Need a new TV, dammit...

[kornbread]

I read a consumer reports article when I was shopping for my 42" Plasma TV several years ago. The at that time Samsung and Panasonic were pretty close in all of their tests. Panasonic seemed to score slightly better so I bought the Panasonic and I haven't regretted it for a minute.

Mine will show either 1080i (Interlaced) or 720p (Progressive). I'm using Dish Network set at 1080i and an Antenna for locals which seem to all be broadcasting in 720p.

I love my set. I have gotten so addicted to the HD that I can hardly watch programs in Standard Def. I got a blu-ray player for christmas and it even makes standard DVDs look amazing.

I bought mine right before 1080p sets started showing up on the market. Since then the prices of 1080i sets halve come way down. I could buy the same set now for less than half of what I paid.

 

[Dalarast]

TV's... my civilian job I work with TVs all days long so this is my cup of beer if you will...

If the size your looking at is a 32' a Samsung LCD is the way to go... if you bumped the size up to a 42 inch or higher I would recommend a samsung plasma. Sony makes great TVs too; but you are really spending more money on the brand and not a quality factor. Samsung and panasonic are perhaps the only brands that actually make their entire tvs where as the remainder of the brands outsource to other companies to complete their television.

720 to 1080P Okay if you are planning on going the BLU-RAY route get a 1080P resolution television so you actually can utilize the resolution of the higher quality images that Bluray does. If you are going to just hook it up to cable/satellite/fiber optic than you would be fine with a 720p...but if you ever plan on moving up to a higher quality source such as bluray than you might want to invest into the 1080 caliber.

Other things to consider.... if you want to spend right at 499.99 you can get a 720p plasma from BestBuy right now (Insignia (which is made by samsung)) and its a great tv.


Oh and don't know if it was covered yet.. but the 720/1080p vs 720/1080I is the P is a progressive scan (meaning it shows the entire image at one time, where the I is interlaced meaning it processes half the image at a time). P is better and the I is fading out (BestBuy doesn't even sell any interlaced tvs anymore).

Other factors to look at to is your refresh rate (up to 240htz for lcd/led and 600htz for plasma). The refresh rate is how fast the tv processes the image. Imagine watching football.. a slow refresh rate you will see a football appear as a blur when thrown; but on a higher rate you can actually see the football and spiral.
Contrast ratio... higher the better to get a higher quality/detailed image.


Good luck!

 

[Chad_C]

I didnt read thru all the posts but I do want to add a comment about the different brands. I have a Sanyo LCD that uses the exact same screen (from online researc) as a Samsung, but the picture is not of the same quality. A lot of the quality comes with the onboard software settings. While I have no complaints about the picture quality of the Sanyo ($548) its just not the same as a higher quality unit, but for the price it is a fantastic TV.

 

[the_bird]

Thanks for all the help, folks. I'm leaning towards the Samsung that I originally posted, sounds like people think it's a good brand, the reviews I've read are all very positive (given that it IS an entry-level LCD).

I've even found a fellow HBT'er who's wants my old TV to take a crack at fixing it! I just can't stand the idea of paying someone money to look at it; worst-case, I'm out probably $50 - $100 if they tell me they can't fix it, and it'll cost me probably half the price of a new one if they can!

 

[wildwest450]

Other factors to look at to is your refresh rate (up to 240htz for lcd/led and 600htz for plasma). The refresh rate is how fast the tv processes the image. Imagine watching football.. a slow refresh rate you will see a football appear as a blur when thrown; but on a higher rate you can actually see the football and spiral.
Contrast ratio... higher the better to get a higher quality/detailed image.


Good luck!

Bingo, if you watch sports pay attention to this advice! Do not get a 60hz tv, they blur like hell! This is one area where plasma spanks an lcd. That being said the 120hz sets are much better.

 

[SpanishCastleAle]

I've been happy with a 46" 1080p Sony Bravia LCD.

One thing that made a big difference in mine was setting up the picture. I went online and found some settings from techs that had tuned the picture on many Bravias and posted some hints/tips/sample settings. Basically it amounted to turning down the backlight (to about 3), cranking up the contrast (to about 92%), turning the sharpness (I think that's what it's called) to zero, and turning off all those BS filters. The picture after setting it like this was way better than any of the factory settings.

Also, plasma vs. LCD can also depend on the room light conditions. Plasmas can have some glare problems where LCDs won't.

 

[the_bird]

We're close now. Went to the local Best Buy, they've got a couple 37" models selling for $500. Would like to have a few extra inches (wouldn't we all?), an LG and a Panasonic.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001V5J7PW/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001U3YIQ8/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

Panasonic, I'm leery of because it seems to primarily focused being integreated with an iPod, which we do not have. CNET review seems... meh. Black wasn't terribly black. Not a lot of controls. Wonkiness with how some standard 4:3 programs were shown (can't control whether stuff is cropped or not). The LG seems fine except for a lighter black level (although not as bad as the Panasonic).

So... 32" Samsung and save $100, or 37" LG and maybe not have quite as nice a picture? The 32", 4:3 CRT we have now is just about the perfect size for our room; I'm worried about stepping down from the 32" non-HD to a 32" HDTV, the actual viewing area (for 4:3 broadcasts) will be smaller. Hence thinking that I really want the bigger screen.

Any last advice?

 

[Dalarast]

Also, plasma vs. LCD can also depend on the room light conditions. Plasmas can have some glare problems where LCDs won't.

That is true; but some of the newer LCD/LED's are going with a stronger screen to give a better picture which also leads to glare. The plasma with its nice hard screen also means less likely to damage the tv. At BestBuy have the sales associate tap the LCD screen and tap the Plasma. Plasma can take 20lbs of weight on it (I bang on them all the time) where as the LCD/LED if you tap it you actually hit the light panel and the image hesitates.

Last minute advice: Get a calibration on your tv if you want the best image possible. Techs go into it and change the temp of the colors (nothing to do with the brightness and contrast that you an I can fix) with a little laptop type device. Really brings out the picture and can make two identical tvs look worlds apart.

BestBuy has a sale on 42'' insignia (1080/120 htz) with a bluray player for like 800 for all of it plus networking services. The tv mentioned is also a samsung tv and so is the bluray player; but with BestBuys insignia's name on it.

Oh if your local BestBuy has a magnolia department have one of their guys show you the tvs not just your standard home theater associate. They are higher trained and will show you in detail why one tv over another.
Good luck and let us know what you end up getting!

Note: My civilian job is a Magnolia/Home Theater supervisor at BestBuy so I think its fair I mention that for fear of being biased against sanyo like products.

 

[the_bird]

You have any feedback on that particular LG model? I really don't want to go beyond $500, since we're also going to need a new TV stand (the existing one was designed for the old TV and will look like crap with a new one, I'm afraid). BlueRay is also far, far, far down my list of needs (or even really "wants") at this point. Just want a good TV.

 

[Blender]

Go with the one you like best. I think Best Buy has a 30 day return policy so if you are not satisfied you can return it. (Don't throw out the box)You could search the AVS forums for opinions but it seems that it is an entry level television so don't expect great reviews. You will like the larger screen of the 37 vs. the 32.

 

[Bobby_M]

While the contrast ratio and blacks varies a lot from model to model, be careful not to discount a TV that might just be badly adjusted at the store. They tend to crank the brightness to compete with the store lights. Go into the menu and lower the brightness to see if you can get decent blacks without crushing the whites.

I agree that you don't really want a 32" widescreen if you're used to 32" 4:3. However, the added clarity of the HD panel will make it seem bigger anyway. What I think you want is a 37 or 42". You'll see about the same 4:3 image that you always have (though there are fewer and fewer shows shot that way) and you'll get more wow with widescreen material.

 

[the_bird]

Well, we're actually graduating from a 32" 4:3, which is why I'm now leaning towards the 37" LG. I mean, I dealt with a 27" for the longest time, but I hate going backwards; the 32" 16:9, it just seems like I'm going to kick myself for getting something too small.

I know it's entry-level, but the 32" 4:3 has been a good size for the living room, so I'm thinking the 37" 16:9 will be a good replacement. 42" is budget-overkill right now. We'll hopefully be moving to a new house in a couple years, at which point I'll probably be able to get a 50" at this price point!

 

[Dalarast]

You have any feedback on that particular LG model? I really don't want to go beyond $500, since we're also going to need a new TV stand (the existing one was designed for the old TV and will look like crap with a new one, I'm afraid). BlueRay is also far, far, far down my list of needs (or even really "wants") at this point. Just want a good TV.

The LG is a decent TV for what you are needing and as pointed out not to much a hit on the wallet. You can always check out open item tv's and stands so you can save even more money. The same return policy applies on the open items so the only issue you might run into is a missing instruction manual.

I know I'm trying to get rid of some 46, 42 and 40 inch Sony's that we have left over from the Holiday that are still in boxes and I keep dropping the price of them just to push them out. Check your local store for sony tv's (32, 40, and 46) inch sony tv's with red bows designed on the box. They will be cheaper than any comparable tv since all the stores are trying to get rid of them since we do not want to stock them since it was a Black Friday tv.

 

[the_bird]

We looked at the open-box models, nothing there that hit our specs (either not big enough, or still too much money). There was a Samsung, 32", that was 1080p instead of 720p, but it was still $150 more than the non-open box model. Doesn't seem to be a good investment of that extra $150, not at that screen size. If it was 37", I might have bit.

Since you do seem to be the resident expert... I'm right in thinking the LG over that Panasonic, right?

 

[Dalarast]

Since you do seem to be the resident expert... I'm right in thinking the LG over that Panasonic, right?

Hate to add confusion to this; but I would actually say the Panasonic brand over LG. Panasonic has higher reviews by both experts and customers; but for what you need the LG would be a good choice for you. Just make sure your happy with it.

 

[the_bird]

Well, I bought the 32" Samsung. Price dropped another $20 at Amazon since last night. Now only $379. Seems to be just about as good a 32" TV as is available. Wife and I both liked it when we saw it at BB. Free shipping, no sales tax applied. Saved myself enough $$ versus buying the larger, lesser-quality LG to pay for a decent TV stand.

And, I can live with the smaller set. Looking at the current one last night... it's plenty big. Even if "regular" 4:3 viewing is a little smaller, that's fine.

When we get a bigger house, this TV'll go into the bedroom, but for now it's fine.

And, my dick's big enough where I don't feel the need to buy something more than I can really afford. Well, not really.

 

[humann_brewing]

I am a sammy (samsung) owner here, have the 630 series. It blows me away every day. I have done the research and landed on a samsung a long time ago, just waited a while before getting it. A couple generations later and I have a sweet one.

Anyways, for the < 500 market, I am not sure you can get all the bells and whistles but it sounds like you could care less about that. The 32" you linked to would be a good cheap choice if that is what you want.

Here is the 40" 630 series for $850

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001U3Y8Q8/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

Edit: looks like I am too late, but you will be happy with that sammy

 

[the_bird]

Cool, thanks for the confirmation.

I *thought* about jumping up to a 37" Samsung, but that gets me all the way north of $600. Wasn't worth another $220+ for five inches. The 37" is also 1080P (or 1080i).

They don't seem to offer an equivalent model to the LG/Panasonics (37", 720P), and I don't want to have to pay up THAT much. Don't want to basically pay extra for 1080P.

 

[IrregularPulse]

My parents have a 42" Sammy and it has a Fantastic picture!
We just got a 720P LCD last year because we are not movie people really just wanted something big (42") and flat that looked nice. I am happy with mine. Plus I had $500 BB Gift Cards from Hotel points so I was limited to buying from there.
I did research until my head hurt just said F it. I know LG is good, This is the size I want, It has the ports I want/need and the picture looks good. Here's my money.

 

[lamarguy]

I haven't read this entire thread...If you're a Sam's Club member, the TV Auctions site is an excellent bargain.

For example, here's a 40" Samsung Series 540 LCD that is selling for less than $500 (ending in 30mins). I bought my 52" off the same site over a year ago for $900 when the same model was selling in the store for $1500+.

Just realized it...Happy 1000th post to me!

 

[IrregularPulse]

Whoa, never knew about that. Are they new, or like floor models?? come with warranties.

 

[lamarguy]

Whoa, never knew about that. Are they new, or like floor models?? come with warranties.

Brand new...Full warranty...

They're typically one time specials or overstocked merchandise. Not everything is cheaper, but most items are. Just be sure to account for the shipping cost (calculated in your cart).

 

[Synovia]

Well, we're actually graduating from a 32" 4:3, which is why I'm now leaning towards the 37" LG. I mean, I dealt with a 27" for the longest time, but I hate going backwards; the 32" 16:9, it just seems like I'm going to kick myself for getting something too small.

I know it's entry-level, but the 32" 4:3 has been a good size for the living room, so I'm thinking the 37" 16:9 will be a good replacement. 42" is budget-overkill right now. We'll hopefully be moving to a new house in a couple years, at which point I'll probably be able to get a 50" at this price point!

Honestly, theres almost no difference in prices between the 32-42" TVs. You can get a pretty good 42" TV for $600 if you keep your eyes open, but you can't get a 32 for any less than about 450-500.


Honestly, if you're on any sort of budget, stay the hell away from Sammy. They make great TVs, but between them and Sony, you're spending a lot of money on name.

They've been clearing out a lot of the Sharp Aquos TVs lately.

 

[the_bird]

Honestly, theres almost no difference in prices between the 32-42" TVs. You can get a pretty good 42" TV for $600 if you keep your eyes open, but you can't get a 32 for any less than about 450-500.


Honestly, if you're on any sort of budget, stay the hell away from Sammy. They make great TVs, but between them and Sony, you're spending a lot of money on name.

They've been clearing out a lot of the Sharp Aquos TVs lately.

Well, no. Just bought a 32" Sammy for $380. Came in quite a a bit below my upper-end target, not above it. Didn't see any 32-inch "Tier II" brands (LG, Panasonic, et al) much cheaper. I'm not convinced I spend an extra dime on the "name" - I didn't buy a lot of extra features that I didn't need, or extra connectors that would stay unconnected, or 1080P when it sure as hell looks the same (at that screen size) as 720P.

Reading the reviews (and a lot of insight from smart folks here), I've also convinced myself that it's a lot more than just the name, too. We *could* see a noticable difference between the Sony/Samsung models (about the same) and the lesser brands. Might not notice it from across the room, but that's why I was hesitant to buy anything else.

 

[Synovia]

Bingo, if you watch sports pay attention to this advice! Do not get a 60hz tv, they blur like hell! This is one area where plasma spanks an lcd. That being said the 120hz sets are much better.

I've got a 60hz Tv. it doesn't blur, and its a cheap TV.


When you're watching sports, you're only getting a feed at 30/60hz (depending on channel). A good 60hz TV will display sports just fine. As long as it doesn't have all sorts of "auto correction" processing crap turned on.

Samsungs, for instance, have a ton of post processing going on, and render slowly, and look terrible with sports(for the 60hz models). So you really need a 240hz model if you're going samsung. (or, atleast the last time I looked at Samsungs, you still couldn't turn this stuff off).

The real advantage of 120/240hz is dealing with 1080p24 (IE, 24hz video). When you try to put 24 fps on a 60hz TV, you get serious judder. With a 120hz tv, you have even multiples, and no judder.


Most big theatrical films (that are filmed, or were, on film) run at 24fps. So its a big deal.

 

[mmb]

Most big theatrical films (that are filmed, or were, on film) run at 24fps. So its a big deal.

Not really. That is handled in whatever device is doing your decoding, not the TV. It's known as 3:2 pulldown when looking at reviews of DVD players and the like.

You get jitter on the display when the scalier internal to the TV has to change the input resolution/refresh rate to match the panels native display mode.

 

[Synovia]

I haven't read this entire thread...If you're a Sam's Club member, the TV Auctions site is an excellent bargain.

For example, here's a 40" Samsung Series 540 LCD that is selling for less than $500 (ending in 30mins). I bought my 52" off the same site over a year ago for $900 when the same model was selling in the store for $1500+.

Just realized it...Happy 1000th post to me!

Thats not a bad deal, but its not a Samsung Panel. Its got a C-Grade panel (IE, whoever Samsung can get one from the cheapest).

 

[Synovia]

Not really. That is handled in whatever device is doing your decoding, not the TV. It's known as 3:2 pulldown when looking at reviews of DVD players and the like.

You get jitter on the display when the scalier internal to the TV has to change the input resolution/refresh rate to match the panels native display mode.

Jitter != Judder

Most of your films, on 35mm film, are filmed at 24 fps.


Having a frame rate/refresh rate that is a multiple of 24 fps means that the TV doesn't have to display frames an uneven number of times, IE, at 240 hz, the TV refreshes each frame 10 times. At 60 hz, it refreshes one frame twice, and then the next one 3 times (3:2 pull down), then twice again, causing "judder"


What it means is that when you put a 24p source (like many blu-rays) on a tv that can properly display 24p stuff, like modern LCDs, you're going to get frames that are the same as the actual film, not some wierd extrapolation done by the production house or your TV. Which is a good thing.

 

[user 22118]

I bought my 50" LG Plasma with 720p at Costco almost a year ago for $700. They have a 42" for $600 right now. If you are going from an old tv to a new tv, 720 is just fine unless you are so into movies that you are going to complain about it. Unless you have HD and a 60+" TV, you are not really going to enjoy the picture quality that getting 1080p is going to give you. I know a guy that has a projector and at that size you can see a difference in picture quality.

 

[jspence1]

Honestly, theres almost no difference in prices between the 32-42" TVs. You can get a pretty good 42" TV for $600 if you keep your eyes open, but you can't get a 32 for any less than about 450-500.


Honestly, if you're on any sort of budget, stay the hell away from Sammy. They make great TVs, but between them and Sony, you're spending a lot of money on name.

They've been clearing out a lot of the Sharp Aquos TVs lately.

Trust me the sharp Aquos is waaaayyyy over rated. I bought this one and it was very disappointing. I returned it and fixed my old samsung DLP.