Advice on a television

[NocturnalRob]

Need a TV for my bedroom (32" or so). Anyone have any suggestions? Recent purchases that they'd recommend?

I was looking at the Sony KDL-37XBR6, the Toshiba 37AV500U, the Sharp Aquos LC-40C37U, and the Phillips 37PFL5332D.

[Mighty Nikkisaurus]

I have an Aquos and it's absolutely awesome.

[RichardCranium]

Samsung.

[Allereli]

I got a 32" Toshiba (720) and 37" RCA (1080) as a package at Circuit City. They were open box and an awesome deal, I bargained with the manager. If you get open box just have them recalibrate the picture so it's not on the brightest setting like in the store, and get the service plan because the bulb replacement will cost as much.

<3 my TVs

[Parkbandit]

I got some cheap plasma from Sam's club and couldn't be happier with it. Crystal clear picture.

[RichardCranium]

I got some cheap plasma from Sam's club and couldn't be happier with it. Crystal clear picture.

Was it a Vizio? I've heard good things about those.

[NocturnalRob]

any thoughts on how much i should be spending on a 32-40"?

[RichardCranium]

I got my 42" for $900.

[Sean]

I have a 37" vizio and have had no complaints about it.

[BigWorm]

I know Bob had strong opinions on TVs. Where's his bitch ass when you need it.

I am interested in this thread because I plan to get a new TV as soon as I'm done being poor.

[NocturnalRob]

I know Bob had strong opinions on TVs. Where's his bitch ass when you need it.

I am interested in this thread because I plan to get a new TV as soon as I'm done being poor.

yeah, that's one opinionated jerk. i plan on using this purchase (bedroom TV) to gauge my purchase for a larger (and presumably more expensive) TV for my living room.

[Galactic]

It depends on if you want a flat screen TV. You spend three times the amount of money to make a 42inch 1080p TV mount on the wall. If you look at a 50 inch TV, a 1080p plasma or LCD flat panel is like a few thousand dollars, were as a 50 inch DLP is under a grand. DLP has just as nice of a picture as the highend plasma or LCD, if not better. LCD has really nice picture when things arent moving fast (still, slow shots), but it lags in sports and video games. It is getting better then it used to be. DLP is the way to go if you want to save money and dont care about the flat panel thing.


Then it also depends on what you are using it for. Sports and video games, Plasma all the way for flat panel. LCD is really nice, if you are watching movies and regular TV. DLP works good for everything.

Best plasma's ----> Pioneer Kuro elite by far and away 1080p

Best DLP---> Mitsubishi Diamond edition 1080p

Best LCD---> there can be an arguement for lots of them

Dont get any of those Lcos and hybrid versions of TVs, no good

[MotleyCrew]

Toshiba

[Stanley Burrell]

Samsung.

Samsung. Samsung. Samsung. Samsung. Samsung. Samsung. Samsung. Samsung. Samsung. Samsung. Samsung. Samsung. Samsung. Samsung.

Samsung.

And Philips.

[Trouble]

It depends on if you want a flat screen TV. You spend three times the amount of money to make a 42inch 1080p TV mount on the wall. If you look at a 50 inch TV, a 1080p plasma or LCD flat panel is like a few thousand dollars, were as a 50 inch DLP is under a grand. DLP has just as nice of a picture as the highend plasma or LCD, if not better. LCD has really nice picture when things arent moving fast (still, slow shots), but it lags in sports and video games. It is getting better then it used to be. DLP is the way to go if you want to save money and dont care about the flat panel thing.

The main thing I hate about my Sony Grand WEGA DLP is that it has lousy viewing angles. From head-on it looks amazing; if I sit on the floor to watch TV, it dims. It's 3 years old now though so the viewing angles for DLP sets may have improved by now.

-

I like Samsung monitors the best so I'd probably lean towards them for TVs too.

[RichardCranium]

Samsung.

Samsung. Samsung. Samsung. Samsung. Samsung. Samsung. Samsung. Samsung. Samsung. Samsung. Samsung. Samsung. Samsung. Samsung.

Samsung.

And Philips.


This man knows his televisions.

[Ashliana]

Need a TV for my bedroom (32" or so). Anyone have any suggestions? Recent purchases that they'd recommend?

I was looking at the Sony KDL-37XBR6, the Toshiba 37AV500U, the Sharp Aquos LC-40C37U, and the Phillips 37PFL5332D.

Don't go by size unless physical limitations dictate. Set your maximum price you're willing to spend, then look for the best/biggest TV you can get for that price. Sony's are great, but overpriced. Toshiba's are overpriced for what you get. Aquos' are great. Phillips is decent. Samsung's are awful, in my experience.

NEVER BUY FROM RETAILERS LIKE CIRCUIT CITY/BESTBUY/etc. Never, ever, ever! At most, go to one of them to see what the TVs look like. But they're almost always a HEFTY rip off, even when they claim to be "on sale."

Galactic is completely wrong. You can get a 50 LCD or Plasma, in FULL 1080p, for as low as $1100-1300 if you look in the right spot. DLP is also significantly inferior in more than one area, especially viewing angle, movies/games, and space.

The best site, far and away, for picking these up is http://www.newegg.com. Do your research there. Compare reviews, prices, etc. Also, remember: PRICES ON THESE FLUCTUATE DAY TO DAY! I've seen the Sharp Aquos 65" go as low as $3,100 and as high as $7,000. Wait till you see a good 50-52" LCD for $1,100-$1,200 and grab it! Many of their deals also include free shipping (in-home, not just outside). Almost all sites, and especially if you buy them in stores, charge $100-200 to deliver a large TV.

[Clove]

I agree with Trouble on DLP viewing angles. They've improved over the years, but they still aren't as wide as LCD or Plasma.

I really like Westinghouse in terms of quality for dollar. For money-is-no-object-best-viewing-quality, the Sony Bravia and Sharp Aquos are out of this world; you can see the difference between them and other HD flatscreens, easily.

You should be able to get a nice 32" LCD or plasma for between 600-900 dollars. Units under 800 dollars aren't difficult to find.

[crb]

DLP sucks, only poor people like it, because they refuse to think they got it because they're poor.

I recommend LCDs, you can't get as big of an LCD as you can plasma, but they last longer & use less electricity.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/televisions/hdtv/hdtv-made-easy/tv-stars-3-08/overview/hdtvs-ov.htm

[Galactic]

[QUOTE=Trouble;779554]The main thing I hate about my Sony Grand WEGA DLP is that it has lousy viewing angles. From head-on it looks amazing; if I sit on the floor to watch TV, it dims. It's 3 years old now though so the viewing angles for DLP sets may have improved by now.

-

Those Sony Grand WEGA DLP are the rear projection LCD not true DLP TVs. Why I suggested the Mitsu Diamond, is because DLP is highly dependent on the screen quality for picture quality and viewing angles. diamond refers to the diamond screen, which makes it a lot better then their other models and their competitors. You have to be sitting at the right distance for DLP's to look the best.

It really comes down to what you personally like when you see it.

[RichardCranium]

And check the contrast ratios too. The higher the better.

[NocturnalRob]

Don't go by size unless physical limitations dictate.

i'm in a 1br in nyc. there are definite limitations. with the measurements of my bedroom, the max size i can have on a tv for "optimal" viewing on an LCD/plasma is 40", although 37" would actually be better. For that...will drop at most 1g? Although based on my research i feel like it'd be silly to spend more than $900 (which should include shipping).

We'll see. I'll let you guys know. I'm leaning towards an Aquos 37"

[Clove]

i'm in a 1br in nyc. there are definite limitations. with the measurements of my bedroom, the max size i can have on a tv for "optimal" viewing on an LCD/plasma is 40", although 37" would actually be better. For that...will drop at most 1g? Although based on my research i feel like it'd be silly to spend more than $900 (which should include shipping).

We'll see. I'll let you guys know. I'm leaning towards an Aquos 37"Women always say "size doesn't matter" NB. Don't fall for it.

For a bedroom that doesn't have too much space, you don't really need OMG and it sounds like you're on the right track. My only suggestion is that you NOT purchase a TV that's incapable 1080i resolution or better. That shouldn't be a problem with 37" models, however some of the cheaper 32" models max at 720p; you'll notice the difference.

[NocturnalRob]

Women always say "size doesn't matter" NB. Don't fall for it.

hahaha...not worried about that, but I appreciate the advice.

[Galactic]

Galactic is completely wrong. You can get a 50 LCD or Plasma, in FULL 1080p, for as low as $1100-1300 if you look in the right spot. DLP is also significantly inferior in more than one area, especially viewing angle, movies/games, and space.

You obviously have never gone and sat in front of a really nice DLP. Why would you want to be watching your TV way off to the side, anyway. I personally sit in front of TV especially in a bedroom where there isnt a crowd. The picture quality on a highend DLP is by far better then some cheap 1080p plasma which I dont know where you find for that price. Even low end samsung plasma TVs at 50inches are 2000k or more. Pluse DLPs arent available in less then 50inches. You can buy a the pioneer elite 65inch plasma for like 7k and a the best highend 65 inch DLP for 2500. The DLP picture is better.

[CrystalTears]

Galactic is completely wrong.
/snicker

Okayy

[Bobmuhthol]

<<I was looking at the Sony KDL-37XBR6, the Toshiba 37AV500U, the Sharp Aquos LC-40C37U, and the Phillips 37PFL5332D.>>

Those are all 37" models, and of them the Sony is clearly the best. Sharp televisions have banding issues and are overpriced.

<<and 37" RCA (1080)>>

RCA is a shit terrible television company.

<<Was it a Vizio? I've heard good things about those.>>

They're inexpensive and somewhat reliable. They aren't great.

<<Samsung.>>

Yes.

<<I know Bob had strong opinions on TVs. Where's his bitch ass when you need it.>>

Here I am!

<<Toshiba>>

Yes.

<<NEVER BUY FROM RETAILERS LIKE CIRCUIT CITY/BESTBUY/etc. Never, ever, ever! At most, go to one of them to see what the TVs look like. But they're almost always a HEFTY rip off, even when they claim to be "on sale.">>

This is the dumbest thing I've ever heard.

<<The best site, far and away, for picking these up is http://www.newegg.com.>>

I take that back. (Newegg is awesome, but definitely not the authority on televisions.)

<<DLP sucks, only poor people like it, because they refuse to think they got it because they're poor.>>

God, how many times can I be wrong when I say I've heard the stupidest thing ever? Look into LED DLP. It's a fucking new technology, but sure, it's for poor idiots.

<<I recommend LCDs, you can't get as big of an LCD as you can plasma, but they last longer & use less electricity.>>

I also recommend LCDs for anything 50" or below.

<<And check the contrast ratios too. The higher the better.>>

Correct. Plasmas dominate here.

<<We'll see. I'll let you guys know. I'm leaning towards an Aquos 37">>

Please don't.

[NocturnalRob]

Yay! Opinionated Bob!!

the problem with the Sony is that I can't find it for below $1000. The Aquos I can get for $750. Is the difference in quality worth the $250?

That's a serious question. Not being facetious...this time.

[Ashliana]

For a bedroom that doesn't have too much space, you don't really need OMG and it sounds like you're on the right track. My only suggestion is that you NOT purchase a TV that's incapable 1080i resolution or better. That shouldn't be a problem with 37" models, however some of the cheaper 32" models max at 720p; you'll notice the difference.

1080i isn't necessarily better than 720p. The trouble with 1080i models is that they're usually 1366x768 resolution, which is 720p anyway. They simply accept 1080i signals and downscale the image. For many applications, even with a "1080i" TV, you're better off setting it to 720p for most things, as it involves the least distortion of the source and a progressive image.



You obviously have never gone and sat in front of a really nice DLP. Why would you want to be watching your TV way off to the side, anyway. I personally sit in front of TV especially in a bedroom where there isnt a crowd. The picture quality on a highend DLP is by far better then some cheap 1080p plasma which I dont know where you find for that price. Even low end samsung plasma TVs at 50inches are 2000k or more. Pluse DLPs arent available in less then 50inches. You can buy a the pioneer elite 65inch plasma for like 7k and a the best highend 65 inch DLP for 2500. The DLP picture is better.

I am quite familiar with all the modern display technologies.. DLPs in general are simply worse for most applications. Does his bedroom have a window? If so, sunlight is going to make the DLP image worse. If it's a low end DLP, they suffer from rainbow artifacting (though they've improved). If he's sitting anywhere except right in front of it, he'll have viewing angle issues. DLP is cheaper for a reason--they're worse.

You can get either a 1080p plasma or LCD around 50" for $1,100 - $1,300 if you shop smart. I'm not talking "low end," either.


Those are all 37" models, and of them the Sony is clearly the best. Sharp televisions have banding issues and are overpriced.

Sony is the best, if money is no issue. There's a HEFTY premium simply for the brand name, though, that's not worth the price. Sharp is almost as good, and I've owned 5 of them--never had anything but perfection out of them. Plasmas are generally better in color reproduction and offer better blacks, but LCDs have improved tremendously in these areas and past 10,000:1 image contrast, there's not a whole lot of difference.

All in all, both Sony and Sharp are good choices. But I'd go with the Aquos myself.

[CrystalTears]

If you can afford it, I'd suggest the Sony as well over Sharp. The difference in quality is amazing.

[NocturnalRob]

If you can afford it, I'd suggest the Sony as well over Sharp. The difference in quality is amazing.

this is the general consensus i'm hearing. i'll start looking for a good deal on a sony, 37 or 40"

[Galactic]

I agree 720p is better than 1080i. Progressive better then integrated less lag.

LCD and plasma still have glare with their glass like screens. No TV does well in the sun. I am just arguing High end DLP is better for over 50inches, way better price and the picture is just as good if not better. Just go check it out. DLP is not for poor people, for big screen TV DLP is just better and you get to save money.(I dont care about hanging the TV on my wall its not worth triple the price for a inferior picture and same size)

Check this out its pretty funny
http://www.break.com/usercontent/2008/8/How-a-Blonde-Pole-Dances-550153.html

[CrystalTears]

I disagree about the glare regarding LCD. I have an LCD and it's FACING a window and we don't have glare. It does not have a glass screen.

DLP is nice but due to the inability to view it in angles, it's not something I would get. Sure you should sit in front of the TV, but should it come to a situation where the room is full and people stand around to watch, being in front of the TV is not always possible.

[Bobmuhthol]

<<the problem with the Sony is that I can't find it for below $1000. The Aquos I can get for $750. Is the difference in quality worth the $250?>>

It is $250 worth of quality (I believe a 37" Sharp is going to be 720p and a 37" XBR is definitely 1080p) without a doubt. Whether you're willing to pay for it is up to you. I would strongly recommend either Samsung or Toshiba above Sharp, however.

<<LCD and plasma still have glare with their glass like screens.>>

LCDs have minimal glare, because they have very plastic-like screens, as the screens are made of plastic. The 2008 model Panasonic plasmas have a phenomenal anti-glare coating that makes them at least as good as LCDs, if not better, when it comes to glare. It's really an incredible transition from last year's televisions.

[Alfster]

I'm loving my 57" Samsung

Samsung's picture on nearly all models was better than other brands IMO

[NocturnalRob]

Bob, you're gonna hate me, but i got the aquos. it only cost $550 for the 37". It's also for my bedroom but I needed something quickly. I'll take more time and get more feed back when I purchase something 50"+ for my living room.

thanks for all the input, guys.

[Back]

I have a Toshiba 42" DLP rear projection. It was a floor model I bought for $1k plus tax from Best Buy. I could not be happier.

[crb]

God, how many times can I be wrong when I say I've heard the stupidest thing ever? Look into LED DLP. It's a fucking new technology, but sure, it's for poor idiots.

I stand by DLPs being poor. New technology != better technology.

DLPs are for people who can't afford plasma or LCD, end of story, and even then, if you weren't going above 36" you'd might as well just get the highest end CRTs, which, despite being old technology, have awesome picture quality & contrast (last time I looked at CR reviews, CRT's still were tops here in their size bracket) and viewing angles, they're just heavy as hell... and honestly getting harder to find its true as people are all wanting things over 36 inches.

The DLP is for the consumer who wants > 36" who cannot afford a plasma or LCD.

[Back]

The DLP is for the consumer who wants > 36" who cannot afford a plasma or LCD.

I actually shopped TVs for a while and I thought the DLPs looked better than Plasmas or LCDs at the time. Granted, this was 2 years ago. Since then someone came out with a ridiculous 50" screen at an absurd price and now we have 8' HD projection screens.

Anyway, I think the more shrewd consumer is the smarter consumer. Throw your money at the latest fad thats going to be dead in a year or buy something good that will last a while at a cheap price so it does not hurt to upgrade?

[crb]

except as Bob correctly pointed out, the DLPs are the latest fad.

Basically it is a small LCD screen projected, and you think its just as good as an big LCD, which, by the way, doesn't require d ark room to look good?

[Back]

except as Bob correctly pointed out, the DLPs are the latest fad.

Basically it is a small LCD screen projected, and you think its just as good as an big LCD, which, by the way, doesn't require d ark room to look good?

If you don’t think Texas Instruments DLP is good technology for a good price... then we are at ends.

[Bobmuhthol]

<<I stand by DLPs being poor. New technology != better technology>>

I specifically said LED DLPs, which you have yet to address. They are significantly more efficient than LCDs and plasmas for sizes exceeding 60".

<<The DLP is for the consumer who wants > 36" who cannot afford a plasma or LCD.>>

You're seriously retarded.

Love,
A fucking television salesman.

<<except as Bob correctly pointed out, the DLPs are the latest fad.>>

I never said that.

<<Basically it is a small LCD screen projected, and you think its just as good as an big LCD>>

The only issue with this argument is that if you understood physics you'd realize projecting light over a few inches does not degrade quality. Obviously an LCD is better. My argument is that a DLP is more efficient at massive screen sizes that conventional LCD technology does not support cost effectively.

[Alfster]

I went with the DLP tv because the room I was going to put it in had me sitting to close to the screen for plasma or LCD to look good with, but the DLP still looked amazing.

I also had a hard time with the idea of shelling out twice as much cash for near the same quality as what I was getting with a DLP.

I've had no problems with shitty viewing angles, nor have I had any problems with the PS3 looking like shit. I'd recommend the same tv to my friends.

Edit - aren't they basically done making plasma tv's because of the all the problems consumers have had with them?