Down to 3 TV options. Need opinions. *pics inside* >>long post<<

conceyted

This is going to be a long-winded post, so please bare with me.

I've done a LOT of research on TVs and am down to 3 TV models. IMO, LED backlit w/ local dimming LCD TVs are amazing. A friend of mine purchased a Samsung 81 series in 46" about 2 years ago and I have always been amazed by it. I steered my parents into a 52" XBR5 around that same time and am also fairly impressed by the PQ on that, as well. With that said, I am now in the market for a TV and have decided that this "upgrade" opportunity is going to be my turn to get an amazing TV. I have looked up and down for what people consider to be the best of the best and why and what I came out with was that the Sony XBR8 and Samsung A950 are both amazing TVs. The only thing holding me back from these are the fact that they are being discontinued, but waiting for new models also means the possibility of doing AWAY with LED backlit w/local dimming. Obviously, that is not entirely true, as the new Samsung will have this feature, but it appears that the new XBR10 will be an edge lit set . Regardless, if I were to wait I probably wouldn't consider a 2010 flagship model TV due to the drastic price difference over all other TVs. Truthfully the only reason I am strongly considering the old flagship models is due to their price reductions.

With that said, here is my dilemma. I am having trouble settling on the proper size my TV should be. A little background, our house has an open floor plan and our living room and dining room are one fairly large room separated by furniture. What that means is that you can see the TV from the dining room table. However, we rarely watch TV whenever eating at the table so I am not even considering that when choosing a TV size. The living room portion of the room measures to be 12' x 13' x 8' (L x W). My main listening & viewing position is approximately 9.5' from screen to eyes, and that position is the farthest that you can sit away from the TV without being in the dining room. The closest point at which the TV can be viewed is approx. 7'. Judging by the information I have read online, it appears that a 46" would be the suggested size, however as many can attest, rarely do people ever complain about a TV being too large, so I wonder if a 52" would be okay for my TV. I made the mistake of purchasing a TV stand a month or so ago as an upgrade to my HT setup and neglected to consider purchasing a TV larger than 46". The stand I purchased claims to be able to hold up to a 65" TV, however the stand is exactly 50" wide at its widest points. Anyways, judging by the measurements of a 52" that I would consider, the TV would almost exactly fit on the stand with no hangover on either side (TV measures 49.5" in width). I was confused as to how this might look so I did a little photoshopping. Below are the images I have come up with. Though not perfect, it does give you much better idea of how my setup looks and what would theoretically look best. Please excuse the mess as my wife is in nursing school and has little time to clean up .







Which do you feel looks like the best size. The top two are 46" and the bottom is the 52".


This brings me to my next dilemma. Currently both the Sony XBR8 and Samsung A950 are priced with considerable reductions. This means that for close to the same price as a upper-mid range LCD TV, you can get the flagship models of last year. I am interested in doing so, but the 46" vs 52" dilemma must be solved first. If it is decided that the 52" is the way to go, then both the A950 and XBR8 would be out of the question, as they only offer 46" and 55" models. I have already convinced myself that 55" is too large. Therefore, I would have to have a third option if 52" was the chosen size. After some research, I have decided that the Samsung B750 would be the 52" model I would choose. People who have seen the A950 and B750 claim that there is very little differences in PQ and that the B750 is a great TV. I have also seen the B750 in person and am happy with the PQ of it. However, I am open to either option, really; getting a 46" and go with an older flagship model or getting a 52" and going with the B750.

My final dilemma is the places I would purchase these TVs. Both the A950 and XBR8 have found their way out of most/all of my local stores. I have located a few of each online, so I would be purchasing these sets from an internet store. Before purchasing I would be sure to check that I would be able to return for replacement should I encounter any problems with the set in terms of screen abnormalities or defects. The B750 is still being sold at most local stores, and therefore would be available to be purchased locally. This means that I should have little to no issue should any issues arise or any abnormalities/defects in the screen be found.

So, there you have it. I am pretty much unsure what to do past this. Should I go with a 46" or a 52"? Which looks best with my current setup? If I should go with the 46" should I get the A950 or spend the extra 500 and get the XBR8? (I am pretty sure I would get the A950 and call it a day)

All of this is based off of these prices for the 3 models listed above:
Samsung 46A950 - $1999 shipped
Sony 46XBR8 - $2450 shipped
Samsung 52B750 - $2100

My only other thought on pricing is that I should maybe wait till Black Friday, Christmas, or the Super Bowl to buy, but this is probably way too late for the A950 or XBR8 to be a consideration, so I will only wait if the 52" is what I choose.

So, I told you it would be long-winded. What do you all think I should do?

Thanks in advance!

Chris M.

Conradicles

The bigger the better. Get the largest you can afford. I sit 9.5 FT away from my 50" and it is perfect. Although I still wish I had got a 60"...LOL

Never heard any man say..."Wish I had got a smaller TV!"

TouchOfEvil

I also say go bigger. I have a 57" in the living room and sit about 9feet away and i gotta say it is oh so sweet. No way i would buy smaller.

vijayl

+1 on Sammy 52"

messiah

Personally, I'd worry more about those puny little speakers lol;). The Samsung 750 series are awesome though, that would be my vote if you don't want to go plasma. Otherwise there are a half dozen screens with a better picture for hundreds less.

wutadumsn23

+1 on the biggest, baddest TV you can afford. I have a 60" right now and I can't see myself ever buying anything smaller in the future, as long as my budget allows that is. Personally I like Sony when it comes to TV's, but that is just my opinion. If you can "demo" the TV's that would probably be the best way to settle you dilema. Good luck and welcome to Club Polk.

-Jeff

digitalvideo

I hope I can persuade you away from an LCD/LED tv and over into the superior plasma camp. The Pioneer Elite Kuro Pro's and Panasonic plasmas are the best on the market in picture quality hands down. If you go to any electronic website that tests and does comparisons the Pioneer Elite's and Panasonic's always comes out on top. I have a Pioneer Elite Kuro Pro-111fd which is 50"inches and the best tv picture quality I ever seen and it's still rated today as the #1 best tv you can buy for best overall picture quality, color accuracy, deepest black levels, it's truly amazing and the thing about plasmas is they are better for sports and movies, they don't suffer the motion blur that LCD/LED tvs do. I stopped watching sports on my Samsung LCD because of it, for example if you try watching football, basketball, hockey and try to follow the basketball or puck or when the quarterback throws a pass down field and the camera pans quickly down field it's horrendous and just hurts my eyes, it becomes real annoying and frustrating after awhile because I pay so much for an LCD tv and I have to live through that major inconvenience, so that's why I bought a plasma.
All the things people say about plasmas that they burn out or this or that was true a few years ago but they have fixed all that "burn in" possibilities with newer technology.

Before you buy a LCD/LED, just check out these tv's first:

Pioneer Elite Kuro Pro-111fd =
http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/pioneer-elite-kuro-pro/4505-6482_7-33002556.html

http://www.ultimateavmag.com/flatpaneldisplays/808pio111/

Panasonic TC-P50V10

http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/panasonic-tc-p50v10/4505-6482_7-33490589.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody

wutadumsn23

LOL, I am still remaining faithful to DLP (LCoS) and have no intentions of getting a plasma, LCD, or LCD/LED anytime soon. I love my Sony, and every 2 or 3 years I will have to swap out the bulb and whammo, brand new TV, lol. My TV has an amazing HD picture and it is every bit as good as the day I bought it (almost 4 years ago)

-Jeff

thsmith

That Sony LCoS is one of the best out there bar none be it plasma, LED or LCD.

tonyb

digitalvideo wrote: »

I hope I can persuade you away from an LCD/LED tv and over into the superior plasma camp. The Pioneer Elite Kuro Pro's and Panasonic plasmas are the best on the market in picture quality hands down. If you go to any electronic website that tests and does comparisons the Pioneer Elite's and Panasonic's always comes out on top. I have a Pioneer Elite Kuro Pro-111fd which is 50"inches and the best tv picture quality I ever seen and it's still rated today as the #1 best tv you can buy for best overall picture quality, color accuracy, deepest black levels, it's truly amazing and the thing about plasmas is they are better for sports and movies, they don't suffer the motion blur that LCD/LED tvs do. I stopped watching sports on my Samsung LCD because of it, for example if you try watching football, basketball, hockey and try to follow the basketball or puck or when the quarterback throws a pass down field and the camera pans quickly down field it's horrendous and just hurts my eyes, it becomes real annoying and frustrating after awhile because I pay so much for an LCD tv and I have to live through that major inconvenience, so that's why I bought a plasma.
All the things people say about plasmas that they burn out or this or that was true a few years ago but they have fixed all that "burn in" possibilities with newer technology.

Before you buy a LCD/LED, just check out these tv's first:

Pioneer Elite Kuro Pro-111fd =
http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/pioneer-elite-kuro-pro/4505-6482_7-33002556.html

http://www.ultimateavmag.com/flatpaneldisplays/808pio111/

Panasonic TC-P50V10

http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/panasonic-tc-p50v10/4505-6482_7-33490589.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody

I'll second this suggestion.The colors on the Kuro's are friggin amazing. I don't know how they did it,and I don't care. Since they came out and said they won't be making them anymore,the prices have fallen enough so the working Joe can afford one. The new Sammy LED is nice,as long as your center,as soon as you move off center the picture gets worse. Thats a deal breaker for me. Also with a Plasma,no light bulbs to replace,no light engines to go bad,no blue spots appearing out of nowhere. Think about it.

Conradicles

As many folks on this site quote........."TUBES RULE!"


I say..............."KURO's RULE!"

emoxley

I agree with DLP! Although LCoS is better, if you can find one.
Plasmas have a decent picture, but the reflection in the glass screen is unbearable, to me. I won't have one in my house. The LED tvs reflect just as bad. If you want LCD, I say find one without a reflective screen. You'll be happier in the long run. Plasmas also run hot! That may come in handy in the winter, but you won't like it in the summer. Plasmas are also pretty heavy, because of the glass screen.

DLP is very light weight, don't put out any heat, and don't reflect like plasmas and a lot of LCDs. As was mentioned too, when you replace the bulb, after three years or so, it's like getting a new tv. If you can find a Samsung LED DLP, you won't even have to worry about changing a bulb, and no color wheel to make noise, or cause the rainbow effect, if you're susceptible to that. Plus, if you have the room, you can go much larger, for a lot less money, than a plasma. My Samsung 61" LED DLP has an awesome picture. It even looks very good with non-HD channels. My 61" tv was $1600. Can't beat it!

pablo_rodz

I would SERIOUSLY consider this offer http://valueelectronics.com/avstc.htm from Value Electronics.

Pioneer Kuro KRP-500M. The World's Best HD! $1799.99, delivered add $179 for our 3 yr extended warranty

The KRP-500m is basically the same as the Kuro Pro-111FD, but without the TV Tuner, you have to use a cable box.

I got My Kuro Pro-111FD from them, great people to deal with, a real mom & pop shop. NO Affiliation....

debussyj

I have the Sammy 850 52" inch in my family room HT setup. I really like it. However, in my living room "high end-2 channel room" I've got the Pioneer Kuro 50" inch. I have to honestly say the Kuro is my favorite drool display bar none. The blacks can't be beat. I just love it to death and I'm happy I got a Kuro before they became extinct. Best of luck with your new display!;)

greymatter

digitalvideo wrote: »

Before you buy a LCD/LED, just check out these tv's first:

Pioneer Elite Kuro Pro-111fd =
http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/pioneer-elite-kuro-pro/4505-6482_7-33002556.html

http://www.ultimateavmag.com/flatpaneldisplays/808pio111/

Panasonic TC-P50V10

http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/panasonic-tc-p50v10/4505-6482_7-33490589.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody

These are the best plasmas on the market right now IMO. Pioneer first and the Panny G10 a close second. Pioneer will not be making plasmas anymore.
I'm deciding between these 2 right now.
Pioneer http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-PRO-111FD-built-widescreen/dp/B001CE06GQ
Panny http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-TC-P50V10-plasma-widescreen/dp/B001VB5FZM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=generic&qid=1252796355&sr=1-1

debussyj

Hey Greymatter, I vote for the Pio Kuro. I needed a firmware upgrade on my display and they sent me a pre-loaded USB flash drive with the update. How can you beat that? LOL!

mshan242700

http://hometheaterengineer.com/viewingdistancecalculator.html

I think I would go 50 inch or 52 inch at that price point.

If you have a light controlled room so that reflections off screen are not an issue, I think Pioneer Kuro 5020 would be a great choice.

If you have a bright room with lots of windows, perhaps a Samsung 50 - 52 inch with anti-glare finish (?)

AGUERRA

like they say bigger is always better try to get the biggest one u can

digitalvideo

pablo_rodz wrote: »

I would SERIOUSLY consider this offer http://valueelectronics.com/avstc.htm from Value Electronics.

Pioneer Kuro KRP-500M. The World's Best HD! $1799.99, delivered add $179 for our 3 yr extended warranty

The KRP-500m is basically the same as the Kuro Pro-111FD, but without the TV Tuner, you have to use a cable box.

I got My Kuro Pro-111FD from them, great people to deal with, a real mom & pop shop. NO Affiliation....

I currently own a Pioneer Elite Kuro 111fd for my main tv room and I want to add another one to my basement room, I can't find one under $2000, if any of you know where I can get one even if it's pre-owned "open box" for under $2000 please let me know, send me an instant message.

Does the Pioneer Kuro KRP-500M have the same picture quality as the Pioneer Kuro Pro Elite 111fd? I've never owned that style of tv that doesn't have the tv tuner or speakers built in, how are they?

slenap

conceyted wrote: »

What do you all think I should do?

Thanks in advance!

Chris M.

I'd say do a little more research if you really want the best LCD TV for your budget. Comparing the LCD TV ratings of various brands with respect to their current prices might be of some help.

apphd

slenap my apologies if I am off track here, but all 4 of your posts since you joined have included the same link. While it was pertinent to the thread which is why I have not reported it, it's just something doesn't look right, do you have anything else you can contribute to CP?

Mark2020

+1 for the Samsung 52"

I just bought the Samsung 8000 Series 55" and we are only 8.5' back. What an amazing TV.

Definitely get the largest TV your budget will allow. You won't regret it!

Mark

gdb

For the money/picture quality, you can't beat a Panny plasma.;)




http://www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com/plasmatv/compare-reviews.php