LCD TV Advice Please!

[homer]

Well:

The old 32" CRT Tv is on it's last leg, so it's time for us to join the 21st century. I've been sorta looking at LCD Tv's, as I 'm told they are better in brighter rooms. It's not a big room either, so I think about a 40-42" screen would be fine. All we're looking for is a nice picture to watch tv/movies on, and play Wii for the kids. Can anyone steer me in the direction of a nice set, nothing too fancy please! Thanks

Homer

 

[hairyfucker]

everyone has good and bad. choose a brand name you like and go for mid priced set. sounds like you are not into conspicuous consumption so that should be sufficient.

Lots of people at this level like the Vizio for the value. But Samsung, Sony, LG (not y favorite), and a few others are all decent sets for average consumer. Loot to spend around $800 +/-200. The biggest decisions you will need to make that affect price are:

· 720 v 1080 (1080 is more $$)
· edge lit or back lit LED
· 60Hz, 120Hz, or 249Hz

I would suggest a 1080i with 120 or 240hz. Edge lit LED is really nice for a thin set but will cost a few extra $$

 

[Moraff]

other than Blu-Ray... is anything else currently using the 1080?

 

[lovedoc]

LCD is indeed much more brighter then plasma in bright rooms. You should also stick with brand names like Samsung. I would also advise you to visit a show room like Best Buy or Future Shop to try out their latest technology and sample the difference.

 

[AnimalMagnetism]

I have 3 Samsung LCD sets that i'm very happy with, plus bought one for my sister at christmas. no problems, great picture. get one with 1080p capability for all the blu ray movies
good deals to be had at Future Shop/Best Buy (same company) or 2001 tv . don't let them talk you into expensive HDMI cables for the HD Box or Blu Ray. cheap ones work just as good
try and get 3 HDMI inputs so you can easliy connect a HD Box, Blu Ray and a Laptop/Netbook type device

 

[Mister K]

All of the advice above is solid.

While you may think that 40-42" will be good, make sure you measure the distance from your current TV to your main seating area. Then when you go to the showroom, ensure that you view the various models you are interested in from that distance.

Make sure that whatever you plan to put the new unit on will actually hold it. I know someone who recently ended up replacing some furniture because they hadn't realized that the size of the screen would not fit in the space provided. Whoops, another $500 for a unit for the LCD to sit on.

Check out the ratings for the various manufacturers in the latest edition of Consumer Reports magazine.

HDMI cables either work or they don't. Definitely NOT rocket science. Don't pay a premium for the cables.

Happy viewing.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Costco seems to be about 8% or 10% more expensive than BestBuy / Futureshop but they give you a free second year warranty on the TV if you get one from them.
And if the TV stops working within 2 years just return it and you get a full refund that you can use to buy a different new tv with.

 

[onthebottom]

I have a couple of Samsungs and really like them.... don't settle for anything less than 1080P - you may want to consider 3D (fancy alert) as they're being sold for about the same price as the model they are replacing.....

OTB

 

[Safdar]

other than Blu-Ray... is anything else currently using the 1080?

HD cable is 1080i. Blu ray, Xbox 360 and PS3 are 1080p.

 

[teched]

I agree with that you should look at Futureshop and Bestbuy. The one I was looking at was $100 less at Bestbuy than Futureshop.

 

[ig-88]

other than Blu-Ray... is anything else currently using the 1080?

over-the-air TV (free HD TV) is 1080i on some channels

your PC with appropriate video card is 1080p

 

[dragnbiz]

Get 1080p for sure. LCD's are better if your room has a lot of natural light. Plasma works best in a darker room because the screen is shinier and reflects light. Lots of deals to be had around so wait for a sale. Lots of no name brands if you want to spend less.

 

[zedzed77]

Wait until Boxing day. Then buy online.

I have a multimedia PC which has Blu Ray and connects to the TV. Kewl Stuff.

 

[cute-bald]

LED is much surperior. brighter, sharper , longer lasting , way less power consumption & more durable.

 

[ready2rock]

I have a couple of Samsungs and really like them.... don't settle for anything less than 1080P - you may want to consider 3D (fancy alert) as they're being sold for about the same price as the model they are replacing.....

OTB

Check out Consumers Reports. The Samsung & LG sets are both rated very well & are "3D" ready - whatever that means. I just bought a 46" Samsung Model #: UN46C8000. Really a fantastic picture. Enjoy.

R2R

 

[JEFF247]

Just do it!

Well:

The old 32" CRT Tv is on it's last leg, so it's time for us to join the 21st century. I've been sorta looking at LCD Tv's, as I 'm told they are better in brighter rooms. It's not a big room either, so I think about a 40-42" screen would be fine. All we're looking for is a nice picture to watch tv/movies on, and play Wii for the kids. Can anyone steer me in the direction of a nice set, nothing too fancy please! Thanks

Homer

If you could stand a CRT up til now, I wouldn't get hung up on specs. The bottom of the barrel would be way more than you need. They are price sensitive by size so you will have to decide whether the size is worth the price. I'm getting rid of a 32" LCD I bought in 2006. I paid $869. They go for about $350 now.

 

[Starsearcher]

Need a great bed w your new tv? $2000 gets you a bed and free 40' sharp 1080 from the brick! Good advice above, I have a Sony Bravia also from stepping out of the Dino age and am pleased w it.

 

[Gator3x]

I have a 32" Sony Bravia (4 yrs), a 50" Sony XBR SXRD (3 yrs) and a 46" Toshiba Regza 240 Hz (2yrs). The Sony is by far the most superior unit. You pay more for the unit, but I find that they have a superior picture and better sound quality.

 

[miles@divas]

I'm in the market for a new TV, but I'm waiting for a sale. Anyone know of an inexpensive retailer?

 

[Kenwoody]

Last I checked, there is no service for Vizio in Canada. Good value TV but no support. LED is not superior compared to Plasma especially if you are getting a side lit LED. The full rear lit LED from Sony is brilliant, but rumor has it they may be canceling it cause of costs.$$$ LED will be great as long as they can solve the ghosting around the edges. It's fairly simple, LCD from a major brand like Sony, Samsung, or Sharp if you are in a room with a lot of direct light. Plasma from Panasonic or Samsung if lighting is minimal. It will give you the best picture but will be a secondary heat source and an additional $60 in your hydro bill. I purposefully omitted LG because their service sucks too.