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Help me decide: Sharp Aquos 46in LCD or Sony 40in LED

T

trentn13

Junior Member
Hey guys,

I'm about to buy either a Sharp Aquos 46in LCD or a Sony Bravia 40in LED. I really need help in deciding. The pros for the Sharp for me is that I'm familiar with LCD tv's and I think the size would be great. I've never had a Sharp, however, I have heard good things about them. With the Sony, I am more used to the Bravias, but I have never had a LED. The internet connectivity on the Sony would also be a small plus.

Please help me figure out what would be the better way to go. Thanks for your help.

Sharp: LC46E77U
Sony: KDL40NX700
 
First, an "LCD" and "LED" TV's use the same kinds of LCD array as shutters that open and close for each pixel in the display. The difference between them is the backlight source. "LCD" TV's use cold-cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL), while "LED" TV's use LED's as an edge or back light source.

LED's have all of the advantages:

1. They use less power to produce a given light output.

2. The light spectrum is closer to natural sunlight so they can produce a more natural appearing color balance with less filtering.

3. They last longer.

4. More advanced sets can control the actual color and level of the light output displayed on various parts of the screen as the picture is rendered so they can produce a greater apparent dynamic range and better blacks.

Unless you get some really financially persuasive deal on an older LCD set, go for an LED backlit set, and don't make that choice until you comare them side by side. Once you see a good LED set, you'll probably be willing to pay a little more for it, and the lower power and longer life make it worth the difference.

Second, Sony makes some great looking sets, but so do Samsung and LG. Overall, I think you'll get more bang for the buck from a Samsung model than from Sony with LG coming in a close third.

Do some homework on likely candidates, taking note of their features, such as the kinds of inputs and connectivity (web enabled, wireless inputs, etc.) you'll want as well as user opinions from reliable sources. Then, go out and look at the sets you're considering, perferably in a side by side demonstration. Sears, Best Buy, Fry's Electronics (if in your area) and most other major vendors will probably have them on display.

Once you know the model you want, you can still shop for a better deal online, but you'll know what to expect. And it may be worthwhile to pay a little more for the same set, locally, because, if there's an immediate problem, you can return or exchange it without shipping it back.

Hope that helps. 🙂
 
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Difference in picture quality between LCD and LED Backlit LCD isn't that big as difference in $$$. I wouldn't consider buying LED-Edgelit LCD

LED TV vs. LCD TV: http://www.lcdtvbuyingguide.com/hdtv/led-vs-lcd.html

Brands - Samsung or LG

Place to buy - Newegg, every tuesday and thursday(and saturday - Weekend deals) Newegg has good deals
When I bought my 42" LG LCD, I paid on newegg ~$150-$200 less for the very same TV than if I went to any other place that sells TV - online or in store
 
Gintaras said:
Difference in picture quality between LCD and LED Backlit LCD isn't that big as difference in $$$. I wouldn't consider buying LED-Edgelit LCD
Click to expand...

That price differential is dropping quickly, and replacing a fluorescent backlight that dies about 20 nanoseconds after your warranty expires is pretty expensive, which is why I mentioned longevity.

I've seen LED sets with seriously better colors and dynamic range than comparable LCD sets. Edge lit sets aren't as good as full backlit models. The ONLY way to know which model you'll prefer is to go out and look at them side by side.

OTOH, both of my Samsung LCD TV's are a few years old, and they look good so I'm not about to rush out and buy a new LED set. However, when I need a new one, it will definitely be an LED set...

That is, unless someone starts selling something better and affordable. 🙂
 
I've heard really good things about Sharp, that they make some beautiful TVs. I personally prefer Sony though, then Samsung at a close second. More bang for your buck with Samsung though. I don't think you'd be disappointed with a Sharp.
 
I have two sharps...a 46" standard ccfl backlit display and a 40" led backlit display. Picture quality is great on both. The led backlit one uses much less electricity. Even though it doesn't sound like a big difference, 46" is quite a bit larger than 40" in viewable area. I'd take the sharp.
 
Gintaras said:
It equilly matters from how far you'll be watching TV....
Click to expand...

Absolutely true. Let me rephrase....

As a general rule, the most important part of the purchase decision is how big the tv should be to maximize enjoyment. You'll regret not getting the extra 6" long before you'll regret not getting the LED.
 
LG Electronic's formula is distance = screen size x 1.5 for the optimal "full screen" experience.

So a 40" screen is optimal for 5 feet.

46" is optimal for 5.75 feet.
 
Astrallite said:
LG Electronic's formula is distance = screen size x 1.5 for the optimal "full screen" experience.

So a 40" screen is optimal for 5 feet.

46" is optimal for 5.75 feet.
Click to expand...

I find these (not your quote, just tv companys info) to be really skewed. Who sits 5 feet in front of the tv? I sometimes do when playing a video game but for watching TV I think 5 feet is way too close. I have a mere 32" and sit around 6-7 feet from the tv. Yes, I wish I had a much larger TV but so far I can live with it. And I wear glasses and have shitty eye-sight.(probably from sitting 2' in front of my 13" B/W TV in the late 70s playing Atari 2600 🙂 )
 
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