hz and above. Most of these TVs input at lower rates and use frame stuffing or other types of buffering technology to smooth out the inferior source. LED is impressive due to its bright display. However its hard to justify the cost difference versus benefits of the LED over LCD or Plasma.

Good post. I would like to add that buying an LED just because its an LED is stupid. The edge lit LED's that some companies are offering are absolute crap. They are selling a ton because people buy into the "LED is better" stuff.

 

Read reviews, read cnet, read EVERYTHING if you want, but in the end, its YOUR eyes. For me, I watch sports on my main TV so I went with a plasma at the time, it kills. I tweaked it based on settings on the internet and my eyes and it rules. I got the LCD in the bedroom because it was cheap, and I pass out with the TV on so I didnt want even a hint of burn in. You wont go wrong with a brand name as long as you pay attention to the specs.

[Y2HH]

Good post. I would like to add that buying an LED just because its an LED is stupid. The edge lit LED's that some companies are offering are absolute crap. They are selling a ton because people buy into the "LED is better" stuff.

 

Read reviews, read cnet, read EVERYTHING if you want, but in the end, its YOUR eyes. For me, I watch sports on my main TV so I went with a plasma at the time, it kills. I tweaked it based on settings on the internet and my eyes and it rules. I got the LCD in the bedroom because it was cheap, and I pass out with the TV on so I didnt want even a hint of burn in. You wont go wrong with a brand name as long as you pay attention to the specs.

 

Heh, this is the same exact thing I did.

 

I have a 43" DLP (generation1) upstairs -- I bought this in like 2000.

 

I have a 32" LCD in the bedroom.

 

...and a 50" Plasma in the basement -- this is my movie watching/sports television. I was skeptical of Plasma because of all the myths you hear about burnin, and while that was once a concern, it's really a thing of the past. My Plasma have a few different things it does to make sure it doesn't happen like pixel shifting, etc.