42" Aquos VS 42" Westinghouse

Psynaut

Senior member
Jan 6, 2008
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Has anyone compared these two monitors, or tried the 42" Aquos on their computer? I have a 37" Westy, and I am sure the 42" would be comparable. I have heard the Aquos has better blacks, but I don't know what other unforeseen problems it might possibly have when hooked up to a computer. I like my 37", but I think I could go a bit bigger.
 

LokutusofBorg

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Mar 20, 2001
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Those are technically TVs not monitors, no? You'll probably find some info about them on avsforum.
 

Psynaut

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Jan 6, 2008
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Originally posted by: LokutusofBorg
Those are technically TVs not monitors, no? You'll probably find some info about them on avsforum.

The Aquos is a tv, which, in the 32" size is routinely used as a computer monitor, the Westinghouse makes both a tv and a monitor in that size. The 37" Westy is a monitor, and is perhaps the most commonly used for the computer in the 32 - 42 inch range. However, there are several other newer tvs and monitors now (LG, Samsung among others) discussed at AVS and Hard Forum. I just wondered if anyone here had tried them, since I know there are quite a few people on this board using the same 37" Westy that I use.
 

SickBeast

Lifer
Jul 21, 2000
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The Sharp Aquos will blow the Westinghouse out of the water in terms of both black level and color reproduction. In fact, the Sharp is probably better across the board. The Westinghouse may have more A/V connections is all.

I know this because I own a 46" Sharp Aquos and I nearly purchased a 50" Westinghouse. In my case, it was well worth losing 4" for the sake of a much better display overall.
 

RussianSensation

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Sep 5, 2003
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My friend has a 32 inch Aquos. We both like the colors on the Westinghouse better (more natural color, without the bright vibrancy of the Sharp that seems overexaggerated at times). The blacks and whites are better on the Sharp though.

If I was in your shoes I'd look into a 47 inch upgrade.
 

Psynaut

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Jan 6, 2008
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Originally posted by: SickBeast
I know this because I own a 46" Sharp Aquos

Originally posted by: RussianSensation
If I was in your shoes I'd look into a 47 inch upgrade.

That big? I want to use this as a regular computer monitor that I sit 4 feet away from at a desk. Will the text still be sharp and clear and crisp like it is on my 37"? How far away are you guys sitting from your monitors?

I thought 37" would be too big, and now I think it is too small, so I am open to our advice, I just want to make sure we aren't talking about sitting across the room on the couch, I will be using this at my desk.
 

RussianSensation

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Sep 5, 2003
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Originally posted by: Psynaut

That big? I want to use this as a regular computer monitor that I sit 4 feet away from at a desk.

In that case I think the 47 inches would be too big now that I think about it :(

I sit about 3 feet away from mine and 37 inches is enough for me. I am going to wait until LED TVs come down in price to upgrade.
 

SickBeast

Lifer
Jul 21, 2000
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Originally posted by: Psynaut
Originally posted by: SickBeast
I know this because I own a 46" Sharp Aquos

Originally posted by: RussianSensation
If I was in your shoes I'd look into a 47 inch upgrade.

That big? I want to use this as a regular computer monitor that I sit 4 feet away from at a desk. Will the text still be sharp and clear and crisp like it is on my 37"? How far away are you guys sitting from your monitors?

I thought 37" would be too big, and now I think it is too small, so I am open to our advice, I just want to make sure we aren't talking about sitting across the room on the couch, I will be using this at my desk.

I sit 12' away from my Aquos. In response to RussianSensation, the color intensity can be reduced on the Sharp if you don't like it (which I find odd), whereas you're stuck with washed out looking colors on the Westinghouse.
 

SSChevy2001

Senior member
Jul 9, 2008
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I'm going to agree with RussianSenation, where I'm just waiting for the LED TVs to drop in price. When that time comes I'm going to look at the 40-42" TVs, anything else IMO is too big for 3-4ft away.
 

SickBeast

Lifer
Jul 21, 2000
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How much less energy do the LED TVs use? IMO the quality difference is no big deal.

If you wait it out too long, you will want to wait it out again for OLED or something. I say if you need an HDTV, now is a great time to buy something, or else just wait until Black Friday if you can wait.
 

Psynaut

Senior member
Jan 6, 2008
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I have seen 42" westys for as low as $450 on Craigslist, and I am sure I could get close to that for my 37", so it wouldn't really cost much to upgrade apples to apples plus an extra 5" I just wonder if the text would still be sharp and clear at that size. I know movies would be better. I think there are also 40" models I could use, but I don't really know if that would be worth the effort.

Good point about future upgrades on the LED tvs.