1st time LCD TV buyer

[majax79]

Hello,

I've come into a bit of money recently and I wanted to buy my first LCD TV. I know very little about LCD tvs and don't want to spend a great deal on one.

I want a 32" LCD TV which I believe is a standard size. Beyond that, I don't know what else I would need or want.

Is there a particular brand that is recommended? The only reason I want to buy one now is to get a x-mas deal. Are there particular websites I should be looking for deals online? I'll need a TV stand as well.

[Jim44]

Check cnet.com and PCmag.com for reviews. AVS Forum if you want to bury yourself in reading. I'm close to a Best Buy, so I usually check out what they have. I'm not a Costco shopper, but they seem to have a decent selection, from what I hear.

(I currently have a couple-year-old Samsung LN32A450 that I got on sale that I've been pretty happy with.)

[wtsinnc]

Hello majax79;

The one thing you don't want to do is buy a tv sight unseen.
Regardless of the reviews, you need to see any tv you are considering, play with the remote, and ascertain that it has the features as well as the performance level you are looking for.

Pay attention to future needs;
does the tv have adequate expandability; ie; a sufficient compliment of inputs and outputs for perceived future needs.

To my eyes, the brands consistently having the best picture quality that I have seen are Samsung and Sony, but I do not have specific models to mention.
Two friends own Vizeo and are very happy with their purchase.

TV is subjective; buy what you like, but first educate yourself on the subject.
-And- shop for the best deal. Retailers as well as wholesalers are often willing to cut prices even further than their advertised sale price.
You don't know until you try.

Good luck !

[ricoman]

I also suggest to my friends, the bigger the better. You will never be sorry you went for the bigger screen that you were planning on, but you may very well say I should have got a bigger screen after you already spent $500. I have had several friends and family and even their wives thank me for talking them into getting the bigger screen. Like you, my brother and his wife wanted a 32" LCD, they thought that 40" is too big and would look funny in their living room. Well they both thanked me and said I was right when they bought the 40" on my advice and love their new TV. GO BIG!
First choice: Sony
Second: LG or Samsung
If money is an issue: Vizio

[MOVIEGEEK]

Get the biggest screen you can fit in/on your cabinet, the difference in price between a 32" and 37" HDTV is small. Most 37" HDTV's are 1080p while most 32" are 1366x768.

[dphirschler]

This is info I read when researching it... LCD lamps will eventually burn out. And they will yellow over time. Some TV's allow you to change the bulbs. I am sure it's possible on all TV's really, but probably more difficult on some. But who knows how expensive that could be? LCD TV's could be very cheap by then.

My own "must haves" were QAM tuner and a good remote.

Check out some sites that recommend TV sizes based on the viewing distance. My TV, a Sharp 46" falls right in the middle of their range (which I think was 42" - 52").

Good luck!

Darryl

[usually_quiet]

Will you use the TV to watch mostly standard definition video or high definition video?

If you will be watching mostly HD material, a 1080p TV will give you a better picture. Although, with a 32-inch TV, you may only notice a great difference between a 1080p TV and a 720p TV if you like to sit fairly close to the TV.

If you watch mostly standard definition material, it could look better on a 720p TV, especially when it originates from a local TV station, or has been converted from old analog programs, or if you watch analog cable.

720p TVs are less expensive. TVs that operate at 60 Hz also cost less, and you may prefer the picture at that frequency. You have to judge for yourself. While some people like the picture provided by a TV having a frequency of 120 Hz or higher, with motion interpolation, others are bothered by the way it looks.

Though you should still go to a showroom and compare TVs to see what models you like best, Samsung does have a good reputation, and anyone I know that has one is happy with it. Before going, if there is a particular feature you want, such as volume-leveling or speech enhancement, do research on-line to find out which makers/models provide it.

I prefer to buy TVs from a brick-and-mortar store for easier returns, but you need to find out the return policy for the store and the TV, particularly when it comes to dead/frozen pixels.

[jagabo]

These articles are largely about the differences between plasma and LCD but they address a lot of the issues you should consider when looking at LCDs:
http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,2845,2349236,00.asp
http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,2845,2356409,00.asp

[victoriabears]

http://www.dtvcity.com/lcdtv/lcdscreensize.html

I have a 46 " but could have accomodated a 55", I am lucky as have a 'great room" with a corner recess where the TV goes.

If like me I watch mainly old stuff not HDTV, the Sony range seem mosy sympathetic, LG evidently have reliability issues, would always recommend the extended warranty.

[edDV]

If you plan to watch SD cable or sat mostly, go to the store and ask to see SD on the models you are considering. Also watch SD ATSC broadcasts. Today they all look good for HD source. The major difference is how they handle deinterlacing 480i and upscale to screen resolution. Generally, the higher level models are better for SD (e.g. the Samsung level 6 beats the level 5).

120Hz (interpolation off) will smooth out the 3-2 judder from film source.

I agree with others you should go larger than 32" if this is a living room TV.

The central 4x3 portion of a 32" 16x9 set is smaller than a conventional 27" set. A 2.35 to 1 aspect DVD movie will be smaller still. You need a 42" 16x9 TV to equal conventional 27" vertical image size when playing a 2:35 to 1 aspect DVD.





Try this calculator
http://tvcalculator.com/

[majax79]

Will you use the TV to watch mostly standard definition video or high definition video?

I only have a Comcast digital cable box. I'm thinking about buying a Blu-Ray Player as well (since it's all the rage). I do want to upgrade to a HDTV Comcast DVR if my TV will have that capability.

The TV is going into a pretty small bedroom. My budget is around $450.

The only brand I know to stay away from is Dynex. Other brands are fair game.
X-mas bargains will probably dictate what LCD TV I can buy.

Since always having a CRT TV I'm not sure what specific features I'd like. If the TV has a better picture than a CRT I'll be happy.

The only issue that I have with LCD TVs is motion blur. I've been reading about the difference between 60Hz and 120Hz. 120Hz seems to be out of my price range though.

[edDV]

Will you use the TV to watch mostly standard definition video or high definition video?

I only have a Comcast digital cable box. I'm thinking about buying a Blu-Ray Player as well (since it's all the rage). I do want to upgrade to a HDTV Comcast DVR if my TV will have that capability.

It will. You will connect HDMI from the cable DVR to the TV. Don't spend more than $10 on an HDMI cable. Don't buy it at the TV store. Get one online.
http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240

Forget the Blu-Ray player. Invest that money in a larger screen and use DVD.

Don't get the extended warranty.

The TV is going into a pretty small bedroom. My budget is around $450.

The only brand I know to stay away from is Dynex. Other brands are fair game.
X-mas bargains will probably dictate what LCD TV I can buy.

Judge size from my 27" TV example.

If you can't afford Samsung or Sony, consider Vizio.

Since always having a CRT TV I'm not sure what specific features I'd like. If the TV has a better picture than a CRT I'll be happy.

The only issue that I have with LCD TVs is motion blur. I've been reading about the difference between 60Hz and 120Hz. 120Hz seems to be out of my price range though.

120Hz has nothing to do with motion blur. That would relate to refresh response and deinterlace artifacting. Try for 5 msec or better response.

$450 will be tough. Consider shopping online.
http://www.walmart.com/Vizio-32-Class-Eco-LCD/ip/10993794
http://www.walmart.com/Vizio-37-LCD-TV/ip/10993795
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&source=hp&q=VO370M&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=1078...wAw#ps-sellers
http://www.youreviewelectronics.com/reviews/lcd-tv-reviews/vizio-vo370m-review/

If you are in California, watch out. The store will add a ~$15 recycle fee in addition to sales tax.

[majax79]

Well, I've limited the brand to Vizio and Samsung for now. Sony is definitely out. Vizio seems to be extremely popular. I'm leaning towards Vizio but it seems that Samsung has a better TV overall. I'm not sure about LG, Toshiba, or Sharp. They don't seem to be that great.

Now, I'm just going around trying to get the model numbers for the 32" TVs. I would like a 37-40 inch but they're around $1,000. My brain couldn't rationalize such a purchase.

[jagabo]

motion blur... Try for 5 msec or better response.

The manufacturer's spec for response time are completely meaningless.

[edDV]

motion blur... Try for 5 msec or better response.

The manufacturer's spec for response time are completely meaningless.

I agree. Same for contrast and brightness specs.

[edDV]

...Now, I'm just going around trying to get the model numbers for the 32" TVs. I would like a 37-40 inch but they're around $1,000. My brain couldn't rationalize such a purchase.

The links above have the 37" Vizio for $537 (not on sale).

[majax79]

wow, that's a great price. I've been reading up on Vizio and it seems like a very good company; 40% increase in black Friday sales and they're increasing their South Dakota call center by 50%. They also seem to get under the larger company's skin which I like, lol.

[edDV]

wow, that's a great price. I've been reading up on Vizio and it seems like a very good company; 40% increase in black Friday sales and they're increasing their South Dakota call center by 50%. They also seem to get under the larger company's skin which I like, lol.

I heard they are now #1 in volume.

[louv68]

Kind of late notice, but some of these may be good deals. http://www.tomshardware.com/news/deals-sales-bargains-herman-miller,9227.html Scroll down to the TV's. One of the TV's is a 40" Sony BRAVIA KDL40S504 1080p LCD HDTV for $589.99 with free shipping after coupon (normally $664.99)

[budz]

Well, I've limited the brand to Vizio and Samsung for now. Sony is definitely out. Vizio seems to be extremely popular. I'm leaning towards Vizio but it seems that Samsung has a better TV overall. I'm not sure about LG, Toshiba, or Sharp. They don't seem to be that great.

Now, I'm just going around trying to get the model numbers for the 32" TVs. I would like a 37-40 inch but they're around $1,000. My brain couldn't rationalize such a purchase.

If you can afford a 37 inch LCD TV my suggestion is to get a Panasonic. They make excellent LCD sets as well as Plasma. Sears carries the Panasonic LCD models.
I wouldn't buy a VIZIO if someone paid me to. IMHO the best thing to do is go down to the stores and see the LCD models for yourself. Everyone's eyes are different so what you may think looks good, may look crappy to someone else. All manufacturers have some defects in their LCD TV sets. The first SONY 40 inch I bought had terrible ghosting and spotlights in the corners of the set. SAMSUNG has had bleeding issues, SHARP has had lines showing up on some models so remember that no one manufacturer is so superior than the other.

I own a Panasonic 32 inch LCD TV that's 2 years old and has never given me any problems. I paid $800.00 for it in 2007.

Sears Panasonic 37 inch LCD TV, $626.99
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_05772589000P?vName=Computers+%26+Electronics&...ame=Flat+Panel

Panasonic 32 inch LCD TV, $399.99...This one would fit your budget!
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_05711282000P?vName=Computers+%26+Electronics&...ame=Flat+Panel

If I had the spare cash I'd buy the exclusive Panasonic 42 inch LCD TV which is only sold by Best Buy, $749.99
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Panasonic+-+VIERA+/+42%22+Class+/+1080p+/+60Hz+/+LCD+HDTV/...&skuId=9239228

As already mentioned AVS Forums is a good source of information on LCD/PLASMA TV's.
Just my 2 cents!

[edDV]

There are lots of good models if he increases his budget.

The latest generation Vizios are getting good reviews but they are a budget brand.

[gll99]

I concur with edDV. When I was looking for an lcd tv I knew that many shows would be in sd format so I wanted to know what the various 16:9 screen sizes would look like in a viewable un-stretched 4:3 not counting the black sidebars.

I came up with these rough numbers in inches:



btw)This is the maximum calculated size of an sd image. If the sd image is not 4:3 then the frame is even smaller but those usually zoom quite well with little distortion.

I ended up with a 42" tv for a room that's about 11' by 11'. Sitting about 8'-9' away the picture was great and still had that big screen feel even when I left it unzoomed. Unfortunately I had to return the set after a week due to a serious problem so I'm looking again. You may want to consider a 37" if you watch a lot of sd.

[fritzi93]

Vizio HDTVs are low-end alright, but I wouldn't dismiss them out of hand.

I'm not advising you to get one, and can only speak of the one I own. It's a 42" 720p plasma I got nearly two years ago. It's been entirely satisfactory. One con is its scaling; it doesn't do very well upscaling 480 p/i. With a 720p or 1080 p/i signal, it's fine. Of course that probably isn't relevant when looking at current models. But I suspect the processing is still not first-class compared to some other, more expensive brands.

If that's what fits your budget, it's a possibility.

[MOVIEGEEK]

would like a 37-40 inch but they're around $1,000. My brain couldn't rationalize such a purchase.

Best Buy has 37" on sale every week for ~$500.

[jagabo]

Although there are dozens of brand names selling LCD HDTVs there are only a few LCD panel manufacturers. The second tier brands buy older panels (and likely reference design electronics as well) from the panel manufacturers so they usually don't have the latest technology. The first tier brands (like Sony) have access to the latest panel technology and may (or may not) design their own electronics.

When LCD panel technology was evolving very quickly the difference between state of the art panels and year old designs was substantial. But in the last few years the panels haven't been improving as quickly. So a second tier brand, although using last year's panel design, can look pretty good.

[MJA]

37" VO370M 1080p LCD $489.00

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?cs=19&c=us&l=en&sku=A3139068&dgc...5A00187417A0A1

there was a good deal at bestbuy for a sony bundle(i know u don't like sony)

Sony BRAVIA 46V5100 46 inch LCD HDTV (1080p, 120Hz) + PS3 + Game, Movie $950.98, Dec. 7 11 AM

Best Buy has this HDTV/PS3 combo:

(1) Sony BRAVIA KDL-46V5100 46" LCD HDTV (1080p, 120Hz)
(2) Sony PlayStation 3 120GB System
(3) One of PS3 Games - Ratchet & Clank Future, Uncharted 2, Little BigPlanet
(4) One of Movies - Year One, Pelham 123, The Ugly Truth

for a very low $950.98 w/ $2.97 Shipping. Tax in most states.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=pcmcat197700050041&type=category&URL=http%3...5A00188385A0A1

[edDV]

When LCD panel technology was evolving very quickly the difference between state of the art panels and year old designs was substantial. But in the last few years the panels haven't been improving as quickly. So a second tier brand, although using last year's panel design, can look pretty good.

This also applies to the "value" lines of the brand names. You need to move up the model range to get the new technology.

I bought a couple of these 20" "eco" Vizios to use as second monitors at computer workstations. They cost around $200 and doubled as an HDTV. The newest one has a 1600x900 resolution and performs well as a computer monitor. The video processing is close to my two year old level 6 Samsung. I can watch it at 18" distance with comfort. I'm happy that this quality can be had for $200.

Also, at 35 Watt power consumption, it works great on UPS battery or generator power during power outages.

[fritzi93]

Wow, if I were in the market for an HDTV, that Sony bundle would be really tempting. And the price is $300 bucks less than I paid one year ago for my Philips 47" 1080p, 120 Hz set. Just the set, no extras. :P

Like Ricoman says, go big. When I put the 42" plasma in my den I thought it was tremendously, overwhelmingly big. Now I wish I'd gone bigger. Same for the 47" in the living room.

[MJA]

Wow, if I were in the market for an HDTV, that Sony bundle would be really tempting. And the price is $300 bucks less than I paid one year ago for my Philips 47" 1080p, 120 Hz set. Just the set, no extras. :P

Like Ricoman says, go big. When I put the 42" plasma in my den I thought it was tremendously, overwhelmingly big. Now I wish I'd gone bigger. Same for the 47" in the living room.

I felt the same thing when I bought my Westinghouse 37' 3 years ago.size matter

imagine ron jeremy looks like on a 60' HD

[usually_quiet]

I'll agree with budz that Panasonic LCDs are worth looking at. They were my first choice when I tried to find an LCD TV for my parents because they had very good picture quality and were one of only three makers that offered a volume-leveling feature, which they liked in their Panasonic CRT TVs and wanted to have again. They didn't get one only because Samsungs were on sale at the time.