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We are in the "dark ages" of TV. We currently have a standard def 40" Sony and want to upgrade to a flat panel. We mostly watch TV shows with our DVR and occasionally a movie. No video gaming although wife wants a Wii.
Certain specs we have settled on is the following.
<$1000
1080p
120Hz or 240 Hz
46" - 50"
RCA inputs
Good reviews
Things we don't need.
Built-in media player
Internet access
3D
Recommendations or suggestions appreciated.
I've been really happy with the Samsung plasma that I have (my folks have an identical one that's a year older). Plasmas are cheap, and IMO they have the sharpest picture. The downsides are that they run hot, they're heavy, and you can get glare and reflection if you don't stick it in the right spot. I've heard they only last about 5 years, but that's just crap I read on the interwebz and I've never had it confirmed. But if you think about it, it'll be obsolete in 5 years anyhow, right? Also, the last tube TV I had crapped the bed in a scant 3 years - and it was a top-o-the-line Phillips-Magnavomit.
Reconsider the 1080p, the 120-240Hz, and maybe even the size. I looked long and hard at 720 vs 1080 and, frankly, I couldn't tell a whole lot of difference - even on a 50" screen. Also, I think the super-high refresh rates are a gimmick - your eyes won't be able to tell the difference. When I was first browsing at Fry's, they had a 42" stuck right next to a 50" and, of course, the 42" looked puny and pathetic next to its big brother. But once I got the 42" home, it looked PLENTY big. Not sure how big your space is, but 50" may be overkill if your sitting 10 feet from the TV. Also, prices seem to ratchet up at the 50" level. Just sayin...
I think most units on the market have RCA inputs, but you should really look into a receiver with HDMI capability - all digital, and it really cleans up that rat's nest of wires behind the TV. Onkyo has been darn good bang for the buck for me, my folks, and a couple of other friends that decided to upgrade.
The Wii is neat and all, but be aware of the fact that you have to buy the component video cable from Nintendo in order to get the best quality. Even then, it's only 480p. It's cute and all, but you should really just get a PS3 and GT5 - at least you can tell your wife you got her a BluRay player. ;)
As for reviews, I usually poke around on Amazon and CNET to see what looks good. The Samsung was way up CNET's list when I got mine (admittedly, over a year ago).
You'll probably end up buying new furniture to go with your new TV, so you might as well plan to go balls-out and upgrade your whole system.
Samsung, Pioneer, LG, Vizio are brands I'd consider. Philips, Sony, Magnavox, RCA, are ones I'd avoid.
46 inch or bigger, get 1080p. Your eye can't detect more than a 60hz refresh but 120 is good for fast action sports.
You can't have too many inputs especially HDMIs.
I've had a Samsung 46" LCD for a few years, and have loved it. no problems with refresh rates, football looks great, etc etc etc.
My only regret is that I didn't get a bigger one, but the next size up (52", I think) was a pretty major price jump. Someone said it, 50" is a break point.
I'd go with Samsung
We have 2 Samsung LCDs and a Samsung DLP and have been very happy with them. One of the LCDs stopped working a few months back and I called up Samsung even though I knew it was way past the warranty period. They had a repair man out at the house and fixed it for free 3 days after placing the call.
I have found that Frys Electronics usually has the best in-store deals these days (used to be Best Buy). I agree with trickyrix about plasmas, they are the best bang for the buck. My son's roommate has a 50+ inch Panasonic Viera and it does look great and it is only 720P. Glare can be an issue with these though.
Here is a 1080P that meets your criteria.
Walmart has a 52" 1080p, 60hz, Samsung LCD thta I paid $830 about 2-months ago. It was the best looking TV on the well, and looked just as good as the LED backlight TV's. I was worried about a 60hz TV, but luckily there is no blurring on Forza and it was about 1/2 the price of the 120hz model. TV tech is slowing down and features like LED backlighting and 120hz refresh really aren't necessary. My Samsung DLP died, I recommend an in-store warranty too, and I'm a staunch anti-warranty guy.
Fry's or Sam's/Costco FTW.
We have two Vizio's now and have been nothing but pleased with every aspect. 46" has been more than enough for our living room, but 50" is nice. For your uses, I wouldn;t worry about LCD vs Plasma. Either should meet your needs well.
Tiger direct,
samsung or sony
Samsung, I got my 55" 120hz LED at Fry's last year for $1,500 on a sale. I think it's now down close to $1,200 on sale and would be a good option. Also around the holidays Walmart and a few others had a Samsung 46" non LED, 120 hz for $800 that might work nicely.
I have a 50" Panasonic Plasma 720p and a 37" LCD Panasonic 720p. Very pleased with the pic on both....having said that I need to qualify that with I only get a few local HD channels and the best seem to be broadcast in 1080i so my TV's do fine. At the stores I really can not tell the diff between a 720 or 1080. Samsung does seem to be a fav with everybody.
I'm a Samsung fan. My fiance just got me a 55" Sammy for my birthday to replace my old 42" Samsung LCD that is only about 3 years old (which will be mounted in the guest/elliptical room since I'll never sell it for enough to get a more "appropriate" sized TV for that room).
No matter what you get, go to www.tweaktv.com and search for your model (or the closest possible). It gives you settings to use to adjust your TV and makes a HUGE difference. At least from my experience.