You down with HDTV?

MarkLark — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 14:18:10 -0800

Looking for advice on HDTV purchase, where to buy, which models are recommended and which to avoid. Plasma, DLP, LCD? OMG! Hi all - I'm looking to purchase a new HDTV (perhaps as soon as this weekend) and considering the hefty pricetag involved, I just want to be sure I'm making the right choices. I'm looking for any useful tips you can throw my way, or at least guide me in the direction I think I'm going.

We currently have a 48-inch HD rear projection which needs to be replaced. I have an unhealthy obsession with CNN so now there is a permanent CNN logo burned into the bottom left hand corner of the screen. That's now going to be "my" TV so I'm in search of something nice to replace it.

After scouring all askMeFi posts tagged with HDTV, I came across a recent post which gave much praise to the Samsung brand. After checking various models via online reviews (CNet was a good resource, linked in that post), I've taken a shine to the HLTxx87S series, which is the new "LED Engine DLP", no bulb to burn out. Has anyone heard anything - good or bad - about either these models or this new type of video technology?

Finally, price: I was originally setting my max price at around $1500-1600 (US). One of the reasons I'm leaning towards the model above is because Amazon has the 56" model for $1600 - or a 61" for $1800. This seems to be a great bargain considering their regular list price and what other stores list them for.

Assuming I went with this model, is it worth an additional $200 to get 6 more inches (hmm that sounds weird). Is it possible to go "too big"? I've heard of "smearing" on some sets during fast-action scenes, and wonder if this would be more evident on a larger screen.

My last (and nearly biggest) concern is the fact that this would be purchased from Amazon. Has anyone made a big-ticket purchase like this from Amazon before? The pros are that their prices are much cheaper than any of the Big Box places in my area (Best Buy, primarily) - plus there would be an added bonus of no sales tax. I'm concerned with having something that large shipped to me, what happens if it's faulty and needs to be returned, etc. If I end up not going through Amazon, I'm probably going to have to look for a different set at a Big Box store that fits my budget.

I'm not totally sold on this model or brand yet, so if you know of other reliable sets in the approximate neighborhood of $1500, 50+ inches and are burn-in resistant/proof, I'd love to hear about it. (Some gaming may be done on this set as well, but will be primarily for watching HD cable/movies, if this matters.)

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You down with HDTV?