New TV... 46-50" ~ $2000

[aphex]

My friend and I both unfortunately bought 46" Toshiba DLP's at the same time a little over two years ago. His is already dead (either the light engine or video board went but neither is worth it to fix with all the other problems we've had) and mine is on its way out (but still usable for now)

Trying to help him pick a 46-50" TV. Since BB has 24 month no interest this week and he has a giftcard, he will likely buy from there.

He would like to stay around $2000 + warranty for the tv, but is willing to go up to $3000 if warranted.

His room has a huge sliding glass door behind the viewing position, so anything with a glass front is out (no Plasma or even high end Sammy LCD's I suppose)

What do you recommend?

There are two models we were looking at for now;
Sony Bravia 46" 1080p LCD - KDL-46V3000
Samsung 46" 1080p LCD - LN46A550 - $1999

 

[gar655]

Well, I just bought the Panasonic 50" plasma px75U (I think that's the model) for $1500 at Sears, it's 720p. I have windows to the left and behind and windows to the right and behind (although nothing directly behind) and I've not yet been bothered by glare or reflection. I think I might have saw some reflections one time but the tv wasn't on

For that budget a 50" 720p plasma will give you the best image for television and movies. JMO of course.

 

[mshan]

From reading these forums (this is my only expertise on this subject), the recommendations seem to be:

- Sony XBR 4 or XBR 5 series
- Samsung 65, 71, or 81 series
- Panasonic 700u or 750u (?)
- Pioneer Kuro 5080


I'm sure the real experts will chime in in time.

Someone else also posted this interesting article about warranties for off brand hdtvs:
http://hdguru.com/your-new-dis...e-flat-panel-hdtv/107/

 

[aphex]

Originally posted by: gar655
Well, I just bought the Panasonic 50" plasma px75U (I think that's the model) for $1500 at Sears, it's 720p. I have windows to the left and behind and windows to the right and behind (although nothing directly behind) and I've not yet been bothered by glare or reflection. I think I might have saw some reflections one time but the tv wasn't on

For that budget a 50" 720p plasma will give you the best image for television and movies. JMO of course.

Well his is directly behind and basically and entire wall of sliding glass doors (floor to 10' ceiling)

 

[selfy]

Originally posted by: mshan
From reading these forums (this is my only expertise on this subject), the recommendations seem to be:

- Sony XBR 4 or XBR 5 series
- Samsung 65, 71, or 81 series
- Panasonic 700u or 750u (?)
- Pioneer Kuro 5080


I'm sure the real experts will chime in in time.

Someone else also posted this interesting article about warranties for off brand hdtvs:
http://hdguru.com/your-new-dis...e-flat-panel-hdtv/107/

I concur. I own the Sony KBL XBR 2. Just about 3 months ago I received notice of a software update to help with lighting issues (the LCD backlight) for free. Helps with dark scenes quite a lot.

I hate to play the fanboy card, but I would buy a Sony XBR. They are expensive yes, but I don't regret the purchase.



PS - And I read somewhere that a good rule of thumb for screen size is one third the distance you sit from the screen. Limits the need to shift eyes over larger angular sweeps to view a scene. But only a thought.

 

[aphex]

Well an update, after some searching online and some trips to BB and CC, he ended up with an excellent deal on a 46" Sony XBR.

He got the KDL-46XHR4 for $2499 + $299 4 year BB warranty

Thanks everybody!