Help picking 46" LCD

[alphasigmookie]

I realize sony and samsung are the tops in LCD's but I'm not a supreme AV geek so I just want something that is good for sports and movies and will look better than my 27" CRT. After a few trips to big box stores we have decided that 46" is the sweet spot for our living room with the 42" just a bit small and 50" being a bit big.

looking online these seem to be the best deals right now. My only requirements are 1080p and a PC input so I can hook up old desktop for MP3s and Netflix. Once shipping or tax is included they all should be with a few dollars of eachother so the main question is which is the better set?

Vizio VW46LF
http://www.walmart.com/catalog....do?product_id=8586330

Sharp LC46SB54U
http://www.tigerdirect.com/app...=4011666&Sku=S226-4616

Toshiba 46RV530U
http://www.tigerdirect.com/app...o=3649448&Sku=T24-4608

Anyone have any reasons why I should or shouldn't buy any one of these? Anyone know of any better deals on something similar?

 

[Amputater]

Sharp LCDs have been known according to avsforum for banding issues. It sort of looks like bleeding bars running vertically or horizontally across the screen. Make sure you check avsforum to see is this issue has been addressed by Sharp. Having to ship a 46" lcd back to tigerdirect might be too much of a hassle if banding does occur on your TV.

I've seen the Toshiba in circuit city and best buy, it looks very good, and there aren't any known issues with it according to avsforum.

The Vizio is just too ugly with its thick bezel, unless that is your cup of tea.

 

[alphasigmookie]

Ok I also just found this...

Samsung LN46A550
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-...qid=1228764790&sr=8-1#

It costs about another $125 or so, but samsung seems to be considered one of the top brands.

 

[RKS]

Originally posted by: alphasigmookie
Ok I also just found this...

Samsung LN46A550
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-...qid=1228764790&sr=8-1#

It costs about another $125 or so, but samsung seems to be considered one of the top brands.

read some other threads regarding the "panel lottery" for the 550. I was considering that same tv but may pay a little more for the 650.

 

[Starbuck1975]

You may want to look into the Samsung LN46A650...I just picked one up over the weekend, and a lot of Big Box stores are offering it on sale at the moment.

 

[mshan]

I got the Samsung LN46A550 from Frys.com for $1099 shipped about a month ago.

Arrived two days later via DHL Ground (only deliver to door).

I'd just watch Frys.com and see when another good deal pops up on the Samsung.

 

[aphex]

Toshiba sucks, stay away.

 

[alphasigmookie]

any reason why you think "Toshiba sucks?"

 

[Soul Reputation]

One of the most trusted sources for NON-BIASED reviews anywhere is Consumer Reports Magazine.

They have ZERO advertising, won't accept a penny for advertising, ever.

They nominated the Vizio VO47L a Best Buy.

Start with CR and then work outwards from there.