How are the cheaper LCD's?

[pennylane]

So I may be looking for a TV for my mom. She doesn't care much for picture quality so I was leaning towards going to one of the cheaper options (Westinghouse, Olevia, Vizio). How are they? I'm probably looking at the 37-42" range.

Thanks.

Update 3/13/08 (copy of a post further down):
After some debating, I guess I'll have to settle for just going with one of the big Japanese companies then. Thanks for the link Muadib.

My range is about $1000, maybe I can go by $100-200, but I'd really rather not. I mainly want something reliable that I won't have to worry about, as it's not for me.

1080p isn't necessary. 720p should be okay. I'd really like to get 40-42" if possible, though.

I was considering something like this Toshiba Regza.

Am I better off with just getting Sharp or Samsung or Sony?

Is it a big deal to just shop online? I'm concerned with shipping costs (though some TV's do have free shipping) as well as possibly having to return the TV or have it fixed or something of that sort.

Thanks again.

 

[Muadib]

First off, I think you should read this, then post back with your price range.

 

[Shawn]

Vizio > Olevia >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Westinghouse

 

[SlickSnake]

Originally posted by: Muadib
First off, I think you should read this, then post back with your price range.

Holy sandworm crap, Muadib! :disgust:

That link should be required reading before anyone buys a new HDTV! That could save someone $100s or $1000s in repairs, like if they had to buy a brand new disposable HDTV! :Q :brokenheart:

Maybe YOyoYOhowsDAjello needs to start a place in his sticky topic General Home Theater Audio Thread for stuff like this. Or just start another sticky topic called HDTV buying guide, or something. It would sure cut down on the number of posters starting topics looking for good HDTV info here.

Glad I got a name brand HDTV!

 

[pennylane]

After some debating, I guess I'll have to settle for just going with one of the big Japanese companies then. Thanks for the link Muadib.

My range is about $1000, maybe I can go by $100-200, but I'd really rather not. I mainly want something reliable that I won't have to worry about, as it's not for me.

1080p isn't necessary. 720p should be okay. I'd really like to get 40-42" if possible, though.

I was considering something like this Toshiba Regza.

Am I better off with just getting Sharp or Samsung or Sony?

Is it a big deal to just shop online? I'm concerned with shipping costs (though some TV's do have free shipping) as well as possibly having to return the TV or have it fixed or something of that sort.

Thanks again.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: SlickSnake
Maybe YOyoYOhowsDAjello needs to start a place in his sticky topic General Home Theater Audio Thread for stuff like this. Or just start another sticky topic called HDTV buying guide, or something. It would sure cut down on the number of posters starting topics looking for good HDTV info here.

I would really like to see someone that has a good grasp on things step up and do something like that to give us a video equivalent of my thread. I really don't feel comfortable doing that myself though as I'm mainly interested in front projection which isn't what the average person is looking for and I also don't have the time or will to try to research every new model that's coming out in order to stay current.

There are a lot of good starter articles like this one out there though that might not be model specific but would still offer good background information for someone looking to make their first HDTV purchase.

 

[Muadib]

Originally posted by: fanerman91
After some debating, I guess I'll have to settle for just going with one of the big Japanese companies then. Thanks for the link Muadib.

My range is about $1000, maybe I can go by $100-200, but I'd really rather not. I mainly want something reliable that I won't have to worry about, as it's not for me.

1080p isn't necessary. 720p should be okay. I'd really like to get 40-42" if possible, though.

I was considering something like this Toshiba Regza.

Am I better off with just getting Sharp or Samsung or Sony?

Is it a big deal to just shop online? I'm concerned with shipping costs (though some TV's do have free shipping) as well as possibly having to return the TV or have it fixed or something of that sort.

Thanks again.

Samsumg's new models are due out soon, so there are some good buys to be had. This one is in the ballpark for you.