I've heard so many varying opinions on the subject that I feel like I'm back at square 1. Wondering what technology you guys think should be the main considerations when buying one. I'm hoping to get a 42" and possibly a 46" as well. I'd like to stay under a grand for the 42" and under 1500 for the 46".

The only thing I feel certain about is that I want to get a service plan as it seems like a lot of folks have problems with these things.

I'd be interested to know what some of you guys have if you've purchased a tv recently and what you used as your criteria for the purchase.

Thanks for any info.

-Luds

Give these a look.....

http://hometheater.about.com/od/lcdtvfaqs/f/lcdfaq2.htm

http://www.consumersearch.com/plasma-tv/plasma-tv-vs-lcd-tv

I just piked up a 32" Sony Bravia for xmas....Black Friday price was right at $488.

i personally like to stick with well known manufacturers Sony, Toshiba, Mitsubishi, and Sharp are pretty goog companies that make a good set.

If you are planning on embracing Blu-ray you will want to get a TV with a refresh rate of 120Hz....without going into the math it will give you a smoother picture and really take advantage of the blu-Ray technology.

Hit the internet and do more research....plenty of sites that will give you info. Another thing too....after you hit the stores and find one check Amazon for the TV, I've seen them upwards of $400 cheaper and with free shipping there.

I'm currently looking into a 50-52" for my downstairs.....

The faster the refresh rate, the better action movies and sports will look. Also every brand has 2 -4 models per class size. The big thing is 1080p that is the best resolution, also as many HDMI inputs as you can afford, Component inputs are just as good as hdmi, there is no noticeable difference in pic quality, but get the HDMI if possible.

Since I do video on a fairly daily basis, my preference is Sharp Aquos, Sony Bravia, then Samsung. I personally own 2 Sharps.

I have this one and love it.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16889104114

Dave is the screen frame..... half black ?

Check out this site http://www.avsforum.com, lots of good info. I would also not rule out plasmas. Personally I think plasma produces a better more realistic picture and they are cheaper than lcds.

Luds, I have a plasma, but one thing to consider as others have said above - be sure that that you get the highest resolution for blue ray. On a plasma, that is 1080, not sure that the same applies to LCD.
It looks like DVD is on its way out, massive clearance at a lot of stores, blue ray players can play a standard DVD, you want to be sure you can enjoy the brilliant picture the blue ray provides.

I could not beleive the prices this weekend on TVs, 62 inch plasma for 1300, thats crazy!

Here ya go....an explanation on some of the technolgy....besides I want salty to call me a geek :hihi:

Video Frame Rate vs Screen Refresh Rate

Understanding Video Frame Rates and Screen Refresh Rates

Shopping for a television these days is certainly not as easy as it once was. With terms being tossed around like HDTV, Progressive Scan, 1080p, Frame Rate, and Screen Refresh Rate, the consumer is getting drowned with tech terms that are difficult to sort through. Of these terms, two of the most difficult to make sense of are Frame Rate and Refresh Rate.

What Frames Are

In video (both analog and high definition), just as in film, images are displayed as Frames. However, there are differences in the way the frames are displayed on a television screen. In terms of traditional video content, in NTSC-based countries there are 30 separate frames displayed every second (1 complete frame every 1/30th of a second), while in PAL-based countries, there are 25 separate frames displayed every second (1 complete frame displayed every 25th of a second). These frames are either displayed using the Interlaced Scan method or the Progressive Scan method.

However, since film is shot at 24 frames per second (1 complete frame displayed every 24th of a second), in order to display film on a typical television screen, the original 24 frames must be converted to 30 frames by a process known as 3:2 pulldown.

What Refresh Rate Means

With the introduction of television display technologies, such LCD, Plasma, and DLP, and also Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD, another factor has entered into play that affects how frames of video content are displayed on a screen: Refresh Rate. Refresh rate represents how many times the actual Television screen image is completely reconstructed every second. The idea is that the more times the screen is "refreshed" every second, the smoother the image is in terms of motion rendering and flicker reduction.

In other words, the image looks better the faster the screen can refresh itself. Refresh rates of televisions and other types of video displayed are measured in "hz" (Hertz). For example: A Television with a 60hz refresh rate represents complete reconstruction of the screen image 60 times every second. As a result, this also means that each video frame (in a 30 frame per second signal) is repeated twice every 60th of a second. By looking at the math, one can easily figure out how other frames rates related to other refresh rates.

Frame Rate vs Refresh Rate

What makes things confusing is the concept of how many separate and discreet frames are displayed every second, verses how many times the frame is repeated every 1/24th, 1/25, or 1/30th of a second to match the refresh rate of the Television display.

TVs have their own screen refresh capabilities. A television's screen refresh rate is usually listed in the user manual or on the manufaturer's product web page.

The most common refresh rate for today's Televisions are 60hz for NTSC-based systems and 50hz for PAL-based systems. However, with the introduction of some Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD players that can actually output a 24 frame per second video signal, instead of the traditional 30 frame per second video signal, new refresh rates are being implemented by some television display makers to accommodate these signals in the correct mathematical ratio.

If you have a TV with a 120hz refresh rate that is 1080p/24 compatible (1920 pixels across the screen vs 1080 pixels down the screen, with a 24 frame per second rate). The TV ends up displaying 24 separate frames every second, but repeats each frame according to the refresh rate of the TV. In the case of 120hz each frame would be displayed 5 times within each 24th of a second.

In other words, even with higher refresh rates, there are still only 24 separate frames displayed every second, but they may need to be displayed multiple times, depending on the refresh rate.

To display 24 frames per second on a TV with a 120hz refresh rate, each frame is repeated 5 times every 24th of a second.

To display 24 frames per second on a TV with a 72hz refresh rate, each frame is repeated 3 times every 24th of a second.

To display 30 frames per second on a TV with a 60 hz refresh rate, each frame is repeated 2 times every 30th of a second.

To display 25 frames per second on a TV with a 50 hz refresh rate (PAL Countries), each frame is repeated 2 times every 25th of a second.

To display 25 frames per second on a TV with a 100 hz refresh rate (PAL Countries), each frame is repeated 4 times every 25th of a second.

NOTE: The above explanation is with pure frame rates - if the television is also required to do a 24 frame per second to 30 frame per second or vice versa frame rate conversion, then you also have to deal with 3:2 or 2:3 Pulldown as well, which adds more math to the equation. The 3:2 pulldown function can also be performed by a DVD player, or other source device, before the signal reaches the television.

How TVs Handle 1080p/24

If a TV is 1080p/60 or 1080p/30 - only compatible, it would not accept the 1080p/24 input. Currently, only Blu-ray Discs and HD-DVD discs are the main sources of 1080p/24 material. However, most Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD players convert the outgoing signal to either 1080p/60 or 1080i/30 so that the information can be processed by a TV properly for screen display if it is not compatible with 1080p/24.

NOTE: Although 1080p/60-only TVs cannot display 1080p/24 - 1080p/24 TVs can display 1080p/60 via video processing.

Final Take

The whole thing boils down to the concept of separate frames vs repeated frames. In the case of frame rate vs refresh rate calculations, repeated frames are not considered separate frames as the information in the repeated frames is all identical. It is when you move to a frame with different information that you have to count it as a new frame.

With more sophiscated technologies being employed in today's HDTVs, it is important that consumers arm themselves with the knowledge of what is important and what isn't. With HDTV, the concept of Screen Refresh Rate is indeed important, but don't get bogged down with the numbers.

The important thing to take into consideration is how the increase in Refresh Rate improves, or doesn't improve, the perceived screen image quality for you, the consumer. Let your own eyes be your guide as you comparison shop for your next television.

Check this bad boy out....$1399 with free shipping....best buy offers the same TV but you have to pay for shipping....didn't see any available in stores

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Bravia-KDL-46W4100-46-Inch-1080p/dp/B0017Q6DFC/ref=sr_1_19?ie=UTF8&s=audio-video&qid=1228146891&sr=1-19

Check this bad boy out....$1399 with free shipping....best buy offers the same TV but you have to pay for shipping....didn't see any available in stores

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Bravia-KDL-46W4100-46-Inch-1080p/dp/B0017Q6DFC/ref=sr_1_19?ie=UTF8&s=audio-video&qid=1228146891&sr=1-19


That TV is definitely a possibility. One negative about going with Amazon as apposed to Best Buy is service. Best by offers a 4 year service plan for $199. I didn't see a service plan through amazon. I also appreciate having the opportunity for a face to face return if there is something wrong with the delivery.

Do your research first,i looked and looked.read and read. i made my decision and after calling and going to 10,000 places to see the set up diffrence. my conclusion? Samsung 46' lcd Hd 1080 with ucs.
this tv is super clear and doesn't change much with the reflection of the sun if you have a big window in your living room.
and to spice it up get a good ss system.:musc:

one more thing i look for is warranty,don't get by mail items,stay away from it.if theres something wrong,you'll learn your lesson dealing with the back and forth and the cost piles up on the price you already paid for the tv.
i personally like Samsclub.
this samsung was 200 cheaper at samsclub than circuit city even on black friday.and i have the non conditional return for 30 days, if i don't like it or whatever reason i return it as long as i'm within the 30 days frame.
i love it.:lama:

That TV is definitely a possibility. One negative about going with Amazon as apposed to Best Buy is service. Best by offers a 4 year service plan for $199. I didn't see a service plan through amazon. I also appreciate having the opportunity for a face to face return if there is something wrong with the delivery.

They have a 4 yr service plan for $230, its at bottom of the page

That TV is definitely a possibility. One negative about going with Amazon as apposed to Best Buy is service. Best by offers a 4 year service plan for $199. I didn't see a service plan through amazon. I also appreciate having the opportunity for a face to face return if there is something wrong with the delivery.

yeah, but Best Buy (and Circuit City) may not be around for 4 more years. Just another thing to consider. Circuit City will most likely fail first if either does.

I've had very good experiences with Amazon's customer service btw. Although shipping a TV is a different deal than returning a camera.

You can also buy an extended warranty directly from Sony....or Sharp...or Samsung depending on what you buy.

i wouldnt bother with a service plan from best buy or any other retailer....they SUCK. best bet is to either extend via manufacturer directly as was mentioned, OR check with ur CC company...some have extensions to manufacturer's warranties already in place if you use them. those "service plans" at BB and the like are designed to increase margins on big ticket items that have very little profitability for the store. also, when you go buy the HDMI cable...DONT do it at the retailer, unless you enjoy paying 500% markup. check out monoprice.com for the HDMI cables.
i've got a samsung plasma 42 inches its 720p but at that size you cannot tell the difference from1080p unless you are sitting closer than 5ft from the set. plasma's tend to have deeper blacks but do consume more power, i love my samsung a450. paid 800 bucks for it, never had any problems. avsforum is a great site for all the technical info, i would suggest spending some time on there for research.
as far as playing blu ray movies....i use my PS3 not sure if you are a gamer or not but the ps3 is one of the best players on the market (some say its the best) and it does an awesome job of upconverting regular DVDs into 1080i. regular DVD's look awesome on my TV played via the ps3

good luck on your search, and remember to keep your own personal needs as a priority. Getting a TV that fits YOUR intended use is the key to being satisfied with your purchase regardless of how much you spend

edit: i personally watch lots of movies and play ps3 on my TV, sports look awesome, IIRC i read an article while searching that said plasma's do better than LCD's with sports due to the fast motion.....i'll try and dig it up

i was hugely disappointed with best buys service agreement...
yeah they say nice things when you buy it
and everything's all rosey and hunky dori (smiles)

but when you go back in thinking your about to not
have to pay for repairs because you paid up front
for a service policy...

Be prepared for a big SHOCK

it doesnt mean dudely squat

did you go to tweeters?
i was going to get the lifestyle 48 Bose and drove by tweeters. there was a big sign STORE CLOSING [wich they are ]. went inside and holly cow,i went crazy.
just picked up the Polk audio rti A9's two SS rear speakers,a sony DA4400ES and one of those entertaintment centers for flat screen TV's retailed a $3,500 for 400 bucks.
i can't believe it,everything i spent $1,600. thats the price for the rtia9's alone. incredible deal. if there's a store near you go and grab anything you can.:musc::musc:

I went over my brother's house for bird day - he does not have a plasma or lcd, but a low-def glass tv. I'd slash my wrists if I had to live like that.
I have a panasonic plasma - I've been very happy with it. I got it from Best Buy - skip any service agreements. The odds are, any problems will be evident right away and the prices are falling quickly.

did you go to tweeters?
i was going to get the lifestyle 48 Bose and drove by tweeters. there was a big sign STORE CLOSING [wich they are ]. went inside and holly cow,i went crazy.
just picked up the Polk audio rti A9's two SS rear speakers,a sony DA4400ES and one of those entertaintment centers for flat screen TV's retailed a $3,500 for 400 bucks.
i can't believe it,everything i spent $1,600. thats the price for the rtia9's alone. incredible deal. if there's a store near you go and grab anything you can.:musc::musc:

Not an option anymore....they shut there doors and sent all their employees home. Alot of them didn't get paid and people that had paid for and hadn't picked up there equipment yet, can't....it was on the news this morning.

+I just went with a samsung series 6 LCD at 52". My dumbed down criteria for LCD over plasma was the amount of sunlight in the room. 120hz sets don't blur so that's key.1080p is nice but ONLY if you have or intend to get blu-ray because everything else is broadcast in 720p. The difference with blu-ray is absolutely astounding. I went with bestbuy and took advantage of their 4 year service plan.They also have a 60 day price match where if the tv goes on sale the following 60 days you will be credited the difference in cost.

I recently purchased a 46" Sharp Aquos. Awesome deal at Costco. Under a grand with a double manufacturers warranty.

Bernzy

woopie do

2 months ago I a bought a 46" Samsung from Amazon. First big screen and I love it.

Free white glove delivery, and the price was $275 dollars cheaper than Best Buy. Your mileage may vary but I ordered the tv on Saturday, and received it on Wednesday. Delivery guys will even take the box with them if you'd like. Great experience overall.

Here's the TV

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-LN46A550-46-Inch-1080p-HDTV/dp/B0014175E8/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1228443152&sr=8-2

Sharp AQUOS 42” LC42D65U 1080P LCD HDTV with Belkin Surge Protector and HDMI Cable - $999 + Tax / Free Shipping

Tempting: http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?cs=19&c=us&l=en&sku=A2175023&dgc=CJ&cid=0&lid=0

3 Year Extended warranty from http://www.squaretrade.com/pages/ $110

Sharp AQUOS 42” LC42D65U 1080P LCD HDTV with Belkin Surge Protector and HDMI Cable - $999 + Tax / Free Shipping

Tempting: http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?cs=19&c=us&l=en&sku=A2175023&dgc=CJ&cid=0&lid=0

3 Year Extended warranty from http://www.squaretrade.com/pages/ $110

John,

Find a Costco near you. 46" Aquos, $1090.90 after tax

Bernzy

John,

Find a Costco near you. 46" Aquos, $1090.90 after tax

Bernzy

Yeh, but I was thinking 120Hz -v- 60Hz :D

Both are out of my budget right now - I'm thinking a few hundred less for a 37 to 40 when the time is right

1080p is nice but ONLY if you have or intend to get blu-ray because everything else is broadcast in 720p.

Today yes tomorrow no, besides Verizon fios HD is 1080i


Originally Posted by Bernzy
John,

Find a Costco near you. 46" Aquos, $1090.90 after tax

Bernzy

Biggest mistake made by the consumer is Looking at Brand, size and price only Do Your Homework.

I'm thinking nothing smaller than a 50 myself :hee:....maybe after the holidays....doubt it but I can dream

Definitely go LCD, definitely go 1080p, definitely stick with a major brand like Sony, Samsung, Sharp, Toshiba, LG.

I shopped hard last year and I bought a 42" Toshiba at Circuit City the week after Thanksgiving last year for ~$1300, the same unit was on sale for $999 last week.

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Toshiba-42-REGZA-LCD-HDTV-42XV540U/sem/rpsm/oid/225258/catOid/-12869/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

Here is a nice deal on a 42" Sharp from Dell, today only:

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?cs=19&c=us&l=en&sku=A2175023&dgc=CJ&cid=0&lid=0

Here is a 52" LG at COMPUSA for only $1299: http://tinyurl.com/633tvf

Yawn...a couple more deals this morning...

Sharp 52" - $1300

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Sharp-52-LCD-HDTV-LC-52SB55U/sem/rpsm/oid/223173/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

Samsung 46" - $1100

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Samsung-46-Series-5-LCD-HDTV-LN46A500/sem/rpsm/oid/228287/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

:lama:

Sharp 52" - $1300

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Sharp...oductDetail.do

Samsung 46" - $1100

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Samsu...oductDetail.do



These are nice, but not the fastest response times.

So I'm pretty close to to pulling the trigger on a 40" Sony 1080p 120hz and Amazon.com's price is $200 under Best Buy, Sears, etc.

Looks like I will be going with them.

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Bravia-KDL-40W4100-40-Inch-1080p/dp/B0017Q8B66/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1229220142&sr=8-1

Thanks for the opinions!

So I'm pretty close to to pulling the trigger on a 40" Sony 1080p 120hz and Amazon.com's price is $200 under Best Buy, Sears, etc.

Looks like I will be going with them.

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Bravia-KDL-40W4100-40-Inch-1080p/dp/B0017Q8B66/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1229220142&sr=8-1

Thanks for the opinions!


I have the same tv in 46" the 120hz makes a huge difference, especially watching sports and action movies. Thats a good deal for that set too.

we are looking for 46" this week...please post if anybody sees a good deal....found a Sony Bravia 1080p 120h 4 inputs for aprox 1500 with free blue-ray player.... I'm probaly not gonna beat that..

now what about the hdmi cables? how does that work? i heard they're not even needed.

I once tried both component and Hdmi on the same tv and I never noticed a difference. That being said I would, and still do go with the Hdmi.

now what about the hdmi cables? how does that work? i heard they're not even needed.


TV picture quality is to some degree subjective but I felt the picture quality was "better" on some TV's with component instead of the supposedly better HDMI. But I've also seen several that I felt were better with HDMI.

The difference was very minor though, in all cases I had to really work to see any noticeable difference, but it WAS there.

another good source of info here
http://www.highdefforum.com/index.php

series 650

46"samsung 120, 50,000;1, 1030p @sears on sale $1460 plus tax.....imo best tv going.
40" same thing is 1400 not on sale

Also try to get a TV that supports DLNA as you can stream videos, music and pictures to your TV via the ethernet port.

If you have a DVD ripper on your PC you can rip the DVDs, store them on your PC drive then stream them to the TV. If you are internet savvy you can get download blu-ray movies from specific places and stream those to the TV too. The TV has a built in app to browse your files on that PC...pretty kick ass stuff!

Also the Samsung series 7 TV has an audio output so when streaming mp3 files the TV can pass the audio to the receiver.....yeah it is pretty cool!