So. Many. TVs. Thoughts? And a good Review Site?

[bigben2wardpitt]

Let me start out saying I don't care for any SmartTV abilities, as I have a Roku Box, and love it, and don't mind having an extra box next to my TV for this. I also don't need more than 2 HDMI ports honestly. But more is a small benefit. Not worried about sound really, since I use my own speakers. I'm worried about picture, period. I'm looking for a 47/48 inch TV.

I was all set to buy the Sony KDL48W600B, as my dad has a 48 inch sony, and basically is the same model from 2 years ago. I went to Best Buy and found the picture, compared to the other 48 inch TVs, to be better or about the same. I didn't want to spend more than $700, and ideally $650 or less. Which this TV fits that perfectly: http://www.amazon.com/Sony-KDL48W600...rds=kdl48w600b

I review I actually trust is this review from LCD TV Buying Guide: http://reviews.lcdtvbuyingguide.com/sony-lcd-tv/sony-kdl-48w600b.html. That site in general seems to do great reviews.

However, I've of course continued to do research, as I am prone to doing. There's been some deals recently, like the LG 47LB6000 on Groupon: http://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-lg-...hopping&nan_pid=1801696200&nan_pid=1801696200

Almost exactly similar, except no smart TV, is the LG 47LB5900: http://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-lg-...hopping&nan_pid=1801696200&nan_pid=1801696200

Just wondering if anyone had any thoughts on these 3?

 

[Raincity]

I have heard a lot of bad stuff about lcdbuyingguide and that its not a legitimate review site. I read David Katzmaier reviews at CNET but still take the review with a grain of salt. Robert Heron seems to be spot on with his reviews that are scattered all over the internet. Your best bet is too read over about each set at AVS http://www.avsforum.com/forum/166-lcd-flat-panel-displays/1513305-sony-2014-w600b-w800b-w850b.html

http://www.avsforum.com/forum/166-lcd-flat-panel-displays/1522608-2014-lg-thread.html

 

[poofyhairguy]

I read David Katzmaier reviews at CNET but still take the review with a grain of salt.

I don't know why, David is one of the best in the industry.

OP, LG makes low cost and low quality TVs. If I was you, I would buy a Vizio.

 

[Raincity]

I don't know why, David is one of the best in the industry.

OP, LG makes low cost and low quality TVs. If I was you, I would buy a Vizio.

Because David seems to be overly critical and sensitive on certain issues. One instance David claimed the Samsung F5500 failed 24P video processing test due to too much judder. Nobody else reviewing the set ran into this issue or did anybody in any of the HT forums post about it.

 

[tential]

As always, your best bet is to read about each set on AVSForum.

 

[bigben2wardpitt]

ok. Great. Thanks everyone.

 

[poofyhairguy]

Because David seems to be overly critical and sensitive on certain issues. One instance David claimed the Samsung F5500 failed 24P video processing test due to too much judder. Nobody else reviewing the set ran into this issue or did anybody in any of the HT forums post about it.

What David meant there is that this particular model doesn't have Samsung's official 24p feature (called "Cinema Smooth"). This isn't just a reviewer being picky, for anyone that wants proper playback of movies that is a huge deal.

If most people don't complain it is because 80%+ of TVs can't handle 24p sources properly so everyone is just used to seeing 3:2 pulldown judder. Just like most people are used to LCD motion blur.

For someone like me that is picky I can EASILY see it. Just the other day I knew my Blu Ray player was not outputting in 24p because I could see the judder (so I fixed it). With so many panning shots in modern movies it is easy to see if you know what you are looking for.

Heck my older Samsung plasma has been regulated to my bedroom mostly because it lacks cinema smooth and I can't stand 3:2 pulldown judder on panning shots. Within two years of buying it I bought a Panasonic ST50 mostly because I wanted something that could handle 24p properly. There is a scene in the opening sequence on my favorite current show (Boardwalk Empire) where the main character is looking across the landscape that looks like CRAP without proper 24p support. So it is a big deal for some.

OP: If you just read my little rant and you say to yourself "I need proper 24p playback!" then again the best option is get a 2014 Vizio. From what I understand even their lowend E series model handles 24p content properly.

 

[bigben2wardpitt]

What David meant there is that this particular model doesn't have Samsung's official 24p feature (called "Cinema Smooth"). This isn't just a reviewer being picky, for anyone that wants proper playback of movies that is a huge deal.

If most people don't complain it is because 80%+ of TVs can't handle 24p sources properly so everyone is just used to seeing 3:2 pulldown judder. Just like most people are used to LCD motion blur.

For someone like me that is picky I can EASILY see it. Just the other day I knew my Blu Ray player was not outputting in 24p because I could see the judder (so I fixed it). With so many panning shots in modern movies it is easy to see if you know what you are looking for.

Heck my older Samsung plasma has been regulated to my bedroom mostly because it lacks cinema smooth and I can't stand 3:2 pulldown judder on panning shots. Within two years of buying it I bought a Panasonic ST50 mostly because I wanted something that could handle 24p properly. There is a scene in the opening sequence on my favorite current show (Boardwalk Empire) where the main character is looking across the landscape that looks like CRAP without proper 24p support. So it is a big deal for some.

OP: If you just read my little rant and you say to yourself "I need proper 24p playback!" then again the best option is get a 2014 Vizio. From what I understand even their lowend E series model handles 24p content properly.

Haha, nah, I go, well, that sounds moderately important, but I've stared at my dad's Sony (he has the exact model I want) and think it's the best TV I've ever stared at (amongst the tvs that are in my parents homes or in my own or friends). I know that's a bit crazy for a $650 TV, but i find my friends/parents TVs to be very mediocre. They are either a few years old Plasmas or LEDs that I don't find all that impressive.

 

[poofyhairguy]

Haha, nah, I go, well, that sounds moderately important, but I've stared at my dad's Sony (he has the exact model I want) and think it's the best TV I've ever stared at (amongst the tvs that are in my parents homes or in my own or friends). I know that's a bit crazy for a $650 TV, but i find my friends/parents TVs to be very mediocre. They are either a few years old Plasmas or LEDs that I don't find all that impressive.

If I had to guess you are being impressed by the interpolation, as that is one of Sony's best features. Interpolation makes for a hyper realistic (some people say Soap Opera-ish) picture that some people get hooked on.

Sonys make great great sets overall. Good picture quality and best in class gaming performance. That set you like might be the best gaming TV you can get for the money.

The reason I keep recommending a Vizio instead is because that Sony is only 60 hz, which means it will have poor motion resolution (aka lots of blurring during action scenes) and has NO WAY of properly playing back 24p content (because you need 120hz to do that). Also unlike the 2014 Vizio's that are FALD technology, that Sony is edgelit LED which if you research it is the worst kind of LED.

So it comes down to priorities. If your TV's main purpose (or even just 50% of the time) is gaming, then the Sony is a no-brainer. If your main purpose is to watch movies and TV, then I would really really consider a Vizio. They are in most stores, go take a look at one.

Either way OP avoid the LGs. They have never made a "great" TV outside of their OLED model. Any LED they make will be a step down if you are used to Sony quality.

 

[Raincity]

What David meant there is that this particular model doesn't have Samsung's official 24p feature (called "Cinema Smooth"). This isn't just a reviewer being picky, for anyone that wants proper playback of movies that is a huge deal.

If most people don't complain it is because 80%+ of TVs can't handle 24p sources properly so everyone is just used to seeing 3:2 pulldown judder. Just like most people are used to LCD motion blur.

For someone like me that is picky I can EASILY see it. Just the other day I knew my Blu Ray player was not outputting in 24p because I could see the judder (so I fixed it). With so many panning shots in modern movies it is easy to see if you know what you are looking for.

Heck my older Samsung plasma has been regulated to my bedroom mostly because it lacks cinema smooth and I can't stand 3:2 pulldown judder on panning shots. Within two years of buying it I bought a Panasonic ST50 mostly because I wanted something that could handle 24p properly. There is a scene in the opening sequence on my favorite current show (Boardwalk Empire) where the main character is looking across the landscape that looks like CRAP without proper 24p support. So it is a big deal for some.

OP: If you just read my little rant and you say to yourself "I need proper 24p playback!" then again the best option is get a 2014 Vizio. From what I understand even their lowend E series model handles 24p content properly.

Did we read the same review http://www.cnet.com/products/samsung-pn60f5500-60-class-59-9-viewable-3d-plasma-tv/

Where does David elaborate on Cinema Smooth.

 

[poofyhairguy]

Where does David elaborate on Cinema Smooth.

He doesn't elaborate. He just says the TV can't do it and thats that. The only reason I know that feature and what it does is because every high-end Samsung plasma since 2010 has had it. He only talks about a feature by name usually when its broken or misleading (like Cinema Smooth was back in 2010 when enabling it made black levels rise).

What is kinda crazy is that Samsung's spec sheet for the model lists the feature:

http://www.samsung.com/us/system/co...64f5500afxza/F5500_Plasma_SpecSheet_R16_1.pdf

But a friend has that TV and I remember there was no Cinema Smooth in the options.

Oh well, it is what it is. For some people 24p support doesn't matter to them so its no big deal. For people like me who care at least he gives a yes or no.

 

[MongGrel]

As always, your best bet is to read about each set on AVSForum.

+1

 

[Raincity]

He doesn't elaborate. He just says the TV can't do it and thats that. The only reason I know that feature and what it does is because every high-end Samsung plasma since 2010 has had it. He only talks about a feature by name usually when its broken or misleading (like Cinema Smooth was back in 2010 when enabling it made black levels rise).

What is kinda crazy is that Samsung's spec sheet for the model lists the feature:

http://www.samsung.com/us/system/co...64f5500afxza/F5500_Plasma_SpecSheet_R16_1.pdf

But a friend has that TV and I remember there was no Cinema Smooth in the options.

Oh well, it is what it is. For some people 24p support doesn't matter to them so its no big deal. For people like me who care at least he gives a yes or no.

I am now curious because I was considering this set back in April, The email correspondence I had with a calibrator / reviewer said that it passed all the video processing tests he threw at it with flying colors.

 

[poofyhairguy]

I am now curious because I was considering this set back in April, The email correspondence I had with a calibrator / reviewer said that it passed all the video processing tests he threw at it with flying colors.

There is a chance I missed the setting. I will have to get over to his house again soon and double check. It only comes up if the source is 24p, maybe my friend's Blu Ray player was set up wrong.

 

[notposting]

Something I was glad I was able to find a few years back when we were looking (ended up with a 32") was a matte screen. Got a Panasonic of some sort, nothing special, but it stood out clear (or not, actually ) as day in Costco when I walking through.

Of course, it had a bizarro firmware problem that interacted poorly with our HTPC and apparently Comcast boxes. Returned one and was about to return the second when it got fixed, had to download and update the firmware. WTF

 

[bigben2wardpitt]

If I had to guess you are being impressed by the interpolation, as that is one of Sony's best features. Interpolation makes for a hyper realistic (some people say Soap Opera-ish) picture that some people get hooked on.

Sonys make great great sets overall. Good picture quality and best in class gaming performance. That set you like might be the best gaming TV you can get for the money.

The reason I keep recommending a Vizio instead is because that Sony is only 60 hz, which means it will have poor motion resolution (aka lots of blurring during action scenes) and has NO WAY of properly playing back 24p content (because you need 120hz to do that). Also unlike the 2014 Vizio's that are FALD technology, that Sony is edgelit LED which if you research it is the worst kind of LED.

So it comes down to priorities. If your TV's main purpose (or even just 50% of the time) is gaming, then the Sony is a no-brainer. If your main purpose is to watch movies and TV, then I would really really consider a Vizio. They are in most stores, go take a look at one.

Either way OP avoid the LGs. They have never made a "great" TV outside of their OLED model. Any LED they make will be a step down if you are used to Sony quality.

I'm having a hard time noticing the blur on 60 hz tvs. I watch movies and Game of Thrones over at my friend's house, which is 60hz, and I haven't noticed the motion blur. But have read about it.

I'll be sure to look at the Vizios. As even though I think I've made up my mind on the sony, I still look at other TVs.

Yea, I ruled out the LG yesterday after researching the models more. They are much crappier versions of their higher end models it seems.

 

[Raincity]

I'm having a hard time noticing the blur on 60 hz tvs. I watch movies and Game of Thrones over at my friend's house, which is 60hz, and I haven't noticed the motion blur. But have read about it.

I'll be sure to look at the Vizios. As even though I think I've made up my mind on the sony, I still look at other TVs.

Yea, I ruled out the LG yesterday after researching the models more. They are much crappier versions of their higher end models it seems.

Your best value for the dollar right now is the Vizio 2014 E and M class. Everything else released this year is mediocre or downright too expensive.

 

[Raincity]

Here is another site with good reviews http://www.soundandvision.com/category/led-tv-reviews

 

[maevinj]

I've been researching a new TV as well, within your same price range. I haven't pulled the trigger yet, but I've been really leaning towards the Sony KDL48W600B. I was looking at the LGs as well, but was immediately turned off by glare on the screen when I went and looked at them in person. My room has a lot of sunlight and glare is a big issue for me, even with a matte screen. Another website to look at is http://www.rtings.com/

 

[bigben2wardpitt]

I got the 800b after a big commission payday from my side business. Thing is gorgeous. The 600B is awesome for price but I splurged a bit and got the 800B. The only other TV I looked at was the comparable samsung 6350 models. While Samsung is way brighter, its an artificial brightening and I prefer the more realistic sony picture when I'm on my own in my house, even though my eyes might prefer a Samsung's "pretty colors" at the store. I also looked at rtings.com for their TV reviews. Although Russian, their reviews were in depth. The 800b's doubling in hz really makes the difference over the ,600B.

I went to 3 different stores and honestly all the sonys didn't look good. They must calibrate them badly. The Samsung's looked better but also oversaturated. When I finally got to my third store, best buy, it seemed they hadn't messed with the picture as much and the 800b looked great. Better than the samsung. But again, it took me 3 stores to actually see that. The other stores were doing something seriously wrong. The second store did do a Sony demo and that was amazing, but it's meant to be since Sony develops that demo!

 

[gorcorps]

Let me start out saying I don't care for any SmartTV abilities, as I have a Roku Box, and love it, and don't mind having an extra box next to my TV for this. I also don't need more than 2 HDMI ports honestly. But more is a small benefit. Not worried about sound really, since I use my own speakers. I'm worried about picture, period. I'm looking for a 47/48 inch TV.

I was all set to buy the Sony KDL48W600B, as my dad has a 48 inch sony, and basically is the same model from 2 years ago. I went to Best Buy and found the picture, compared to the other 48 inch TVs, to be better or about the same. I didn't want to spend more than $700, and ideally $650 or less. Which this TV fits that perfectly: http://www.amazon.com/Sony-KDL48W600...rds=kdl48w600b

I review I actually trust is this review from LCD TV Buying Guide: http://reviews.lcdtvbuyingguide.com/sony-lcd-tv/sony-kdl-48w600b.html. That site in general seems to do great reviews.

However, I've of course continued to do research, as I am prone to doing. There's been some deals recently, like the LG 47LB6000 on Groupon: http://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-lg-...hopping&nan_pid=1801696200&nan_pid=1801696200

Almost exactly similar, except no smart TV, is the LG 47LB5900: http://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-lg-...hopping&nan_pid=1801696200&nan_pid=1801696200

Just wondering if anyone had any thoughts on these 3?

Do NOT compare TVs in a best buy showroom, ever. Some TVs have "demo modes" which screw with the brightness and saturation to stand out at the stores, and aren't representative of home use. There's also been some reports of stores tweaking the screen settings to get certain models to look better, so it's hard to trust anything there.

My local Sam's Club actually remotes out with all of their demo TVs, so I could play with the screen settings to actually see even comparisons. Their stock is limited, but it gave me a good idea of what to look for.

 

[3 green]

If I had to guess you are being impressed by the interpolation, as that is one of Sony's best features....

The reason I keep recommending a Vizio instead is because that Sony is only 60 hz, which means it will have poor motion resolution (aka lots of blurring during action scenes) and has NO WAY of properly playing back 24p content (because you need 120hz to do that). Also unlike the 2014 Vizio's that are FALD technology, that Sony is edgelit LED which if you research it is the worst kind of LED.


Either way OP avoid the LGs. They have never made a "great" TV outside of their OLED model. Any LED they make will be a step down if you are used to Sony quality.

Some good info here. In case anyone comes upon this thread with same questions as OP, I will offer a couple of clarifications:

1) The 2014 Sony w600b series are at the lower end of Sony's main line. They DO however have 24p capability. For an explanation, see the review at rtings.com in the FAQ section of the review.

2) The Sony website states the w600b are edge lit. After much debate and analysis on another forum, consensus is that they are indeed backlit, hence the pretty good uniformity. Sony marketing people and others have been know to have incorrect info on the websites in the past and this may well be another instance.

For the money, a pretty nice TV especially if you will also do some gaming. PQ rivals the other TV I was considering, the Samsung UNH6350 series which is considerably more expensive. You get things such as 24p which many other sets in this price range don't offer.

To be completely upfront, I recently purchased a 40w600b as a second TV. I was a little skeptical as my main TV is a last generation Pioneer Kuro plasma, a tough act to follow. I was pleasantly surprised by the little Sony. Out of the box, probably one of the best in this range for color accuracy. Good blacks for an LED. Its no Kuro but for the price they can be had at on sale, it is a keeper. All in all, a great package for the price.

 

[SickBeast]

IMO the 55" TVs are the best deal right now. You can get a decent one for $500 or so. I have a 55" Hisense and I really like it. Hisense apparently manufactures TVs for Samsung and they even use the same panels a lot of the time.

I personally find Sony TVs overpriced and I tend not to like their picture quality.

 

[poofyhairguy]

Sonys are great for gamers. If my TV time was 60+% on Xbox Live I wouldn't consider another brand.

 

[SickBeast]

Sonys are great for gamers. If my TV time was 60+% on Xbox Live I wouldn't consider another brand.

What makes them great? Input lag? Other brands have very good input lag as well.