OT: Yet another TV help thread

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Sat Jun 25, 2005 1:25 pm

I didn't want to invade Sudz thread so I'm starting a new one (sorry db

) . It might not be until the end of the year or Super Bowl time but I will be in the market for an HDTV. I know nothing about the TV market nowadays and I'm wondering what I should look for. I'll probably be looking to spend between $2,000 and $4,000 as that is the range I'm seeing for 50-inch HDTV's right now. It's enough to make your head spin when you see all of the different types of HDTV's out there. I see DLP's, CRT's, Rear-Projection this and that, Plasma, LCD. I don't even know where to begin. Obviously if I don't have to spend $4,000 I don't want to but I want a HDTV that will last. It will be used for TV, movies, and gaming. Any tips would be helpful so I can start making a decision now and keep an eye out on pricing and be ready when the time comes.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Sat Jun 25, 2005 1:30 pm

If I had $2800 to spend, instead of $1500, I'd have gotten this one:

Link

My girls dad just bought it, as well as about 10 guys on his team at Boeing, and it's freakin' amazing. Plus he found a deal on it at and got it for closer to $2500.

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Sat Jun 25, 2005 2:55 pm

If you're going to spend $4k on a TV, you have to make sure it doesn't use a rapidly changing technology which is becoming better and cheaper by the year.

It would be like buying the fastest PC and most expensive video card for $4k and then seeing it outdated in 6 months for the same money or less money in a year.

That is why I'd be leery about DLP, LCD and plasma at prices above $2500. Not saying you couldn't get good use out of a $3000 or $4000 TV but if in a couple of years that same money buys you a much better TV, will you be okay with it?

People who are used to being on the PC upgrade cycle may not mind, since Moore's Law is well-known. But people used to buying a top line TV and using it for 10 or 15 years may mind.

There are advocates of DLP, LCD and plasma but none of these displays are so bulletproof that competing technologies which promise more (don't they always) aren't being developed.

Companies are pouring money into SED, OLED and carbon-fiber nanotubes. Some of these may actually come to market, even become affordable in the next 5 years.

So one possible approach might be to spend less now, say about $1500, no more than $2000, get a smaller screen and then plan to spend the big money later when one of these newer technologies come out. If nothing else, DLP and LCD should be better by then too.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Sun Jun 26, 2005 12:36 am

wco81 wrote:So one possible approach might be to spend less now, say about $1500, no more than $2000, get a smaller screen and then plan to spend the big money later when one of these newer technologies come out. If nothing else, DLP and LCD should be better by then too.

Which is EXACTLY what I did back in February...and I'm on the PC upgrade cycle too! In fact, just got home with my new components...lol.

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 10:37 am

DB,
That Grand Wega looks sweet! I remember being impressed with the Wega when it came out so I'll look into that model.

Wco,
I'm not at all bothered by buying something and it being outdated. That's just how technology is now. I don't think there really is a right time to buy a tv. If I went cheaper now and waited to spend more money later there will be even newer technology that would leave me in the same predicament. I'm not going to keep shelling out $1000-$1500 every 2 or 3 years when I can just spend $2000-$4000 now and have it last for 10+ years. Thanks for the suggestion though.

snate · Post by **snate** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 11:04 am

I highly recommend the following option:

http://www.visualapex.com/plasma/Plasma ... FR=Pioneer

Spooky · Post by **Spooky** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 11:22 am

Scoop,

I personally would go with a Sony LCD too (actualluy, I did).

However, do NOT go buy a current Sony 50" as the new ones with a new 'Cinima Black' technology for enhanced black levels are coming out in the VERY near future.

This thread will tell you ALL about them:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthre ... did=517862

Plus, they are a TON better than the current 42" and 50" models cosmetically. I personally wnet with the 55" just becasue I could not stand that cheap silver casing on the current 50"'s. Plus I got the 55" for way less than the list for a 50".

Anyway, if you are at all interested in the Sony's, wait a few weeks for these new models. Also, be sure to work your sales person to get it as close to cost as possible. It can be easily done.

Spooky · Post by **Spooky** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 11:31 am

Question:

How far back are you planning on sitting from this new set?

If it is further then 10-11 feet, seriously look at getting the current 55" Sony. It can be purchased for an absolute steal (probably as low as $2300-$2400) and is actually NO different than the new 55" models starting to trickle out. Actually, the new models appear to be lacking the twin view (PIP) and Memory Stick features that are in in the current ones. WTF!?!? I cannot live without my 'twin-view' feature!

The specific model I have is the KDF-55WF655. The replacement model that is starting to show up in stores is the KDF-55A20.

People are saying they can tell no difference between the picture quality on the new and current sets and that the lack of the twin-view and memory stick features make the current models the ones to get.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 11:45 am

I'd definitely get the older Sony then too...Twin View is AWESOME. I've got it on my Hitachi and I couldn't live without it. DVR on one side, HD on the other...gotta love it.

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 12:26 pm

I use Twin View to play a game with some TV in the background.

But if there's a game in HD, then you usually want to see it full screen.

About the Sony's in general, non-XBR models have only 90-day labor while XBR models have 2 year parts and labor with in-home service.

Not sure about the XS models.

If you want an idea of future Sony products, look up Qualia SXRD models. They are currently over $10k but there's been talk that Sony will migrate that technology down to their mainstream models. Still may be talking about $5k plus however.

GridIronGhost · Post by **GridIronGhost** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 12:33 pm

snate wrote:I highly recommend the following option:

http://www.visualapex.com/plasma/Plasma ... FR=Pioneer

That is not a good TV for gaming.

GridIronGhost · Post by **GridIronGhost** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 1:14 pm

ScoopBrady wrote: Obviously if I don't have to spend $4,000 I don't want to but I want a HDTV that will last. It will be used for TV, movies, and gaming. Any tips would be helpful so I can start making a decision now and keep an eye out on pricing and be ready when the time comes.

You can't deny the true and tested CRT RPTV techno that has been around forever. This my friend is the best bang for your buck! Hitachi and Sony are the best "I" have seen. The picture quality between these two sets is almost identical. So your choice boils down to options. The Hitachi has the best PQ for SD. Movies and games look really good too. Both these sets look very good out of the box, you don't have to spend hours tweeking, unless you have a fetish that calls for it.

Hitachi S715 can be found on sale for $1800 and has a built in HD tuner
Sony 57" cost $1900-$2200 depending if you want a HD tuner.

The sad thing is that most places don't have these TV's set up correct, so the DLP's, LCD's, Plasma's will look better.

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Mon Aug 08, 2005 11:00 am

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. It looks like this is the one we're going to get:

http://www.tweeter.com/product/index.js ... age=family

Jayhawker · Post by **Jayhawker** » Mon Aug 08, 2005 11:15 am

ScoopBrady wrote:Thanks for all the suggestions guys. It looks like this is the one we're going to get:

http://www.tweeter.com/product/index.js ... age=family

Damn! Can I come over to watch football? Please?

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Mon Aug 08, 2005 11:21 am

ScoopBrady wrote:Thanks for all the suggestions guys. It looks like this is the one we're going to get:

http://www.tweeter.com/product/index.js ... age=family

Ahhh...you listen well my friend. You will not be disappointed...I freakin' love that set.

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Mon Aug 08, 2005 11:35 am

dbdynsty25 wrote:
ScoopBrady wrote:Thanks for all the suggestions guys. It looks like this is the one we're going to get:

http://www.tweeter.com/product/index.js ... age=family
Ahhh...you listen well my friend. You will not be disappointed...I freakin' love that set.

Yeah, my wife and I saw it in the store and knew it was the one for us. Thanks for the recommendation. And Jayhawker, it depends on what team you want to watch.

Spooky · Post by **Spooky** » Mon Aug 08, 2005 11:37 am

ScoopBrady wrote:Thanks for all the suggestions guys. It looks like this is the one we're going to get:

http://www.tweeter.com/product/index.js ... age=family

Scoop,

DON'T DO IT!!!!!!!!!! Seriously!!!!!! The brand new 50" Sony LCD sets are coming out this month and you will still be able to get the new one for around the same price as a discounted current 50". (unless you have done tons of research and are sure you want this one as opposed to the new models).

The new models have a MUCH sleeker design/look and have a new feature called 'Dynamic Iris' that supposedly really enhances the black levels ( an inherient issue on rear proj. LCD sets).

The only downside to the new models is that they are lacking the twin view (PIP) feature that the current sets have, so you cannot watch 2 channels in split screen. If that is not a concern I would seriously suggest waiting. If price was the main factor and you thought you were getting a great deal on this one because it is a clearance model, I am positive you can get the new ones for near the exact same price (if not exactly the same). Trust me!

PM me if you want to discuss further. I can also help give you some pointers for getting that best price where ever you decide to purchase from (unless you have a connection). I LIVE to wheel and deal electronics and cars. For me, it's more the hunt and kill than the actual meal!

Again, forgive me if you have already done a TON of research and know all the info I just provided and still want the current model.

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Mon Aug 08, 2005 11:55 am

Spooky wrote:For me, it's more the hunt and kill than the actual meal!

What an epigram!

Yeah I just remembered August/Sept. is a time for new TVs to come out.

That LCD is a good price. Not so much that you can't upgrade in a few years when many of the new technologies should be more settled.

That's a tough tradeoff, between better black levels (which LCDs need) and Twin-View, a really handy feature (play a game while having a sporting event on the other).

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Mon Aug 08, 2005 12:31 pm

I'll take twin view any day of the week. I use it religiously on my Hitachi (although it has a different name).

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Mon Aug 08, 2005 2:10 pm

I just arrived from my quick business trip to Japan yesterday and after picking up my WE9 game @the Yodobashi store, I was also looking into TV's, etc. According to the salesman, "Sharp" TVs are doing very well in the land of the rising sun among consumers, followed by Panasonic & Sony.

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Sun Aug 14, 2005 7:42 pm

Spooky wrote:
ScoopBrady wrote:Thanks for all the suggestions guys. It looks like this is the one we're going to get:

http://www.tweeter.com/product/index.js ... age=family
Scoop,

DON'T DO IT!!!!!!!!!! Seriously!!!!!! The brand new 50" Sony LCD sets are coming out this month and you will still be able to get the new one for around the same price as a discounted current 50". (unless you have done tons of research and are sure you want this one as opposed to the new models).

The new models have a MUCH sleeker design/look and have a new feature called 'Dynamic Iris' that supposedly really enhances the black levels ( an inherient issue on rear proj. LCD sets).

The only downside to the new models is that they are lacking the twin view (PIP) feature that the current sets have, so you cannot watch 2 channels in split screen. If that is not a concern I would seriously suggest waiting. If price was the main factor and you thought you were getting a great deal on this one because it is a clearance model, I am positive you can get the new ones for near the exact same price (if not exactly the same). Trust me!

PM me if you want to discuss further. I can also help give you some pointers for getting that best price where ever you decide to purchase from (unless you have a connection). I LIVE to wheel and deal electronics and cars. For me, it's more the hunt and kill than the actual meal!

Again, forgive me if you have already done a TON of research and know all the info I just provided and still want the current model.

I actually linked to the wrong set Spooky. This is the set we purchased today.

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSH ... _42to51TVs
I believe this is the new line of Sony Wega Rear Projection sets. I could be wrong but I'm very happy with the purchase. Now I have to wait until next weekend to get this bad boy.

Brando70 · Post by **Brando70** » Sun Aug 14, 2005 10:29 pm

Scoop, post your impressions when you have it. Mrs. B has made a new TV overture to me, and I'm considering getting the 42" version of this (50's a bit to big for our room).

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Mon Aug 15, 2005 4:06 am

I'm telling you Brando...that set is sweet. My girlfriend's dad has one and it's freakin' beautiful.

vinny-b · Post by **vinny-b** » Mon Aug 15, 2005 11:19 am

anyone have an opinion on this set (for a bedroom/gaming tv)? Is $700 (shipping included) at Compusa. Contemplating on placing an order, this week.
http://reviews.cnet.com/Syntax_Olevia_L ... ml?tag=tab

Brando70 · Post by **Brando70** » Mon Aug 15, 2005 12:57 pm

dbdynsty25 wrote:I'm telling you Brando...that set is sweet. My girlfriend's dad has one and it's freakin' beautiful.

Yeah, my father-in-law has one too (the previous version, not the new ones with the better black levels) and it is really nice. I was ready to just drop $2 grand when Mrs. B said, "I want you to get what you really want, so that we'll keep the TV for a long time." While I have a certain cost ceiling, the possibilities opened up considerably with that. My main restriction is the size, as I said 50 inch or greater will just be too big for the room (which unfortunately rules out some beautiful DLP sets).

So I am also doing some plasma and LCD research, as well as the LCoS or whatever it is that Sony has coming out soon. Snate's got a good point about ED plasmas, but I want high def capability for my gaming and also will probably upgrade my Direct TV to HD in the next year or so.

I have also decided that reading the AVS forums leaves me more confused than ever

Digital Sportspage

OT: Yet another TV help thread

OT: Yet another TV help thread

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