Advice on a sub $1000 dollar TV

[Nvidiaguy07]

I hope this is the right section im posting in.

So basically i want to spend the least amount i can but still get something decent.

-I definitely dont want a 120HZ TV because i think they make everything look ridiculous. To me everything looks sort of fast forwarded, not what im used to.
-I dont care about having newer internet connection crap and all that. Its going to be hooked up to a PC so all i need is a good display.
-I would like to get at least a 42" probably a 46", but if i can go bigger i will.
-i might be interested if theres closeout sales on older model's that are only 720p. Or would this not be a wise choice?

I havent bought a TV in a long time so I dont even know what to look for. There are so many different models now that it overwhelms me.

Ive heard that VIZIO's arent bad for how cheap they are, and by the time it craps out ill be wanting something different anyway. I read somewhere that new models come out in august and september, so would is this a good time to get a deal on an older model?

Any advice will help. Thanks

 

[Anubis]

never mind plasma bad idea with a PC

 

[Nvidiaguy07]

never mind plasma bad idea with a PC

Burn-in? I've heard that might be a problem. My dad has a DLP projection TV that looks pretty decent with a computer hooked up to it. I think id rather have something less bulky though, even though it was that thick compared to other projection sets. But the picture is pretty decent on it.

 

[Anubis]

if you are gonna use it on a HTPC and just have the PC desktop showing when you are looking for something to view its fine. but yea Burn in makes plasmas bad for 24/7 comp use

this is what i linked BTW
http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2100086

 

[Nvidiaguy07]

if you are gonna use it on a HTPC and just have the PC desktop showing when you are looking for something to view its fine. but yea Burn in makes plasmas bad for 24/7 comp use

this is what i linked BTW
http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2100086

that TV looks like an awesome deal, it will probably be ok for what im using it for. The only thing i dont get is this:

"1024 x 768 pixel resolution
Supports 720p signals for stunning image clarity"

720p is 1280*720..... its not even the same ratio. How does this work?

 

[slashbinslashbash]

that TV looks like an awesome deal, it will probably be ok for what im using it for. The only thing i dont get is this:

"1024 x 768 pixel resolution
Supports 720p signals for stunning image clarity"

720p is 1280*720..... its not even the same ratio. How does this work?

Good thread about that here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=758937

 

[Patranus]

If you have speakers and a cable box its all about the Panny pro models.

You can easily find a 50" for under 1k.

 

[Anubis]

If you have speakers and a cable box its all about the Panny pro models.

You can easily find a 50" for under 1k.

720p yes, 1080p no

 

[Nvidiaguy07]

If you have speakers and a cable box its all about the Panny pro models.

You can easily find a 50" for under 1k.

where can i buy these? All i care about is a good screen.

 

[AndroidVageta]

Look at some DLP sets.

I bought my Mitsubishi 1080p 3D-ready 60 inch DLP from hhgregg for $800...beautiful picture quality and mighty big.

It your price range, a good LCD is hard to come by, especially when it comes to size and 1080p resolution.

Also, have you tried checking out Craigslist...dont know how good it is in Connecticut, but here in Atlanta there are awesome deals on TV's ALL the time.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[Anubis]

where can i buy these? All i care about is a good screen.

hes referring to the TH-50PH20U I'm assuming, 50 inch 720 retails for ~1050 can be found for 900 ish if you look hard

the TH-50PF20U is the 1080p version which costs 2.5k

biggest thing to remember about panny pro plasmas is they are monitors only. no tv tuners no speakers, just a screen

 

[Patranus]

hes referring to the TH-50PH20U I'm assuming, 50 inch 720 retails for ~1050 can be found for 900 ish if you look hard

the TH-50PF20U is the 1080p version which costs 2.5k

biggest thing to remember about panny pro plasmas is they are monitors only. no tv tuners no speakers, just a screen

If you are +5 feet away the difference between 1080 and 720 is mute.

 

[JackBurton]

that TV looks like an awesome deal, it will probably be ok for what im using it for. The only thing i dont get is this:

"1024 x 768 pixel resolution
Supports 720p signals for stunning image clarity"

720p is 1280*720..... its not even the same ratio. How does this work?

Better deal:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Panasoni...20s2&cp=1&lp=4

Full 1080p.

 

[slashbinslashbash]

I bought the Insignia 42" Plasma from Best Buy today for $400. I was considering going bigger, or 1080p, but damn it, $400 is just damn cheap. The 42" 1080p Panny linked above costs 75% more! $100 more and you could buy 2 of the Insignias! Is that really worth the extra resolution? Maybe if you're using it as a computer monitor, but for my needs (my only HD source is Xbox 360 -- most of this TV's use will be watching normal SD DVD's) 720p is just fine. I was also considering an LG 47" 1080p LCD that has been on sale at Fry's recently for $600. And, well, $600 is 50% more than $400. A 25% increase in screen size is not worth a 50% increase in price. Plus, $400 is cheap enough that I can say "Aw, **** it" while $600 is in the "I should give this careful consideration" range.

FYI, the Insignia is a rebadged Samsung TV. Not just the panel, the whole TV. It has a few options removed relative to the same Samsung model (2x HDMI ports instead of 3, and no VGA input) but the screen, the back panel, the stand mount, the buttons on the front... all the exact same as the Samsung. And it has a 2-year warranty, since Insignia is the house brand of Best Buy. Buy it with an Amex card and you've got 3 years of warranty. You can't beat that with a stick!

 

[Mermaidman]

Pretty hot deal on this 50" 1080P LG at Newegg:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16889005136

It's quite slim for a plasma too: 2.2"
but it weighs 63 lb!

 

[Anubis]

thats pretty standard weight for a 50 inch plasma. mine weighs over 70lbs

the LG is a nice tv, it however acts like a Mirror in a bright room

its also sold out

 

[Nvidiaguy07]

It seems like plasma is the way to go when it comes to value Hi-Def. The only thing i worry about is how the res will look on a tv that is 4:3res stretched to 16:9. I know with tv itll be scaled and look more than fine, but when i hook it up to a computer, and set the res to 1024*768, the image is going to be stretched out right? Im guessing id have to set it to 1280*720 and then the TV will scale it to fit properly?

Better deal:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Panasoni...20s2&cp=1&lp=4

Full 1080p.

what are the pros/cons on that set? I just dont get what makes a TV that is 42" and 1080p anywhere from 600-1200 dollars. How does the picture compare to the insignia?

I bought the Insignia 42" Plasma from Best Buy today for $400. I was considering going bigger, or 1080p, but damn it, $400 is just damn cheap. The 42" 1080p Panny linked above costs 75% more! $100 more and you could buy 2 of the Insignias! Is that really worth the extra resolution? Maybe if you're using it as a computer monitor, but for my needs (my only HD source is Xbox 360 -- most of this TV's use will be watching normal SD DVD's) 720p is just fine. I was also considering an LG 47" 1080p LCD that has been on sale at Fry's recently for $600. And, well, $600 is 50% more than $400. A 25% increase in screen size is not worth a 50% increase in price. Plus, $400 is cheap enough that I can say "Aw, **** it" while $600 is in the "I should give this careful consideration" range.

FYI, the Insignia is a rebadged Samsung TV. Not just the panel, the whole TV. It has a few options removed relative to the same Samsung model (2x HDMI ports instead of 3, and no VGA input) but the screen, the back panel, the stand mount, the buttons on the front... all the exact same as the Samsung. And it has a 2-year warranty, since Insignia is the house brand of Best Buy. Buy it with an Amex card and you've got 3 years of warranty. You can't beat that with a stick!

Pretty sure im gonna buy this set. just wondering if youve tried hooking a pc or laptop up to it? how should i set the res on a PC?

thanks for all the input from everyone.

 

[slashbinslashbash]

Pretty sure im gonna buy this set. just wondering if youve tried hooking a pc or laptop up to it? how should i set the res on a PC?

Haven't tried it yet. I might get the chance to tonight. I think your idea of setting the res at 1280x720 and letting the TV scale it is probably the way to go. Keep in mind it doesn't have a VGA input, so you'll need a DVI->HDMI adapter, and any laptop will need to have DVI output. I need to find the DVI dongle for my MacBook before I can test it out.