Buying My First HD TV & Need Help

Monkeydad · 10-22-2010, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mredskins

These threads always turn into the yuppie version of the redneck fight of who is better Chevy or Ford?????

I say Samsung you say Sony, grrr!!!!!

I say Samsung.

I have a 42"...still beautiful. I've noticed Samsungs are usually the clearest, best looking displays in the stores.

I'm waiting for December for price drops and will likely buy another 37"-42"-ish to replace my last-remaining CRT antique, a Christmas gift for my wife and I to each other.

HH Gregg has them NOW in the $300-350 range for that size...should be under $300 for the holidays.

mredskins · 10-22-2010, 11:28 AM

In all reality go the store look at which you think looks best, choice it take it home. Then watch it for a few days if you don't like it return. Picture quality is a very selective thing, you may like picture A I may like picture B, it really is just up to your eye as to what you like.

Panasonic, Sony, Samsung, LG all have good products that are built well.

Oh yeah a lot of folks forget about them but a great place to buy a TV is Sears. you can buy their extended warranty and before before the first year is up you can cancel it and get your $$$ back. This is nice becasue if the TV breaks after 30 days (their return policy) you can still bring it back as a normal return they will just switch it out. If you don't have it you will have to deal with the TV manufacture after 30 days and that means a lot of red tape.

saden1 · 10-22-2010, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArtMonkDrillz

DISCLAIMER - someone please chime in if I am completely botching what I'm attempting to explain...

One mistake I made when I bought my Samsung a few years ago was not paying attention to the megahertz, so I got a 40" 1080p with 60Hz and I really wish I had the same TV only with 120HZ. When I'm watching something with a lot of action (ie football highlights that are closer to the action than the normal TV angle) I notice pixelization. Its not the worst thing in the world but it can be annoying.

At the same time, I've heard that 240Hz can make some images look kind of weird. Like if you're watching a movie the screen can give it a weird digital TV feel, if that makes any sense. The only thing about this is that you can turn the refresh rate down when you're watching a movie or regular TV and then turn it back up when you're watching sports.

My Panasonic plasma TV has 480 Hz...it looks perfect no matter what is on.

mredskins · 10-22-2010, 11:31 AM

I think Saden1 talk me into Panasonic.Great TV and it has held up well for the first year.

Mattyk · 10-22-2010, 11:36 AM

I'm a Panasonic guy myself, they make top notch plasmas.

But if you're going in the 37" range, don't be afraid to check out Vizio. I have a 37" Vizio LCD in my bedroom and it's great. At that size you can get by with 720p too, no need to go full HD.

Mattyk · 10-22-2010, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by firstdown

Do you really trust a rating site that is paid for by the companies advertising what they are rating? Thats my biggest hang up with these on line rating sites.

Yes, I trust the reviews there. The reviews well done and thorough.

About the Company:

Consumer Electronics Advisory Group operates several premier buying guide websites, including plasmatvbuyingguide.com and lcdtvbuyingguide.com, among others. Online since 1996, CEAG focuses on home theatre, smart home and audio & video solutions, providing objective and accurate third-party reviews about new products, systems and products and technologies soon to be launched. CEAG has more than 14 million unique visitors each year and is on track to be growing at 18 million unique visitors by the beginning of 2008.

Education and objectivity are top concerns for CEAG and its host of companies. We have strict standards and processes that we adhere to with each product and technology review. Since 1999, CEAG's success has been cemented by promoting and improving the exchange of information between consumers and electronics businesses in all segments of the industry. CEAG is recognized as being the preeminent source for free, objective information to consumers on home theatre, smart home and audio & video solutions. Our new Recommended Installers Network, encourages high standards of service and conduct by installers and designers of electronic systems for the home and office.

LCD TV Buying Guide: flat screen tv ordering FAQ & Tips

ArtMonkDrillz · 10-22-2010, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattyk

I'm a Panasonic guy myself, they make top notch plasmas.

But if you're going in the 37" range, don't be afraid to check out Vizio. I have a 37" Vizio LCD in my bedroom and it's great. At that size you can get by with 720p too, no need to go full HD.

Agreed

BDBohnzie · 10-22-2010, 11:41 AM

The links Matty posted might be old, but the basics of buying a HDTV really haven't changed much (aside from the burn-in scare that has all but disappeared).

I have a Sharp Aquos 37 inch 720p LCD in my bedroom and it's been great. Had it a year and a half, and the only complaint is the extremely dark scenes in movies are a bit hard to see sometimes. My sister has a 37 inch Vizio and she seems to like it.

Like it was said before, go to the store(s) and check them out. Be sure to play with the settings (most stores jack up the video settings to make the TVs look better) and see which one you like best. Then come home and find the best price online.

ArtMonkDrillz · 10-22-2010, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saden1

My Panasonic plasma TV has 480 Hz...it looks perfect no matter what is on.

Wow, I didn't even know they made 480Hz.

saden1 · 10-22-2010, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArtMonkDrillz

Wow, I didn't even know they made 480Hz.

In the Plasma realm they go up to 600 Hz. Is your TV LCD/LED?

ArtMonkDrillz · 10-22-2010, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saden1

In the Plasma realm they go up to 600 Hz. Is your TV LCD/LED?

Yeah, it's LCD. I got it in 2008 so I don't think I'll be upgrading anytime soon. When I do I'll probably try to go with a 42"-52" LED and at least 120Hz, but probably higher.

I was just reading more about the way plasma work in terms of Hz and I definitely see the pros with plasmas but I'd probably stick with LCD/LED, just as a personal choice.

BleedBurgundy · 10-22-2010, 12:12 PM

I have 3 flat panels, a 55" Sharp Aquos that's about 4 yrs old now, a 32" Aquos for the bedroom and a 46" Sony in the basement. l echo what Saden says, go as high as possible on the refresh rate (measured in Hz). For LCD/LED, I think the current best in class is still 240Hz. Personally, I like Sharp's picture quality the best but it's really, really close with Sony.

mredskins · 10-22-2010, 12:45 PM

Folks may laugh but I have a LCD in my bedroom (Philips), a plasma in family room (Panasonic) and a rear projection DLP in my basement (Samsung). Out of 3 IMO the DLP has the best picture.

BleedBurgundy · 10-22-2010, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mredskins

Folks may laugh but I have a LCD in my bedroom (Philips), a plasma in family room (Panasonic) and a rear projection DLP in my basement (Samsung). Out of 3 IMO the DLP has the best picture.

I had heard once that DLP had the longest life expectancy of the three (LCD, Plasma and DLP) because they made an easily replaceable part the fail point on the tv's. I think the fact that you can't hang them on the wall killed DLP.

saden1 · 10-22-2010, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mredskins

Folks may laugh but I have a LCD in my bedroom (Philips), a plasma in family room (Panasonic) and a rear projection DLP in my basement (Samsung). Out of 3 IMO the DLP has the best picture.

I don't get it...can you elaborate?

10-22-2010, 11:28 AM	#17
mredskins Franchise Player Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 7,944	Re: Buying My First HD TV & Need Help In all reality go the store look at which you think looks best, choice it take it home. Then watch it for a few days if you don't like it return. Picture quality is a very selective thing, you may like picture A I may like picture B, it really is just up to your eye as to what you like. Panasonic, Sony, Samsung, LG all have good products that are built well. Oh yeah a lot of folks forget about them but a great place to buy a TV is Sears. you can buy their extended warranty and before before the first year is up you can cancel it and get your $$$ back. This is nice becasue if the TV breaks after 30 days (their return policy) you can still bring it back as a normal return they will just switch it out. If you don't have it you will have to deal with the TV manufacture after 30 days and that means a lot of red tape. __________________ When life gives you paper jams, turn them into paper footballs!

10-22-2010, 11:31 AM	#19
mredskins Franchise Player Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 7,944	Re: Buying My First HD TV & Need Help I think Saden1 talk me into Panasonic.Great TV and it has held up well for the first year. __________________ When life gives you paper jams, turn them into paper footballs!

10-22-2010, 11:36 AM	#20
Mattyk ‎\m/ Join Date: Feb 2004 Age: 40 Posts: 72,652	Re: Buying My First HD TV & Need Help I'm a Panasonic guy myself, they make top notch plasmas. But if you're going in the 37" range, don't be afraid to check out Vizio. I have a 37" Vizio LCD in my bedroom and it's great. At that size you can get by with 720p too, no need to go full HD. __________________ Support The Warpath! \| Warpath Shop

10-22-2010, 11:41 AM	#23
BDBohnzie Playmaker Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Frederick, MD Age: 34 Posts: 4,365	Re: Buying My First HD TV & Need Help The links Matty posted might be old, but the basics of buying a HDTV really haven't changed much (aside from the burn-in scare that has all but disappeared). I have a Sharp Aquos 37 inch 720p LCD in my bedroom and it's been great. Had it a year and a half, and the only complaint is the extremely dark scenes in movies are a bit hard to see sometimes. My sister has a 37 inch Vizio and she seems to like it. Like it was said before, go to the store(s) and check them out. Be sure to play with the settings (most stores jack up the video settings to make the TVs look better) and see which one you like best. Then come home and find the best price online. __________________ Bad Things man, I mean bad things... “WE TOOK HIM IN THE SIXTH ROUND SO WE'RE NOT SMART EITHER.” - Shanny on what the Skins saw in Alfred Morris

10-22-2010, 12:12 PM	#27
BleedBurgundy Playmaker Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 4,433	Re: Buying My First HD TV & Need Help I have 3 flat panels, a 55" Sharp Aquos that's about 4 yrs old now, a 32" Aquos for the bedroom and a 46" Sony in the basement. l echo what Saden says, go as high as possible on the refresh rate (measured in Hz). For LCD/LED, I think the current best in class is still 240Hz. Personally, I like Sharp's picture quality the best but it's really, really close with Sony. __________________ "All natural institutions of churches, whether Jewish, Christian, or Turkish, appear to me no other than human inventions, set up to terrify and enslave mankind, and monopolize power and profit." Thomas Paine

10-22-2010, 12:45 PM	#28
mredskins Franchise Player Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 7,944	Re: Buying My First HD TV & Need Help Folks may laugh but I have a LCD in my bedroom (Philips), a plasma in family room (Panasonic) and a rear projection DLP in my basement (Samsung). Out of 3 IMO the DLP has the best picture. __________________ When life gives you paper jams, turn them into paper footballs!

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Buying My First HD TV & Need Help

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