looking for a new tv

Pablo

I just talked to my cousin and he said he was TV shopping (and he knows nothing). Before he runs out and gets sold a piece of crap, I want to recommend something nice. I haven't researched anything lately, and was hoping for a few suggestions. He thinking 42" for between $2000 and $3000. I personally love both my panasonics, but any other suggestions would be helpful. Thanks.

danger boy

learning all about new TV's

here's a link to reading up on TV's. It's good to have some knowledge about current TV's and such before you go out and buy one. It's good to know what the difference is between enhanced tv and HDTV as well as HDTV capable. etc.

good luck

Pablo

Thanks. But I already know alot about TVs. I just don't know what models are the best at the moment (I haven't shopped in a few years). He called me last night and said they were plasma shopping and was looking to buy in the next day or two.

I was thinking DLP over Plasma or LCD, but I was also thinking 1080p (for the future). There's also the new technology (LCoS). But I'm worried that it's to new and all the flaws are not yet ironed out.

Any model help would be greatly appreciated.

kberg

Pablo wrote:

I just don't know what models are the best at the moment.

"Best" for one may not be "Best" for another. You might think one model is "Best" (for you) but might not be for your cousin.

In general, I first thoroughly research all of the different display technologies, then all of the "features" of each technology (e.g., advantages/disadvantages), then all of the "features" of the TV in question, and finally all of the "features" of my viewing/listening environment (e.g., space limitations, lighting, etc.). Then I do some in-store "testing" (like sending a DVD signal through the TV instead of those HD signals that make the TV look so "pretty"). Lump all of these together and one can (still not easily!) whittle down all of the TV's out there for a final decision on which TV to purchase.

Hope that helps.

BrentMcGhee

kberg wrote:

Hope that helps.

I think you made it worse

gregure

Jeez, since no one wants to help you out, just dance around the issue, here are a few suggestions. Being an A/V salesman, I'm not afraid to make a few recommendations.

1. Best TV at that price for 42" would be Samsung's 42" DLP, model HLR4266. He could even go with the 46" and still stay under 3k, unless he chooses a service plan (extended warranty), and that might put him a bit higher. The 46 has a better color wheel, and is a good compromise between 50" and 42" for those on the edge. Model # HLR4667.

2. A Plasma at 42" under 3k would probably not be worth buying. LG, Vizio, whatever else is cheap is not really worth purchasing. My motto, do it once, do it right. The Panasonic TH42PX50U is a good tv, only shortcoming would probably be that the SD channels don't look as good on it as they do w/ Fujitsu or Pioneer Elite. Other than that, it's a fine tv, usually around $3200-3500. Panasonic also makes the TH37PX50U (37" obviously) and can be had for between $2800-3000.

3. LCD-too expensive at that size LCD rear projection would be ok, but DLP is usually found to be better in most reviews, and I personally can't stand how LCD tv's reproduce blacks. Murky and fuzzy, with no definition w/in the blacks.

4. Tube, Sony KD34XBR960 is a great set, but is huge, heavy, and only 34".

I really think DLP is the best way to go at that price. You will get the most screen size for the money, and Samsung is making excellent DLP sets. The picture is great. The 1080p sets are a bit more $$$ and start at 50". They will overshoot your cousin's size and budget target. However, for HD programming, there is a noticable improvement in sharpness and detail. Just make sure he is aware that you have to replace the bulb every couple of years.

BrentMcGhee

what store do u sell tv's at greg?

cfrizz

gregure wrote:

Jeez, since no one wants to help you out, just dance around the issue, here are a few suggestions. Being an A/V salesman, I'm not afraid to make a few recommendations.

I really think DLP is the best way to go at that price. You will get the most screen size for the money, and Samsung is making excellent DLP sets. The picture is great. The 1080p sets are a bit more $$$ and start at 50". They will overshoot your cousin's size and budget target. However, for HD programming, there is a noticable improvement in sharpness and detail. Just make sure he is aware that you have to replace the bulb every couple of years.

Greg, how much does it cost to replace that bulb?

Gaara

The bulbs will run you between $200 and $300 dollars depending on the set. Most that i know of are user serviceable, like the samsungs last time I checked came in a box. You unscrew a side panel on the tv, unscrew the box, put the new box in, screw the panel back in, viola.

As for choice of sets, If I was going to buy any tv it would be the XBR960, but it is only 34in. I have never seen anything with a better picture quality then this tube, just that simple. When I find someone to buy my tv I will be getting this set.

If you are looking at a dlp I would recommend a Toshiba, like the 46hm84 or if he wants hdtv bulit in, go with the 46hm94. I prefer these sets to the samsungs because they have a more powerful bulb (120w vs 100w) a better chip (IMO the HD2+ is much better then the HD3 wobulating chip), and it looks better overall. Last I checked it also had a better contrast ratio, and the speakers are on the side as apposed to the bottom, I like them on the side better.

I to sell tvs and the 46HM84 sells for $2499, same price as the samsung 46in. If you look at crutchfield right now they have the 52HMX84 (no hdtv built in, but it has 2 HDMIs and a darker border) for $2499 or the 52HMX94 (has hdtv build in, 2 HDMIs and the darker border) for $2999.

Jared

Deuce

I would have to agree with Gregure, at least in part.

The Samsung 42" is probably the best bet for the money. They've been doing the DLP thing for longer than anyone else, and short of maybe Mitsubishi's line...doing it better. I've seen the Toshiba's, and maybe it was the displays in that particular store, but I thought the Samsung models looked better. Half-mirror chipset and all. Now that the HLR4677W, which does have the HD2+ set, is discontinued you might be able to snag one of those at a fantastic price point. I know a local store selling them new (at least for now) at $2800.

LCoS is a waste of time and money. If you think resolving black on an LCD is murky and undefined, LCoS makes LCD look razor sharp. Philips and Toshiba both failed in their attempts with this technology. DILA sets, like the JVC...which is essentially the same as an LCoS, is pretty good but not in your price point. I still don't like the reproduction of black on that set though.

I'm looking forward to a close look at Samsung's new 1080p DLP set, HLR5078W. Should be interesting to see how a $3800 set displaying 1080p compares to the Sony uber-TV Qualia for $13000 at 1080p.

kberg

gregure wrote:

Jeez, since no one wants to help you out, just dance around the issue, here are a few suggestions.

Heck, I didn't mean to do that - if I didn't want to help out, I wouldn't have replied at all!

kberg

BrentMcGhee wrote:

I think you made it worse

Yeah, dammit! Maybe you're right.

WilliamM2

$2499 Free shipping:

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/457999772

$2799 Free shipping:

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/457999960

If he really only wants a 42" - $1999

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/accessories/457999618

You can find all of these sets elsewhere online even cheaper, but if I were to order something that expensive and heavy, I would stick to reputable, authorized dealers.

Gaara

Just got to work, new Toshiba 46hm95 has the hdtv tuner built in and uses a new TALEN engine with DEEP Picture and the PixelPure AT Digital Video Processing. Sells for 2199.

gregure

BrentMcGhee wrote:

what store do u sell tv's at greg?

I sell at Magnolia Audio/Video in Santa Rosa. There are also mini-Magnolias in many of the Best Buys around the country now, and hopefully soon to be many more full Magnolia stores as well.

I am a big proponent of shopping at an actual retailer, as opposed to online. Sure, you may save a bit of coin online, but when it comes to service, you're kind of on your own. As reliable as some of these sets can be, anything but a tube is still new technology, and it's hit or miss sometimes. Magnolia's 4-year plan is $400 on any DLP, and includes the cost of any bulbs that go out in those 4 years, which will almost certainly be at least one. It's really a good thing to consider.

And I agree the Sony 34" XBR is the best picture you can possibly get, hands down. I may upgrade to that set myself, although the 30" is all I can really fit in my living room currently. Like I said earlier though, people with lots of cash to spend prefer Plasmas because they are similar to tube in PQ but a lot thinner, lighter, and offer larger screens.

MacLeod

But the whole "burn in" thing with plasmas is what turns me off to them. I play a lot of video games and from what I hear those are deadly to plasmas. LCD's are nice but way too damn expensive.

Im wondering why not go with a conventional 4:3 set? You can get a 35" Toshiba for $500 at Best Buy now!

And I too would rather buy from a retailer. If something goes on you have somebody you can go grab by the collar and make em see things your way. Cant do that when youre waiting on hold for 2 hours!!

Gaara

Go for the 30xs955. Same tv picture quality wise, it uses the same tube, not to many differences. Off the top of my head the case is slightly different, the xbr has pip, xbr has IEEE1394, xbr has a little better sound system, and a better remote.

I like Mitsu DLPs, it just sucks that their higher end has such a terrible anti-glare screen. Their lower end stuff is nice.

Actually I am not a very big fan of the new samsung models, we just got our 1080ps in, and they are not that impressive. Very bright, I'll give them that, without looking unnatural, but not that great of a tv IMO. We have a 56in hooked up to HD like everything else, and hooked up to a sony upconverting player via HDMI set to 1080i. The HD looks a little more detailed and a little brighter then everything else, without sacrificing black levels. With DVD it is about the same as the other sets, and regular cable looks even worse. So if you buy this set you better hook it up to HD!

Wow I am always amazed at the cost of service plans. You guys are $400 CC is $500 for 4 yrs coverage. Bulb is pricey though, think $250, so if you know it is going to go, then its only like paying $150 for 4 yrs coverage.

Jared