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Posted by xvt's 85 5.0 (Member # 4765) on :
 
I'm buying a tv soon maybe next friday, now I might spend about 2k on the tv so I want to know, what's better technology in terms of picture quality and reliability and what's a better choice from DLP, LCD, and Plasma, it has to be 1080p since I might pick up a blu-ray player. Thanks
 
Posted by 1FAST89GT (Member # 5071) on :
 
go to circuit city i seen a couple sony bravia lcd 46 + for well within your price range
 
Posted by xvt's 85 5.0 (Member # 4765) on :
 
Sears is going to have a 52" Sony Bravia "W" 1080P on sale next friday (blackfriday) for 1,999, I just want to know what's a better buy.
 
Posted by 95GTConvtACE (Member # 6399) on :
 
I have a 46" LCD Sony Bravia and love it. I would definitely wait for Black Friday for some deals. I would go for the LCD. Plasma's eventually burn out. LCD's can be fixed down the road same as the DLP's. I heard that the DLP's are the best technology, but I am not 100%. Good luck.
 
Posted by xvt's 85 5.0 (Member # 4765) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by 95GTConvtACE:
I have a 46" LCD Sony Bravia and love it. I would definitely wait for Black Friday for some deals. I would go for the LCD. Plasma's eventually burn out. LCD's can be fixed down the road same as the DLP's. I heard that the DLP's are the best technology, but I am not 100%. Good luck.

That's exactly what I want to know, I think DLP's you have to replace the bulb/lamp every so often, and plasma's bur out. What's the most common thing to wrong with a LCD?
 
Posted by 5OHS5OH (Member # 4665) on :
 
I don't know about the tech side, but make sure to check out Costco for their selection. I've purchased two Plasmas their in the last two years and I have nothing but great things to say. They were cheaper and when I noticed a piece of trim was loose, they replaced the TV no questions asked. The TV was about $150 cheaper, so they gave me a Costco card worth $150.

[worship] Costco!
 
Posted by 1989lx5.0 (Member # 3699) on :
 
i have a HP media smart 47" lcd, and love it, it has built in wi-fi, i can watch movies on it from my pc, view pics etc etc, hell i am using as a monitor right now as i post [Big Grin]
 
Posted by BUKSING (Member # 6594) on :
 
some lcds have poor side view angles...look out for that.
 
Posted by gtowned (Member # 8156) on :
 
i just bought a 56"dlp and its the shit.yeah you have to replace the bulbs every few years but theyre about 125-150 and easy to put in.but at least you can still repair the tv vs. throw it away.


plus now they have led dlp's

http://www.dlp.com/hdtv/led_hdtvs.aspx

http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/hdtvs/1958/samsung-hl-s5679w-56-inch-led-dlp-hdtv.html
 
Posted by xvt's 85 5.0 (Member # 4765) on :
 
I just got this e-mail from costco.

http://www.costco.com/Service/FeaturePage.aspx?ProductNo=11327643&cm_mmc=BCEmail_358-_-QUAD-_-1-_-LCDTVs

It sucks that sharp's are the worst reviewed Brand. but it's tempting
 
Posted by essasin (Member # 4741) on :
 
2k will get you one of the higher end screens. Honestly between the top brands Samsung, Pioneer, and Sony high end...they used the same panel. Last time I checked they where either manufactured by Sharp or Samsung.

Here is what I think is the low down on tv sets which are decreasing in price and have not bottomed out yet.

Buy a Plasma if you you can control the lighting in your room. Plasmas have a VERY glossy screen and you will get a huge glare in a room with uncontrolled lighting. The whole burn in issue is relatively solved with the new sets. As far as picture quality plasmas still to me produce a the best vivid colors. Plasmas are good with a computer feed but not as good as an LCD.

Buy an LCD if you using it in a room with a lot of light. If you noticed airports, malls, etc all use LCD because it produces a better PQ in lighted areas. LCDs are the best for HTPC usage. Make sure you check for dead pixels on these monitors. PQ is awesome on these sets except for black levels, they are not as deep as plasmas.

DLP is the best bang for the buck for cost per inch. If you want BIG and have the space, DLP is the way to go. The only real drawback is the size and black levels. Still produces an excellent 1080p feed.

With 2k you can't go wrong and you will be happy with any set. Just make sure the set fits your needs and room. And most importantly DO NOT BUY MONSTER CABLES! They are the biggest shame in the world like Bose speakers. They spend all their money on marketing to brain wash people into thinking it's the best. Internally they cost a few dollars to make and are no better than the cheapo rat shack stuff. Shop at monoprice.com for all your brackets and cables. Quality stuff and the best prices you will find anywhere. All the home theatre buffs will attest to it.
 
Posted by Five Decimal Zero (Member # 1251) on :
 
I purchased a Vizio 50" Plasma from Costco 3 years ago which died 2 weeks ago. Fortunately, I was able to return it under the old lifetime return policy. They handed me a cash card valued around $2200.

I purchased the Sharp 52" 1080P lcd and a Vizio 42" 720P plasma. STAY AWAY from the Sharp lcd!!! The picture quality was shitty through my HD cable box and blu-ray player regardless of settings.

I then returned the Sharp lcd for a Panasonic 50" 1080P plasma and even got some cash back! With the extra cash I picked up an iPod Touch 8GB... haha! I'd recommend the Panasonic over the Sharp hands down.

I agree with Essasin having owned a DLP, LCD and Plasma...

Vizio 50 720P plasma < Panasonic 50 1080P plasma + Vizio 42 720P plasma + iPod Touch 8GB

[ November 20, 2008, 03:07 AM: Message edited by: Five Decimal Zero ]
 
Posted by Insurance Dude (Member # 8241) on :
 
Essasin is right on the money.

also LCD TVs work much better with game systems.
 
Posted by xvt's 85 5.0 (Member # 4765) on :
 
Thanks to all who reply, I was going to buy an LCD but I might go with a DLP just because I have a dark and spacious room, I'm think the one on the link below, because of the great reviews and it looks like no lamp to replace, I just need to replace the hole tv in 13 years.

Samsung TV
 
Posted by iceman302 (Member # 7180) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by essasin:
2k will get you one of the higher end screens. Honestly between the top brands Samsung, Pioneer, and Sony high end...they used the same panel. Last time I checked they where either manufactured by Sharp or Samsung.

Here is what I think is the low down on tv sets which are decreasing in price and have not bottomed out yet.

Buy a Plasma if you you can control the lighting in your room. Plasmas have a VERY glossy screen and you will get a huge glare in a room with uncontrolled lighting. The whole burn in issue is relatively solved with the new sets. As far as picture quality plasmas still to me produce a the best vivid colors. Plasmas are good with a computer feed but not as good as an LCD.

Buy an LCD if you using it in a room with a lot of light. If you noticed airports, malls, etc all use LCD because it produces a better PQ in lighted areas. LCDs are the best for HTPC usage. Make sure you check for dead pixels on these monitors. PQ is awesome on these sets except for black levels, they are not as deep as plasmas.

DLP is the best bang for the buck for cost per inch. If you want BIG and have the space, DLP is the way to go. The only real drawback is the size and black levels. Still produces an excellent 1080p feed.

With 2k you can't go wrong and you will be happy with any set. Just make sure the set fits your needs and room. And most importantly DO NOT BUY MONSTER CABLES! They are the biggest shame in the world like Bose speakers. They spend all their money on marketing to brain wash people into thinking it's the best. Internally they cost a few dollars to make and are no better than the cheapo rat shack stuff. Shop at monoprice.com for all your brackets and cables. Quality stuff and the best prices you will find anywhere. All the home theatre buffs will attest to it.

He's pretty much spot on. The DLP's can be bought cheaper but I've heard from a number of people that the manufacturers are phasing them out because people don't like changing the bulbs.

I just bought a 52" Samsung 1080p LCD. I absolutely love it... especially the Blue Ray through my PS3. I didn't really think much of Blue Ray before I had it but there's a huge difference.

One other thing you'll want to check into on LCD's (I'm not sure about plasmas and DLP's) is the refresh rate. A 60 Hz refresh will be cheaper but a 120 Hz is better and you won't get image drag when you're watching sports or anything with fast motion.

[ November 20, 2008, 10:21 PM: Message edited by: iceman302 ]
 
Posted by xvt's 85 5.0 (Member # 4765) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by iceman302:
quote:
Originally posted by essasin:
2k will get you one of the higher end screens. Honestly between the top brands Samsung, Pioneer, and Sony high end...they used the same panel. Last time I checked they where either manufactured by Sharp or Samsung.

Here is what I think is the low down on tv sets which are decreasing in price and have not bottomed out yet.

Buy a Plasma if you you can control the lighting in your room. Plasmas have a VERY glossy screen and you will get a huge glare in a room with uncontrolled lighting. The whole burn in issue is relatively solved with the new sets. As far as picture quality plasmas still to me produce a the best vivid colors. Plasmas are good with a computer feed but not as good as an LCD.

Buy an LCD if you using it in a room with a lot of light. If you noticed airports, malls, etc all use LCD because it produces a better PQ in lighted areas. LCDs are the best for HTPC usage. Make sure you check for dead pixels on these monitors. PQ is awesome on these sets except for black levels, they are not as deep as plasmas.

DLP is the best bang for the buck for cost per inch. If you want BIG and have the space, DLP is the way to go. The only real drawback is the size and black levels. Still produces an excellent 1080p feed.

With 2k you can't go wrong and you will be happy with any set. Just make sure the set fits your needs and room. And most importantly DO NOT BUY MONSTER CABLES! They are the biggest shame in the world like Bose speakers. They spend all their money on marketing to brain wash people into thinking it's the best. Internally they cost a few dollars to make and are no better than the cheapo rat shack stuff. Shop at monoprice.com for all your brackets and cables. Quality stuff and the best prices you will find anywhere. All the home theatre buffs will attest to it.

He's pretty much spot on. The DLP's can be bought cheaper but I've heard from a number of people that the manufacturers are phasing them out because people don't like changing the bulbs.

I just bought a 52" Samsung 1080p LCD. I absolutely love it... especially the Blue Ray through my PS3. I didn't really think much of Blue Ray before I had it but there's a huge difference.

One other thing you'll want to check into on LCD's (I'm not sure about plasmas and DLP's) is the refresh rate. A 60 Hz refresh will be cheaper but a 120 Hz is better and you won't get image drag when you're watching sports or anything with fast motion.

I been doing a lot of research, and I think the one on my post above is the one for me, it's a DLP but uses LED's so it has no lag and no warm up time, no lamps to change. reviews are really good, the only thing it's a little more expensive than your average DLP. I found the most helpful info. on here
 
Posted by Five Decimal Zero (Member # 1251) on :
 
avsforum is where i go for answers... good luck on your search!
 
Posted by LS1EATR (Member # 2702) on :
 
I got a 46'' LCD Samsung 1080P and man in HD it looks hella sick realistic, I recommend samsung, [patriot]
 
Posted by 71MercGT (Member # 4305) on :
 
also a lot of good info on cnet.com reviews. Ive went through two plasmas, this time a keeper. Definitely stay away from anything non name brand. And if I could do it again, I would never have went through Best Buy. After two seperate claims and consumer affairs, etc involved I ended up with a real nice panasonic 1080 plasma hdtv.
BTW All the hype about lcds being better than plasmas for gaming is almost phased out, most plasmas now have a gaming mode that is unbelievable and has done away with all the "burn in" problems
PS3+PLASMA FTW [Big Grin]
 
Posted by essasin (Member # 4741) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by 71MercGT:
also a lot of good info on cnet.com reviews. Ive went through two plasmas, this time a keeper. Definitely stay away from anything non name brand. And if I could do it again, I would never have went through Best Buy. After two seperate claims and consumer affairs, etc involved I ended up with a real nice panasonic 1080 plasma hdtv.
BTW All the hype about lcds being better than plasmas for gaming is almost phased out, most plasmas now have a gaming mode that is unbelievable and has done away with all the "burn in" problems
PS3+PLASMA FTW [Big Grin]

It is great. I think it really comes down to is what type of room you have, if you have the cash to spend and what makes you happy. All the tv set are awesome. Only the super picky HT guys of the avsforums will find something at fault.
 
Posted by Yaterstang (Member # 7659) on :
 
My buddy just bought a LCD from Rent a center, then he moved, changed his cell number and never paid them again. Now its his practically free. I guess his credit's probably jacked up now.
 
Posted by xvt's 85 5.0 (Member # 4765) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Yaterstang:
My buddy just stole a LCD from Rent a center, then he moved, changed his cell number and never paid them again. Now its his practically free. I guess his credit's probably jacked up now.

fixed

[ November 21, 2008, 10:07 PM: Message edited by: xvt's 85 5.0 ]
 
Posted by kast1376 (Member # 8499) on :
 
I have a 46" DLP that I love. My room is pretty dark and the picture is excellent.

One big thing I have not seen mentioned yet is power consumption. Plasmas are power hogs. The average plasma draws between 4-6 amps, with the larger sizes obviously pulling more.

I am a big fan of the DLP, but if I was going to go flat-screen, a 120hz LCD would be the way to go.
 
Posted by liftedF150 (Member # 868) on :
 
ive installed alot of tv's ( I do high end custom home intergration) and for the price range you are looking for and quality I would go with the sharp aquos LCD. Great tv especially the new ones they just came out with.
 
Posted by liftedF150 (Member # 868) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by essasin:
With 2k you can't go wrong and you will be happy with any set. Just make sure the set fits your needs and room. And most importantly DO NOT BUY MONSTER CABLES! They are the biggest shame in the world like Bose speakers. They spend all their money on marketing to brain wash people into thinking it's the best. Internally they cost a few dollars to make and are no better than the cheapo rat shack stuff. Shop at monoprice.com for all your brackets and cables. Quality stuff and the best prices you will find anywhere. All the home theatre buffs will attest to it.

[worship] [worship] Finally somebody who gets it!
 
Posted by iron281 (Member # 80) on :
 
Plasma is still king. LCD if you demand a brightly lit room all the time, or would like to use it with the computer. If you want the most accurate picture, best contrast, deepest blacks, and the best overall experience with your movies, plasma is king. DLP should just die already, it's not even close. I mean if the picture sucks, who the hell cares about it being 65 inches anyway?

Look at the top Panasonics at Costco. 99.5% of the Pioneers at far less cost.

[ November 23, 2008, 11:06 AM: Message edited by: iron281 ]
 
Posted by N8 (Member # 6048) on :
 
I can say first hand, do the math on the room size and viewing distance and all that jazz. I bought one that was too big for the room and it sucked. I had to take it back and then went to magnolia and they helped get me a good sized one. 60 was too big. Almost gave my kids epileptic seizures when playing gears...lol.

Sorry if someone said this already. Ohe and bring your own dvd to play when looking at tvs. I found that video loop is set to bring out the best in key brands. I bought my oen dvd (madagascar) and it looked better on a cheaper tv. (I looked elsewher before buying the model from Costco, costco light sucks.)
 
Posted by iron281 (Member # 80) on :
 
A recommendation for cables. But first, yes Monster Cable does indeed suck.

These folks here have very high quality Belden cable of all types, made right here in the U.S.A, up in Seattle. Prices are extremely reasonable.

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/index.htm

If you're in the market for a DVD player, but not quite ready for Blu-ray, this company makes very excellent up-converting DVD players. Stunning picture on my Panny plasma. You can buy and pick it up at their warehouse in Mountain View.

http://www.oppodigital.com/
 
Posted by liftedF150 (Member # 868) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by iron281:
Plasma is still king. LCD if you demand a brightly lit room all the time, or would like to use it with the computer. If you want the most accurate picture, best contrast, deepest blacks, and the best overall experience with your movies, plasma is king. DLP should just die already, it's not even close. I mean if the picture sucks, who the hell cares about it being 65 inches anyway?

Look at the top Panasonics at Costco. 99.5% of the Pioneers at far less cost.

ahhhhhhh hate to break it to ya but your wrong.... DLP is the best picture for cinema and has the best blacks over plasma and LCD....
 
Posted by xvt's 85 5.0 (Member # 4765) on :
 
I finally got the TV I originally was looking to get, A 67 Inch Samsung HL67A750 & stand for $2000 with taxes included at the store closing sale at Circuit City, and I picked up a sony blu-ray from costco, picture quality is great and I'm pretty happy with both the tv and the player. This tv is massive!!


 -
 
Posted by N8 (Member # 6048) on :
 
good score a wee bit oo big for the room tho...Say bye bye eye sight.
 
Posted by xvt's 85 5.0 (Member # 4765) on :
 
Room is bigger "longer" back behind the couch, I just need to reorganize the setting. The way it seats now is 10 ft

[ March 03, 2009, 01:13 PM: Message edited by: xvt's 85 5.0 ]
 
Posted by Scoobysnack (Member # 6721) on :
 
Here's a link in case you need to order a new bulb. They are very east to install and you will save some cash by doing it yourself. http://www.samsungparts.com/
 
Posted by 04cobra408 (Member # 4025) on :
 
Sony Z model lcd. Its the model right under the XBR. It is a great TV. i love it.

[ March 03, 2009, 02:35 PM: Message edited by: 04cobra408 ]
 
Posted by xvt's 85 5.0 (Member # 4765) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Scoobysnack:
Here's a link in case you need to order a new bulb. They are very east to install and you will save some cash by doing it yourself. http://www.samsungparts.com/

Thanks, but this tv does not require a lamp it's a LED engine that will last the life of the tv approximately 10-13 years, that's one of the main reasons I bought it.
 




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