Probably need to buy a new TV... where to start?

[Double Trouble]

I just posted another thread about my ancient TV that's on the brink of crapping out.

If/when it dies, I'll need to replace it with a new one. I've been out of the TV world for a looong time, what are the major categories, features that are a must versus optional stuff that doesn't add much value?

Obviously, it has to have a few HDMI inputs, but .... LCD, DLP, LED, 3D, plasma, ???? I'd like something in the 55" range (a little smaller or bigger is fine).

Share your opinion!

 

[Anubis]

Price you are willing to spend?

 

[Double Trouble]

Price you are willing to spend?

Will $26.50 work?

I'm thinking somewhere between $1500 and $2000. I don't know enough about the features and technology to know what I'm missing out on by not going up a little (to, say, $2500).

 

[Anubis]

What are you primarily going to be using the TV for and what is the room like it will be going in? lots of light from windows?

 

[s44]

First, make sure of the size. How far away are you sitting?

 

[Double Trouble]

What are you primarily going to be using the TV for and what is the room like it will be going in? lots of light from windows?

This is supposed to be the "main" TV, used for general family viewing, watching movies, playing games on the wii etc. I have an HTPC hooked up to it as well as a (horribly crappy) STB from my cable provider.

The area where the tv will be has lots of windows, lots of potential outside light for glare etc, especially in the summer.

 

[Double Trouble]

First, make sure of the size. How far away are you sitting?

I'm generally about 15 feet away. Currently I have a 50" TV there and I'm very happy with it. Sure, I'd like to get something bigger, but that's not really needed.

 

[Anubis]

This is supposed to be the "main" TV, used for general family viewing, watching movies, playing games on the wii etc. I have an HTPC hooked up to it as well as a (horribly crappy) STB from my cable provider.

The area where the tv will be has lots of windows, lots of potential outside light for glare etc, especially in the summer.

best bang for your buck LCD

http://www.vizio.com/led-lcd-hdtvs/xvt553sv.html

 

[Double Trouble]

best bang for your buck LCD

http://www.vizio.com/led-lcd-hdtvs/xvt553sv.html

That looks like a sweet TV. Quick question, there are lots of 1080P 240hz lcd's out there, the ones with LED seem to be a lot more expensive. What's the big difference?

 

[s44]

Thinner. Local-dimming LED backlights are potentially much better image-wise (the Samsung B8500 had incredible IQ), but for various reasons (including, I think, a patent dispute with Sharp) most manufacturers have been neglecting this and pushing edge-lit LED which doesn't help the picture at all.

I think that Vizio is local-dimming though.

 

[Blain]

C-Net: "Local dimming, edge-lit, and full array"

I went TV shopping yesterday, for about a 46" LCD. The Sony Bravia and Mitsubishi models really looked nice to me.
I've got a well lit room also, so glare is something I'm trying to avoid.
The Sony Bravia 46EX700 had a little better matte finish on the glasss than the Mitsubishi model.
The Mitsubishi had a better speaker system, but cost a couple hundred more.
Sony does make a 52" model in the EX700 line... 52EX700

 

[Double Trouble]

If anyone else is in the market for a TV these days, I ran into (what looks like) a very good deal yesterday at my local costco. Even though it's not listed on their website anywhere, they had an LG 55LH90 (55", 240hz, backlit LED LCD, 2.4 ms response etc) on sale for $1499. The TV looked really nice in the store, and the specs on it are great at that price point.

 

[Blain]

Does this LG model have a matte finish screen or is it glossy?

 

[Double Trouble]

Does this LG model have a matte finish screen or is it glossy?

It looked like a matte finish to me. It looked great despite being in a very brightly lit area of the store.

 

[electroju]

The advertising word 240 Hz is not better than 120 Hz. Actually you do need anything higher than 120 Hz.

For TV or any LCD panel, it is best to based on brightness and viewing angles. If you are comparing based on response times, make sure you are looking at the g2g spec. If it does not have one, it is hard to compare. g2g is close stating response times from one manufacture and then to other. Contrast ratios are a poor spec to compare. You can only compare contrast ratio with in the brand. Comparing contrast ratio between one brand and the other is like comparing oranges to mandarin.

I have an eye on Sharp Aquos LC-40LE700UN. I think this TV uses an ASV type of LCD panel. Other brands still uses TN or they might be using IPS. ASV is made by Sharp and from what I read it has the speed of TN and the viewing angle of IPS.