Buying a new TV...any recommendations?

[Roblee67]

Well we are moving into our new home and my new shop is almost complete...so its time for a new flat screen television...
When we go look at Best Buy and Sears there are so many choices, we know for sure that we want 50 to 58 inch screen. We are trying to decide between Plasma and LCD...From what I have read it seems that the new plasmas are slightly better overall, so I am looking for everyone opinion or experience and recommendations.... Thanks!

[rjp71]

If there is a lot of windows in the room get a lcd. Plasma will show too much glare. Unfortunately, I bought a plasma in room with a lot of natural sunlught and its horrible.

But, if sunlight is not an issue then I would go plasma. I think they offer a "warmer" picture vs lcd.

[jy211]

I recently bought a 42" Samsung LCD. Been extremely happy with it so far :thumbsup:

I have a Phillips Plasma in the other room. It generates a lot of heat....

[sick65]

If you are willing to spend the money...check out one of the new LED TV's...The picture is badazz.

Other than that...like others have said. A room with a lot of natural light needs an LCD.

[monza]

X 2 LED kicks ass

[71RS/SS396]

I like the LCD's better,I have a 52" Sony and love it, it can be set-up to auto tune for ambient light so the picture is great regardless of ambient light in the room.

[Spiffav8]

We have been VERY happy with our 52" Sony Bravia. I highly recommend it.

[almcbri]

We have a samsung 50" 1080P. I like the LCD's a little better and plan on buying another samsung 32" LCD soon.

[monza]

Here is a good LED

http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/subtype/subtype.do?group=televisions&type=televisions&subtype=ledtv

[avewhtboy]

I just bought one of these Insignia 50 inch plasma

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9299895&type=product&id=1218079781067

They were on sale for $699 was too good to pass up.

The built in speakers are pretty poor but I listen through
my stereo anyway so not a big deal.

Not 1080 either but picture quality in HD is great

Best value I found out there.

[tones2SS]

I voted LCD HD!! Cannot go wrong.
I have a 40" Sony Bravia XBR. One word = AWESOME!! :hail: I want another one. lol:lol:

[Fluid Power]

Research and read as much as you can. This forum is great.

http://www.avsforum.com/

Darren

[bucks69]

http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/detail/detail.do?group=televisions&type=televisions&subtype=lcdtv&model_cd=LN52B750U1FXZA

This is the one we have now and it is way better than anything we ever had before. We went through 3 phillips flat screens in 2 years before we bought the Samsung.

[camaro2nv]

I recently bought a 42" Samsung LCD. Been extremely happy with it so far :thumbsup:

I have a Phillips Plasma in the other room. It generates a lot of heat....
I have a Samsung plasma in the bedroom, its darker so its looks really nice. It also puts off some HEAT! I also have a Samsung in the front room but its a LCD. If I were to do it all again I would have two LCD's. Just better all the way round. As for brand, Samsung rules!

[71RS/SS396]

One thing to know about LCD's is to make sure you get at least 120 hz scan so you don't get ghosting on the display with quick motion.

[T-Type]

there are a lot of factors to consider when purchasing lcd or plasma. as a lot of others have stated light in a room is just one. if you have a lot of windows and outside light and most of your tv viewing will be or can be during the day then lcd is a winner. other factors to think about.....what sort of programs do you watch. a lot of sports? you may be happier with a plasma. plasma's also use a lot more power compared to lcd's. even though plasma's have gotten infinitely better over the years they still may have a tendency for burn in of still images. another consideration if kids will be playing video games on it etc.

overall, personal preference is the biggest key. take a look at both and see what is more visually appealing to you. try and look at both sets in all situations that you'd anticipate at home. instead of going to the big box stores hit up a few of the specialty home theater places in your area. they will have their screens properly calibrated so you get a good idea of what you're supposed to be looking at and how it's supposed to look. big box stores just pull them out of the box and plug them in. not saying you shouldn't buy there....just see full performance first. also see what the specialty guys can do for you...you'd be surprised at the deals they can give. i'm all for supporting the smaller local guy. the service that comes with your pre and post purchase is worth its weight in gold. oh and wherever you go...take a couple of your favourite dvd's...with scenes that you know inside and out....especially with dark/night scenes and see how they look on each set.

some other points to be weary of especiallly with lcd's.....get a set that has at least 120 hz refresh rate. some companies are claiming 240 but it's simulated. you won't get that ghosting if you watch fast action on the set. some manufacturers and unaware sales people are somewhat promoting "led" sets as some sort of new technology. they are just lcd's with led's in them. look for a set with local dimming. some new sets claim to have led dimming but are just placed around the edges. you want the ones that are placed across the entire panel. will work wonders for black levels.

oh and one last thing...since it's the only other thing i can think of at 3 am....hahah....720 is fine for most people.....however if you can afford the difference and the seating is going to be close to the screen then go for 1080. if i think of anything else....i'll chime in again....

[Bakaruda]

I have 2 plasma TV's. I have a 7 year old Samsung 42in. I also have a Samsung 50in HD. I like both of them. My son is a HHGregg store manager. He says the LCD TV's are a better product. The heat from a plasma is one reason. I bought plasma due to the cost.


If you have a HHGregg in your area I would recommend them hands down over Bestbuy. My sons has worked for this company sence high school, they are a great company. Oh if you go plasma buy the srevice agreement. On a plasma it replaces the TV(at least the ones my sons sells does).

[Roblee67]

Thanks for all the reply's...we went with the Samsung 55" LCD...AWESOME picture quality, very happy with it so far....Gonna go back and get 2 smaller one for the bedrooms!

[GregWeld]

Had I seen this thread in time -- I would have told you the same thing I've been telling all my friends for a number of years (being WAY EARLY) to the flat screen game... (I paid $6500 for my first one, a Panasonic 50" Plasma Monitor).... :rofl:

That monitor is like 7 years old now - and is still our main "TV" - it's not 1080 (didn't even make 'em back then) and it's STILL A GREAT PICTURE.

I always told them (My Friends - well my one friend... :lol: ) - "It doesn't make any difference which one you get - because they're so much better than anything you're watching now... that you'll love it no matter what. It's not like you have a wall of them at your house to compare."

I personally prefer - and have several - Panasonic MONTIORS rather than the TV's... since we use cable (Comcrap) we use their box for the tuner - and we use our stereo for the surround sound... so no reason to pay for internal speakers and tuners we're not going to use anyway.

I have friends that have various LCD's - and Plasmas - THEY ALL LOOK GREAT!

[IndyNova]

personally, I love Vizio's, there cheap, reliable and have a killer picture. I currently have a 42" lcd (was the biggest they made at the time) that I've had for 3 years now, not one problem, ever. out of the box, on the wall and done. I'm eyeing a led vizio in the upcoming weeks. just my .02. also, i watch a crap load of racing, football, hockey, sports etc, on mine, not to mention my ps3 games, and have never had a problem with the pic quality, besides, lcd's are waaayyyy lighter than a plasma

[GregWeld]

I agree on the Vizio TV's -- there are several of these in our family. They've all been flawless... and are very reasonable!

[70rs]

I also agree on the VIZIO TVs. We have two and they have ben perfect. Good picture, low heat generation and zero troubles. Prices are pretty decent too.

[98ssnova]

I also agree on the VIZIO TVs. We have two and they have ben perfect. Good picture, low heat generation and zero troubles. Prices are pretty decent too.

Agreed and I believe they get they screens from the same distrubitor as samsung

[scherp69]

I know this is an older thread now, but I think the worry that plasmas in a room with lots of light is not a good idea has changed. I just got a 50" Samsung plasma model 850 and it's in a room with quite a bit of light. I love it!!! We went from a Sony 3 LCD grand wega (bad part is it was rear projection so that didn't help) and it was a pain. In the morning when the sun was coming right into the window, you could only see half the screen. With the plasma, you can see it perfectly. There is some reflection from certain angles but would definitely get another plasma for a room with lots of light in it.

[BBC69Camaro]

LCD TV in normally lit rooms. Plasma also can dim over time as well, though when new is very vibrant.

Something also to consider as well is a HD LCD Projector (not projection TV), you can easily get 100" wide on a pull down (or electric screen) for about the same price as a 40-50" LCD. I have a projector setup in my living room mounted from the ceiling, and its like having your own movie theater. You need the space and ability to control lighting however, so not for everyone.

Also stick with major good known brands like Sharp, Samsung, LG etc, they are worth the extra money and tend to be a lot more reliable.

Case you haven't seen this site its pretty good for home entertainment:
http://www.projectorcentral.com/

[hifi875]

plasma and lcd panels BOTH will dim over time. You want a plasma tv if at all possible. A lcd is good for a very brightly lit room with lots of windows. other than that, a plasma will outperform it. Off axis viewing is tons better, motion artifacts are not near as obvious as a lcd(yes even a 240hz) and color accuracy is alot better. the colors look alot more natural and accurate on plasma. If you sit directly on axis at eye level and play tons of video games, that would be the only way i would own one. except for panels below 42 inches. you have no choice but lcd. and a led is the same as a lcd just different backligt.

[Rod P]

Vizio HD LCD

[clill]

I just got a 65" Samsung LCD, 1080P , 120 hz with a 100000-1 contrast ratio and it is spooky the picture is so good. I had a Mitsubishi 63" DLP that I thought was good but this new set is killer. I bought it on Ebay and it was about 1,000.00 less than at Best Buy. The 120hz and the 100,000-1 contrast ratio are apparently what makes the big difference.

[dropit69]

Day after black friday i bought a samsung 55 led tv and love it..got a killer buy at 2199 with a free blueray player..movies are so crisp on it and hd channels..reg channels are just ok..

[Stuart Adams]

I hear LED is awesome. Anyone have an LED TV?

[Ummgawa]

I hear LED is awesome. Anyone have an LED TV?

I've seen one with a BluRay hooked to it (and movie playing on it and through it)...just amazing.

[joe440]

my grandfather just got a 55" LED tv, i cant even watch my own tv after watching that, sports are amazing on it. i suggest LED

[monza]

LED is unreal, the next step up.

It's still new and you pay for that but man is it clear and sharp!

[NOVA]

anyone know anything about these?
47" VIZIO LCD 1080P or same model with LCD LED?
thanks

[Pdale]

My old roommates bought a Samsung 47" LED just before I moved out and IMO it was much lower quality picture than my 50" Hitachi plasma. My brother's 4 year old 42" Vizio LCD looked better than it to me but I don't know how much they paid for it. It may have been a cheaper LED TV. I love my Hitachi but I'd say you have to go and look at all the options out there. No matter if they're plasma, lcd, or led. If you don't like it, it doesn't matter what kind it is. There are good and bad of each type. And everyone has a different eye for TV's. You just got to find the one you like. Most TV's look good in the dark, I would find a place that has their TV's in a well lit area. It's easier to see the difference in picture quality.

[GregWeld]

anyone know anything about these?
47" VIZIO LCD 1080P or same model with LCD LED?
thanks

I'll tell you this about the current 'crop' of hi tech TV's.... Regardless of which one you buy - when it's hanging on your wall - it will be amazing compared to anything else you had.

My 50" Panasonic plasma - which is now about 7 years old - and cost $6500 when purchased is OLD TECH compared to this new stuff... but if you're watching it - in HD - it's amazing still...

So just go buy one that fits your taste looks wise - and your wallet cost wise and you'll be happy.... 'cause the only time you can tell one over the other is when they're all together on a giant wall of TV's.:cheers:

[clill]

Greg you are missing out. I thought my Mitsu 65" 1080P DLP was good. Then I got a Samsung 1080P LCD with 100,000-1 contrast ratio. Day and night difference. Wife commented that some movies looked like we were watching them for the first time. From what I am told the contrast ratio makes a huge difference. I got mine on Ebay for cheaper than any of the big stores and it was shipped out of the Northwest.

[GregWeld]

Greg you are missing out.


Charley -- Thanks for pointing out the story of my life.... :rofl:

My point was not that the new tv's are better but that the one you're watching - if it's HD is probably far superior to the one you're replacing and you'll be happy with it - as long as it's not right next to a better one...

The one out in the shed is newer and better than my original plasma screen... but when I'm in that room and watching it (the old one) - it's still great... :cheers:

[strtcar]

Regardless of which one you buy - when it's hanging on your wall - it will be amazing compared to anything else you had.

'cause the only time you can tell one over the other is when they're all together on a giant wall of TV's.:cheers:

So true.

[Theresa]

One that doesn't get any football games. :rolleyes: :_paranoid

[NOVA]

I'll tell you this about the current 'crop' of hi tech TV's.... Regardless of which one you buy - when it's hanging on your wall - it will be amazing compared to anything else you had.

My 50" Panasonic plasma - which is now about 7 years old - and cost $6500 when purchased is OLD TECH compared to this new stuff... but if you're watching it - in HD - it's amazing still...

So just go buy one that fits your taste looks wise - and your wallet cost wise and you'll be happy.... 'cause the only time you can tell one over the other is when they're all together on a giant wall of TV's.:cheers:

Thanks and in my case I do not have one so ANYTHING WILL be better then that.... :lol: :thumbsup:

[Bow Tie 67]

I watch very little tv, so I have been waiting for one of the old tubes to go out before upgrading. Well, I won a 42" Panasonic plasma tv at our union picnic and all I can say is Wow!!! HD is nice.

Here is a funny little side-note: On the way home from the picnic I was in the back of the van using my android to find the tv's worth. When I mentioned I could sell it and buy car parts my wife, a tv junky, about went through the roof. :faint: , then I mentioned putting it in the garage, at that point she was not amused at my :captain: induced humor.

[GregWeld]

Matt --- That is hysterical! You're lucky she didn't slam on the brakes - toss you out - and drive off! :rofl:

[Revved]

About 6 months ago we bought a VIZIO 50" LCD for $899 at Costco right as everything was switching to LED switch and absolutely love it!! Costco has comparable pricing plus gives you an additional year of warranty for free.

Like said above- just about any LED or LCD TV you buy nowadays will be worlds over anything you've bought in the last 5 years. Read up on plasma before you buy- they are pretty specific use and things you shouldn't do with them. They also use a lot more electricity.

[Mover]

I would stay away from any Sony Products! I’ve had several costly issues with my TV.

[jcammara]

I picked up a Sharp Aquos 52 inch led/lcd. I love it.

[T-Type]

well the tv that gets the most use in this house finally gave up and i got tired of having to walk over and shake it every few minutes to get it to work properly. i may market the idea as a stay in shape tv...hahhah.

but i went and got myself a samsung 6400 plasma. it has pretty much everything including wi-fi capability minus the 3D. the decision came after looking at the new led/lcd's vs. plasmas. plasma still had better blacks, better picture over all and a wide viewing angle which is important in our family room. glare was another consideration as the room has large windows. lcd panels i've come to find no longer use the anti glare glass they once did.

lcd is a heck of a lot better from the early days but still has a way to go before it can equal plasma quality. the last bit that pushed me towards the samsung was the casing...it just looked a bit better to me.

[GregWeld]

I was at Magnolia Hi Fi the other day... need some monitors for our "iRacing league" and thought since I had a 42" Panasonic plasma in the shed -- I might just add to that and have a 3 monitor view... the prices have fallen so far it's unbelievable. Anyway -- salesman tells me that PLASMA is the fastest TV and would be "best" for that type of "action" - that you don't see or need the discussion of "refresh rate" like you see on LCD. Interesting. He also tells me - "we" all work here - "we" all have plasma.

Just a side note. My first 50" Panasonic MONITOR (NO TV) was $6500.... The new 42" Panasonic plasma TV 1080p UNDER $700. Amazing.

[awr68]

I went through this earlier this year and due to my great room being full of ambient light I chose LCD. I love the blacks of a plasma but I have WAY too much light in the room for one!

All in all I am very happy with my choice all things considered!

[GregWeld]

Buy some drapes dude!


:rofl: :rofl:

[awr68]

Buy some drapes dude!


:rofl: :rofl:

Yeah, the wood blinds in the GR work well! But the windows in the stairway have no shades at all....oh well, the LCD works great and weighs a lot less. Not that that's a huge deal as it's sitting on a stand.

Greg, you will see all the obsticals when you come down! :cheers:

[killer67]

Samsung LED is very nice with or without 3D http://serve.mysmiley.net/happy/happy0179.gif (http://www.mysmiley.net/free-mad-smileys.php)

[67ChevILL]

Anything above 40 inches go with plasma.