I plan on getting an HDTV for my birthday (with money people are giving me for it..) I have a few choices in mind, but i want to know if there are any others i should consider or if you know any of the strong points in my choices that would help me choose between them. Here are the televisions I've been looking at... (not necessarily from these stores..) 1. 40" Sony Bravia (or the 46" if there is a sale again on them around my birthday) ... http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8412096&type=product&id=1181347723980 2. 42" Sharp Aquos - http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=369052&pCatg=5883 3. LG HDTV's .. - http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8258048&type=product&id=1169857637051 I've also been looking at some vizio hdtv's, because my friend has one and it looks really nice. So if anybody could give me any information to make this decision easier .. even if its personal preference just let me know please.. thanks a lot.. P.s. my price range is up to about 1500-1800 ish
Are you interested in high fancy numbers and claims? None of those sets are going to give you the kind of realistic beautiful picture this one will, at a lower price too. Also note the Panasonic's up converting is some of the best. No need for some usually useless cheap upconverting player. http://plasmatvbuyingguide.com/plasmatvreviews/panasonic-th42px75u-review.html On that model from Consumer Reports: Highs Excellent picture quality across the board, with a satisfying level of detail for most HD programming. Very good color accuracy, above-average image contrast, and black levels consistent with better plasma models. Stable black level will not vary in brightness with different types of content. It did a good job smoothing out jagged edges in movies and other film-based content. Bottom Line This set reminds us why Panasonic plasmas are so popular: excellent picture quality on all types of programs, accurate colors, great blacks, and a competitive price. Got some extra money? From Consumer Reports: The best sets are better than ever. The Panasonic TH-50PZ700U had the best picture of any flat-panel TV we’ve ever tested. One of the new breed of 1080p plasma sets now hitting stores, it combines “full HD”--1920x1080 native resolution, the highest currently available--with the characteristic strengths of plasma technology. Its ability to reproduce the finest detail, plus its rich, vibrant colors and deep blacks, lend an almost three-dimensional look to images. LCD TVs outsold plasmas by about three to one last year, in part because they come in more, and smaller, sizes than plasmas, which start at 42 inches. But if you’re buying a bigger TV, don’t blindly follow the crowd down the LCD path. In some cases, a plasma display can give you a more satisfying TV-watching experience From HomeTheater Mag: At A Glance: Panasonic's plasmas are among the most highly regarded in the industry for deep, rich blacks and excellent contrast that's considered best in class by many. This set is an example of how these plasmas not only keep dropping in price, but also offer more for the money in both features and performance. Check the dual HDMI inputs, integrated HD tuners, PC/RGB input, and even the SD card reader featured here. In addition, recent generations of Panasonic plasmas have greatly improved the quality of the video processing, offering sharper images over a broader variety of source material. This set's predecessor, the TH-42PX500U, wowed us enough to earn a RAVE from HT in 2006! Panasonic's plasmas must be on the short list for viewers who prioritize dropping the lights and spinning the movies! As a side note Consumers Reports has also found Panasonic plasmas to be the most reliable flat-panels made. Just my 2 cents.
thanks .. I'll be looking into some of the stuff you wrote more after dinner... kinda leaning towards LCD though because i play video games for long periods of time sometimes and wouldn't want to have to worry about burn in... or is that just a rumor I've heard ?
Man, I wish someone was giving me that kinda money for my b-day, lol. A buddy of mine has that 42" LG, its nice. Me, personally, I like everything bigger. You could get a nice DLP for the same or a lot cheaper then all those tv's but hey, that's just me.
I agree. I would go for a DLP as well. You could get a much bigger price range and it would be within your price range with some change to spare. DLP is a lot cheaper than LCD or plasma. AND DLP is the better HDTV even if you disregard the price tag.
I realize that sooner or later one must break down and finally buy a new TV, unless you don't watch TV. With that being said, my advice is to wait as long as you can. Technology keeps improving and the prices keep falling, so the longer you can wait the better. I've been able to hold off replacing my 32" CRT, but it hasn't been easy. It's kind of hard replacing something that still works, but if money were no issue, I would have replaced it a long time ago. As for the particular brand and model, I think it really depends on the individual. The environment that the TV will be in can determine how bright you need the screen to be. Obviously the size and form factor will be based on the dimensions of your room. Once you're able to break it down to a particular type of TV (LCD, Plasma, DLP) and size then you can start comparing the pros and cons of different brands and models. I know I sound like a politician, but if you can tell us what you're expecting from the TV (you already mentioned playing games) then we can maybe help narrow it down for you.
