Flat screen TV advice

[Moonshine]

OK folks, I know I'm the last person on the face of the planet without a flat screen anything, but I'm starting to think about buying my first flat screen TV, and I'd like to benefit from ya'lls experience, expertise, and advice.

I currently have;


Satellite from Dish Network, using an analog receiver with a DVR. I do use the DVR to record and watch shows. I get my local programming from an antennae in the attic, rather than through Dish, and I use an HD convertor since my existing TV's are all analog tube models.
A DVD player/recorder (not Blue Ray). I use the DVD player, but I've never even attempted to record with the thing.
An old VHS player/recorder. I occasionally use the player, but haven't recorded anything with it in years.
My biggest TV is in the living room, and it's a 32".

I'd like to go to a flat screen HD TV, and based on a distance from seat to screen of of 13' I'm considering screen sizes of 50-55". I do not play video games on the TV, and would use it for watching an equal mix of TV/movies, and some sports. I do not have any interest in a surround sound system, but because of long term hearing loss I do want decent quality audio.

I went to Best Buy today, and based on the above the salesman recommended a plasma, with a set of Bose external speakers ($600 for those), an extended warranty, and calibration. I was surprised that what I'd call add ons (delivery, mounting, hookup, calibration, and warranty) came up to $1500. Holy cow! Add in the cost of a TV and we're talking $3-4000, and I just don't watch enough TV to make that a reasonable expense.

So, I'd appreciate any thoughts/advice on anything you can think of, but specifically including:


Wall mount vs. pedestal mount.
Plasma vs. LCD vs. LED.
External speakers.
Professional calibration.
Extended warranties.
Blue Ray

I do know that I'll have to upgrade to a digital HD satellite receiver, and that I may have an increase in my monthly bill for HD service.

TIA

[In2deep]

U can give me a call 817-233-3805 been selling these the past 12 years

[mikelemoine]

My opinion based on my purchase of a Panasonic Viera 54" Plasma last Winter. I did some research and comparisons, but TVs are a personal decision so there is no "right answer" for everyone. I chose the G10 model because it was highly rated by CNET.

Wall mount vs. pedestal mount.
**If you can run wires inside the wall easily, go ahead and wall mount it. This looks really nice! If you can't run wires in the wall, I'd just use the pedestal. Wires hanging down from a wall mount looks bad, IMHO.

Plasma vs. LCD vs. LED.
**Plasma is still considered by many to have the best overall picture quality and true black. This however comes at the price of much higher power consumption (I have a 54" Plasma @ 600 watts) and a shorter life (although this is said to have been improved). LED is close to plasma in pic quality and should last longer, but the cost difference is pretty high, I estimated close to 9 years to recoup the power savings of a 200 watt LED TV vs the cost of my Plasma. LCD is reliable, good enough pic for most people, more efficient than Plasma (but less than LED) and the lowest cost. If you're not into HDTV then this might be the most cost effective solution for you. If you are an environmentalist, the LED is the way to go, but since you have an L, we know the answer to that!

External speakers. I have not been overly impressed with the audio of any of the flat screen TVs, probably because they are too narrow to install big speakers inside. You can get a soundbar which is a row of speakers that might help, or bite the bullet and get a cheaper all in one surround system with a subwoofer. They start at a couple hundred bucks and will wake it up, even if you just use the front speakers/sub.

Professional calibration. I didn't calibrate mine because my living room has 6 large skylights and the TVs generally come with demo settings to overcome bright store lighting. I read a CNET article where they tested power consumption and you can literally save a couple hundred watts power consumption by dimming the display, if your room allows. This would narrow the power gap with Plasma.

Extended warranties. I didn't bother to get one as the technology changes faster now. I am taking a risk, especially since I went with a Plasma and live in FL where we have lightning all the time. If you can gamble with a $1500 TV and live with yourself if you lose the bet, then you might skip the warranty. If you plan to keep the TV and can't risk this kind of dough, then you might consider it. You can get warranties through Squaretrade and others cheaper than the stores if you decide to go for it. My decision process was based on the rate these things are dropping in price. I decided to keep my $300 and bet that it will last a decent amount of time, then use the $300 towards something newer and better.

Blue Ray: I bought a Panasonic Blu-Ray player that interfaces with my TV. They still cost more than a regular DVD player, and I find that it takes forever to load a movie because of the data involved. I have also had issues with some movies not playing on it, and had to upgrade firmware. This is still a new technology so there are some bugs, according to the forums. The picture is nice, but anything I watch on this TV is gorgeous anyway. A videophile could definitely tell the difference, but if you are a lay person and used a regular DVD player, you probably would not be disappointed unless you did an A/B comparison (my wife could care less). The value added by upgrading to Blu-Ray depends on how into video you are. Some folks just get an Xbox or PS3 and use the Blu-Ray feature, plus you get to play games.

A few other things to note, there is 720 and 1080 resolution. Again the benefits are based on your personal preference. If you go the LCD/LED route, there are also the refresh rates to consider (cheapo 60HZ, mid-120 and high end 240HZ). IIRC, the name brand models with 120HZ were considered pretty good with little to no pixelation, while the 240HZ were great for sports and high action shots where some TVs get jittery. Plasma is less susceptible to this.

This is all just my opinions based on hopping around on the web and hitting the stores. I'm sure that at least some of my info is outdated, since LED is more common, Plasma/LCD is a year older and 3D has been released. Maybe Mark and/or some of the other guys who have more experience can chime in...

Good luck and enjoy the TV!

[mikelemoine]

Or you can just call David who posted while I was typing my novel.:d

[Moonshine]

Or you can just call David who posted while I was typing my novel.:d

Good info. :tu: I appreciate it. Keep 'em coming.

[zforce77]

I can say David did me right on my TV.knana

[Moonshine]

I can say David did me right on my TV.knana

Cool. David, Tuesday? Daytime? I'm not in any rush, just starting to do my research, and don't want to interrupt your holiday weekend.

[L8 APEX]

I prefer LCD more energy efficient and possibly longer lasting. Most Plasmas draw around 600 watts. They also have a high gloss screen that picks up glare if your room is bright or off angle viewing.

Brad just bought a new one. I think it is a Panasonic. He said Pioneer sold or shifted their best stuff to Panasonic. It is LED with LOCAL dimming not edge dimming. Frys has a lot of good deals that is where I bought my 52" 1080p 120hz Sony. I cannot name any flaws in it. I steered away from the Samsung units they didn't have the deepest blacks. Their LED's look decent though even if they are edge lit.

I am buying my next TV from Sams Club. Their Vizio line has greatly improved and they have some nice units. I think I saw a 55 there LED for 1,800.
http://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/product.jsp?productId=prod1120116


I sit about 16-18ft and my 52 is plenty. I am looking at a 42 for the bedroom. Sams has a nice Vizio 42 240hz 1080p for 590 or such.

[In2deep]

cool thats fine..

[98Cobra]

Wish I had seen this thread earlier. Fry's had a killer deal today and I picked up a Samsun UN46C6300 LED LCD set for $999! Picture is amazing. So thin! Makes my old Samsung DLP look like kind of a clunker. (Sorry Kressler!) :)

[In2deep]

Nice set, good specs, 3m:1 contrast, 120hz good buy at 999, we ran that price fri,sat.. Killer deal

[L8 APEX]

As for sound I have lived on OE speakers. You may look at a model with the forward facing speakers instead of one with speakers in the rear. Movies sound decent from the factory Sony speakers.

I will look at the box systems from Wally world etc... I thought I saw one at Walmart that had 5 speakers, an amp receiver and blue ray player for around 4 bucks. I paid 220 for a blue ray player only a year ago!

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sony-HT-SS370-5.1-Channel-Blu-Ray-Surround-Sound-System-with-HDMI-Repeater-for-Easy-Setup/13890758

http://www.walmart.com/ip/LG-LHB535-Home-Theater-System-w-Blu-ray/13890763

[Shiner1]

You are the last one Brian but not by much. I just flat screened the house in the past few months. Just replaced the volkswagon sized TV in the bedroom to a Vizio. Very happy with the quality and sound.

[Moonshine]

You are the last one Brian but not by much. I just flat screened the house in the past few months. Just replaced the volkswagon sized TV in the bedroom to a Vizio. Very happy with the quality and sound.

:tu: Yeah, I'm pretty old school when it comes to technology. Heck, my cell phone is still just a phone, and Doug describes my laptop as ancient.

[Silver_2000]

:tu: Yeah, I'm pretty old school when it comes to technology. Heck, my cell phone is still just a phone, and Doug describes my laptop as ancient.
You have a future career in technology museum curator ... :evil

[Shiner1]

:tu: Yeah, I'm pretty old school when it comes to technology. Heck, my cell phone is still just a phone, and Doug describes my laptop as ancient.

Is your duty weapon a musket?? :evil If so it may be time to upgrade!!


You have a future career in technology museum curator ... :evil

:rll::rll:

[Mark #2]

You have a future career in technology museum curator ... :evil

I think I could be your assistant as I am a very late adopter of technology also. All the information posted appears to be in line with the current state of technology, just realize that all of the current technology degrades much more rapidly than a CRT. The plasmas do put out a lot of heat, small room space heaters are ~1200 watts, and the plasmas put out half that much.

Also, mount the TV at the correct eye level, most installations are wrong, like above the fireplace, eye level is ~3ft lower.

3D ready TVs have been available for many years, no content, but that may increase soon with ESPN 3D. Sports and Porn have always driven video technology.

I recommend look for a good deal on ~52 LCD 1080p 120hz.

[dboat]

Also, mount the TV at the correct eye level, most installations are wrong, like above the fireplace, eye level is ~3ft lower.

How many times have I seen that... too many.. however, we do have the tv in the bedroom mounted around 5 foot on the wall, since we watch it reclining in bed.. otherwise the rest are about where you stated..

Dana

[Silver_2000]

3D ready TVs have been available for many years, no content, but that may increase soon with ESPN 3D. Sports and Porn have always driven video technology.

I recommend look for a good deal on ~52 LCD 1080p 120hz.

I saw a demo of Espn 3d at Best buy yesterday - it was pretty cool - the glasses are very stylish

The 3 or more year old DLP I have is supposed to be 3d ready - honestly dont know what I need to do to use it assuming programming was available

[Mark #2]

I saw a demo of Espn 3d at Best buy yesterday - it was pretty cool - the glasses are very stylish

The 3 or more year old DLP I have is supposed to be 3d ready - honestly dont know what I need to do to use it assuming programming was available
http://www.dlp.com/hdtv/dlp-features/3d-hdtv.aspx

[Moonshine]

I recommend look for a good deal on ~52 LCD 1080p 120hz.

That's where I'm leaning so far.

[In2deep]

For the money do the 55 samsung ln55c630 we have it for 1299 killer deal if u have a conns close, Led by far is the brightest most detailed picture i have seen.. Look at models un55c6300,6500,or 3d 7000 or cost effective wise Toshiba 55ux600u, that way you dont sacrifice quality going with a off brand..

[98Cobra]

Of those models, if you are doing Samsung, the important distinctions I picked up were:

UN designated models are the newest LED backlit LCD screens, like the one I picked up yesterday. The different models will vary things like contrast ratio, etc - but the model designation 6500 is where you get the Internet@TV widgets built in. This means the TV, when connected to your wired or wireless home network connection, can display weather forecasts, or view other web content like Netflix streaming, Hulu, etc. Very cool stuff, all built in. When you get to the 7000 model designation I believe is where they make it 3D capable.

I think its a bit early for 3D, but I probably upgrade a little more often than you. You can either wait and buy another set in a couple years when all the new stuff is built in for cheaper, or if you think its going to be 8-10 years before you want another set, spend the money now and buy something top of line.

[Moonshine]

Is your duty weapon a musket?? :evil If so it may be time to upgrade!!



:rll::rll:

Not quite, but my G17 was designed in the late '70's and my AR was designed in the early '60's. Time flies. :rolleyes:

[Shiner1]

Not quite, but my G17 was designed in the late '70's and my AR was designed in the early '60's. Time flies. :rolleyes:


:rll::rll:

[Moonshine]

Leaning towards the Mitsubshi LT-52151. Anyone see any down sides to this one?

Also, any other opinions of professional calibration?

[Silver_2000]

Leaning towards the Mitsubshi LT-52151. Anyone see any down sides to this one?

Also, any other opinions of professional calibration?

I have a calibration DVD if you want to borrow it

years ago smearing was a knock on LCDs - they had trouble keeping up with motion on the screen - not sure if thats still a problem

[98Cobra]

Seems like decent reviews for the set. Is your room suitably sized for a 52" TV?

Also, You should check out this deal:

http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?sduid=701849&t=2110614

[In2deep]

Considering Mitsubishi does not build there own panels, i would go another direction..

[Silver_2000]

Considering Mitsubishi does not build there own panels, i would go another direction..

As I understand it there are only 2 manufacturers

Would you not Buy a ford because they didnt make the tires ??

[In2deep]

As far as calibration goes, there's the dvd option or professional calibration, where a good service tech can access the tv's diagnostics mode, cost abot 4-6 hun to do and takes about 4 hours..

[In2deep]

True, but if you seen what i have seen out of Mitsubishi lcd's over the years you would second guess there quality. As far as plasmas go there are only two major manufacturers. As far as the other components the manufacture (Mitsubishi) supply's them.

[In2deep]

[QUOTE=Silver_2000;177247]As I understand it there are only 2 manufacturers

Would you not Buy a ford because they didnt make the tires ??[/QUOT


True, but if Kia was supplying the motor i would look elsewhere.

[Moonshine]

Seems like decent reviews for the set. Is your room suitably sized for a 52" TV?


Room is 20'x20', and my eyeballs will be 13' from the screen.

[Moonshine]

As far as calibration goes, there's the dvd option or professional calibration, where a good service tech can access the tv's diagnostics mode, cost abot 4-6 hun to do and takes about 4 hours..

Professional calibration is what i was referring to. Worth it in your opinion?

[Sixpipes]

I have had a Samsung DLP 61" for a while. Replaced the bulb one time ($129.00 online), but would probably buy the same thing again if I was starting all over. :cool:

[In2deep]

I have had a Samsung DLP 61" for a while. Replaced the bulb one time ($129.00 online), but would probably buy the same thing again if I was starting all over. :cool:

Great tv i have the 67 Led dlp, no bulb design great set, very happy.

[Mark #2]

Great tv i have the 67 Led dlp, no bulb design great set, very happy.
The LED DLP sets are very nice, I think I still remember that I had something to do with that technology.;)

[Moonshine]

The array of choices is just staggering. Partly out of frustration, here's where I come out. LCD, 1080p, 120 Hz, forward facing full width speakers or sound bar. No extended warranty, and no professional calibration. Doug, I would borrow your calibration CD. After that, I'm not sure it matters much other than shopping price, and just what appeals when I look at it in the store.

I did talk to Dish Network, as painful as that was. The upgrade would require a new HD dish and a new HD receiver/DVR. There's a one time $100 upgrade charge, $95 for the service call to install the dish and deliver the receiver. $10 monthly HD charge, or a $99 lifetime HD charge, waived if I sign a new two year contract. And a $6 monthly DVR charge that I haven't been paying because my old DVR is so ancient it was grandfathered. So, $195, a two year contract, and a $6 a month increase. And of course the cost of the TV. :rolleyes:

[Shiner1]

The LED DLP sets are very nice, I think I still remember that I had something to do with that technology.;)

:icon_mrgreen:

[dboat]

The array of choices is just staggering. Partly out of frustration, here's where I come out. LCD, 1080p, 120 Hz, forward facing full width speakers or sound bar. No extended warranty, and no professional calibration. Doug, I would borrow your calibration CD. After that, I'm not sure it matters much other than shopping price, and just what appeals when I look at it in the store.

I did talk to Dish Network, as painful as that was. The upgrade would require a new HD dish and a new HD receiver/DVR. There's a one time $100 upgrade charge, $95 for the service call to install the dish and deliver the receiver. $10 monthly HD charge, or a $99 lifetime HD charge, waived if I sign a new two year contract. And a $6 monthly DVR charge that I haven't been paying because my old DVR is so ancient it was grandfathered. So, $195, a two year contract, and a $6 a month increase. And of course the cost of the TV. :rolleyes:

Since you are making that much of a change.. did you talk with DirecTv to see what they would do?

Dana

[L8 APEX]

It is rare to cross a DLP of any kind these days. I walked through 3 electronics stores today and only saw two on clearance at Fry's. 60" Mitsu for 1200 or so. Everything is going LED lit LCD thin, bright, light and efficient. That being said I love my 120Hz 1080p LCD... Other than setting basic color myself I haven't done any high fangled dangled calibration:icon_eek:

[Moonshine]

Since you are making that much of a change.. did you talk with DirecTv to see what they would do?

Dana

Not yet, but I certainly will before I pull the trigger on this deal.

[L8 APEX]

Good point Dana, they all offer good deals to switch.

You can search deals on this site.
http://www.whitefence.com/

[In2deep]

It is rare to cross a DLP of any kind these days. I walked through 3 electronics stores today and only saw two on clearance at Fry's. 60" Mitsu for 1200 or so. Everything is going LED lit LCD thin, bright, light and efficient. That being said I love my 120Hz 1080p LCD... Other than setting basic color myself I haven't done any high fangled dangled calibration:icon_eek:
I would say its really not needed to calibrate, its kinda like buying a tuner and having a stock truck and getting like ten ponies extra..

[98Cobra]

Yea, DLP has almost vanished from the market. Now that everyone and their mom has a plant churning out LCD panels, the production cost has come way down - combined with their increasing slim depth (the LED lit ones are maybe 1" thick?) and my old DLP is showing its age.

Still looks good though.

[gagspa]

The LED DLP sets are very nice, I think I still remember that I had something to do with that technology.;)
I bought my Samsung LED DLP 61" based 100% on your recommendation, and don't regret it at all.