Noob to HDTV's looking to buy one.

[wh0aitznic0]

With my new job and available funds, I can now afford a decent TV that doesn't take up 50% of my bedroom. I'm looking to buy an HDTV (1080p and at least 120hz I've heard) in the price range of $450-$600 at least a 37" that I can mount on my wall to take up the least space and hook up my 360 to play games and watch occasional DVD's. Movies I don't really care too much about since there's a huge 50" downstairs.

I know BB offers financing and I'd honestly rather do that than drop a big fat stack of money.

Any suggestions?

[sleep]

Samsung LCD/LED tv's are the best.

I have a samsung 47" upstairs, and a samsung 62" downstairs.

Research. Just google it.

[Kouki_monstr]

i love my 46' samsung 650 series touch of color. i use it for ps3 and blue rays. couldnt be happier

[SochBAT]

Samsungs all have crushing dark blacks. They're stupid black and you lose details.

Stay away from plasmas. They're 240hz, high heat output and burn out fast.

LCD is your best bet.

There isn't a noticable difference in 720p and 1080p. Anyone that "can see" the difference is lying out of their assholes.

[Helghast]

no difference at 50" and lower.

Get a good Panny 720p @ 42" and call it a day.

Honestly, as long as the contrast and sharpness is up, most people don't care.

Calibration doesn't exist in most people's TV vocab.

[SochBAT]

And thats how the clowns at BBuy get you.

Shitty calibration and askew view ratio.

Then they compare that TV to a TV with Magical HDMI input/Monster cables thats been calibrated and viewed right.

[SimpleS14]

I'm bias, but I like my Sharp TV. I have two friends that had there Samsung TV act a bit fluky at times, but they do look nice.

[ZX88]

samsung. done

[kandyflip445]

Samsungs all have crushing dark blacks. They're stupid black and you lose details.

Stay away from plasmas. They're 240hz, high heat output and burn out fast.

LCD is your best bet.

There isn't a noticable difference in 720p and 1080p. Anyone that "can see" the difference is lying out of their assholes.

LOLOLOLOL. Samsungs will have black crush if you have them set incorrectly, most tvs will.

Plasmas are mostly "480hz subfield drive" or "600hz subfield drive" which means they have either eight or ten subfields that all run at 60hz. Yes that means they're 60hz televisions. Some are capable of using 72hz for 24p playback of blu rays. I've seen LCDs that run hotter than Plasmas and burn out quicker too. Both technologies are VERY similar in performance now a days in most every category, it just depends on what you like for the most part.

There isn't a difference between 720p and 1080p at MOST viewing distances.

Search "1080p graph" in google and click on the first link. w00t

[murda-c]

One thing i've noticed on plasmas is that they all have very glossy screens, which can hurt in a room where there's a window at your back or something like that.

I'm happy with my toshiba regza and my dad's vizio, but they both took me forever to get calibrated where i was content.

They're both 37" and 720p, which is more than enough resolution.

I'm probably going to upgrade to a 46" or larger for the living room though, because some of the seats are far away.

[BOROSUN]

yeah, plasma today dont burn out or screen burn-in and also have longer hour life than lcd.
they are still energy hogs compared to lcd. but, they're better now.

i'll take the v10 or kuro plasma over any lcd.

[sleep]

Thats why LED is where its at now......

[kouki-gymkhana]

Just bought a Samsung LED/LCD 46 incher. Shit is boss, son...Stay away from Best Buy! I had the absolute worst experience purchasing the TV through them and their customer service is total shit.

[SochBAT]

Thats why LED is where its at now......

OLED BIATCH!!!

Get it right

[sleep]

thats right, fuck plasma!

[zylvia213]

this is what i just purchased 1 week ago and so far happy with it.

Samsung - 50" Class / 720p / 600Hz / Plasma HDTV

http://images.bestbuy.com/BestBuy_US/images/products/9239/9239371_sa.jpg

[Okinawandrifter87]

Make sure you have a high contrast ratio 1:50,000 for example. Just depends on what size you go, but make sure that you dont neglect that spec.

[exitspeed]

So can someone explain a little more in detail about the whole Hz thing? I kinda get it but want someone to spell it out for me.

So here's my deal, I'm looking for a 40" TV. I'm looking to buy in Black Fri and don't want to spend more then $800 on it.



Honestly, as long as the contrast and sharpness is up, most people don't care.

Calibration doesn't exist in most people's TV vocab.

And thats how the clowns at BBuy get you.

Shitty calibration and askew view ratio.

Then they compare that TV to a TV with Magical HDMI input/Monster cables thats been calibrated and viewed right.

And how do you go about calibrating the TV? Do you have a proffessional come in and do it or is it something you do on your own?

INPUT. NEED MORE INPUT!

[zenki.life]

oh thats right black friday is almost upon us. yeeesssss

[I LUV MY S13]

if you want a good model your gonna need more than $600

[ronmcdon]

With my new job and available funds, I can now afford a decent TV that doesn't take up 50% of my bedroom. I'm looking to buy an HDTV (1080p and at least 120hz I've heard) in the price range of $450-$600 at least a 37" that I can mount on my wall to take up the least space and hook up my 360 to play games and watch occasional DVD's. Movies I don't really care too much about since there's a huge 50" downstairs.

I know BB offers financing and I'd honestly rather do that than drop a big fat stack of money.

Any suggestions?

I would do this 40" Toshiba for around $590 shipped.
The 1080p thing might work well if you also plan to use it as a mon for your computer.
As long as you don't type a lot, it works out ok imo.

TB40RV525R | 40RV525R - 40" 1080p High-definition LCD TV - High Gloss Cabinet | BuyDig.com (http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?omid=103&ref=froogle&utm_source=Froogle&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=TB40RV525R&sku=TB40RV525R)

[sephiroth99]

So can someone explain a little more in detail about the whole Hz thing? I kinda get it but want someone to spell it out for me.

Basically, 120Hz TV were introduced so that, when viewing a video source at 24fps (example, a blu-ray at 1080p24), the TV won't have to do a 3:2 pulldown.

"Normal" TVs running at 60Hz have a problem displaying 24 different images when updating the screen 60 times. 60/24 = 2.5 but the TV can't update half the screen. So the third time, it "merges" the current frame with the next frame to make a "transition" frame. That's 3:2 pulldown. see : http://www.projectorpeople.com/resources/pulldown-3.asp

But if you are updating 120 times each second, 120/24 = 5 . So, the TV updates 5 times for each new frame it receives.

People may say it's also to remove motion blur, but I think it's more a placebo effect than anything. For example, most of us are running a LCD on our computers at 60Hz, and we watch movies with no problem at all.

hope it clears things up a little, I can explain differently if needed :o

[Drift N Dragg]

I have a Samsung 42" New Gen Plasma Tech HDTV 1080i ... and I have had zero complaints about it... I have had it over a year, colors are still better then My Friends 42 LCD TV...

Now the Older Gen PLasma's burnt out in less then 3 years of continuious play time (more then 6 hours a day) ..

The New Gen have a bunch of extra tech,so that it doesnt do that.. and I have NO problems with my Black draining out other colors.

But LED is absolutely AWESOME!!! but that is a expensive TV

[exitspeed]

no difference at 50" and lower.

Get a good Panny 720p @ 42" and call it a day.

Honestly, as long as the contrast and sharpness is up, most people don't care.

Calibration doesn't exist in most people's TV vocab.

And thats how the clowns at BBuy get you.

Shitty calibration and askew view ratio.

Then they compare that TV to a TV with Magical HDMI input/Monster cables thats been calibrated and viewed right.

So can someone explain a little more in detail about the whole Hz thing? I kinda get it but want someone to spell it out for me.

So here's my deal, I'm looking for a 40" TV. I'm looking to buy in Black Fri and don't want to spend more then $800 on it.





And how do you go about calibrating the TV? Do you have a proffessional come in and do it or is it something you do on your own?

INPUT. NEED MORE INPUT!

if you want a good model your gonna need more than $600

Basically, 120Hz TV were introduced so that, when viewing a video source at 24fps (example, a blu-ray at 1080p24), the TV won't have to do a 3:2 pulldown.

"Normal" TVs running at 60Hz have a problem displaying 24 different images when updating the screen 60 times. 60/24 = 2.5 but the TV can't update half the screen. So the third time, it "merges" the current frame with the next frame to make a "transition" frame. That's 3:2 pulldown. see : Projector People : 3:2 Pulldown Explained (http://www.projectorpeople.com/resources/pulldown-3.asp)

But if you are updating 120 times each second, 120/24 = 5 . So, the TV updates 5 times for each new frame it receives.

People may say it's also to remove motion blur, but I think it's more a placebo effect than anything. For example, most of us are running a LCD on our computers at 60Hz, and we watch movies with no problem at all.

hope it clears things up a little, I can explain differently if needed :o

Yeah that's kinda what I was reading. The Hz this basically hype and marketing. It's like the whole megapixel war. Thanks for explaining it better. What i read didn't make as much sense on how it works.

[tricky_ab]

Samsungs all have crushing dark blacks. They're stupid black and you lose details.

Stay away from plasmas. They're 240hz, high heat output and burn out fast.

LCD is your best bet.



What? First Plasmas are NOT 240hz, they've always been 600hz, but now that LCD's are advertising "amazing motion flow technology" they had to find a buzz word. And this is 2009, plasmas do not burn out fast...common people...

Anyways, for your TV size unless you are planning to sit REALLY close, you can get a 720P set and save yourself some money...

[BOROSUN]

120hz actually make playing games look much more smooth. in 120hz the're still artifacts on fast screens movements but, still better than any lcd that doesnt have it.

also watch movies like bolt, happy feet, and cars makes it so much more life like.

i plan to get 240hz on my next lcd. 1080p all the way.

[exitspeed]

So if I get a 1080p 240hz LCD, like a Samsung or Sony, it should be a good picture?

And again, what is the deal with calibrating the TV?

[BOROSUN]

calibration to get the best life-like colors/image to your eyes. ei. like a brickwall on the screen is too red you adjust it to where it looks realistic. the picture wizard settings on my LG has been great so far.

accurate colors and deep blacks plasma wins it . only if the panasonic h10's were cheaper...i want it.

http://forums.cnet.com/hdtv-picture-settings-forum/ lots of lcd settings to help you.

[tricky_ab]

120hz actually make playing games look much more smooth. in 120hz the're still artifacts on fast screens movements but, still better than any lcd that doesnt have it.

also watch movies like bolt, happy feet, and cars makes it so much more life like.

i plan to get 240hz on my next lcd. 1080p all the way.

Really? I have 120hz on my set and I turn it OFF! It makes everything look like it was shot with a handy cam...:ugh: Same goes for my front projector in my HT...

[I LUV MY S13]

40" lcd, samsung, 1080p resolution, contrast ratio 40,000 and up, 120Hz, good HD sources, HDMI cables, and your good to go...

should be around 1600-1800ish....thats if you want the good stuff

you can go the cheap route and probably spend aroun 800...but i dont think you'd be happy with that

[kandyflip445]

Basically, 120Hz TV were introduced so that, when viewing a video source at 24fps (example, a blu-ray at 1080p24), the TV won't have to do a 3:2 pulldown.

"Normal" TVs running at 60Hz have a problem displaying 24 different images when updating the screen 60 times. 60/24 = 2.5 but the TV can't update half the screen. So the third time, it "merges" the current frame with the next frame to make a "transition" frame. That's 3:2 pulldown. see : Projector People : 3:2 Pulldown Explained (http://www.projectorpeople.com/resources/pulldown-3.asp)

But if you are updating 120 times each second, 120/24 = 5 . So, the TV updates 5 times for each new frame it receives.

People may say it's also to remove motion blur, but I think it's more a placebo effect than anything. For example, most of us are running a LCD on our computers at 60Hz, and we watch movies with no problem at all.

hope it clears things up a little, I can explain differently if needed :o

Hit that on the head. There are/were some tvs that could do 72hz also.

To keep from blurring on an LCD you want to look for a low response time more than anything.

[mrchomponthis]

SAMSUNG OR LG get a lcd I <3 for the lack of glare

[SochBAT]

Dearest Mel.

Calibration of the image is the same as with older TVs.

Set the contrast, hue, saturation, all that good jive.

The Song XMB (Cross Media bar) is a lot more easier to work with when it comes to that, but again, it does the same thing other TVs do, just more simplified.

You can also have it set to different modes, game/tv/movie/dim.

[exitspeed]

Any brands that you guys suggest I stay away from? Sony, LG, Phillips, Magnavox, Panasonic, Sharp, Toshiba? Or for the most part are TV's in the $500-$1000 range with similiar specs going to be about the same?

[kensreliableb18b]

Any brands that you guys suggest I stay away from? Sony, LG, Phillips, Magnavox, Panasonic, Sharp, Toshiba? Or for the most part are TV's in the $500-$1000 range with similiar specs going to be about the same?

yea, westinghouse, dont buy that crap.

i'd stick with either panasonic or samsung--good quality for the buck.

some of you guys talking smack about plasmas are retarded. talking out of your asses cuz you hear bad stuff from word of mouth and the thing we call the internet.

[tricky_ab]

I would stick to Sharp, Sony, Panasonic and Samsung...

[innovation]

yea, westinghouse, dont buy that crap.

i'd stick with either panasonic or samsung--good quality for the buck.

some of you guys talking smack about plasmas are retarded. talking out of your asses cuz you hear bad stuff from word of mouth and the thing we call the internet.


I have a 1080p 42' westinghouse. Bought it two years ago and still running strong. It has nice image color, I would recommend it. No dead pixels either!

[Gnnr]

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg212/hondar_2008/resolution_chart.jpg

And read up here:

Practical Home Theater Guide: Systems Reviews and Home Theater Design (http://www.practical-home-theater-guide.com/)

[Otto347]

What about the HDMI cables? Im going to pick up a 46" samsung tonight and saw there are $8 cables and $80 cables. I understand that the $8 cables might not be "as good" as the $80 but would there be a difference from the $8 to say a $25 cable?

[Kaizen.]

sorry for bumping but its better than starting a new thread.

I want to know your imputs on Sony Bravia. Im planning on picking a 46 inch up LCD, 120hz i think. Sony any good?

[S14DB]

What about the HDMI cables? Im going to pick up a 46" samsung tonight and saw there are $8 cables and $80 cables. I understand that the $8 cables might not be "as good" as the $80 but would there be a difference from the $8 to say a $25 cable?

It's a digital cable. As long as it meets basic specs they are all the same.

sorry for bumping but its better than starting a new thread.

I want to know your imputs on Sony Bravia. Im planning on picking a 46 inch up LCD, 120hz i think. Sony any good?
Sony is good.

[ThatGuy]

I want to know your imputs on Sony Bravia. Im planning on picking a 46 inch up LCD, 120hz i think. Sony any good?

I've had mine for a little less than a year now. Sony Bravia, Z Series, 46", 120Hz, LCD.

I am extremely happy with it. Picked it up through Amazon on an "open box" special. Only thing wrong with it, was it was missing 4 screws to attach it to the stand. Didn't bother me, since I mounted it to the wall anyway.

Great TV though. I am actually considering moving this 46" Z series into my bedroom, and upgrading to a 52", 240Hz XBR series for my livingroom.

[tricky_ab]

^^The XBR9 is a great model, From what I've seen in the stores its a top contender (I'm looking at buying the 52" model). The only thing that still scares me is the bright edges and the clouding of the screens. I've seen it first hand on a few sets but nothing CRAZY. It's either that or the new Samsung 55B7000 LED edge lit set...

[S14DB]

Clouding is people cleaning with windex.

Don't get an edge lit LED. You will notice the light balance in the dark. Get a back lit.

[tricky_ab]

Clouding is people cleaning with windex.

Don't get an edge lit LED. You will notice the light balance in the dark. Get a back lit.


http://i488.photobucket.com/albums/rr243/iVersatile/CloudingFlashlighting1.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c19/delfonik23/IMG_4238.jpg

Sony Z series...

http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/4506/schwarzkj.jpg

Samsung B series...

Eh, Sony and Samsung still have this problem. I've seen it first hand and my first Sony 1080P set I bought a few years ago had it out of the box (I exchanged it for another one, and never looked back).

I have played around with the B series and you can turn off the CE dimming in the service menu...

[DALAZ_68]

so...since im running cable, i needa get an hd converter right?

[S14DB]

so...since im running cable, i needa get an hd converter right?

Do you have digital cable? Get a HD box from the cable company.

If not, most HDTVs support Digital QAM. So, you can get the basic CHs in HD.

[Daniel.]

For those of you looking to purchase cheap, high quality cables I've been getting mine from HDMI Cable, Home Theater Accessories, HDMI Products, Cables, Adapters, Video/Audio Switch, Networking, USB, Firewire, Printer Toner, and more! (http://www.Monoprice.com)

You can't beat $4 4foot HDMI cables.
HDMI 1.3 Cable (http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10243)

I've been using these for 3 years with no problems, and no noticable picture degradation over my friend's $12390812038120 Monster cables.

[NiSilS14]

I have a samsung 52" 1080p LCD tv. I think we've had for about six months now, no problems. Shit rocks house especially when i'm playing xbox on it, then again i'm coming from a tube.

[S14DB]

For those of you looking to purchase cheap, high quality cables I've been getting mine from HDMI Cable, Home Theater Accessories, HDMI Products, Cables, Adapters, Video/Audio Switch, Networking, USB, Firewire, Printer Toner, and more! (http://www.Monoprice.com)

You can't beat $4 4foot HDMI cables.
HDMI 1.3 Cable (http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10243)

I've been using these for 3 years with no problems, and no noticable picture degradation over my friend's $12390812038120 Monster cables.
Yeah monoprice is awesome. Spec cables at a good price.

You will not notice any difference. HDMI is digital it ether works or you have a black screen.

[Kaizen.]

Def good info.

So im getting

Sony 46inch Vseries LCD 1080p 120hz
PS3 Slim 120gb
1 bluray movie
1 game

for 950 b4 taxes.

Best Buy is having a deal tomorow. Bouta go early and grap that bundle. I was looking to buy a PS3 anyways so mind as well swoop on a TV too. Im going to see if I can get the W series since I heard they were selling it for cheaper and it was the higher model, didnt make sense to me but thats what the guys at bestbuy were saying.

[DALAZ_68]

Do you have digital cable? Get a HD box from the cable company.

If not, most HDTVs support Digital QAM. So, you can get the basic CHs in HD.

1. no
2. my dad ordered a package that only works thru his box (living room t.v.). if i hook up to a box in my room, wont it cause to default to his cable package ?
which is pretty much spanish channels... :squintd:

Digital QAM... how do i set it?

[WISH ONE]

Bringing back an old thread, I just moved and im looking for a new TV.
Been looking around and still debating wether to get led or lcd, either 46 or 52.
Read a couple reviews, but im not an electronics wiz. Ive got up to 2k to spend any suggestions, obviously the less expensive the better.

[Gnnr]

For the size, what is the viewing distance?

You can read about some of the pros/cons of LED TVs here. I'm not sold on it.

The Complete LCD TV Guide: System Guidelines and LCD HDTV Reviews (http://www.practical-home-theater-guide.com/LCD-Tv.html)

[ronmcdon]

You really dont even need to spend 2k.
Non led 46" are going for around 7-800
leds around 1400.

I got a sony led for around 1500 about a month ago.
Personally i like the leds, but i dont care for paying premium on higher refresh rates over 60hz.
I seldom watch sports.
(if i do its at friends' homes).

[WISH ONE]

I dont want to spend 2k lol, but thats the max budget... if i can find something for $1000 im game.
Thanks for info and links.
Im still debating on wether I will be satisfied with a 46 or if I should fork up a tad more and get a 52.

[SimpleS14]

I ended up getting he Samsung LN40C630 40" LCD TV for my room and LOVE it. I use it for my PS3 and my desktop, both connected via HDMI. I went with this because it's Samsung's 2010 model series and its cheaper/better than the last years model.

Link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0036WT3P2

I went with LCD vs. LED because it's a technology that has gone through it's developing pains and has come to a point that the imperfections are minimal.

This particular TV looks nice and it's on a TV stand, so weight was not a concern. On top of that, I just couldn't beat the price for what I get at the time I bought it.

[ronmcdon]

I dont want to spend 2k lol, but thats the max budget... if i can find something for $1000 im game.
Thanks for info and links.
Im still debating on wether I will be satisfied with a 46 or if I should fork up a tad more and get a 52.

Well that's just something you have to go check out for yourself at the store.
personally I went with 46 b/c I use it as my computer monitor.
for LED's figure it's around $700-$1k to go from 46 to 55 (I have not noticed 52's).

It's just a matter of personal preference & how much you're willing to spend.
Realistically only you are the best judge of what you'll be satified with, needless to say.