LCD TV Advice.

[liquid]

So with the drop in TV prices, I'm looking at getting an LCD. I don't know much about electronics as a whole, so any advice would be appreciated. From what I've read and what I've been told Sharp Aquos, Toshiba Regza, and Sony Bravia are probably the top three - correct?

What technical things should I be looking for? Obviously 1080P, but other than that I have no clue.

BTW... if anyone has any deals they know of, post it or PM me please.

[FlyBoy]

Re: LCD TV Advice.

I have a 26" Toshiba Regza, and I really like it. The main things I have seen to look for is highest brightness, highest contrast ratio, widest viewing angle, lowest response time, refresh rate (120Hz is the latest thing, most are 60Hz), and lots of HDMI inputs.

[R-Audi]

Re: LCD TV Advice.

I bought my TV last year... and what I found was really price dependant. If you can afford the Sony Bravia XBR ( I think) that was certainly tops..
That being said in the mid-high range I found that Samsung was my favorite after visiting many stores. I also looked at the Sharp Aquos, and to me they just didnt have the quality the Samsungs did, although I have also heard some stores dont set up the colors properly of the TV's that dont give them the best comissions... But it was like that everywhere I went. One thing to note with contrast ratios.. different companies measure them differently, so its not a fair direct comparison.

After many weeks I got a 48" Samsung with 1080 and 120hz, and everyone that sees it has said its the best picture they have seen.

[boostedmk4]

Re: LCD TV Advice.

My parents have a 46" Samsung 1080 and it is probably the best I have seen.
I have a 47" LCD LG 1080 and I am very happy with it.

[MusicalGenius]

Re: LCD TV Advice.

Well my friend it all depends on what your expectations are for the TV.

For colour quality go for a plasma set, you can snag a pretty nice 42" Panasonic 1080p (TH42PZ80) for $1,300 from Visions. That's a damn good set for the price and a decent size to boot.

LCD's are usually brighter and have a longer lamp life, but if you get a set with 120Hz filtering it can make the incoming signal look artificial. It's great for sports because it reduces stutter, but for anything else it looks fake. If you ever hear anyone talking about Blu-Ray looking fake this is usually the source of their distaste.

A couple things to keep in mind are the motion resolutions, this means how many lines are visible when you're watching something, you'll want something with around 650 if not more. The static resolution is usually bull because it'll always be right around 1080 or 900.

You'll also want to remember that contrast ratios are straight bullsh*t because the manufacturers can make anything look like a bigger number. Look for the response time (as mentioned previously), the brightness is a good thing to watch if you're looking at Plasma, but not LCD because all LCD sets can actually be TOO bright.

Probably the most beneficial thing you can do it calibrate your set though. There are a variety of ways to do this easily, with DVD or Blu-Ray discs. You can usually find something at a library to do this, or some AV shops will carry them as well. Also on a last note (in this area) try to have two user settings, one for the day and one for at night.

For HDMI ports look to make sure they are HDMI v1.3.

Enjoy.

[Kordain]

Re: LCD TV Advice.

ive seen the set up discs on DVD available on the newsgroups or torrent quite a few times too. Deffo worth setting up properly.

Ive been intending to buy one too, want a 42" but not sure if I should go for plasma or LCD, id liek to read a good comparison write up if anyone has seen one

[Al]

Re: LCD TV Advice.

I have a 52" LG 1080P 120Hz and I love it, I picked it up about a month ago. Lots of HDMI ports and it was a pretty good price I'd say.

[goddchocula]

Re: LCD TV Advice.

I was out last weekend picking up a Viera plasma and checked out the samsungs with 120hz ( ie: 650 series in a 46"). Northland Best Buy has one set up in a home theatre. They are a very nice tv. Not much pixelation, decent price, very little motion blur, fairly good color, etc... The Samsung I had in my movie room before the new Panasonic was great, for gaming especially. I will definitely get one when I pick up another LCD for the bedroom after christmas.

[goddchocula]

Re: LCD TV Advice.

but if you get a set with 120Hz filtering it can make the incoming signal look artificial. It's great for sports because it reduces stutter, but for anything else it looks fake. If you ever hear anyone talking about Blu-Ray looking fake this is usually the source of their distaste.

I was going to get into this but Genius had it covered.

[liquid]

Re: LCD TV Advice.

LCD's are usually brighter and have a longer lamp life, but if you get a set with 120Hz filtering it can make the incoming signal look artificial. It's great for sports because it reduces stutter, but for anything else it looks fake. If you ever hear anyone talking about Blu-Ray looking fake this is usually the source of their distaste.

A couple things to keep in mind are the motion resolutions, this means how many lines are visible when you're watching something, you'll want something with around 650 if not more. The static resolution is usually bull because it'll always be right around 1080 or 900.

I appreciate all the inpute guys, thanks!

In regards to the 120hz filtering, I was under the presumption the higher this is the better (very profound I know ). How exactly does the 120hz rather than 60hz make the image look fake?

Also, I currently don't game, but am looking at getting a PS3 as well to catch up on years of missed DOD and Fifa... so I would want something good for gaming and watching.

[goddchocula]

Re: LCD TV Advice.

There is a lot of info out there about 120hz

Here is a link:

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6449_7-6792632-1.html

And good info on LCDs in general can be found here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=166


Good luck.

[NeonGTI]

Re: LCD TV Advice.

Consumer Reports just did a bunch of testing on LCD/plasma TVs. I don't have the article near me right now, but I do recall that Samsungs placed at the top of most categories. I'll try to remember to post their findings later.

[Turkey]

Re: LCD TV Advice.

I'll back up the Samsungs.. I researched for months before I bought my TV. I looked at them all! Ended up with the 40" Samsung 550. It was a reasonable price and had 1:30,000. I'm very happy with my purchase. Blu-rays look awesome on it!

You can look up the specs all you want... go to a few showrooms and just look at what you think looks good. That'll help narrow down your search.

[nismodrifter]

Re: LCD TV Advice.

We have a 52" Samsung LNT5265F....very very happy with the purchase and would most definately go with Samsung again.

[liquid]

Re: LCD TV Advice.

Any thoughts on this TV:

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/prodde...gon=&langid=EN

40" is slightly smaller than I wanted but it's a great deal, and from what I can tell, a solid TV.