Looking for a good HDTV

[Coronus]

I am looking for a good HDTV and am looking to spen only around $1500. I also have to consider size as my house is built with a recess above the gas fireplace (which we never use) and it is only 45.5" wide. From what I have seen this is going to limit me to probably a 47" screen at most. The only other thought i have had is if there is a way to wall mount it on the sides of the recess btu I don't know how the tv wallmounts work.

Thanks,
C

 

[Midnight Rambler]

Hmmm ... good and $1500 might be mutually exclusive, depends on your definition of "good".

IMHO, at that price point I'd recommend you take a look at Panasonic's plasmas. They make several 42" sets and they also just brought out a new 46" set as well. First 46" plasma I've seen/heard of.

 

[Coronus]

I guess I am looking to get the most for my money. So I guess I should have asked what is the best TV at this price range. I do realize this is rather subjective so I was trying to get some peoples peoples experience.

C

 

[Midnight Rambler]

I understand completely.

I'd still recommend you check out the Panasonic plasmas, unless you are dead set on an LCD. You should be able to buy a very decent Panny plasma within/near your price range, and it will definitely provide you with a better picture than an equivalent size and price LCD. As a side benefit, the Panasonics also handle SD as well as any set I've seen.

My humble opinion of course ...

If you want to do research on your own, there's a lot of great info/reviews/etc. over at AVS Forums. Highly recommended reading.

 

[JackBurton]

Your best options:

Panasonic TH-46PZ85U = ~$1800.00

Samsung LN46A650A = ~$2200.00

Either one of these will provide you with an amazing picture.

 

[Rio Rebel]

I just bought this Samsung for under $1500:

Samsung LN46A550A

It has a fantastic picture and I love it. It isn't 120hz, but it is 1080p and HD-DVD looks fantastic on it.

I have no doubt that the 650 model is phenomenal, but I have a hard time believing it is worth $700 more than the 550.

 

[Coronus]

Originally posted by: Midnight Rambler
I understand completely.

I'd still recommend you check out the Panasonic plasmas, unless you are dead set on an LCD. You should be able to buy a very decent Panny plasma within/near your price range, and it will definitely provide you with a better picture than an equivalent size and price LCD. As a side benefit, the Panasonics also handle SD as well as any set I've seen.

My humble opinion of course ...

If you want to do research on your own, there's a lot of great info/reviews/etc. over at AVS Forums. Highly recommended reading.

Is there still an issue with lifespan of palsmas comparred to LCDs? I am hoping that if I buy a TV it will last another 10+ years. I will certainly check these forums and suggestions out. Thanks guys for the info.

C

 

[TheAdvocate]

There is a large plasma fanboy contingent on ATOT. Just take that into consideration. Nothing at all wrong with plasmas, but I'd take their criticism of LCDs and statements about "much better picture" with a grain of salt.

To answer your question, there should be several quality TVs that meet your criteria. I'll speak up for Toshiba (Regza), as I am an owner biased by a good experience. I'm also a fan of the Samsung/Sony LCDs (made together), and Sharps are decent as well. You should be able to find a 46" plasma or LCD that will look great, and unless you are sitting a good distance away, that size is fine for most rooms.

 

[Muadib]

Originally posted by: TheAdvocate
There is a large plasma fanboy contingent on ATOT. Just take that into consideration. Nothing at all wrong with plasmas, but I'd take their criticism of LCDs and statements about "much better picture" with a grain of salt.

To answer your question, there should be several quality TVs that meet your criteria. I'll speak up for Toshiba (Regza), as I am an owner biased by a good experience. I'm also a fan of the Samsung/Sony LCDs (made together), and Sharps are decent as well. You should be able to find a 46" plasma or LCD that will look great, and unless you are sitting a good distance away, that size is fine for most rooms.

I'm no plasma fanboy, but a $1500 plasma will smoke a $1500 LCD.

 

[kenrippy]

"smoke" is a bold term

here's a quote from the march 2008 consumer guide, comparing LCD & Plasma TVs:

LCD TVs

Pros: Wider range of sizes and greater choice of 1080p sets than plasmas. Lighter weight. Brighter images. Most have no reflections from screen. No risk of burn-in. Use less power. Slim

Cons: Most have limited viewing angel. Don't match plasmas for deepest blacks and smooth motion.

PLASMA TVs:

Pros: Virtually unlimited viewing angle. Deeper blacks and better contrast than on LCDs. No motion blur. More screen for the money. Slim.

Cons: Shiny screens show reflections in bright rooms. Images may leave a temporary or permanent impression. Use more power. Fewer 1080p plasma sets than 1080p LCDs.

[/quote]

 

[SlickSnake]

Originally posted by: Muadib

Originally posted by: TheAdvocate
There is a large plasma fanboy contingent on ATOT. Just take that into consideration. Nothing at all wrong with plasmas, but I'd take their criticism of LCDs and statements about "much better picture" with a grain of salt.

To answer your question, there should be several quality TVs that meet your criteria. I'll speak up for Toshiba (Regza), as I am an owner biased by a good experience. I'm also a fan of the Samsung/Sony LCDs (made together), and Sharps are decent as well. You should be able to find a 46" plasma or LCD that will look great, and unless you are sitting a good distance away, that size is fine for most rooms.

I'm no plasma fanboy, but a $1500 plasma will smoke a $1500 LCD.

Literally!

They operate MUCH hotter than an LCD. Better keep a fire extinguisher handy.

 

[ultimatebob]

Personally, I think that I'd take a trip to Best Buy with a tape measure and find out which TV will fit the best in the recess over your fireplace.

Finding a quality name brand 46" 1080p HDTV in your price range might be tough, but a 42" set might be more doable. Sony, Samsung, Sharp, and LG all make good 42" 1080p sets around the $1,500 price point. I'd avoid the cheaper Phillips and Westinghouse models, though, since the black levels and colors do not look nearly as good.

 

[kenrippy]

also, keep in mind that above a fireplace is not optimal viewing angle if you're seated in a couch.

Text

you might consider wall mounting it somewhere else where it can be better viewed from a sitting position. unless of course you've got mixed viewing angles (some bar stools, standing guests etc.)

 

[Coronus]

Originally posted by: kenrippy
also, keep in mind that above a fireplace is not optimal viewing angle if you're seated in a couch.

Text

you might consider wall mounting it somewhere else where it can be better viewed from a sitting position. unless of course you've got mixed viewing angles (some bar stools, standing guests etc.)

That is a very good point. I amy have to take that into consideration as the bottom of the tv comes to about 5 ft. Unfortunately, I am kind of limited on placement. I have the fireplace nich then the wall 90 deg. to the left as my only other easy option (I am glad I had the builder put a cable jack there too). Placeing on this wall would make me have to rearrange my whole living room which may not be such a bad idea.

C

 

[kenrippy]

i bought this wall mount for our 47" LCD, and mounted it near a corner. this was the optimal placement for our living room. the arm mount type gives you full movement so it can be positioned at different angles. look at the different pics on that link above.

ps: i know a good mount seller with good prices. PM if you need info.

 

[Muadib]

Originally posted by: kenrippy
"smoke" is a bold term

here's a quote from the march 2008 consumer guide, comparing LCD & Plasma TVs:

LCD TVs

Pros: Wider range of sizes and greater choice of 1080p sets than plasmas. Lighter weight. Brighter images. Most have no reflections from screen. No risk of burn-in. Use less power. Slim

Cons: Most have limited viewing angel. Don't match plasmas for deepest blacks and smooth motion.

PLASMA TVs:

Pros: Virtually unlimited viewing angle. Deeper blacks and better contrast than on LCDs. No motion blur. More screen for the money. Slim.

Cons: Shiny screens show reflections in bright rooms. Images may leave a temporary or permanent impression. Use more power. Fewer 1080p plasma sets than 1080p LCDs.

[/quote]I guess it depends on whats important to you. For me picture quality is what matters most. At the $1500 price point, the winner is plasma. Smoke was the best I could do at the time, because Bones was coming back on.

 

[Muadib]

Originally posted by: SlickSnake

Originally posted by: Muadib

Originally posted by: TheAdvocate
There is a large plasma fanboy contingent on ATOT. Just take that into consideration. Nothing at all wrong with plasmas, but I'd take their criticism of LCDs and statements about "much better picture" with a grain of salt.

To answer your question, there should be several quality TVs that meet your criteria. I'll speak up for Toshiba (Regza), as I am an owner biased by a good experience. I'm also a fan of the Samsung/Sony LCDs (made together), and Sharps are decent as well. You should be able to find a 46" plasma or LCD that will look great, and unless you are sitting a good distance away, that size is fine for most rooms.

I'm no plasma fanboy, but a $1500 plasma will smoke a $1500 LCD.

Literally!

They operate MUCH hotter than an LCD. Better keep a fire extinguisher handy.

It's not quite that bad.

 

[kenrippy]

i can't tell any real difference in PQ between plasma & LCD. maybe i'm just not that picky, LCDs look really good, as do plasmas.

i went with an LCD because of wieght (ease of wall mount was important), power consumption (which isn't that big of a deal), heat, non reflective LCD screen, & lifespan - slow/gradual PQ degradation of plasma compared to LCD.

which one? i went with a $1299 vizio VO47L and i'm extremely happy with it. i've already rec'd $100 back on the price within the first month due to price drop, and i expect to get more before the 90 days is up. buy at costco w/ amex = 3yr warranty