Sorry... another "what TV should I get" thread

[zombie boy 2000]

Actually, it's for someone else. And since I know nothing about the boob tubes, I thought I'd ask those who do. So...

1) 42" or greater
2) LCD
3) around $800
4) works

Thanks guys and gals:)

[Jstas]

I vote for 4.

[zx_toth]

Ive found CNET.com to be helpful in doing the initial research into TVs after which I usually take it to avsforum.com and read pages and pages of complaining from videophiles with a grain of salt on some of the sets that get good reviews. After this short list is made the ultimate test ensues..... GO AND LOOK AT THE TVS and see which one you like. Of course you cant always get sense of the actually PQ without calibrating and seeing it in your living room.

Make sure you buy from a place where you can return the set for another if you are in the end not happy and want to try another brand or size.

This way of narrowing down got me my 46 inch Sony XBR4 which I am very happy with. For instance the CNET got me pared down to the XBR4 and a few Samsung models and a Pioneer Elite. The price of the Pioneer Elite got that out of the running :-) Than some PQ issues that slowly sprung up on avsforum threw out a few of the samsung models ... after looking at the XBR4 and Samsung 81 series I settled on the XBR4 happily.

Hope that helps a bit.

Zsolt

[polkatese]

Actually, it's for someone else. And since I know nothing about the boob tubes, I thought I'd ask those who do. So...

1) 42" or greater SONY
2) LCD SONY
3) around $800 VIZIO
4) works SONY

Thanks guys and gals:)

ZB, it looks like a SONY indeed. :)

[zombie boy 2000]

I really don't think he's much of a videophile. It may be a status thing for all I know, hence the low-ball starting price. I'm just wondering what's the best he could do considering his parameters. Since it's not "my eyes", I'm just really trying to get him into something. Other people's trump mine in this case, hence the question. I appreciate the help, though.

[zombie boy 2000]

Gracias Polka... I'm off to surf the net right now:)

[zombie boy 2000]

http://www.compusa.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3776656&Sku=V25-4232&SRCCODE=NEXUSA&CMP=OTC-NEXTAG

I'm assuming you're speaking of this one?

http://www.compusa.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3905936&Sku=V25-4223&SRCCODE=NEXUSA&CMP=OTC-NEXTAG

Or maybe this one?

What's the difference?

[izafar]

Your best bet as far as PQ would be to get a 720p 42" plasma by Panasonic or Samsung, they go around $1000 price point. The next upgrade would be to get 1080 P 50" plasma by Panasonic/Samsung or get a 120 HZ 1080p 46" LCD by Samsung or Sony. This is based on my helping a couple of my friends do TV shopping in last couple of months, as we did alot of spec comparison online and did store and in home demos.

[zombie boy 2000]

That sounds good, but I think he really is trying to keep it at $800. What can I say? It's not my money. Either way, can you tell a difference between the two Vizios I listed? Thanks in advance.

[goingganzo]

dont buy a cheap a$$ lcd you will regreat it, look at eather a samsung,sony, toshiba or sharp i say go for something around 1200bucks

[zombie boy 2000]

I'm not buying it. My friend is. And he's pretty dead set on his specifications.

[danger boy]

my friend's Panasonic plasma has held up well for two years now.. I know you're not looking for a plasma.. but maybe your friend should consider them.

[zombie boy 2000]

Can it be had for around $800?

[paymontna]

1) 42" or greater SAMSUNG
2) LCD SAMSUNG
3) around $800 VIZIO:D
4) works SAMSUNG

[Keiko]

Best bang for the buck is the Samsung IMO, but 42" or greater be prepared to pay more than 800.00. And if 800.00 is all your friend is willing to spend, then he's looking at Vizio, Insignia, Dynex and maybe some Phillips models which he may not be happy with in the long run. I think most would agree, spend a little more and get something you're going to be happy with.

Good luck

[fireshoes]

The store where I work is selling 42" Samsung plasmas for $899. They have a couple of 40" LCD models, but the 330 series is not good. The 450 series is more like $999-1099. Panasonic plasmas will be similarly priced. Shy away from the AV500 series and the 42" RV530 Toshiba LCD. Sony and Samsung LCD are the way to go, but your friend may need some expand-o-budget first.

[zombie boy 2000]

For the record, he doesn't have the sickness like us. I really think the King's Terms are simple enough. Can anyone of you videonuts decipher the difference between the two Sony models linked? At the end of the day, it's gonna be one or the other.

And... thanks Polkatese, ya tease.

[fireshoes]

Are you talking the Vizio links? I don't see Sony links. Also those Vizios are refurbs. I am pretty sure that #3 and 4 on your list are mutually exclusive though. Make sure he knows that. I am not trying to get him to spend more money; I am trying to help him get a tv he will be happy with long term. Have him go to the store and look at the lcd's with some dark images (like Batman) and from the side. Cheap lcd's have notoriously bad viewing, especially with dark content. Also watch some sports so you can find one that doesn't have really bad blur with motion.

[dylanblada]

I have yet to see a Sony compete with any Samsung in any category. That said, they are both a little higher in price. Most Panasonics and Toshibas arereally good for a bit lower price. If all else fails, some Vizios are good also.

[MacLeod]

Ill throw my $.02 in here as well saying that Sony is the king when it comes to LCD's. No matter what showroom I see one on - no matter what its playing it always looks better than the other LCD's.

Samsung would be my 2nd choice.

Honestly Samsung, Sony, Panasonic and Pioneer are about the only brands I would buy. When youre talking about a purchase near $1000 and something youre going to keep for a while you want it to be good quality and these are the brands I trust most.

[dylanblada]

Way to contradict me MacLeod.:p
Whenever I see Sonys (I used to work at CC untill last year, so everyday) they always seemed to have much more pixelation whenever there was much motion on the screen the same type you see on low end store brands and the like. The factory color setting might be better, but for overall IQ, I still dislike them, especially given they are typically near, if not the most expensive.

[leroyjr1]

You think the sony xbr picture is stunning check out the new samsung Black/Red 650 series bought one about a month ago and the picture is better than my XBR and cheaper to

[polkatese]

For the record, he doesn't have the sickness like us. I really think the King's Terms are simple enough. Can anyone of you videonuts decipher the difference between the two Sony models linked? At the end of the day, it's gonna be one or the other.

And... thanks Polkatese, ya tease.

Anytime, Zmoooobie! :p

I think most posters here agree, the budget need to budge, otherwise, need to go down to 40"

Samsung LCD tends to have the most vibrant colors, Sony has the most natural looking (both with proper calibrations in place).

Motion pixelations at BB and CC are caused by poor source. Most of them are hooked on coax video, which (as we all know) is the lowest level of input source (in the grand scheme of PQ and all).

But, whatever float your friend boat. His wallet, his eyes. :)

[dylanblada]

Not trying to start anything, but again, I worked at CC for 3 years and had plenty of time to mess with things and start arguments among the TV salesmen (the funniest of which was to hear them try to explain how Monster HDMI cables are worth $150). Even directly connected to a BluRay player, there was still pixelation on the Sonys (this was on the big new BluRay display from Sony). So maybe some of the newest models are better, but I still don't think you beat Samsung.

[grif32]

Not trying to start anything, but again, I worked at CC for 3 years and had plenty of time to mess with things and start arguments among the TV salesmen (the funniest of which was to hear them try to explain how Monster HDMI cables are worth $150). Even directly connected to a BluRay player, there was still pixelation on the Sonys (this was on the big new BluRay display from Sony). So maybe some of the newest models are better, but I still don't think you beat Samsung.

I agree monster is WAY overpriced and Monoprice HDMI $6 cable is just as good.

But Samsung LCD's are ok. They in no way beat Sony's LCD's unless you get the higher end Samsung's. The 61f and the new I think 81f models are sweet but Sony is still king of LCD's

I own a Sony 50" LCD for just over a year now and have had my 42" Panasonic Plamsa for over 5 years with zero problems and the pic on that beats any LCD I have seen.

I prefer Plasmas over any LCD out there today.

[PhantomOG]

All my research and demo-ing lead me to a Sony LCD. The Samsung wasn't even close in my opinion.

Just have to go by what looks best to you, and not what everyone else thinks.