Getting Ready to Buy First HDTV...HELP!

[Saint Nick]

Hi folks. I was recently hired by the company I interned for, and I'd like to treat myself and my lady to a nice new TV. I would prefer it to be an LED TV, at least a 55" television and support at least 120Hz refresh. We're willing to spend around $1500 for a set. However, we will entertain other sets if they are more. Whether it is 3D or not is irrelevant. I would prefer it to NOT have 3D support so I am not paying for an extra feature I will not use. It seems lots of TVs are coming with this feature, though.

I am not particularly brand loyal, however, I do like how the Samsung TVs operate. My folks have a Toshiba plasma that I really love, too. LGs seem to look good, too. But again, I will consider any brand (except Coby, LOL).

Here are some of the sets I've been checking out on Amazon at first glance. It also doesn't have to be available on Amazon. I have Prime, so it could be a plus, but I will entertain other TVs from other vendors.

A few other questions I have...

Is there a big price jump between 55" and 60" televisions?
Should I consider a plasma over an LED TV? Will the cost be any different?

Samsung UN55D6400 55-Inch 1080p 120 Hz 3D LED HDTV (Black) $1,499.99

LG Infinia 55LW5600 55-Inch Cinema 3D 1080p 120 Hz LED-LCD HDTV $1,284.00

Philips 55PFL5706/F7 55-inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV $975.99


Thanks in advance for any input!

 

[gar655]

In the same price range you'll get a better picture with plasma (IMO). A friend of mine got a 60" Samsung plasma for about $1k a few months ago.

Generally you get more bang for the buck with plasma.

But if your room is really bright much of the time and you're really sensitive to any increase (however slight) in your electric bill, then LED may be better for you.

 

[viivo]

I'd stay away from anything by Philips, LG, Vizio, etc. You'd be better getting a good brand like Samsung, Sony, Panasonic, some Toshiba are good. What kind of viewing angle do you need? Is it a single sitting area in front of the tv, or are there chairs or couches spread around?

 

[Zivic]

Hi folks. I was recently hired by the company I interned for, and I'd like to treat myself and my lady to a nice new TV. I would prefer it to be an LED TV, at least a 55" television and support at least 120Hz refresh. We're willing to spend around $1500 for a set. However, we will entertain other sets if they are more. Whether it is 3D or not is irrelevant. I would prefer it to NOT have 3D support so I am not paying for an extra feature I will not use. It seems lots of TVs are coming with this feature, though.

I am not particularly brand loyal, however, I do like how the Samsung TVs operate. My folks have a Toshiba plasma that I really love, too. LGs seem to look good, too. But again, I will consider any brand (except Coby, LOL).

Here are some of the sets I've been checking out on Amazon at first glance. It also doesn't have to be available on Amazon. I have Prime, so it could be a plus, but I will entertain other TVs from other vendors.

A few other questions I have...

Is there a big price jump between 55" and 60" televisions?
Should I consider a plasma over an LED TV? Will the cost be any different?

Samsung UN55D6400 55-Inch 1080p 120 Hz 3D LED HDTV (Black) $1,499.99

LG Infinia 55LW5600 55-Inch Cinema 3D 1080p 120 Hz LED-LCD HDTV $1,284.00

Philips 55PFL5706/F7 55-inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV $975.99


Thanks in advance for any input!

best buy has the TC-P55ST30 for 1148.99. this IMHO is the best bang for the buck right now.

 

[BTA]

Get a 55vt30 instead of an led.

 

[Zivic]

Get a 55vt30 instead of an led.

while I agree this is a nice display for around the same 2 grand, you could get a 65" ST30.

if you are willing to spend 1500, that could get you a 60" ST30.

Regardless, panny plasmas are what you should be looking at

 

[Saint Nick]

I'd stay away from anything by Philips, LG, Vizio, etc. You'd be better getting a good brand like Samsung, Sony, Panasonic, some Toshiba are good. What kind of viewing angle do you need? Is it a single sitting area in front of the tv, or are there chairs or couches spread around?

I'm glad someone came in and cleared that up for me. I wasn't sure what was good in the world of HDTVs...thanks. As far as viewing angle goes, I would say 45 to 90 degrees? There are chairs and couches spread around.

best buy has the TC-P55ST30 for 1148.99. this IMHO is the best bang for the buck right now.

while I agree this is a nice display for around the same 2 grand, you could get a 65" ST30.

if you are willing to spend 1500, that could get you a 60" ST30.

Regardless, panny plasmas are what you should be looking at

So it seems that plasma is likely a better choice? I can agree. My parent's plasma looks phenomenal...I loved playing Skyrim and MW3 on it. Pure heaven, and it's a couple years old!

I will keep checking into the plasmas that you're all mentioning here. Hopefully on Amazon or at the local B&M stores...we do have a Nebraska Furniture Mart

 

[Saint Nick]

best buy has the TC-P55ST30 for 1148.99. this IMHO is the best bang for the buck right now.

How do you feel about the 60" model? And I'm reading it has some issues with brightness fluctuation?

 

[LokutusofBorg]

If you're going plasma, I would look no further than the Panasonic S line (I believe the ST is just the 3D model?). I have a 2009 50" S1 and have not regretted buying it once. If I was buying a new TV right now I would have the 60" ST30 at the top of my list and would be shopping TVs against that one as the one to beat. Going to the G or V lines gains you almost nothing that I value. Those three lines share the same panel, the differences are in stuff like THX mode and other features in the electronics.

For LCD I would be looking at Samsung or Vizio (someone recommended against Vizio, but they're a respectable budget brand and my friend has one and really likes it). But we have our plasma in the front room with lights and windows and glare is almost never a problem. The *only* thing plasma has going against it, IMO, is power usage. I think my TV uses 220W or so. Can't remember the exact number off the top of my head right now. The thing is a bit of a space heater. But I live in Utah, so half of the year that's actually a benefit.

 

[velillen]

If you're going plasma, I would look no further than the Panasonic S line (I believe the ST is just the 3D model?). I have a 2009 50" S1 and have not regretted buying it once. If I was buying a new TV right now I would have the 60" ST30 at the top of my list and would be shopping TVs against that one as the one to beat. Going to the G or V lines gains you almost nothing that I value. Those three lines share the same panel, the differences are in stuff like THX mode and other features in the electronics.

There are other difference besides just 3d between the S2 and the ST30 lines. i cant remember what off the top of my head. Think it was filters on the screen or something. To be fair though i have the St30 and my dad has the S2 (both of us 60") and i cant tel much difference at all. maybe side by side i would but overall both look great.

Like you mentioned skip the gt series. Doesnt add anything really useful. The VT line is often the highest rated plasma line. For budget wise you can go wrong with a 60" ST30!

How do you feel about the 60" model? And I'm reading it has some issues with brightness fluctuation?

if i remember that was on models made before June (or july?) 2011 and was fixable via firmware update. i have had no issues with my st30 personally though

 

[Anubis]

I'd stay away from anything by Philips, LG, Vizio, etc. You'd be better getting a good brand like Samsung, Sony, Panasonic, some Toshiba are good. What kind of viewing angle do you need? Is it a single sitting area in front of the tv, or are there chairs or couches spread around?

Theres nothing wrong with Vizio or LG, i however would stay away fromn Philips

the Vizio 55 SV3 we have is a great TV

 

[Zivic]

How do you feel about the 60" model? And I'm reading it has some issues with brightness fluctuation?

As has been posted, I think that issue has been resolved.... to be fair though, I haven't really looked into it much recently.

If your budget allows, get the biggest TV that physically fits in your space. I would definitely get the 60 if you can make it work. The ST30 is a very nice tv and 1500 for a quality 60" is a plenty fair deal.

The ST vs S is more than 3d

from panny's site:
S model has 900 lines of moving resolution vs 1080 on the ST
ST has a Louver Filter
ST has sub pixel control
ST is 3D and has a 2D to 3D converter
ST has a 24P smoother
ST has wireless adapter (both are internet ready)
ST has a swivel base

^ I also thought the ST had a newer/higher end infinite black 2 panel. I also think the ST has a different type of bezel

 

[Saint Nick]

Dang this is getting tough now! I'm pretty much stuck between the P55ST30 and P60ST30. Wondering if I'm going miss 5" of screen. It is within my budget, but I could save a few hundred bones by going with the smaller model. Is it worth the extra few hundred bucks? Hmm...

Thoughts?

Yeah, I'm probably going to get the 60" model. LOL.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

I have the 55 st30. It's an amazing tv. I really don't see a need for a 60" though. My living room is decent sized and the 55" looks almost too big.
I'll give it to you straight
Pros:
black levels look sick
Images seem to flow smoothly
Glare is actually pretty non existent even with windows nearby
3d picture quality is among the best
Cons:
power consumption. I tested it myself with a kill a watt and it's damn near 400w during use
Brightness fluctuation. Not a deal breaker but I have noticed it a few times.
4.2/5 stars

Would buy it again. Picture still amazes me to this day and I've had it about 6 months.

 

[Saint Nick]

I just realized I'm going to need to get a new TV stand for this :/ I might have to get the 55" just to afford a new stand which will likely set me back a couple hundred bones. The plan is to eventually get a HT system as well.

 

[Anubis]

IMO keep what you have or buy the cheapest stand that will work and save for one later. really nice stands are worth it but expensive

 

[Zivic]

IMO keep what you have or buy the cheapest stand that will work and save for one later. really nice stands are worth it but expensive

+1 to that...

I paid over 1700 for my console (standout designs) and it was worth every penny

I just picked up the 50" and the 55" ST30 for my dad's new house this afternoon. Really a nice display. I would have liked a smaller bezel, but other than that, they are definitely big bang for the buck.... I got both displays for under 2200 out the door (so that includes tax) at a local best buy.

I would get the 60" if you can make it fit. for about 350 bucks I think it is worth the premium. You are getting almost 20% more screen size. I would have gotten my dad the larger display, however he had built-ins that had set sizes.

just got home from setting them up. connected them to the net, setup netflix and calibrated with D-nice's reference settings

here's the 50"

and the 55"

 

[Zivic]

oh, and as far as power consumption... they are rated fairly low (reference the yellow energy star sticker on the fronts)

the 50" is rated at $21/year at 5 hrs of use a day
the 55" is rated at $24/year at 5 hrs of use a day

^both are plenty cheap IMHO

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

oh, and as far as power consumption... they are rated fairly low (reference the yellow energy star sticker on the fronts)

the 50" is rated at $21/year at 5 hrs of use a day
the 55" is rated at $24/year at 5 hrs of use a day

^both are plenty cheap IMHO

I got a reading of 400w my 55" st30 was pulling from the wall. At 10 cents a kwh 5 hours a day that's $72 a year. They are way too "optimistic" in their ratings.

Either way it's not a big deal to most but it does use pretty much double the power of an equivalent LCD.

 

[Zivic]

I got a reading of 400w my 55" st30 was pulling from the wall. At 10 cents a kwh 5 hours a day that's $72 a year. They are way too "optimistic" in their ratings.

Either way it's not a big deal to most but it does use pretty much double the power of an equivalent LCD.

what are your settings? I don't doubt the 400w... just that some tweaks of the picture settings can make a world of difference. Also, using the ratings gives you something to compare to. When looking at some LCDs, the plasmas aren't really rated 'that' much higher. Definitely not high enough for me to have concern about energy consumption. I'll take PQ over a few bucks in electricity


just checked fatwallet. Fry's has the 55" for 899!!! insane deal IMHO... except I don't have a fry's in my area

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

what are your settings? I don't doubt the 400w... just that some tweaks of the picture settings can make a world of difference. Also, using the ratings gives you something to compare to. When looking at some LCDs, the plasmas aren't really rated 'that' much higher. Definitely not high enough for me to have concern about energy consumption. I'll take PQ over a few bucks in electricity


just checked fatwallet. Fry's has the 55" for 899!!! insane deal IMHO... except I don't have a fry's in my area

I have brightness about mid level nothing crazy and I don't remember other settings. I did turn off energy saving feature. I think it's called CATS in menu. It was causing very annoying brightness fluctuations. Once that was off 99% of brightness fluctuation was gone. I just spent a night with the remote and tuned the color by what I like.

Yeah I paid $1500 for mine. /facepalm
Hell of a tv for $899.

 

[Saint Nick]

what are your settings? I don't doubt the 400w... just that some tweaks of the picture settings can make a world of difference. Also, using the ratings gives you something to compare to. When looking at some LCDs, the plasmas aren't really rated 'that' much higher. Definitely not high enough for me to have concern about energy consumption. I'll take PQ over a few bucks in electricity


just checked fatwallet. Fry's has the 55" for 899!!! insane deal IMHO... except I don't have a fry's in my area

Damn, wish I had a Fry's!

 

[velillen]

I got a reading of 400w my 55" st30 was pulling from the wall. At 10 cents a kwh 5 hours a day that's $72 a year. They are way too "optimistic" in their ratings.

Either way it's not a big deal to most but it does use pretty much double the power of an equivalent LCD.

my 60" ST30 was only pulling ~325W straight from the wall.

Also a note the ST30 series DOES NOT include wireless built in. You have to buy an adapter. Unless they changed it thats how mine is.

 

[donfm]

I've found this forum is pretty ST biased. Inevitably that is the line of televisions that is recommended no matter what a person wants. It's a great television but the looks are a bit dated compared to newer models IMO with the wide black bezel as compared to say the Samsungs.

The OP originally said he wanted an LED television. So with that in mind the Samsung UN55D7000 or 8000 are very highly rated. They have a great picture and very sleek looking as well with a narrow bezel. The 8000 may be a bit out of your budget however. Good luck with whatever TV you choose.

 

[Zivic]

I've found this forum is pretty ST biased. Inevitably that is the line of televisions that is recommended no matter what a person wants. It's a great television but the looks are a bit dated compared to newer models IMO with the wide black bezel as compared to say the Samsungs.

The OP originally said he wanted an LED television. So with that in mind the Samsung UN55D7000 or 8000 are very highly rated. They have a great picture and very sleek looking as well with a narrow bezel. The 8000 may be a bit out of your budget however. Good luck with whatever TV you choose.

here's the thing... the 7000 comes up at around 1600-1700 bucks.. You can get the ST for as cheap as 899 (more realistically 1100 or so). Why would he want the sammy at a 500-600 buck premium? I am sure the picture is fine and dandy, but it doesn't likely best the ST and to buy based on the bezel is foolish.

the OP could get the 60" ST30 for 1500 -> cheaper than both of the sammy LCD displays you listed.

That is why we are being ST biased