What TV brand is the best?

[stinkynuts]

I bought a Samsung LCD TV, and am very happy with it. However, Samsung's image as a second-rate brand has never left me, even though I think things have changed.

What brand do you think is the best in terms of picture/audio quality, reliabilty, and brand recognition/prestige?

 

[squash500]

IMHO Sony has always been number 1.

 

[Twister]

It varies depending on lcd, plasma size. For lcd I like Sharp, for 50 " plasma samsung and panasonic, The old trintrons were excellent.

 

[Mia.Colpa]

IMHO Sony has always been number 1.

And also number 1 in cost. As a cost to benefit ratio, I think Sony is way over hyped, you pay for the name. If money is no object, get a Sony.

 

[Riley.Royal]

I have a Soyo and Dynex I love them

 

[Kenwoody]

In plasma, Pioneer has been rated #1 hands down. But they will be discontinued soon. Samsung is the best screen for the money.
The LCD market is more varied but Sony tends to make the highest end LCD's. And Sharp I would say is the best bang for the buck.
I love my 50 Samsung plasma, but it is a bloody furnace in this hot weather.

 

[blackrock13]

Plasma, my choice is Panasonic. LCD my choice is Sony over Samsung or Sharp for an odd reason, more efficient menu driven controls. Most people really can't see the difference alot of times because where your watching your tele is never the perfect place.

Be careful when buying that the set your comparing in the store are set to the same setting. The store will set better settings for the units they want to sell first. A simple check is picture setting,standard vivid, cinema, etc. Make sure the setting match that way your comparing apples and apples. The same with sound. Also check that the imputs are the same they'll have the target sets get the better signal source and therefore give you a better picture result. These are easy things to check for and the sales staff won't like you but won't shit you either because they know you know something.

What kind of light reflects on your tele is also a factor. The short answer is all have strengths and weaknesses and it's what ever you are more comfortable with is the best. I know, not much help but happy shopping anyway. How much you want to spend can also be a factor, very few place will makes deals on Sony. Donno why but that's a fact.

 

[Tangwhich]

It doesn't have the name regonition of some of the others, but whenever I look at TVs, I consistently find myself being drawn to the Samsungs. I ended up buying one and so has almost everyone I know..

 

[shoeguy]

And also number 1 in cost. As a cost to benefit ratio, I think Sony is way over hyped, you pay for the name. If money is no object, get a Sony.

I agree, but also, the calibration on Sony's are often hit or miss. Personally, since there is still A LOT of programming that is still in SD, I made my decision on how good SD programming displayed on screen. Personally, I really like Sharp.

 

[Tee11]

It doesn't have the name regonition of some of the others, but whenever I look at TVs, I consistently find myself being drawn to the Samsungs. I ended up buying one and so has almost everyone I know..

second that.

 

[Radio_Shack]

Which is best? Well it's all dependant on if price is an issue. If your looking for best value in an lcd I think Insignia is best bang for the buck.

 

[tboy]

I did a LOT of research befor ebuying my Panasonic Plasma and frankly I think the Pioneer and Sony's are overhyped. Even with the Kiro's blacker than black contrast ratios I wasn't impressed considering they were double the cost of everything else.

Which is THE best? As someone stated, it is all best bang for your buck and it is all determined by
resolution: 1080P or I, 720 etc
inputs: 1 2 or 3 HDMI
brightness, contrast, black to white to black refresh rates, ghosting, etc etc

My advice to anyone buying a Tlat Panel TV: go to a store ANY store, set ALL the tvs to neitral via the setup menu, and then review.

I think all but one brand come with a 1 yr warranty. I think Sammies come with a 2 but don't quote me on that.

But really, since there are only a few LCD and Plasma panel makers most have the same actual panels inside. It is only a matter of inputs and controlling electronics that make the difference....

(and to be honest, again, I found the Kiros to be WAY overhyped)

 

[Kenwoody]

I think all but one brand come with a 1 yr warranty. I think Sammies come with a 2 but don't quote me on that.

My Samsung was a 2 yr warranty, but here is a hint. I purchased mine with my Gold Card Visa and got double the warranty. That's a whopping 4 years of worry free TV, but I hope I don't have to use it.

 

[tboy]

I think all but one brand come with a 1 yr warranty. I think Sammies come with a 2 but don't quote me on that.

My Samsung was a 2 yr warranty, but here is a hint. I purchased mine with my Gold Card Visa and got double the warranty. That's a whopping 4 years of worry free TV, but I hope I don't have to use it.

Yeah, read your fine print what they consider to be warranty repairable. Many limit the number of dead pixels that have to be present before work will be covered under warranty.

 

[WoodPeckr]

My Samsung was a 2 yr warranty, but here is a hint. I purchased mine with my Gold Card Visa and got double the warranty. That's a whopping 4 years of worry free TV, but I hope I don't have to use it.

May not be 4 years, only 3.
I called my Mastercard bank that 'doubles' the warranty and they said they will only double the warranty up to 1 year beyond the OEM warranty.

The reason I called was because I was thinking of getting of getting a 3 yr ext warr and thought it would double to 6 yrs if the card was used. Mastercard said that would not happen.

 

[Cycleguy007]

SONY #1
PANASONIC #2 (close behind SONY)

IMHO...

 

[tboy]

SONY #1
PANASONIC #2 (close behind SONY)

IMHO...

I knew there was something I liked about you lol Now if we could only get you into a REAL truck hehehehehe

 

[WoodPeckr]

Always had great luck with PANASONIC.
Still have a 30+ year old Technics turntable & cassette tapedeck that's going strong, along with a full size VHS camcorder from the early 90s that runs fine.

 

[blackrock13]

Always had great luck with PANASONIC.
Still have a 30+ year old Technics turntable & cassette tapedeck that's going strong, along with a full size VHS camcorder from the early 90s that runs fine.

That just show me that your no fool and don't throw much out, I've got 25 year old Sony 15 inch speakers for those pool parties out the back where stuff spills no matter what and they still sound great.

When price point if a factor shop around . Those points about making sure the tele's you comparing in the shop are set the same is important. The tweaking on the older set helps the staff sell them and get that bonus. Size also matters here, although last years 40 inch is this years 50 inch with respect to quality. It's no use watching a 55 inch 'any brand' if your only able to sit 9 feet back. You only wasting money.

 

[The Bandit]

I think Sony is way over hyped.

That's what I've always thought, just like Bose.