My parents are buying a new LCD tv this weekend

[PizzaDude]

My parents are buying a new tv this weekend as a Christmas present to themselves.

They're limited to a 27-32" LCD because of space limitations(this is non-negotiable).

I'm going to help them pick it out, most likely at Best Buy.

They're going to be watching cable tv(probably not HDTV until it's more widespread) and dvds.

What should we beware of/look for in an LCD tv?

Thanks.

 

[Syringer]

They're going to be watching cable tv(probably not HDTV until it's more widespread) and dvds.

😕 Be very sure to get them to spend the extra $5/month to get an HDTV receiver.

 

[raz3000]

Non-HD LCDs and Plasmas are much cheaper than HDTVs, but make sure your parents really don't want an HDTV.

 

[PizzaDude]

Originally posted by: raz3000
Non-HD LCDs and Plasmas are much cheaper than HDTVs, but make sure your parents really don't want an HDTV.

They will be purchasing an HDTV LCD, but they won't be viewing much HDTV content since there are only a few channels offered in HD right now(ESPN, Discovery, etc.)

 

[AnyMal]

Originally posted by: PizzaDude

Originally posted by: raz3000
Non-HD LCDs and Plasmas are much cheaper than HDTVs, but make sure your parents really don't want an HDTV.

They will be purchasing an HDTV LCD, but they won't be viewing much HDTV content since there are only a few channels offered in HD right now(ESPN, Discovery, etc.)

They're going to regret their purchase since non-HD channels going to look like crap on LCD.

 

[PizzaDude]

Originally posted by: AnyMal

Originally posted by: PizzaDude

Originally posted by: raz3000
Non-HD LCDs and Plasmas are much cheaper than HDTVs, but make sure your parents really don't want an HDTV.

They will be purchasing an HDTV LCD, but they won't be viewing much HDTV content since there are only a few channels offered in HD right now(ESPN, Discovery, etc.)

They're going to regret their purchase since non-HD channels going to look like crap on LCD.

So why would anyone buy an LCd right now?

 

[DeviousTrap]

Originally posted by: PizzaDude

Originally posted by: AnyMal

Originally posted by: PizzaDude

Originally posted by: raz3000
Non-HD LCDs and Plasmas are much cheaper than HDTVs, but make sure your parents really don't want an HDTV.

They will be purchasing an HDTV LCD, but they won't be viewing much HDTV content since there are only a few channels offered in HD right now(ESPN, Discovery, etc.)

They're going to regret their purchase since non-HD channels going to look like crap on LCD.

So why would anyone buy an LCd right now?

To have the ability to watch HD. Just about every primetime show is broadcast in HD.

 

[Qacer]

This might help: http://www.lcdtvbuyingguide.com/lcdtv/compare-reviews.php

... And this one, too: http://fsearch.fatwallet.com/results.ph...ESSID=617044e5fe2d72ab6328ad1aab8f3c4f

 

[SunnyD]

Originally posted by: PizzaDude

Originally posted by: AnyMal

Originally posted by: PizzaDude

Originally posted by: raz3000
Non-HD LCDs and Plasmas are much cheaper than HDTVs, but make sure your parents really don't want an HDTV.

They will be purchasing an HDTV LCD, but they won't be viewing much HDTV content since there are only a few channels offered in HD right now(ESPN, Discovery, etc.)

They're going to regret their purchase since non-HD channels going to look like crap on LCD.

So why would anyone buy an LCd right now?

Well, I just bought one yesterday. Reasons:

1) I had a 6 year old 27" Panny Tau - great TV, long in the tooth, aesthetically no longer pleasing as my kids in their younger years have had their way with it.

2) I wanted HD. I know HD programming just isn't at par yet, but I wanted something to look forward to. After watching ballgames and such on friends' TV's, it was time to step up.

3) Current gen consoles are finally using HD as mainstream. HD Gaming = God.

4) LCD = Monitor. I can hook up computer up to this bad boy, not worry about burn-in, have a great picture, and play games large and in charge. All I have to do is make my HTPC, then I have a nice home theater.

There ya go.

 

[Slammy1]

I wouldn't skimp on a tv with a good scaler. Avoid the bargain brands unless you have the devices to do the scaling for you (HTPC or upconverting player). This is a good source for research:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=40

 

[EarthwormJim]

Originally posted by: AnyMal

Originally posted by: PizzaDude

Originally posted by: raz3000
Non-HD LCDs and Plasmas are much cheaper than HDTVs, but make sure your parents really don't want an HDTV.

They will be purchasing an HDTV LCD, but they won't be viewing much HDTV content since there are only a few channels offered in HD right now(ESPN, Discovery, etc.)

They're going to regret their purchase since non-HD channels going to look like crap on LCD.

It really depends on the TV you get, and how good it's up-converter is. My Westinghouse 37" doesn't looks pretty good with standard def, and Westinghouse's certainly aren't top of the line. Certainly much better than the standard def Mitsubishi it replaced.

 

[raz3000]

Make sure the LCD has a good picture at large angles. A lot of crappy LCDs may not. If there's a demo display this is easy, but if not read the specs carefully and look for online reviews, if possible.