how are we suppose to compare TV's now

[T2urtle]

The only LCD TV i bought was maybe 4-5 years ago. It was a 32in Samsung LCD 720p, i bought it because it was the cheapest OTD shipped to me price at the time. I think i paid $350 for it. At that time i was only looking between LCD VS plasma and 720 VS 1080, all the prices were about the same.

Now it seems there is more to the mix somehow. I can find similiar 42 inch TV, LED 1080, non-smart/wifi and they all range from $250-450. I looked at them in stores and its all a wash to me. They all look the same at that point my logic was to just do math "price per inch" and get away with a 40-47in TV.

I'm in the market for a 40-47inch TV. That will be mainly hooked up to my HTPC, no need for smart/wifi TV.

 

[Pacfanweb]

If they "all look the same" to you, then just get the cheapest one?

 

[T2urtle]

If they "all look the same" to you, then just get the cheapest one?

I figured this much. But maybe i'm not seeing something or know of a benefit to me. I'm not a 3D fan because of the glasses but if a TV was out there that can display 3D without glasses or the use of something else I might be interested. I've googled around and this 3D stuff isn't something i want nor is the smartTV. But i dont know if there is anything else out there. I've seen 4K thrown around.

Some TV are just junk, bad boards or capacitors that are doomed to fail. I dont wanna get stuck with that.

My friend has this SONY LED that is horrible, not sure why but its just not sharp. Its better then SD but far from HD while using Comcast HD box. But its only horrible with sports.

I also know of another friend with a Vizio and the people on screen appear to walk SUPER fast and makes you dizzy while watching normal TV shows.

 

[skriefal]

You won't get a 4K TV for $450. More like $4500. And failing capacitors or other components happen with all brands. You'll take that risk regardless of what you buy.

Sports and other fast-moving action is one of the most difficult things to get right with an LCD. Plasma will do much better here. But plasma TVs in sizes less than 55-inch are getting rare, and most are 720p.

And yes, that soap opera effect is very annoying. Most TVs have that "feature", but they should all allow it to be turned off. And that's one of the first things that you should do.

 

[MustISO]

My friend has this SONY LED that is horrible, not sure why but its just not sharp. Its better then SD but far from HD while using Comcast HD box. But its only horrible with sports.

Might not be the TV but could be the Comcast signal. Watch a DVD or blu-ray and see how it looks. My TV looks great with a good signal but Comcast compresses the crap out of a lot of their programming.

 

[queequeg99]

Might not be the TV but could be the Comcast signal. Watch a DVD or blu-ray and see how it looks. My TV looks great with a good signal but Comcast compresses the crap out of a lot of their programming.

It could also be a settings problem on his Comcast box. The new X1 boxes have had a nasty tendency to reset the screen resolution to 720P whenever the box resets (which happens very frequently due to overnight firmware updates). The problem seems to have been fixed recently. But if you're friend is unaware of it, he could be watching at a reduced resolution.

 

[T2urtle]

If u guys where in the market for a 40ish in the sub $400 price point what would u aim for

 

[skriefal]

I have no direct personal experience with HDTVs in that price range. But there are lots of models available from LG, Sony, Samsung, Panasonic, and others in that price range. If you can, head to Best Buy or other local store and check out what's available. You might even find an open-box or closeout model at a good price.

 

[alcoholbob]

Part of a reason of drop in prices is in fact general cost cutting, such as less and less inputs and also cheaper components and power supplies. The back of LCD TVs looked like high end A/V receivers back before the recession, now they look like you can barely hook up 2-3 components to them. Also I've noticed a lot of TVs have really crappy noisy power supplies compared to what we had a couple years ago.

 

[skriefal]

Ah yes, the ever-continuing race to the bottom. Low prices and low quality usually go hand-in-hand.

At least try to avoid the really el-cheapo stuff -- Insignia, Element, Haier, etc. And also the "formerly-good brand, now slapped on el-cheapo product" names like RCA, Zenith, Sansui, Magnavox, Westinghouse, Proscan, etc.

 

[T2urtle]

TCL, vizio and Hitachi, are they middle of road guys or bottom of barrel.

 

[Crow550]

Take a look at Vizio reviews here: http://reviews.cnet.com/tvs/?filter=1000036_7884757_

and here: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_st?bb...rank_authority

Check out LG the same way too.

 

[poofyhairguy]

If I am buying LCD I want 120hz. Motion on 60hz TVs suck if you like anything fast (action movies, sports, etc.).

 

[poofyhairguy]

If u guys where in the market for a 40ish in the sub $400 price point what would u aim for

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/panasoni...HDTV&cp=1&lp=2

 

[T2urtle]

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/panasoni...HDTV&cp=1&lp=2

A plasma wouldn't be ideal for the room its going to be in (bright living room, next to windows) plus I wanna try a 1080p unit at my place.

 

[poofyhairguy]

A plasma wouldn't be ideal for the room its going to be in (bright living room, next to windows) plus I wanna try a 1080p unit at my place.

Well this is as close as you will get to that price point for a decent set at that size:

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/...5-4485850-Ux22LErrEeOd7D7QkZWrtQ0_cv3n3_0_0_0

After tax once you count the giftcard sub $400. It comes down to if there is some other tech thing you need you could get from Dell.

 

[Midwayman]

If u guys where in the market for a 40ish in the sub $400 price point what would u aim for

I would aim for saving more. You're only going to find crap around that price point in a 40" size.

 

[T2urtle]

I would aim for saving more. You're only going to find crap around that price point in a 40" size.

What is a solid price point?

I got $400 free cash now hence why I could buy another. People mentioned waiting for black Friday/monday which I might do

 

[sze5003]

I would just go for an LED 1080p. You should find one for around $600 or less. bucks on sale. For say a 42 inch. Not sure if it will be 120hz but those will cost more. I have friends that have vizio models which are 1080 or 720 and they look great.

I don't watch a lot of tv but I do watch movies and hd shows, play games.

 

[Midwayman]

What is a solid price point?

I got $400 free cash now hence why I could buy another. People mentioned waiting for black Friday/monday which I might do

Just a quick look suggests 'not crap' starts around $600 in the 40-46" range. Might do better if you catch a sale. FWIW black friday sales tend to mostly be on low end crap. Might get lucky though. I'd make a list of models you're interested and setup searches on slick deals or something to get notified if something pops up.

 

[sze5003]

Stick with models like Samsung, LG, vizio if possible. But I think you mentioned you didn't like Vizio. Panasonic is alright too.

 

[alangrift]

Well it depends what you like to watch how deep you want the tone to be. How clear and realistic you want the picture to be so it's just preference.