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Buying a 42-46" LCD, possibly also 26-28" as well

F

fbrdphreak

Lifer
Reposted from regular OT, I forgot about the new forum

Obviously the 42-46" will be 1080p. It will likely never be hooked up to a PC, don't care about that at all. Primary use will be TV and DVD. HD-DVD/Blu-Ray eventually, so I want to maintain compatibility and image quality for that eventuality.

My two biggest concerns are the following:

*Panel quality: I don't want crappy black colors or poor viewing angles. I understand that may be a concern of the $999 1080p systems that will be on sale @ Costco soon. That said, I am not the most picky person when it comes to image quality. Give me a good overall presentation and I will likely not notice the little things.

*Warranty/reliability: Of course no one wants a TV that will be unreliable, but if there seems to be a particular brand that is problematic or has poor support, tell me about it. Also what about the quality of warranty? I read on AVSForum about a guy with a Westinghouse who called to report a problem, they said it would have to be sent in, and only when mentioning an issue which seemed to be a known defect did they pay for his shipping. I cannot see ever paying to ship one of these TV's anywhere - I would rather keep my crappy tube TV's. Has anyone used the Sam's Club extended warranties? I don't trust BBY's extended warranties and their TV prices are ridiculous compared to Sam's/Costco. General input on LCD TV warranty would be appreciated!

I'm looking at spending a max of around $1500 for the TV, but Costco has two 42" 1080p's (Vizio and Magnavox) that will be $999 on sale. I don't care about an HD Tuner - we will likely just get digital cable w/HD. Maybe someday XBox360/PS3, and like I mentioned HDDVD/Blu-ray.

If anyone has any recommendations for a 720p/1080i 26-28" wall-mountable LCD please let them rip. This will be for our bedroom and that is all we can fit in the space. I would LOVE one with an integrated DVD player. I know Westinghouse makes one and Sam's sell it for like $580, but I'm not sure if you can use a regular wall mount on that.

If anyone has any specific recommendations, please make them! But general talk is welcomed of course.
 
I just got a 42" Vizio LCD. It's only capable of 1080i, but I haven't found programming any higher than that, so 1080p wasn't worth the price. But I love the interface, the picture looks great to me, and it looks pretty on the wall. It seems like TV technology is changing VERY quickly right now, so I couldn't see getting anything cutting edge just yet.

Good luck!
 
From what I've read on the AVS Forum, there are going to be some LED backlit LCD panels coming out this fall. Those should give truer blacks because each LED can change brightness if it needs to.
 
Yeah I read that too. I think i read in another article though that the LED backlit models will probably have a $500 premium over the lamp-lit ones. Ugh decisions decisions...
 
Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
How are the blacks and color reproduction on your Vizio?
Click to expand...

When compared to a good panel, blacks, shadow detail and color are not going ot be very good on a budget LCD. Of course, you may not care, especially if you have nothing to directly compare it to since you will still have the incredible resolution of HD (compared with SD).
 
SD?

I need to go see the $999 Costco Vizio in person. I'm really worried about the blacks being crappy, but I have zero LCD TV experience so my un-discerning eye may not even notice!
 
Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
SD?

I need to go see the $999 Costco Vizio in person. I'm really worried about the blacks being crappy, but I have zero LCD TV experience so my un-discerning eye may not even notice!
Click to expand...

SD = Standard Definition TV

Yes, go take a look. But it's often very hard to make any decisions based on what you see in the store.

 
Samsung LN-T4061F $1,528.88 w/free shipping from Amazon

$30 above your price range but don't cheat yourself. As far as LCDs go, the 2007 Samsungs are the best out. 13-months parts and service if you register online when it arrives.
 
And what happens if something is DOA or when you have service? I assume you have to pay to ship it? Anyone have to deal with that yet?

Thanks!
 
frys.com has some hot deals right now. and if u have a local frys u can pricematch to wherever usually.

check it out.
 
Amazon is really good with returns. If it's their fault (DOA) they will pickup and replace free of charge to you. They use white glove delivery too.

I realize though you wanted 42" up and the 4061 is 40".
 
Yeah I saw that it was 40". It's not the end of the world - I guess I'm just liking the idea of 90 day returns with Costco (I assume Sam's too). I can get a Westinghouse 42" 1080p from Sam's for $1400 - maybe not on the same level as the Samsung and I've heard some not-so-good stories about Westinghouse support.

Ah more research to do!
 
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