Is Sony still king with TVs?

[Twister]

I'm looking to buy a 39-40 inch TV. I noticed that samsung and sony have comparable prices...I remember Sony was considered one of the best with tvs and other electronics does that still stand?
Someone told me that now samsung has picked up and its up there.....and that sony doesn't make them anymore in japan and that everything is made in china. (lower quality)
Is smart something that I should include or just get a dvd player with network capabilities?

Any pointers appreciated Thanks

 

[tegR]

Personally never cared for "smart TVs" I just don't get the point. TV is screen, leave the smartness to your laptop. Get a good HDMI cable and and nice wireless keyboard with a touchpad. That plus the TV is all you'll ever need for anything, play all your media off the computer with all its powerful audio/video settings and software. Maybe add a set of outstanding headphones if you're an audiophile.

I've always had excellent experience with Toshiba TVs. I have an old early generation 720p 36 inch that is god almost ten years old now and still works absolutely flawlessly with heavy volume usage. Only very recently re-assigned it to a secondary role in the bedroom and upgrade to modern Toshiba, again no complaints in a little over a year of usage.

 

[pablice]

Smart TVs are essential now days. I view netflix, youtube and photos and videos just by sticking the card in the back from my cameras or a hard drive. You can have lots of fun with youtube with anyage range when people come over, and control it directly from your smart phone . I also have a Sony home theatre system with their Blue Ray player and they also have smart apps. I use the Sony to rent new release from Sony Unlimited. Usually they match the DVD release dates. Sometimes when one Netflix or YouTube are down I have the other one as back up.

For reference I have a Samsung smart TV and LG smart TV. IMO the LG destroys Samsung and Sony TVs. Try to get the LGs with thin bezels as they are light and look sweet.

Sony is overpriced and not that much worth it. Maybe if you are watching lots of fast paced sports then yes, but IMO the LG look and perform the best.

 

[onthebottom]

The market is much more crowded today.

http://www.cnet.com/topics/tvs/best-tvs/33-43-inches/

 

[Twister]

Personally never cared for "smart TVs" I just don't get the point. TV is screen, leave the smartness to your laptop. Get a good HDMI cable and and nice wireless keyboard with a touchpad. That plus the TV is all you'll ever need for anything, play all your media off the computer with all its powerful audio/video settings and software. Maybe add a set of outstanding headphones if you're an audiophile.

I've always had excellent experience with Toshiba TVs. I have an old early generation 720p 36 inch that is god almost ten years old now and still works absolutely flawlessly with heavy volume usage. Only very recently re-assigned it to a secondary role in the bedroom and upgrade to modern Toshiba, again no complaints in a little over a year of usage.

Thanks , I have a smaller toshiba for at least 5 years never broke down or anything , but I don't like the refresh rate on mine...I get claying or ghosting whatever its called ...braveheart looks terrible every time they move their head there is a shadow...

 

[Twister]

Smart TVs are essential now days. I view netflix, youtube and photos and videos just by sticking the card in the back from my cameras or a hard drive. You can have lots of fun with youtube with anyage range when people come over, and control it directly from your smart phone . I also have a Sony home theatre system with their Blue Ray player and they also have smart apps. I use the Sony to rent new release from Sony Unlimited. Usually they match the DVD release dates. Sometimes when one Netflix or YouTube are down I have the other one as back up.

For reference I have a Samsung smart TV and LG smart TV. IMO the LG destroys Samsung and Sony TVs. Try to get the LGs with thin bezels as they are light and look sweet.

Sony is overpriced and not that much worth it. Maybe if you are watching lots of fast paced sports then yes, but IMO the LG look and perform the best.

Iwas at best buy today and the guys said that LG was very good and that Samsung is now better than Sony...

 

[Twister]

The market is much more crowded today.

http://www.cnet.com/topics/tvs/best-tvs/33-43-inches/

Yes, I hear that vizio is decent but apparently costco stopped selling them because they broke down a lot...

 

[basketcase]

Smart TVs are essential now days.....

Considering the $40 chromecast stick and other devices all do the same things I don't see the reason for the cost ... yet. Maybe when internet and cable have merged it will be more significant.


I would agree for the price, LG is a good choice. The actual screen technology is pretty common so even discount brands aren't that bad so it pretty much comes down to looks and the user interface software.

 

[GameBoy27]

If it's true picture quality you're after, I still say Panasonic Plasma wins hands down. I bought a now discontinued top of the line 60" Panasonic Plasma TV then had it calibrated. My SO and I like to watch movies, concerts, many different types of sport and various other programs. I also have a computer hooked up through my receiver (HDMI) for additional programming, YouTube etc.

You won't find an LCD that comes close for overall picture quality. The colours are so natural with deep blacks, it's just amazing. Yes it was expensive but once you see it, you'll understand. Match that with my 7.1 surround sound system and it makes for an amazing home theater experience.

http://www.cnet.com/products/panasonic-tc-p60vt60/

 

[TESLAMotors]

Who knows to be honest, these days all the parts are from different manufacturers/companies, so you may be getting a Sony label on the TV itself, but a Samsung chip inside, an LG panel, etc.

I recently read that Macbook Pro displays were made by LG and I personally never liked LG products, really crappy stuff.
It could also explain why Apple had issues with the displays and the "burn in" issues.

I was contemplating getting a MBP since I will need a laptop at some point and can't stand Windows 8.

 

[onthebottom]

Yes, I hear that vizio is decent but apparently costco stopped selling them because they broke down a lot...

All my TVs are Samsungs and the projector I have is a Sony (wanted all Sony 24fps pipeline for blu Rays on the big screen)

OLED is the best tech and available in the sizes range but not a bargin yet.