Need help selecting a HDTV
October 26, 2009 8:19 AM Subscribe
I'm looking in to buying an HDTV for around $1000 and would like your input. more info inside.
I would like to buy an HDTV for around $1000.
- I just need a good quality TV (not super quality). I'm not a avid TV watcher, so I might not be able to notice smaller differences in quality. Basically I'm an average joe who watches few shows on TV and few DVDs a month. So what's important is value for money.
- Prefer LCD over Plasma. (LED would be better but they are too expensive)
- At least 46 inches.
- I have a home brewed media center PC, so I need a way to connect it.
- Currently I have an old 27inch CRT TV with regular analog cable and NOT planning on moving to digital or HD cable.
- Once I drop my analog cable planning on surviving on Hulu, Netflix instant, etc ...
1) Can I use this as a regular monitor when I like to browse web sitting on my couch using a wireless keyboard/mouse? (1920x1080 seems reasonable to use as a regular monitor but just wanted to make sure)
2) Doesn't watch that much sports, so I guess I don't need 5ms. Even 25ms should be enough for me, right?
SonyStyle has a refurbished 52 inch TV ( KDL-52W4100) for $1050 and it seems like a good deal.
3) Is this too good of a deal to pass or will there be better deals on thanksgiving?
4) Any thoughts on this particular TV? how's the quality?
5) It doesn't mention anything about a VGA input for the PC. "PC In (D-Sub) + Audio In (Stereo Mini)" what is this? PC In (D-Sub) and VGA are they the same?
6) Since this is a refurb it only comes with 3 months warranty, but you can buy 2 years extended warranty for $100. Looks like it's worth it. Does any one know how easy sony's claim process is or do they just try to weasel out like everyone else?
7) warranty claims - Do they send someone over to your house or do they have local agents that you can take it to? shipping a 80lbs product to some remote facility would probably cost insane amount of money.
8) or am I better off with the warranty that come with American Express CC? does it cover refurb products? I know i can call them and ask but would like ur opinion/experience too :-)
9) Any other TVs or merchants that I should look at? Amazon and Crutchfield seems like trustworthy merchants but their products are expensive.
Thanks :-)
I would like to buy an HDTV for around $1000.
- I just need a good quality TV (not super quality). I'm not a avid TV watcher, so I might not be able to notice smaller differences in quality. Basically I'm an average joe who watches few shows on TV and few DVDs a month. So what's important is value for money.
- Prefer LCD over Plasma. (LED would be better but they are too expensive)
- At least 46 inches.
- I have a home brewed media center PC, so I need a way to connect it.
- Currently I have an old 27inch CRT TV with regular analog cable and NOT planning on moving to digital or HD cable.
- Once I drop my analog cable planning on surviving on Hulu, Netflix instant, etc ...
1) Can I use this as a regular monitor when I like to browse web sitting on my couch using a wireless keyboard/mouse? (1920x1080 seems reasonable to use as a regular monitor but just wanted to make sure)
2) Doesn't watch that much sports, so I guess I don't need 5ms. Even 25ms should be enough for me, right?
SonyStyle has a refurbished 52 inch TV ( KDL-52W4100) for $1050 and it seems like a good deal.
3) Is this too good of a deal to pass or will there be better deals on thanksgiving?
4) Any thoughts on this particular TV? how's the quality?
5) It doesn't mention anything about a VGA input for the PC. "PC In (D-Sub) + Audio In (Stereo Mini)" what is this? PC In (D-Sub) and VGA are they the same?
6) Since this is a refurb it only comes with 3 months warranty, but you can buy 2 years extended warranty for $100. Looks like it's worth it. Does any one know how easy sony's claim process is or do they just try to weasel out like everyone else?
7) warranty claims - Do they send someone over to your house or do they have local agents that you can take it to? shipping a 80lbs product to some remote facility would probably cost insane amount of money.
8) or am I better off with the warranty that come with American Express CC? does it cover refurb products? I know i can call them and ask but would like ur opinion/experience too :-)
9) Any other TVs or merchants that I should look at? Amazon and Crutchfield seems like trustworthy merchants but their products are expensive.
Thanks :-)
5) Same thing, D-Sub is the standard 15 pin VGA connector.
I'm a computer nerd, not a TV nerd, so that's about all I can help with :-)
posted by deezil at 8:51 AM on October 26, 2009
I'm a computer nerd, not a TV nerd, so that's about all I can help with :-)
posted by deezil at 8:51 AM on October 26, 2009
You didn't explain why you prefer LCD over plasma, but Panasonic makes a number of 46" plasmas in your price range. I have a 42" in Viera and the quality is fantastic.
posted by null terminated at 9:05 AM on October 26, 2009
posted by null terminated at 9:05 AM on October 26, 2009
3) I got my Phillips TV the day after Thanksgiving and paid $500. If you don't mind the insanity, you might save some serious cash money.
posted by mmmbacon at 9:07 AM on October 26, 2009
posted by mmmbacon at 9:07 AM on October 26, 2009
I bought my in-laws a 32-inch Sony as a gift. I'm very impressed with the picture, the menu and all its various inputs and outputs. So we're going to be looking at Sony when we buy one for ourselves.
However, we'll also be looking at Vizio, Samsung and maybe some other brands; and I think you should be too. I think you might be a little too fixated on that one model.
I'd like to suggest that you keep an eye on Dealnews.com to find other good deals. I'm also a fan of Newegg.com.
I was just in BJ's Wholesale Club and I was impressed with their selection of TVs and their prices. It might be worth visiting (and joining) if you have one near you.
Keep in mind that the TVs on displays in most stores have never been properly adjusted, so you can't really tell which ones really have the best picture.
One last thing. I very much disagree with (2) - your comment about the screen's response speed. I think that is very important even if you don't watch a lot of sports. A lot of movies have scenes that pan quickly and I think they look better on a faster screen.
posted by 14580 at 9:17 AM on October 26, 2009
However, we'll also be looking at Vizio, Samsung and maybe some other brands; and I think you should be too. I think you might be a little too fixated on that one model.
I'd like to suggest that you keep an eye on Dealnews.com to find other good deals. I'm also a fan of Newegg.com.
I was just in BJ's Wholesale Club and I was impressed with their selection of TVs and their prices. It might be worth visiting (and joining) if you have one near you.
Keep in mind that the TVs on displays in most stores have never been properly adjusted, so you can't really tell which ones really have the best picture.
One last thing. I very much disagree with (2) - your comment about the screen's response speed. I think that is very important even if you don't watch a lot of sports. A lot of movies have scenes that pan quickly and I think they look better on a faster screen.
posted by 14580 at 9:17 AM on October 26, 2009
I've been looking around in this price range as well. The brands that have been recommended to me are Panasonic, Samsung, and Sharp. My source also said Sony has good models, but are higher priced (eg you are paying for the name).
5) It doesn't mention anything about a VGA input for the PC. "PC In (D-Sub) + Audio In (Stereo Mini)" what is this? PC In (D-Sub) and VGA are they the same?
Yes, the VGA connector is a D-sub connector.
9) Any other TVs or merchants that I should look at? Amazon and Crutchfield seems like trustworthy merchants but their products are expensive.
I've been looking at NewEgg, and they seem to have some good deals on TVs.
posted by ArgentCorvid at 9:23 AM on October 26, 2009
5) It doesn't mention anything about a VGA input for the PC. "PC In (D-Sub) + Audio In (Stereo Mini)" what is this? PC In (D-Sub) and VGA are they the same?
Yes, the VGA connector is a D-sub connector.
9) Any other TVs or merchants that I should look at? Amazon and Crutchfield seems like trustworthy merchants but their products are expensive.
I've been looking at NewEgg, and they seem to have some good deals on TVs.
posted by ArgentCorvid at 9:23 AM on October 26, 2009
I highly recommend purchasing a television from a place like Best Buy. This gives you 30 days to return it for a full refund, should you decide it is not right for you. Check the return policy wherever you buy it from.
posted by doomtop at 9:34 AM on October 26, 2009
posted by doomtop at 9:34 AM on October 26, 2009
A place like Costco would be way better than Best Buy. Electronics have a 90 day return policy and they extended the warranty to 2 years. I'd strongly consider something like this 46 inch Samsung. We got the 40" and it's been great so far.
posted by kmz at 9:54 AM on October 26, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by kmz at 9:54 AM on October 26, 2009 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thanks for all the replies and keep em coming :-)
"You didn't explain why you prefer LCD over plasma"
- I have heard that plasma is good if you have a dedicated TV room without other external light sources. But since I'm just going to keep it in family room I thought I'd go for LCD.
- After looking at Plasma vs. LCD my friends have seems like LCD has better picture quality.
I also found this Samsung 52" LN52B530 at wal-mart. Would buying it from wal-mart be a good idea? I mean is it the same quality as the same TV buying from somewhere else (like Amazon or bestbuy) or do they get a low quality low price version at wal-mart?
posted by WizKid at 10:55 AM on October 26, 2009
"You didn't explain why you prefer LCD over plasma"
- I have heard that plasma is good if you have a dedicated TV room without other external light sources. But since I'm just going to keep it in family room I thought I'd go for LCD.
- After looking at Plasma vs. LCD my friends have seems like LCD has better picture quality.
I also found this Samsung 52" LN52B530 at wal-mart. Would buying it from wal-mart be a good idea? I mean is it the same quality as the same TV buying from somewhere else (like Amazon or bestbuy) or do they get a low quality low price version at wal-mart?
posted by WizKid at 10:55 AM on October 26, 2009
You mentioned a 52" model. I hope you have a very large room for this. The most common mistake people make is buying the largest TV they can afford, rather than the best-quality model of the size that is appropriate for the room. If your living room is only 10 feet deep, that puts you about 8 feet from the screen considering seating and TV installation... You're always going to feel like you're in the front row of a movie theater, and watching TV is going to be uncomfortable. You'll be moving your head back and forth like you're watching a tennis match. This chart has some guidelines for screen size and seating distance. The most extreme case of this was a kid I knew in college that had a 60" plasma in his dorm room, literally 3 feet from the couch. You could see the individual pixels, and the overall image had a "screen door" effect. It was very distracting and detracted from the viewing experience.
If the TV will be primarily used for TV and movies, I would suggest Plasma for richer blacks and better color saturation. If it will be primarily used for gaming or as a computer display, I would suggest LCD for better text readability and to avoid burn-in problems that are still present in even the newest Plasma models. (Witness my new 42" Panasonic Viera with permanent burn-in from playing Xenosaga III)
In any case, if you're worried about screen size, a good idea is to make a cardboard cutout based on the measurements of the model you're considering, and place it where you would install the TV. If it looks like it's dominating the room, and if when you're seated normally it feels like you're stuck in the front row of a theater, then it's probably too big for the room. Keep in mind that even if you buy from Best Buy or Costco, while the TV may be returnable, delivery and installation charges usually are not refundable.
posted by xedrik at 1:44 PM on October 26, 2009 [2 favorites]
If the TV will be primarily used for TV and movies, I would suggest Plasma for richer blacks and better color saturation. If it will be primarily used for gaming or as a computer display, I would suggest LCD for better text readability and to avoid burn-in problems that are still present in even the newest Plasma models. (Witness my new 42" Panasonic Viera with permanent burn-in from playing Xenosaga III)
In any case, if you're worried about screen size, a good idea is to make a cardboard cutout based on the measurements of the model you're considering, and place it where you would install the TV. If it looks like it's dominating the room, and if when you're seated normally it feels like you're stuck in the front row of a theater, then it's probably too big for the room. Keep in mind that even if you buy from Best Buy or Costco, while the TV may be returnable, delivery and installation charges usually are not refundable.
posted by xedrik at 1:44 PM on October 26, 2009 [2 favorites]
I have a 46" Sharp Aquos LCD that I got last black Friday for a bit less than a grand. It's a fantastic TV with an extremely sharp picture at 1080p. It comes with four HDMI and another (IIRC) 4 composite inputs, and if you are using it in HD, HDMI is a better way to go in that it carries more bandwidth, and is both the audio and video in a single cable. (I didn't know this when I got the TV and thought it was cool as shit when I found out.)
I have mine hooked into my mac as a second monitor via a HDMI-DVI cable I picked up online for about $8. The only problem with this is that it only carries video from my computer, so if I want to stream video, I have to output it through my receiver.
My only real complaint is that for whatever reason, Sharp decided that they were not going to offer picture in picture on any of their HD TVs, which is a huge shame because the size is big enough that it would be nice to have multiple feeds running.
I like it enough that I plan on buying another one for a different room this black Friday if I can find another sale.
posted by quin at 2:32 PM on October 26, 2009
I have mine hooked into my mac as a second monitor via a HDMI-DVI cable I picked up online for about $8. The only problem with this is that it only carries video from my computer, so if I want to stream video, I have to output it through my receiver.
My only real complaint is that for whatever reason, Sharp decided that they were not going to offer picture in picture on any of their HD TVs, which is a huge shame because the size is big enough that it would be nice to have multiple feeds running.
I like it enough that I plan on buying another one for a different room this black Friday if I can find another sale.
posted by quin at 2:32 PM on October 26, 2009
Response by poster: @xedrik - Thanks for the link. I did the calculation and it seems like 52 inch would work for me. My sofa is between 10-13 feet away from TV.
So by looking at the answers seems like Philips, Sharp, Vizio, Samsung has the same quality. I was under the impression that Samsung had the best picture quality. Could some one tell me how different brands rank in quality low to high? (not taking price or best value in to consideration)
posted by WizKid at 6:43 PM on October 26, 2009
So by looking at the answers seems like Philips, Sharp, Vizio, Samsung has the same quality. I was under the impression that Samsung had the best picture quality. Could some one tell me how different brands rank in quality low to high? (not taking price or best value in to consideration)
posted by WizKid at 6:43 PM on October 26, 2009
Response by poster: Another question is would regular analog cable would look crappier on a bigger HDTV than my old 27inch CRT TV ?
I get a cheap analog cable package right now. But once it's gone I don't think I'll have cable. I'll just watch my shows online.
posted by WizKid at 6:46 PM on October 26, 2009
I get a cheap analog cable package right now. But once it's gone I don't think I'll have cable. I'll just watch my shows online.
posted by WizKid at 6:46 PM on October 26, 2009
As long as you are watching analog standard definition video channels, it will look more or less the same between your 27" and a 52", it'll just be much bigger. But the first time you watch something in 720p or 1080p, you will never be able to look at SDV again and think it looks right.
To get HD from your cable company, you'll probably need to get a digital converter (a cable box) which actually might not be all that much more expensive, if all you want is the cheap digital service with HD channels, so you may want to check.
Otherwise plan on plugging your computer into it so you can get your content online. If you don't already have one, keep an eye out for an upsampling DVD player, I got one off woot.com for about $25, and it makes my DVD collection look pretty nice in HD (not blueray quality, but certainly a bit better than my non-upsampling one.)
It may sound silly, but going to HD really is one of those things that doesn't seem like it would be worth the money till you've done it, then you can't imagine ever going back.
posted by quin at 9:11 PM on October 26, 2009
To get HD from your cable company, you'll probably need to get a digital converter (a cable box) which actually might not be all that much more expensive, if all you want is the cheap digital service with HD channels, so you may want to check.
Otherwise plan on plugging your computer into it so you can get your content online. If you don't already have one, keep an eye out for an upsampling DVD player, I got one off woot.com for about $25, and it makes my DVD collection look pretty nice in HD (not blueray quality, but certainly a bit better than my non-upsampling one.)
It may sound silly, but going to HD really is one of those things that doesn't seem like it would be worth the money till you've done it, then you can't imagine ever going back.
posted by quin at 9:11 PM on October 26, 2009
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by matteo at 8:27 AM on October 26, 2009