LCD TV...what specs matter / don't?

[Jim Bancroft]

I have a 1980 19" Mitsubishi set that I love. It's been rock solid for 30 years. However, times change and the old girl should be retired soon.

So I need to get up to speed on LCD sets. I'm only interested in 40" or smaller sets, and from what I hear all you need at that size is 720p. 1080 is a waste, but if the price is right....

What other characteristics are important-- acceptable response times, # of HDMI ports, contrast ratios ("dynamic contrast" sounds like a marketing gimmick)? I need assistance, as my latest visit to Fry's proved. I saw 32" sets priced $500 apart in some instances, same brand and specs that I could tell. Obviously I was missing something.

I've also noticed that no one offers more than a 1 year warranty, even on the most expensive sets....wth is up with that? I'm sure BestBuy would love to sell me an extended warranty but do I need one? Why doesn't any vendor offer 2 or 3 year warranties, at least on parts, are these sets that prone to going out?

 

[Koing]

No of HDMI is not so important imo. If you get a receiver you can use that or if you don't intend on it, you can get a HDMI swticher so that gives you 2-3 extra HDMI ports.

In England Panasonic and Pioneer offer 5yr warrentys. If you also buy from some stores say John Lewis you get a 5yr warrenty also.

Get any brand name one for the 40" within your price range. They will be relatively similar at the same price points. Whats your budget?

I like Panasonic plasma screens personally.

Koing

 

[RKS]

How far are you sitting from the tv?

Most major credit cards (AMEX for sure) will automatically double the 1 year warranty. IMHO, an AMEX, warranty is actually much more 'user friendly' thant a manufacturer's warranty.

 

[Jim Bancroft]

I'll be sitting seven or eight feet from the set I figure. As for a budget, I don't really want to but I can go to $700. I don't need a big-big-big screen and from what I've seen at BestBuy and Fry's the 22" sets aren't a whole lot cheaper than a decent 32-40". So I may as well go that route. Quality build is more important to me than all the bells and whistles.

I'm sure these sets don't appear as big in the living room as their sizes might indicate, but keep in mind I'm coming from a 19" set, so am easily impressed in the size category. I appreciate your questions and suggestions.

 

[evilbix]

I'd check out the Samsung ln32a450 over at bestbuy or circuit city. That is probably the best you can do in that price range. It's $700 at BB right now, with tax it'll go a little over budget but it's a nice setup


Honestly, the spec's you will see listed for 95% of televisions really won't be all that important. My biggest concern is the black and white levels, and samsung lcd panels generally tend to be the best. Also, calibration of televisions really helps with this. You could look up the settings that other people have on theirs and then adjust slightly for lighting in the room (i.e. lower contrast and brightness in a basement and a few notches higher in the living room with lots of sunlight.)

*edit*
black and white levels are rarely listed on the tv specs. just go into a retail store and see what you like. keep in mind the tv will look bigger in your house, and the lighting will also be a good bit different.

also ask to see the remote and then set the tv to the default settings (they sometimes blast the backlight and colors to make the tv catch your eye on the floor)