TV situation.

[swanysto]

So back in late 2007 or early 2008, I bought a 42" Sharp Aquos LCD. For the past 7 or so years, the 1080 and 120mhz picture has been more than enough for me, and is still enough. However, she is starting to act up a bit. Every couple days I will get some flashing dots on the screen. I fear she is starting to reach the end. So I think I will be looking at TV's over the next month or so. I don't watch a whole lot(maybe an hour a day, 2 if I am playing video games), so I am not in a big hurry.

The one thing I did not like about the TV is the laggyness of the menus. For instance when I wanted to change input, I would hit the input button, and it would take a few seconds to pop up. Then it would take a few seconds in between each push of the down or up arrow. And I would usually have to press the button a couple times to get it to actually go down or up.

Are TV's still like that? Are there certain brands that are faster than others? I am probably going to be looking for something in the 42"-46" range, in the form of a smart LED.

 

[poofyhairguy]

Yes, some TVs can still be laggy on the menu. But you mostly only see this with really cheap 60hz Wal-Mart TVs, because hey they are cheap.

If you buy anything that has at a least a decent picture quality (which admittedly is sometimes hard) it should be fine.

You didn't ask what TV we would recommend, but just in case if you want sub-50 inches again I would go with this:

http://www.amazon.com/VIZIO-M551d-A2.../dp/B00CBQNB0C

Vizio and 120hz to me is the floor for picture quality unless you are buying for kids or parents.

If you want a larger size (above 50) and have a bigger budget say so and we can talk Sonys.

Edit: Also if you need a TV for a room with a direct light source (aka windows across from TV you won't put blinds on) then you have to hunt down a matte LED, which can be done but might be a PTA/pricy.

 

[swanysto]

I would gladly accept recommendations, although I will still probably be doing some research. I am looking to stay below 50". Anything larger would look kind of ridiculous in the room it would be put in.

I saw an LG 47" smart LED 3D 120hz for like $800. I don't really want the 3D, but my wife likes 3D movies.

 

[poofyhairguy]

Depending on the model of LG it could be nice. Certain ones (like the 47GA6400 Best Buy sells) have really poor motion resolution.

The Visio is only $600 for 47inches, and has one of the best reviews for any TV near its price:

http://www.cnet.com/products/vizio-m551d-a2r/

To beat it in picture quality you would have to spend twice as much.

I am not a Visio rep or anything, heck I have never owned a Visio because I am a plasma guy. But if I was buying a 47 inch LED it would be that one.

 

[swanysto]

I always liked the picture on plasmas. They were too expensive when I bought my TV though. Looks like there are some nice ones for around the $1100 mark. Might be a little more than what I want to spend, but I will have to do some research to see if it is worth it.

 

[poofyhairguy]

For a plasma in that size and price range I recommend this:

www.amazon.com/Samsung-PN51F5300-51-...xp_grid_pt_0_0

I have seen one up close and the value is amazing.

 

[swanysto]

What about this one? It has the 3D to make the wife happy. 51" is probably going to overpower the room, but I think I can live with it.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...653&CatId=3652

 

[poofyhairguy]

That is an excellent TV for a really good price.

 

[Midwayman]

The lag shows up more if you buy a smart TV and use the on TV apps. Some cheaper ones use slow processors.

 

[Insomniator]

Can't go wrong with a 50" plasma for the price and picture quality.

If you have a bright room though, the glare is brutal. I have a panasonic plasma and watching blue rays in a dark room shows a downright fantastic picture. In the afternoon though it looks like a mirror. Still bright enough to view just fine, but the entire room is reflected in the thing. And thats with my model having a special coating to prevent glare.

I don't know if LED's are a lot better... i've heard they are but i don't know first hand.

 

[poofyhairguy]

Honestly my Samsung plasma (older 2010 model) does a better job with glare than my newer Panasonic plasmas (ST50, ST60).

I would recommend that TV to anyone unless it will be a throw away unit for the kids.

 

[s44]

I'd recommend the 2014 ("B") Vizio E series LCD as a good baseline. They're *all* local dimmed now (even the higher-end sets from 2013 were edge-lit), though with a lot fewer zones than the awesome-specced 2014 M. And $700 for their 55" at Amazon is an excellent price.

No 3D, though, which IMO is fine.

 

[Thebobo]

What about this one? It has the 3D to make the wife happy. 51" is probably going to overpower the room, but I think I can live with it.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...653&CatId=3652

While not 3d go 60"!

You can not match this deal on a terrific TV LG 60PN5700 60'' 1080p Smart Plasma TV $599.99 if you have a micro center close by or $600 ~ mail order.

AVS forums

 

[swanysto]

I didn't think about glare, but most of our TV watching/video game playing happens at night.

I will take a look at that link Thebobo, but as fantastic as the reviews and price might be, the wife will take more convincing to bypass 3D.

 

[baqai]

Tell her size does matters, 60 2d is better than 46 3d