I need to buy a new tv and would love to get input from the lot of you on it. ;)

Looking at a flat-screen (LCD or Plasma) and I am clueless on what is the best bang for the buck.

I am looking to spend about 1500-1600 on it for a space that can easily accomodate a 50" screen. So I am looking at 42" - 50"

Should I get an LCD or Plasma? Which is better for picture quality and long life? What are some good models and brands that I should look for?

Any input would be greatly appreciated. :D

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

I would recommend getting the LCD. The plasma is not going to be the big thing pretty soon. In case you have to move somewhere it's best to sell a plasma instead of trying to move they are kinda fragile. Lots of military folk have learned that lesson the hard way. Lcd screens are quickly becoming just as definitive as plasma, and they last longer. I know some techs who just went to this huge multimedia technology convetion ,and they said no one was even talking about plasma any more so, thats just my 2 cents.

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

just bought a lcd magnavox 32" (magnavox=phillips) , great resolution . if you want greater results i'd say you have to get a surround system , i like it loud

just got the HD direct tv box and got to say im hooked on sports channels and discovery ... worth every penny

lcd's are cheaper i believe... i spent $ 1000 on this one .. your looking at probably 15 to 1800 for a good one i think

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

thanks

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

Really depends upon your situation, what you're going to be watching, and where it is going to be. LCDs are lighter, don't have the same glare issues that you'll experience with plasmas (because of the screen covering on most plasmas), and show up better in brightly lit rooms. On the down side, they tend to be pricier on a per-inch basis (i.e., $2000 will buy you a larger plasma than LCD) and don't handle on-screen motion as well as plasmas.

On the other hand, plasmas do handle on-screen motion better than LCDs so they are better for sports and other programming with lots of on-screen action. If you're in a room that is not brightly lit, plasmas are an excellent option in that they tend to have better contrast ratios and display deeper blacks.

On the down side, plasmas weigh a fucking ton, and they are heavy enough that you'll almost certainly end up having to pay someone to mount it on your wall, if you're going that route, whereas you could probably mount an LCD yourself if you wanted to save a few bucks. If you do plan to mount it, make sure you budget that amount into your purchase -- it can be very pricey.

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

[quote=toasty;486555]Really depends upon your situation, what you're going to be watching, and where it is going to be. LCDs are lighter, don't have the same glare issues that you'll experience with plasmas (because of the screen covering on most plasmas), and show up better in brightly lit rooms. On the down side, they tend to be pricier on a per-inch basis (i.e., $2000 will buy you a larger plasma than LCD) and don't handle on-screen motion as well as plasmas.

On the other hand, plasmas do handle on-screen motion better than LCDs so they are better for sports and other programming with lots of on-screen action. If you're in a room that is not brightly lit, plasmas are an excellent option in that they tend to have better contrast ratios and display deeper blacks.

On the down side, plasmas weigh a fucking ton, and they are heavy enough that you'll almost certainly end up having to pay someone to mount it on your wall, if you're going that route, whereas you could probably mount an LCD yourself if you wanted to save a few bucks. If you do plan to mount it, make sure you budget that amount into your purchase -- it can be very pricey.[/quote]

The End :RockOn:

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

[quote=toasty;486555]Really depends upon your situation, what you're going to be watching, and where it is going to be. LCDs are lighter, don't have the same glare issues that you'll experience with plasmas (because of the screen covering on most plasmas), and show up better in brightly lit rooms. On the down side, they tend to be pricier on a per-inch basis (i.e., $2000 will buy you a larger plasma than LCD) and don't handle on-screen motion as well as plasmas.

On the other hand, plasmas do handle on-screen motion better than LCDs so they are better for sports and other programming with lots of on-screen action. If you're in a room that is not brightly lit, plasmas are an excellent option in that they tend to have better contrast ratios and display deeper blacks.

On the down side, plasmas weigh a fucking ton, and they are heavy enough that you'll almost certainly end up having to pay someone to mount it on your wall, if you're going that route, whereas you could probably mount an LCD yourself if you wanted to save a few bucks. If you do plan to mount it, make sure you budget that amount into your purchase -- it can be very pricey.[/quote]

2 negatives I hear about plasmas are they are very delicate and easy to break when handling and the have a problem with screen burn. Are they that tough to take care of?

btw, nice post

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

[QUOTE=speciale;486643]2 negatives I hear about plasmas are they are very delicate and easy to break when handling and the have a problem with screen burn. Are they that tough to take care of?

btw, nice post[/QUOTE]

I try to help. ;)

Screen burn with plasmas is really a thing of the past, for a variety of reasons. Plasmas today will imperceptibly shift the image every so often to make sure it never happens in the first place. Add to that that programmers and equipment manufacturers are more aware of burn-in issues and therefore take steps to make sure it's not an issue -- for example, all of my DirecTV receivers and DVD players have built-in screen savers that kick in any time the same image is on the screen for 15 minutes, and most networks will intentionally have animated logos and will remove scroll bars every so often for just this reason. In the unlikely event you do have an image burn into the screen, though, modern plasmas will allow you to basically whitewash the screen and reset the pixels. The end result of all of this is that it really isn't a valid concern anymore.

The delicacy issue is more an issue with shipping than with day to day handling. For this reason, they cost significantly more to ship, so that's an added concern. Most people, though, mount it to the wall and don't move it around much after that, so assuming that's what you're planning to do, it shouldn't be a big deal, either. If you do intend to move it around pretty regularly, though, it might be enough of an issue to influence your decision -- they are bulky, awkward and heavy, and moving a 50" plasma is definitely a two person job.

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

so I take it you are saying "Go with the plasma" ;)

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

I'll put it this way -- I just went through the very same decision you're going through right now, and I ended up going with a 50" plasma after much deliberation. It's in my bedroom, though, which tends to not be overly bright, so glare and light weren't an issue. If it had been in a really bright room, I might have gone with a smaller LCD. You'll definitely be able to get a significantly larger plasma at the price point you're talking about. Not sure if you could get a 42"+ LCD TV that wasn't an off-brand for $1500.

The proof is really in the eye of the beholder, though. Go to your local Best Buy, Circuit City, whatever, and just look at them side by side. Even comparing plasmas to plasmas and LCDs to LCDs, there can be a very noticeable difference between sets -- especially when it comes to color richness and contrast. Narrow it down to a few in your price range, and let your eyes be your guide.

Best of luck -- no fun like picking up shiny new electronics, IMO. :D

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

Just make sure when you're comparing them, to verify that the settings are set at a comparable level on all of the tv's. some department/ electronic stores are shady enough to turn the contrast/brightness/hue etc down on the less expensive tv's just so they can seal the deal on the more expensive ones. just a thought. good luck and have fun blowing money, it's definitely one of my favorite past times.

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

[quote=hambino21;486699]Just make sure when you're comparing them, to verify that the settings are set at a comparable level on all of the tv's. some department/ electronic stores are shady enough to turn the contrast/brightness/hue etc down on the less expensive tv's just so they can seal the deal on the more expensive ones. just a thought. good luck and have fun blowing money, it's definitely one of my favorite past times.[/quote]

nice tip ;)

yeah, the last sales guy basically said anything under 50" is shit and no good and you have to get an lcd cause plasma sucks. its like wtf are they thinking. i am surprised some of them even make a sale

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

what about 720p vs 1080p? 1080p will be the standard, but from what I heard 720p is the highest plasma can go? Will I really suffer without the 1080p HD?

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

at the rate technology is progressing, you always want to buy the best grade out there because the 2nd / 3rd down the line will get outdated mighty quick. DEFO go with 1080p.

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

btw check this out

[URL]http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/LG-42-LCD-HDTV-42LB5D/sem/rpsm/oid/174195/catOid/-12867/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do[/URL]

pretty good deal and there's an ADDITIONAL $200 off

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

[quote=Kamal;488709]at the rate technology is progressing, you always want to buy the best grade out there because the 2nd / 3rd down the line will get outdated mighty quick. DEFO go with 1080p.[/quote]

I agree but I need some better excuse to convince my wife to go for the better TV :lol:

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

[QUOTE=speciale;488583]what about 720p vs 1080p? 1080p will be the standard, but from what I heard 720p is the highest plasma can go? Will I really suffer without the 1080p HD?[/QUOTE]

You can get a plasma that is 1080p, but you're really talking about videophile-level equipment there -- much more expensive than a 720p plasma.

If you're amenable to a DLP or LCD projection set, you should definitely look to get 1080p. The reality, though, is that there is zero broadcast programming in 1080p right now and I have seen no indication that that will change any time in the near future. If you're mostly just watching TV, you're probably not going to be able to use 1080p any time soon and that premium you'd pay for a plasma that displays 1080p prolly isn't worth it.

If you plan to play a bunch of PS3/Xbox 360 games and/or watch HD-DVD/Blu-Ray discs, though, you will benefit from the increased resolution right now. Really depends upon how you plan to use it.

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

I know you wanted an lcd or plasma but this is the tv I got two months ago. I got it from Tri State with good service.

[URL]http://www.pricegrabber.com/p__Samsung_HL_S6187W_61_DLP_Projection_TV,__19233815/search=6187w/sort_type=bottomline[/URL]

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

Dude if you have not picked up a TV yet, this is the one IMStrongestO

[URL]http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Samsung-40-LCD-HDTV-LN-T4065F/sem/rpsm/oid/175543/catOid/-12867/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do[/URL]

I was at Circuit City last weekend just checking stuff out and walked up to the LCD wall. They had Samsungs, Sony's, Philips, Panasonics, Toshiba's etc. on display and even just walking toward the wall, this sucker stood out, not only in looks but picture quality. 15,000:1 contrast ratio just killed every single display on the wall. Even the Sony Bravia looked kinda dull against the beautiful blacks that TV put out.

I also picked up the remotes for the Sony, Panasonic and this Samsung and fooled with the display settings to make sure they were all even (in the time that i had) and shit this guy was ridiculously gorgeus looking (compared to the others)

I also only recently learnt that there are 2 kinds of Contrast Ratios, i.e. static and dynamic.

Anyhow that TV was about $2399 on Sunday and is already at $1999 on their site. Check it out at a local circuit city asap before the prices go back up.

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

[quote=Kamal;491688]Dude if you have not picked up a TV yet, this is the one IMStrongestO

[URL]http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Samsung-40-LCD-HDTV-LN-T4065F/sem/rpsm/oid/175543/catOid/-12867/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do[/URL]

I was at Circuit City last weekend just checking stuff out and walked up to the LCD wall. They had Samsungs, Sony's, Philips, Panasonics, Toshiba's etc. on display and even just walking toward the wall, this sucker stood out, not only in looks but picture quality. 15,000:1 contrast ratio just killed every single display on the wall. Even the Sony Bravia looked kinda dull against the beautiful blacks that TV put out.

I also picked up the remotes for the Sony, Panasonic and this Samsung and fooled with the display settings to make sure they were all even (in the time that i had) and shit this guy was ridiculously gorgeus looking (compared to the others)

I also only recently learnt that there are 2 kinds of Contrast Ratios, i.e. static and dynamic.

Anyhow that TV was about $2399 on Sunday and is already at $1999 on their site. Check it out at a local circuit city asap before the prices go back up.[/quote]

nice tv, but the wall is pretty big so I am looking at least 46". That is a hell of a tv

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

the thing that I couldnt gauge was the refresh rates cause they had a standard Blu Ray dvd player displaying static shots of buildings, parked cars etc. so I couldnt really tell how bad the ghosting was. I did a little research on the TV itself and turns out that it has an 8 ms refresh rate which is slightly on the higher side. The ideal would be 0 but I've read (and even seen) refresh rates upto 5ms are minimal / bearable.

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

I just cant wait to get the tv up there. They start putting the drywall up next week on the house and I am having them run conduit about 1" in diameter from above the fireplace down to the side of the fireplace since I do not know what cables I will be running to the tv. The one thing that sucks is that I will not be able to run a monitor cable to is since it won't fit through the conduit.

I have about 2 months until the house is built so I am hoping the tv prices drop a little in that time.

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

dude you'll get some crazy deals 2 months down the line.....

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

[quote=speciale;491695]I just cant wait to get the tv up there. They start putting the drywall up next week on the house and I am having them run conduit about 1" in diameter from above the fireplace down to the side of the fireplace since I do not know what cables I will be running to the tv. The one thing that sucks is that I will not be able to run a monitor cable to is since it won't fit through the conduit.

I have about 2 months until the house is built so I am hoping the tv prices drop a little in that time.[/quote]Why didn't you have them run a thicker conduit? you can always cut off one end of the cable, pull that through and then re-terminate the cable and BOOM... you're set. ;)

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

[quote=beanzncheez;492235]Why didn't you have them run a thicker conduit? you can always cut off one end of the cable, pull that through and then re-terminate the cable and BOOM... you're set. ;)[/quote]

not so easy to do on a monitor cable though. :(

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

Yeah redoing a VGA connector sux. It can be done but I 'm not a fan of doing that shite. There are convertor cables that go from VGA to component that you might want to look into. They're a little on the expensive side, but I think its better than redoing a VGA connector anyday.

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

^ ^ Too bad I don't live near you. I can do that in about ten minutes for ya.

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

[quote=beanzncheez;492311]^ ^ Too bad I don't live near you. I can do that in about ten minutes for ya.[/quote] Yeah, I mean 10 minutes is about the norm , but I always get stuck with doing multiple ones and I'm always short of the correc tools, etc. It's just tedious. I had to solder a 50 pin audio cable connector once. I seriously almost lost my shit and killed someone that day.

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

^ ^ In one of our outdoor audio classes we had to make this connector that had a combination of 86 pairs of pins. Meaning, we had to pair these cross pins together, solder them in, and then seat them properly until we got essentially, all 172 connectors in the proper place. You mess up just one, you have to do the whole thing over. :RockOn:

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

^^^^^That shit would've drove me nuts. I remember taking this fiber optics course and learning how delicate you have to be making those connectors.(My past was a little too party filled to be that still) Then just a couple of months ago I was able to use a crimped on fiber connector and was blown away. I didn't even know they had that stuff out there.

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

^ ^ I could use that. I've got some fiber cables that are way too long that I'd love to shorten and use for my home system. I heard there are self-taught kits out there. I may get one one day.

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

Did you ever get a television?

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

not yet. looks like I might pick up the Sharp LC-46D62U. My closing date on the house is July 31st so I want to see if the price drops a bit more. I would much rather go for the samsung, but it is a bit out of my range on $$$$. Next year when we finish the basement, we will be going for a projector for that 100" screen.

The only draw back on the sharp is there are only 2 hdmi connecters.

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

Assuming you will setup a home theater as well, get a receiver with multiple HDMI ins and single HDMI out, you wont have to worry about having fewer than desired HDMI inputs.

I have my eye on this sucker next year

[url]http://www.crutchfield.com/S-PDcMyfgMkGb/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=10420&I=022RXV2700[/url]

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

You know there are HDMI switchers and routers available right? You can have up to five sources with one output or the other one has for two inputs and four outputs. Just a thought. Ophit are the guys that have the nice ones. I saw them yesterday at InfoComm.

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

Yea I've seen those switchers but it does nothing more than allowing multiple inputs. Yes price is also a major concern especially if you've already got all your gear together. Thats why I asked IF he is considering setting up a home theater, in which case the Receivers are a much better idea because not only can you switch from multiple HDMI sources, your analog inputs are all upscaled to 1080i and sent to your TV via your HDMI connection.

Moreover (iirc) Sony's dumped the Faroudja DCDI interscaler in their latest HDMI compatible receivers for better upscaling picture quality. The HDMI switcher is a bandaid remedy if you've already got your home theater gear already.

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

Don't forget the routers as well as the switchers.

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

You all pretty much nailed it. However one thing I did want to mention is the whitewash on plasmas to remedy burn-in actually is useless, all it does is age the picture quicker. If you get a plasma, Panasonic is the way to go. All burn-in is temporary.on those sets and they have fantastic pictures.

I work at Ccity in home entertainment. Any specific questions shoot me a PM, I'm pretty good :)

Re: I Need help picking out a new TV

finally bit the bullet and got the Sharp lc46d82u. got it for less than 2k including a 3 yr warranty