FTR! Help me pick a TV

[bigspenda73]

Since I suck at all technology and have no knowledge about TV's I thought I'd solicit some advice.

Here are your parameters:

1. Your budget is $3000 including wall bracket
2. Flat screen/LCD/plasma HD capable a must--NO rear projection
3. I would like between 42"-50"
4. Post a link or picture in here

Seriously, someone help me out. It's going in my living room (which I don't have yet) once I move into my new place. If at the very least someone could give me advice on what I should be looking for I'd appreciate it.

[dsmrolla06]

You should look for a best buy.

[badandy519]

Since I suck at all technology and have no knowledge about TV's I thought I'd solicit some advice.

Here are your parameters:

1. Your budget is $3000 including wall bracket
2. Flat screen/LCD/plasma HD capable a must--NO rear projection
3. I would like between 42"-50"
4. Post a link or picture in here

Seriously, someone help me out. It's going in my living room (which I don't have yet) once I move into my new place. If at the very least someone could give me advice on what I should be looking for I'd appreciate it.

Most wall brackets run $60-$80. If you want it professionally installed with the cable and plug hidden behind the bracket and TV, probably another $150 or so, depending on how far the cable and electrical need moved. That leaves about $2800 and you can get one HELL of a TV for that nowadays. Most good 42" LCD's are under $1100 and you can get a nice refurb with a warranty for $799 from places like tigerdirect.com if you want to save more $$.

Just go to Sams Club, Bestbuy or Circuit City, find one you like with the best picture and then come home and google the model # for a better price, and then go back and get the price matched if you find it cheaper.

FWIW, we just had a 50" Philips plasma with ambi-light or whatever they call it put in our break room at work - total installed was like $2870 and the picture is awesome.

[badandy519]

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1162593226223

[UG]

Got a 52 inch Sharp LCD 1080i. I think total it was $3400.

The 46 inch would have been a grand less, but we have a pretty big living room and I think the six inches would have made a difference.

Also, don't get somebody to put it in for you...if you have any sort of know-how in how to drill holes into walls it's pretty easy to mount. I did it with my father-in-law. It was a pain in the ass with only two people (a third to steady the TV would have been nice), but we got it up there no problem. Probably the baddest ass thing I own.

[UG]

Also, wait until Best Buy, Nebraska Furnature Mart, or some other awesome store like that does a huge no-interest deal. We have no interest until January 2010. Because of this we were able to go over our budget because we have so much time to pay it off. Could we pay it off today if we wanted to? Of course, but what's the point in doing that?

[Galapogos]

Could we pay it off today if we wanted to? Of course, but what's the point in doing that?

I used to think like this too. But then when I finally paid off all my little debts I realized there was nothing cooler than having your whole entire paycheck at your disposal.

[UG]

Could we pay it off today if we wanted to? Of course, but what's the point in doing that?

I used to think like this too. But then when I finally paid off all my little debts I realized there was nothing cooler than having your whole entire paycheck at your disposal.

I agree totally. The main reason my wife and I chose to go this route is because she's going back to school in August. For a little over eleven months I will be the sole provider for the two of us. I'm a teacher, and I don't want to shock you, but teachers don't make a whole lot of money. We wanted a huge TV but didn't want to put ourselves in a tough spot financially while she was in school, so that was the best way to go.

That said, even with her going back to school we should be more than fine (and could probably pay the TV off right now and have it make no difference). I'm a nit when it comes to money and it's (slowly but surely) rubbed off on her as well, so it's looking like we'll have plenty saved up to get us through that year. That said, if we don't have to pay it off there's no reason to...

Also, she is guarenteed a job immediately after finishing school, so we'll probably pay it off immediately and then start saving again. Then we'll start popping out some babies and not have money again, lol.

[ilikeaces86]

Do not pay it off if its 0% APR. You are making at least 3% APR via inflation by not paying it off.

[thizzSantaCruz]

Inflation hasn't been 3% in a while, but you will be making money....slightly. But if you want to look at it that way you would also be paying for a product that is outdated and your money could be spent on something more up to date for cheaper. Just pay it off now.

[DaNutsInYoEye]

If you already have the $3K you'd get a much better price buying it online from a place like onecall.

[bigspenda73]

If you already have the $3K you'd get a much better price buying it online from a place like onecall.

Yea I have it and then some. The 0%APR sounded great though and I'm sure I could get it.

Come on people, what does everyone else have? Someone tell me what brand they think is best, what size is best? what's better Plasma/LCD?

[thizzSantaCruz]

so much of this can be found easily online. I have been looking around for a nice TV as well and I will tell you a couple things off top, plasmas are cheaper, and the viewing angles are better. LCD's usually have a better resolution and will last longer...

what size is best is up to you...how big do you want to go?

Good brands lets see Sony and Sharp are pretty good. for this part you just need to go down to a store and check out the picture quality for yourself. If you can get a set thats 1080p compatible and grab yourself a blue-ray player and prepare to be amazed.

[Muzzard]

Like I said in my PM it really depends on what exactly you want to connect to the device, how light the room is, whether you want a large screen over picture quality and whether you are connecting an external speaker system.

However, here are a few of my best picks. I am in the UK, but I keep upto date with US market as much as possible..

1)Pioneer PRO-940HD - Only 42" and relatively expensive compared to other 42", I've seen it from $2000-3000.This is a top quality display, one of the best for picture quality.

As far as connections go: pair of HDMI ports, VGA , two sets of component video inputs, a CableCARD slot, RF, front-accessible A/V connections, USB and ethernet.

EDIT: Link added for the lazy
http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/it...7?v_c=Shopping


2) Sharp AQUOS LC-52D92U
I think this was only released about a month ago and is almost $4000 from some retailers. However, I found it at an amazing $2800 (link below). It's 52" LCD, nice large screen if thats what you're looking for.

Less connections overall, but it had more HDMI sockets (3) and a DVI-I. No USB or ethernet as far as I'm aware.

It offers good image contrast, resulting in one of the most detailed pictures in a 1080p display. Unfortunately, this exceptional detail highlights a weak video processor that leaves some jagged edges in the picture when viewing interlaced content. Also you cant change some of the more detailed setting to improve the quality like on most other displays.

You probably wouldn't notice this... but when its put through standard industry tests its noticable, probably not to the average user.
http://www.123buydirect.com/ProdDisp...hopping&p=1.00

3) My final recommendation
Samsung LN-T4665F, this has only been released within the last few weeks. Its a 46" LCD and is retailing either on or just below the $3000 mark. Infact I see BestBuy has it for $2400. It is so new I haven't seen it over here yet and I haven't had chance to test it out. I'm assured its a good unit though.

It has 3 HDMI sockets, USB and all your usually inputs. I have no idea on its image quality, but it will be decent for sure!

EDIT: Link added
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1169512521864

Thats the lot. All the links are to the cheapest outlet I could find.

[Muzzard]

If you can get a set thats 1080p compatible and grab yourself a blue-ray player and prepare to be amazed.

I wouldn't bother buying a blu-ray just yet. Indeed it's outselling HD-DVD in the US, but in the UK HD-DVD is winning the race. Mainly due to the lack of PS3's over here I assume.

I think it's going to be a few months before the was is settled, pretty much like VHS vs Betamax. I can't see both surviving in the long run. I wouldn't shell out the $400 just yet... Unless you buy a PS3 which has one included anyway. NOTE: the PS3 and x-box are awful at upscaling standard def. DVDs to HD TV's

However, the LG multiplayer might be a good option if you really can't wait and you have money to burn. Though it does not have FULL support for the interactive content on HD-DVD's, it retails for about $1000 I think, but don't hold me to that!

[bigspenda73]

Bumppedty bump bump. I finally moved into my new place and have settled in enough to want to go out and buy my TV. My GM (and Badandy after rereading thread) suggested Tigerdirect.com and after looking around I found this one(they seem to be pushing it quite hard):

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...&Sku=S197-4210

What do you guys think?
Also, is a wall mount hangable in a corner? I really want to put in up in a corner pointing down as it sets up my living room nicely.

I went to BestBuy yesterday to look around and I found what looked like some great TV's but Im just unsure. My main decision right now is on size. I think 46" will be best and I think 42" will be better than the 50" because my living area is not that large.

[uscheese]

I've never heard of sceptre...I'd stay away from the unknowns personally unless that's some good company I've just never heard of. I really like the samsungs...they have nice pictures...I have a 42" plasma from sylvania...it was the cheapest thing out there at the time and it's been very good to me. I'd def try to stick with the bigger names though...they aren't much more money (if any at all)

[uscheese]

Oh and most importantly...look HERE before buying anything

http://www.cheapstingybargains.com/

[HiLo]

my main tv blew up recently and while looking for a discounted replacement i found one one of these bad boys discounted to £800 and couldn't help myself!



the screen is 96" across!! Not quite as good quality as a plasma tv but awesome for movies & sports and unreal for the PS2 :P

...must try and see if I can multitable like 48 tables on it! lol