Parents want to replace old 25" TV with one they can mount on the wall

[JEDI]

They want more surface space to put stuff.

What should i look for in wall mounted TVs? Whats the diff between LCD and plasma?

also, price $299 or less. (is that possible for a good wall mounted TV?)

Recommendations?

THX

 

[nsafreak]

If that $299 includes a wall mount in the budget, then no it is not. A good wall mount will run a minimum of $60 which brings your overall budget to around $239. You're not going to be able to get an LCD that will be equivalent in size to their current 25" TV. Heck with $299 by itself you're barely going to be able to get a 32" LCD to replace the current 25" with and it will not be a quality set. I'd highly recommend that they budget more towards this purchase. I'd say a reasonable budget for a decent set & mount would be closer to $499 if not a bit higher.

Edit:Actually looking a bit more even the full $299 to $499 really isn't going to buy that great of a set. Budget for a decent set (no mount) is around $599, so expect to spend around $650 total for this purchase.

 

[sivart]

If they want the same image height, they will have to get at least a 32" LCD/Plasma (yes, Vizio makes a 32" Plasma). $299, not going to happen.

I'm assuming that they have OTA only? Before wall-mounting they should ask themselves the following.

1) Where am I going to place / store my DVD player, cable box, receiver, etc?
2) What height do I want to mount it at?
3) Will the comfortable viewing height work in my room? (Mounting above a fire place is almost like sitting in the front row at the theater)
4) How will I hide the cords going from my devices to the TV (I.e. video cables, antenna cords, audio cables, etc)
5) Do I have the knowledge (or willingness to pay an electrician) to properly mount an electrical outlet directly behind my mounting point? (Yet more costs)

More than likely they may decide that using their current stand will be fine. At which point you can explore other HD options (I.e. Tube CRT (Sony had a good 34"), less expensive rear projection).

If the $299 is the budget, they will either give up size or need to wait a few years.

 

[s44]

Originally posted by: nsafreak
A good wall mount will run a minimum of $60

O RLY?

$300 is still way too little, though.

And yes, they'll need at least 32" -- but if you add in the effective shrinkage due to the set being further away, 37" or more might be necessary.

 

[JEDI]

Originally posted by: s44

Originally posted by: nsafreak
A good wall mount will run a minimum of $60

O RLY?

$300 is still way too little, though.

And yes, they'll need at least 32" -- but if you add in the effective shrinkage due to the set being further away, 37" or more might be necessary.

wait.. why 32"?

it's an old 25" crt.

if it's anything like crt computer monitors vs lcd monitors, then the # shouild be smaller for equivalent lcd? ie: 17" crt = 15" lcd (roughly)

so how does it require a bigger size for lcd/plasma?

 

[theAnimal]

Originally posted by: JEDI

Originally posted by: s44

Originally posted by: nsafreak
A good wall mount will run a minimum of $60

O RLY?

$300 is still way too little, though.

And yes, they'll need at least 32" -- but if you add in the effective shrinkage due to the set being further away, 37" or more might be necessary.

wait.. why 32"?

it's an old 25" crt.

if it's anything like crt computer monitors vs lcd monitors, then the # shouild be smaller for equivalent lcd? ie: 17" crt = 15" lcd (roughly)

so how does it require a bigger size for lcd/plasma?

Because they are widescreen. The 17" = 15" only works for 4:3/5:4 monitors.

 

[sivart]

Originally posted by: JEDI

Originally posted by: s44

Originally posted by: nsafreak
A good wall mount will run a minimum of $60

O RLY?

$300 is still way too little, though.

And yes, they'll need at least 32" -- but if you add in the effective shrinkage due to the set being further away, 37" or more might be necessary.

wait.. why 32"?

it's an old 25" crt.

if it's anything like crt computer monitors vs lcd monitors, then the # shouild be smaller for equivalent lcd? ie: 17" crt = 15" lcd (roughly)

so how does it require a bigger size for lcd/plasma?

Give this page a read, it will help explain
http://www.screenmath.com/