New Flat-Panel TV's

[JohnZ]

I and my most observant spiffy spouse have noticed that the Geek-Squad vehicles have been frequenting many Villages. We think folks have been upgrading their televisions to those way cool flat-panel high-definition jobs. Well, we're thinking about it. A few questions for the forum....1) if you've upgraded....what brand did you get....what size and how do you like it and 2) what did you do with your old tube?

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa54/Johnzuc/TV-For-Sale.jpg

[JohnN]

good thread to start since I'm in the market too,

small one (19-27" for a sitting area) to start, thinking LCD and likely a Sony Bravia.
But wondering if Samsung and LC and others aren't equally good at less cost.

[F16 1UB]

JZ,

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/smf/index.php/topic,1868.0.html

HD1080P, 42", Samsung. Old 15 year old 27" Magnavox worked perfect. Sold it for $25. Shop around. Prices are quite competitive. Think we paid around $1500 out the door. Then there's a HDMI cable you'll need. 30-50 bucks. Get the longer cable. 6-8 ft I think.


Also when we move we'll sell the other 2 tv's in the house. 52" projection big screen and another 27". Maybe $100 for big screen that's in the basement and $25 for other. I'll bet the big screen doesn't have 50 hours on it and the other is a bedroom tv with LMN burnt into the bottom right corner of the screen. Ladies know what I mean. I was prepared to give them away.

[schotzyb]

Got a 42" Phillips Ambilight LCD(has a light on each side of the TV on the back which is to make the picture constant in brightness regardless of the lighting in the room) Love it! Sold our 55 '' Mitsubishi Projection TV to a friend.

[zcaveman]

I bought a Sony Bravia 26" - space restriction. Love it . Just got HDTV and love the great picture but I have the closed caption on HDTV. It is unlike the CC on "normal" TV. It basically sucks.

As for the old one - 10 year old 36" RCA with a good picture but it was getting blurry to my aging eyes. I gave it to my lawn man. He came over and took it out the night before the new one arrived.

[punkpup]

How many of you have Plasma and how many have LCD. Both are referred to as "Flat Panel" TV's.

schotzyb - how does the ambilight feature on your Phillips LCD work. Is it one color? Does it change colors? Do you have the ability to change the color yourself? Can you adjust the brightness of the lights themselves?

[Lucko]

I've had several and shopped frequently for three years -- Pretty much, you get what you pay for, and for my money, the top of the line Sony is by far the best picture, especially when it upgrades regular input to 1080 lines. Not all Sony sets are alike--They make as many as five qualities in each screen size, for the best, look for the letters XBR in the model number and if you see numbers like 3000, 2500, 2200, 2000, they are cheaper and lack some features -- If you are still watching a tube set, almost anything will look better -- I feel LCD is the best long term value in format and service -- On big sets, consider the store insurance, it has broader coverage and often one service call is the price of the set -- Get on line, read reviews and choose a set that fits your viewing distance -- Always buy the best bed, shoes and televisions you can afford !!!

[zcaveman]

:agree: And do not depend on the clerks in the stores to be able to answer your questions. You can research from a to z on the computer and read all of the magazines and still be clueless. Friends that have these new screens might be the best source. Ask them to let you take a test run through their new TV - from non-HDTV to HDTV ( there is a difference). If you are a closed caption person - ask to see the CC on both non-HDTV and HDTV. Play with the remote and look at the options.

It is an expensive world out there and don't get something you will not be happy with.

[Lucko]

Oh yeah, the HDMI cable is great, but you can get them on-line under $12 instead of the $60 plus the chain stores want. Also, Plasma has a pretty picture, but it is at it's best the first day and then very slowly begins to darken over the years -- If you lose a pixel, it can't be repaired, and the factory says that 5 or 6 of those dark spots are not unusual-- blending pixels like some better sets do to cover these spots and to try to hide burn lines from unmoving images like stock tickers and games, or black bars on the side of regular pictures, are a little help -- also, Plasma uses more electricity both when on and off -- I'd rather have DLP then Plasma, but feel that LCD is better all around -- Nuf said --

[golfnut]

I have 2 flat panel TV's, one 26" and one 30", two different manufactuers, love 'em both and can't tell any difference in quality.

[Muncle]

FYI -- :read:
Plasma - Screen sizes range from 32 inches to 63 inches. Larger plasmas, like a 103 inch unit from Panasonic, are in production, but are still prohibitively expensive for consumer use.

LCD - Sizes range from 13 inches to 45 inches. As with plasma, there are larger LCD TVs made, like a 100 inch display recently released by LG, but they are not readily available or affordable at the consumer level

Plasma TVs are the current size champions, particularly when comparing TVs that consumers can easily purchase. LCDs are catching up in size with their developing technology, however, and may surpass Plasmas in the near future. This may be due to difficulties in producing glass large enough for larger plasmas.

Both LCD and plasma TVs will meet the brightness expectations of most consumers. However, in 'real world' situations with ambient light, LCD TVs will generally look a little brighter.

Plasma displays refresh and handle rapid movements in video about as well as CRT televisions.

LCD TVs were originally designed for data display, and not video. Therefore refresh rates had to be improved. LCD TVs with refresh rates below 16 ms or lower (5-15 ms) show very few noticeable artifacts. LCD TVs are now available with refresh rates as low as 5ms.
Slight edge to plasma technology
024

[schotzyb]

Punkpup,
As far as I can tell the only option you have on the lights are either they are on or they are off. They appear to be similar to a soft fluorescent light.

[JohnN]

Question - I can't seem to find much on PIP - Picture-in-a-Picture on the flat panel TV's.
Does that option exist, I hope so. Thanks

[l2ridehd]

I have 2. An LCD and a DLP. Both are Sony. The LCD is I think 45 inch and the DLP is 52 inch. Both are really good, but if I was buying another, I would actually go with the DLP. The quality is great and the cost is quite a lot lower. The biggest difference is that is not exactly a flat panel. It's about 10 to 12 inches thick at the back center. It is the Sony Vega and fits in a corner really well. Even when the sun shines through the window onto the screen it is still clear and bright. Most all of them work really well. Sony, Samsung, Mitsubishi, Phillips. See what you can get the best value on. Which one has features that you like best. Go to a high end store and check them all out, then do online research at CR, narrow it down to a couple, then go to costco and buy it.

[bestmickey]

I've only recently heard of DLP. Have I been under a rug, or is it new(er) technology? Will the "life" be comparable to LCD?

[JohnN]

I've read very recently that "laser" TV's are coming next - and soon

[kathy and al]

After months of research and question-asking re: new flat panel TV's, the final answer is definitely LCD over plasma and screen size a matter of preference.
The best deal in the industry today is at Sam's Club. They have available the new Vizio 52" LCD with PIP for $1889. Bought this unit recently and it is incredible. You have always heard that being at a sporting event was better than watching it on TV- however, with this particular TV, I'm happier watching a sporting event on the Vizio as opposed to actually being at the event?? Strange, but true!! Picture quality and sound are beyond belief and the price is the best in the industry. I'm not for plugging a product, but this one is a winner.

[bestmickey]

Thanks for the info. Wonder if I had previously heard of DLP and just forgot? Happens a lot lately. ;)

I liked the photo as well, though not my kitty.

[JohnZ]

Very cool avatar pic Best Mickey. :bigthumbsup:

Lots of useful information on this thread. Processing all of it is going to take some time. Thanks y'all (scratching chin).

[SteveFromNY]

One very serious word of advice:

I read an article in the Crutchfield magazine that stated "no one has ever returned a television to them because it was too large". Keep that in mind as you shop. Bigger makes a real difference. With the clarity of the high definition screens you can sit closer than the old tv's with their 420 lines of resolution, so ignore any of those rules about how far away you must sit from the set. I do know personally of 2 people who regret having bought sets that are too small (both 42").

My personal preference lately has been for an LCD set from either Sony (Bravia's), Sharp (Aquus) or Samsung. When seen side by side with others, these sets do seem to stand out for clarity, color and contrast. I suggest you watch for the "contrast ratio". In some sets it's 1200:1, in others its 20,000:1. This makes a huge difference in the brightness of the screen.

That said though, any set you bring home will probably look great.

Good luck!

[Ooper]

We've upgraded to a 42" Samsung plasma... just love it. We also have a 19" LCD Sanyo. Need to be more in front of the tube to get a bright picture for the LCD. Picture brightness doesn't change at all, even from the side or top or bottom on the plasma, you can be anywhere in the room without degradation of icture quality. I was surprised at the amount of chnnels that are availabel in HD without haveing to spend the extra cost for digital services.

[The Great Fumar]

If you have windows in your tv room , then by all means get an LCD set (no reflections) and buy the largest screen you can afford. because with HI-DEF you can sit on top of the set and feel like your on the fifty yard line or the 18th green.......I have a small tv room and so only bought a 40" sony .....Fabulous tv but to small for me...
Under the Bucket fumar

[Lady Jan]

Am I correct in assuming that all new televisions will meet the new HD requirements of 2009?

[DickY]

They should be, here is why:

As of March 1, 2007, all television receivers shipped in interstate commerce or imported into the United States must contain a digital tuner. In addition, effective May 25, 2007, the Commission required sellers of television receiving equipment that does not include a digital tuner to disclose at the point-of-sale that such devices include only an analog tuner, and therefore will require a digital-to-analog converter box to receive over-the-air broadcast television after the transition date. Retailers must inform consumers by prominently displaying the following text if they are selling TV equipment with only an analog tuner:

[rdkent]

Keep in mind, digital does not necessarily mean HD. For example, I have DirecTV. All channels I receive are digital, but only some channels are HD. I had to install new dish and new receiver for HighDef. The Feb 2009 requirements are that all stations will broadcast only digital signals, but no requirement for HD.

[Muncle]

Got a new projection TV with the huge screen. It is ideal. Fantastic picture. Just one small problem:

http://www.shortarmguy.com/mandoesthatscreenlookreal.wmv

[Russ_Boston]

Thanks for the laugh Muncle.

I just picked up a 47" Vizio 1080P LCD (new model vo47L that came out in Jan.) Solved the light glare on had in my family room. Great pic and 'only' $1399 + tax.

[lindaz]

Take a look at Home Shopping Network HSN Today's Special.

50" PLASMA for less than $1500 delivered.

WOW!

[dadspet]

Vizio 47" LCD 1080p from Sams. It has 4 HDMI ports and a VGA connection for PC input. Picture is great and it has the new QAM tuner (QAM-based HD programming of local stations is sometimes available to analog cable subscribers, without paying the additional fees for a digital cable box. The availability of QAM HD programming is rarely described or publicized in cable company product literature.)

I get several digital channels and some HiDef on ABC/CBS/NBC stations from Comcast without digital cable. Great price compared to Sony (plus 1" larger<a nit>, and more HDMI ports ) and close in Picture quality after watching the in store TV for more time then I want to admit to. Sound seems good also and remote is nice. We think its a good size for a ranch.

Go as large as you can go/"or want to spend" because with the Hidef aspect ratio of 16x9 and better picture vs 4x3 for previous TVs that were 36" (diagonal) before are now "sized at about 42" with the extra space on the sides and you either have to make the picture wide/panoramic or zoom to fill in the screen a lot of the time.

[chelsea24]

We got a 46" Sharp Aquas for the bedroom and it's wonderful. We had it wall mounted and if you want the guy's name, he's great. Not as expensive as the Geek Squad. Everyone I talked to said they wish they had gone just a little bigger for the wall. So we were going to go 42, but went 46 and it's perfect. We're getting anywhere from a 52 to a 60" for the living room. Sharp, Sony or Samsung. All great, it's just depending on the deal that's going. When we bought the one for the bedroom, Sharp had a deal going for a free Blu-Ray DVD player included and 10 free movies! Couldn't pass that up. Also 1080p is the way to go. And it the HDMI cable (not cheap either) but there really is a difference in the quality of the input (so say the ones in the know). We donated our old (no so old) 46# DLP to the rec center of a church out here. Hope this helps. :)

[RCT]

To bestmickey -- I love your kitty picture.

Also, to answer your question, DLP is definitely OLD technology. They are cumbersome to move around as well. LCD is the latest and best so far. Also, 1080p is latest technology on that up from 1080i.
SHOPNBC had a DLP on last night, a Mitsubishi 52", is only 15 inches deep, only 62 pounds, 1080p, full HDTV, with stand, for $1595. I have looked at DLP projectors, and they are great, except your room has to be pretty dark, and if you're watching an event, with people, your room probably isn't dark, so have ruled them out. However, DLP picture, is every bit as good, and arguably better, even, remember, this is what they use in theaters that we pay to see, and obviously, they use them for a reason, and it isn't financial, because the theater DLP projectors run $100,000 or more. This new 52" Mitshubishi rear DLP seems like a winner at a much less price.

[Russ_Boston]

Both the Vizio 47" and my Sony Blu-Ray came with included HDMI cables.

Looks perfect - can't imagine anything could be better - especially considering the price.

Rule of thumb for size vs. distance: about 2 feet minimum, 3 feet max, for every foot of diagonal measurement. (i.e. A 47" screen (~4 feet) should be viewed at 8-12 feet away.) This is mostly to limit the head movement you'll need to scan the whole screen. You should be focused on the middle of the screen and not required to move your head to see something in the upper corners!

Any closer and you'll see some pixels regardless of make, model. More distance is OK but you could bet larger screen.

[bimmertl]

Try www.cnet.com for unbiased reviews and plenty of information regarding size, etc. On the home page scrowl down to the televsion link on the left side of the page. It will provide information regarding size, cost, and all you need to know about HD TV. Plenty of information on other electronics also.

[SteveFromNY]

And it the HDMI cable (not cheap either) but there really is a difference in the quality of the input (so say the ones in the know).



I was able to find HDMI cables on-line for a few dollars each. They can be found for about $6 (for 2-meter cables) plus shipping at different sites. They work extremely well, and deliver unbelievable video and audio from my Blu-ray thru my receiver and to the television.

There are articles out there about what a huge rip-off the $100 Monster Cables are (as well as all the $50 & $60 & $80 cables out there). This input is all digital, meaning that the information is delivered from one component to another, or it is not. There aren't any quality issues as exist with analog lines (like speaker wire, where a product like Monster Cable delivers significantly better sound over standard thin speaker cable).

Never mind what I say, google "HDMI" and see the prices for yourself. I bought 2 6-ft HDMI cables for $17 including shipping and they work great. How far wrong can you go?

[Willaim]

I bought a 50'" LG Plasma from Bob's TV ,recommend you buy a warranty and have someone set up you TV to get the best picture. Digital Sight & Sounds also was very helpful however they only sell Sony. Get the largest set you can, you won't be sorry.

[tankdvr1950]

Recently purchased a SAMSUNG 46" LCD (Model#T4665F) from BEST BUY...after lots and lots of looking, price and feature comparisons, and a lot of research on the internet.

This particular is highly rated on most internet sites......don't be fooled by looking at the store displays....they are direct wired into a hi-def DVD player to maximize the display quality. Basically, looking at about 75 LCD's at BEST BUY...they all look fantastic....u really need to do the research and have an idea of what options you want...i.e. screen response time, contrast ratio, etc....u can get info on this on the internet.

When i was ready to buy...i went to the Department Manager ...the nice thing about BEST BUY...they don't work on commission so i think u tend to get the straight info you need, without worrying about a sales pitch. Obviously, price is a personal decision you have to make.

To get the max benefit of an LCD TV (hi-definition), you do need to have a hi-def signal to connect to the TV....which in most cases requires a special cable box, and u should really consider the HDMI cable...it does make a bid difference. They are expensive but you can find less expensive ones available on the internet and they work just fine.

The picture is beyond belief....hi-def will amaze you....and while regular (non hi-def) TV does not come close to hi-def....it for sure looks better on an LCD than it does on your current set.

I gave my old 27" analog set to a neighbor for his exercise room.

Hope this helps.