New Flatscreen

[nearfall152]

around 1k...

All,

i need to tap into the wisdom of this forum for a moment...

The wife says 'we need a flatscreen TV'...can you believe it?!?

The problem is, I'm a bit of a luddite, and don't know an LCD from a plasma in this regard. What is the best value out there around a grand?

is LCD better for sports than plasma? I can probably go up to $1500...

Help!

:lol:

[cap217]

I have a lot of TV's and will chime in.... I used to hate plasma and love LCD. Then I owned them...

 

 

LCD sucks for sports, the pixls dont react quick enough. Plasma is better to me. I dont get the dislike of plasmas. I assume it is the gas and life issue but at a university they have had a plasma since it came out and on 24-7 and its still working 5 years later! So I dont know. Also, I have returned (warranty) 2 LCD's b/c a pixel went out on one (a few) and a line of pixles went out on the other.

 

 

So, do the research.... they are both good and sell well but just check them out before you commit!

[nearfall152]

that's my worry...

 

what are the good brands?

[nearfall152]

thanks for the input.

 

I have a bit of a big room, not huge, but I think 40" or more might be the way to go.

 

So plasma is generally more $$ than LCD?

[nearfall152]

That's great, cnet seems like a great resouce as well...

[cap217]

plasmas are not much more at 40-42"+.... and Samsung is the best brand I have found.

[Howie]

Yea, plasma is a more expensive technology than lcd. For the same size tv, plasma is generally, at least, 500 more.

 

Where is this the case? In recent HDTV research I have conducted for a set in my house, I have found the opposite to be the case.

 

This factual article bears out my findings as well: http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/cont...ign_id=rss_tech

[Howie]

Just trying to stem the flow of misinformation...

[nearfall152]

Just trying to stem the flow of misinformation...

 

 

I solicited any input on this issue, and I respect everyone's opinions. I'm ultimately responsible for my own due diligence, but I like to hear other's opinions.

 

What are your thoughts, and please try to keep it on the level with others...there's no need to be curt.

[Howie]

Just trying to stem the flow of misinformation...

 

 

I solicited any input on this issue, and I respect everyone's opinions. I'm ultimately responsible for my own due diligence, but I like to hear other's opinions.

 

What are your thoughts, and please try to keep it on the level with others...there's no need to be curt.

 

I thought you would appreciate accurate information. I know I expect it when I post questions such as you did. I will plan not to respond to any of your threads in the future as it might become counterproductive once again.

 

And, I would not have responded with the referenced "curt" post had my corrective information not been responded to with such sarcasm.

[nearfall152]

right...

 

So does anyone else have any suggestions on a good, 42" flatscreen TV?

[CUTiger]

i think DLP is your best option in that price range. you should include those in your search as well.

[woodlandsgolfer]

i think DLP is your best option in that price range. you should include those in your search as well.

 

If you want some great advice, go to avsforum.com. Alot more in depth than say cnet.com. Think golfwrx for anything audio visual.

 

I second the DLP. DLP gives you the best bang for your buck. They are deeper in dimensions, as little as 10" deep and as much as 16", but very lightweight. Samsung makes a 46" that weighs 46 pounds. Samsung DLP's are the best bang for your buck in HD. They give you a ton of inputs. If looking at Samsung DLP's, go with 46" over 42". The price difference is minimal to none and you won't have to deal with the "black grass" that some people see.

 

DLP does a more limited viewing angle than LCD or plasma, but not near as bad as the old projection's. DLP, if you've got the depth room or don't want to hang it on a wall, is the way to go.

 

By the way, hanging on a TV on a wall is not a great idea. You must first make sure that your wall is structurally sound to hang something that weighs at a minimum 70 pounds, probably pushing 100 pounds, and can be heavier than 150 lbs for the 60"+.

[nearfall152]

CUTiger and gblak...

 

thanks guys, that's exactly what I needed!

[Rabidpenguin45]

Downstairs we have a 50in sony flatscreen, its an lcd i believe. I have a 23 inch lcd in my room, by samsung, and like it, except for sports its... OK, not great, but not horrible. Though one brand that is cheaper, and good if you shop at costco is visio. I know you are probably laughing about it, but my dad has a 37 inch one in his bedroom, that costs like 700 i believe now, maybe 750. You honestly cannot tell a difference in picture quality or whatever, and is a good tv for gaming also.

[IanWoos]

I did heavy research on this last December before purchasing a 52" Sharp LCD. Important factors to consider for any TV (Plasma, LCD or DLP) at the moment are refresh rate, 1080p or not, how many HDMI inputs and what flaws you can live with. These are important for the future of TV broadcasting and DVDs. DLPs are currently the most solid technology available but obviously aren't flat. Plasmas and LCDs both have issues in almost every brand. Cloudiness, blacks, banding, etc. Denfinately check out AVSFORUM.COM.

 

I chose LCD for one important factor - light. I have a big family room which is open to the kitchen and has big windows. A plasma would be horrible in my room and have annoying reflections during the day. LCD has no reflections and look great in a bright room. LCD technology has changed drammatically and the refresh rates on newer panels keep up fine with sports. The Super Bowl looked fantastic on my LCD.

 

I would say the best budget plasma or LCD is currently made by Vizio. Both SAMS and Costco sell them and have great return policies (although Costco just changed theirs to 90 days where SAMS is forever).

 

Good luck on the decision. Once you move to HDTV, you'll never want to watch anything that's not broadcast in HD.

[ripsid]

I looked for years and read as well, but the eye is what makes it best. If you goto a good dealer, not a best buy or circuit city but a place where they have tv's setup in the lighting that matches where your TV will be you'll find the perfect tv. I was undecided, I just new that Ididn't want a plasma because of the life expectancy being nomore than 5-7 years, and burn is possible as well. so I went with the DLP, I have a 52725 Mitsubishi DLP, about 16" deep and sits nicely on the stand. The HD is unbeatable! Just amazing!

 

Here's my wife and my daughter next to my baby!

 

SiD

[MCP_2013]

Personally i would go with samsung we have 3 (32",19" lcd) (42"dlp)

Take a look at these depending on what style of tv you want.

 

Plasma

 

LCD

 

DLP

 

Personally i would go with the dlp if you dont plan on wall mounting it, and if you have the room for it.

[HipCheck]

dayve two. Both are LCDs. They are much lighter weight and have a 'richer' picture than plasma. I never considered DLP, because they are extremely heavy and much bulkier.

 

My first was a 32" Sony Bravia XBR1 (1st generation) that is excellent. It's not the newest thing out there (about 1 yr. old) but the pic is great.

 

For my new house, move the 32" to the master bedroom and shopped for a bigger TV in the family room. I originally bought a Vizio 42" LCD from Costco, which is a 'value' brand. It does everything well, but not spectacular, but still good enough for most people.

 

Unfortunately, about 1 month into owning the Vizio, I noticed a 'hum'. It was either a fan or just the LCD light, but there was a hum coming from the back of the cabinet. So that was it. I returned it and got another Sony, a 46". The quality is significantly better than the Vizio, and it better be for the price! I would have tried a Sharp.

 

My advice is to:

 

Seriously consider buying from Costco. You get a 90 day, no questions asked return policy, and they automatically double the manufacturer's warranty.

 

The Sharp Aquos 42" is apparently a good choice at $1500.

 

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11181948

[nearfall152]

sid it looks like you have everything you need in that room...congrats!

[nearfall152]

dayve two. Both are LCDs. They are much lighter weight and have a 'richer' picture than plasma. I never considered DLP, because they are extremely heavy and much bulkier.

 

My first was a 32" Sony Bravia XBR1 (1st generation) that is excellent. It's not the newest thing out there (about 1 yr. old) but the pic is great.

 

For my new house, move the 32" to the master bedroom and shopped for a bigger TV in the family room. I originally bought a Vizio 42" LCD from Costco, which is a 'value' brand. It does everything well, but not spectacular, but still good enough for most people.

 

Unfortunately, about 1 month into owning the Vizio, I noticed a 'hum'. It was either a fan or just the LCD light, but there was a hum coming from the back of the cabinet. So that was it. I returned it and got another Sony, a 46". The quality is significantly better than the Vizio, and it better be for the price! I would have tried a Sharp.

 

My advice is to:

 

Seriously consider buying from Costco. You get a 90 day, no questions asked return policy, and they automatically double the manufacturer's warranty.

 

The Sharp Aquos 42" is apparently a good choice at $1500.

 

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11181948

 

 

thanks hip...will do...they've been real good in the past.

[jmac35]

During the long, cold winters here in Toronto I spend a lot of time in front of my home theatre. I have a front projector -- in my opinion they are the best bang for your buck. I have a 92" HD screen downstairs and man, golf looks great on it.

 

That said, if you're looking for a 42" TV your main choice is whether to get a rear projection (LCD or DLP) versus a flat panel TV (LCD or plasma). If you can fork over the extra cash I would lean towards the flat panel in that size because of better picture quality. The rear projection TVs are also very nice though and you could get a bigger size.

 

If you want a good but relatively inexpensive flat panel look at 42" LCD Westinghouse W4207 it is $1299.99 and a fabulous TV for the money.

 

If you're looking at rear projection the 46" Sony KDF-46E2000 is also $1299.99. I steered my brother, mom and Grandmother towards the 50" model ($1499) of this TV and they love it.

 

These prices are from Bestbuy USA, and it might be worth looking for a sale somewhere to save a few bucks, but the prices are actually pretty good.

 

Hope this helps,

jmac

[ripsid]

OH, 1 more thing about going to a Circuit city, Best Buy or the mainstream places..

 

The models are not always the highest models, forinstance I would open up the Bible (the Best Buy or Circuit City or Compusa sale sections every Saturday) and would see great prices on the DLP's etc. Then I find out the model #, well granted I paid more for mine than what was at BB or CC, but my model is 2 steps higher. Plus, my waranty was for 5 years @ $99! and Free at home install and HD/Receiver etc setup along with a Free HD Vcr..

 

Sometimes it's better off the main stream, just something to think about..

 

And yes, Ihave pretty much everything I need there...well, it would be nice if my now 1yr old son (the small brown haired lad inthe picture) WOULD STOP HITTING MY TV WITH HIS PUTTER! LOL.. he's on his 1st set off clubs..thank god they're plastic! LOL

 

SiD