buying an LDTV, what to look for?

[Maverick2002]

I'm most likely going to be purchasing a ~40" LCDTV in the next couple weeks for my new place and I'm wondering what to look for. From my research Samsung seems to be the best/most popular choice. So, anything I should be wary of? What's a good price point? Are there any deals going on right now/anything I should wait for?



EDIT: from what I've research so far this is the best: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16889102208



Yay/nay? Also, should I spend money for an expensive wall mount or just get something basic?


Finally, does anyone know of any deals going on with this tv right now? It seems almost everywhere is selling it for $1500, with one at BuyDig.com for $1380.

EDIT2: Do I need to buy HDMI cables? I don't have a gaming console yet. They look expensive. My cable box doesn't have HDMI either, so isn't that kind of pointless? And should I buy extended warranty?

 

[sivart]

I prefer plamsas, but high end LCD TV's are nice (I.e. Samsung).

Unless you plan on fully hiding the wiring and have an RF remote to control your equipment in a different room, I don't really see the need for a wall mount. After all, even if you hide the wires, you will still need a place to put all of your equipment that is connected to the TV (I.e. cable box, BD/DVD player, DVR, etc). I would just go with a nice stand.

Now if you only need TV via an antenna and it is out by your hot tub...well.....

 

[g8wayrebel]

The first thing I was going to say was 120HZ. You have that covered , with a great set to boot.
Plasmas are great , but not for well lit rooms. And longevity leaves something to be desired from them as well.
I'd not bother with a wall mount unless your situation dictates it myself.

 

[Maverick2002]

It's going in a well lit room. The TV I linked is 120hz correct?

Also, I need to wall mount it because it's going above a mantle directly above a fireplace in the living room - it's the only logical spot for a tv to go and I really have no option but to wall mount it. It's not about hiding wires - I know some will be showing. It's more of a convenience issue. That said, are all wall mounts about the same?

 

[tk149]

I bought the A550 because it has a matte screen and was at a better price point for me. I think some of the higher model Samsung's started using the glossy screens, which reflect a lot of ambient light. I don't know if the 650's do.

A salesman I talked to said that some people hate the red Touch of Color. I personally don't like it, but it's not a dealbreaker for me. Make sure you check it out in a B&M showroom first.

I bought mine from Amazon, with free shipping, for a lot less than BB, CC, or the other local stores were offering it for.

I read that a TV should be placed so that the middle is at eye-level when you're sitting down. Unless you plan on reclining a lot, or sit back far away from the TV, you should consider moving furniture around instead of mounting it over the fireplace.

 

[techwanabe]

I have the touch of color and you don't notice it while watching. It looks kind of classy.

The glossy screen hasn't been a problem for me either.

 

[sivart]

Originally posted by: Maverick2002
It's going in a well lit room. The TV I linked is 120hz correct?

Also, I need to wall mount it because it's going above a mantle directly above a fireplace in the living room - it's the only logical spot for a tv to go

Keep that chiropractor on your speed dial. Kind of like sitting in the front row of a theater for all of your TV watching

 

[techwanabe]

Originally posted by: sivart

Originally posted by: Maverick2002
It's going in a well lit room. The TV I linked is 120hz correct?

Also, I need to wall mount it because it's going above a mantle directly above a fireplace in the living room - it's the only logical spot for a tv to go

Keep that chiropractor on your speed dial. Kind of like sitting in the front row of a theater for all of your TV watching

It depends on the hight of the mantle but I don't think I would ever want to watch a TV at that height!

 

[Maverick2002]

The TV center will be ~2ft above eye level if sitting straight on the couch. We lean back almost all the time though and with a 10-15 degree tilt I think it should be ok.

Anyway, I'll check out the TV in stores. As for wall mounts, does it really matter what kind I get or all they all about the same? I just need something basic with a low profile that has adjustable tilt.

 

[Maverick2002]

bump ... anyone?

EDIT: Do I need to buy HDMI cables? I don't have a gaming console yet. They look expensive. My cable box doesn't have HDMI either, so isn't that kind of pointless? And should I buy extended warranty?

 

[Dirigible]

Originally posted by: Maverick2002
bump ... anyone?

EDIT: Do I need to buy HDMI cables? I don't have a gaming console yet. They look expensive. My cable box doesn't have HDMI either, so isn't that kind of pointless? And should I buy extended warranty?

I dunno if you need 'em because I don't know what you plan to hook up to the TV. monoprice.com has 'em at an inexpensive price. It's where I got mine. Edit after rereading your post: Doesn't sound like you have anything to hook up via hdmi, so doesn't sound like you need 'em.

I know nothing about extended warranty.

 

[s44]

HDMI cables are cheap. Does your current cable box do HD?