OT: Need Advice on New TV

[ChicagoGranny]

We need something basic as neither my husband nor I watch much TV. No interest in 3-D either.

We go out to the movies often so don't watch many on TV.

We have an HD cable package with DVR.

I see Best Buy has an LG 42-inch for just over $500.

A 42-inch fits the stand and the room in which it would be used.

We also want to get a Blu-ray player that will make a wireless internet connection. Best Buy has one of those for $112.

There are so many choices in good TVs but I don't want to spend a lot of time comparison shopping if you are already knowledgeable.

Did you do some comparison shopping recently and can give me (and anyone else watching) some good advice?

Thanks!

[jnk]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004SP10IE?tag=dealnewscom

http://dealnews.com/c159/Electronics/TVs/

[n0hardmask]

I'll throw in a technical number I think you want to follow. Since you say you'll be buying Blu-Ray player, do not buy a TV with 720P resolution. Get 1080P resolution or you will not get the visual benefit of the Blu-ray. Corrected to read 1080P. The 1080p used to be much more expensive, but if you watch, you'll find one for a little more than the lesser resolution.
Also, when you get the Blu-ray you'll want a decent sound system, and that can be tricky unless you already have a 5.1 home theater. I just returned a HTIB (home theater in a box) because it uses tiny speakers and wires; and puny connectors for the speaker wires. Don't recommend one of those deals.
Added: I second the notion of using the HDMI cable; it not only delivers high definition video, but also audio to the TV.

[jacobsbd]

Dont spend a large amount on an HDMI cable. I bought the one we use (12 foot) for about 6 dollars at frys electronics. Monster sells a 6 foot one for about 30 dollars.

but there is no difference. It either works or it does not work. the fancy name does not give you a better picture or sound. it is like buying 50 dollar paper cups and expecting the wine to taste better.

[DoriC]

Granny, Thanks for this OT. We just received a $500 gift certificate for Best Buy for our birthdays because a little birdie told our nephew we were thinking about a new TV. Our den isn't very large so we can only go with a 40". I'm interested in the best sound quality so Mike can catch all the words. What brand is best known for it's sound quality? What's the difference between LCD and LED? And what is the difference in resolution number?

[greatunclebill]

make sure it has several hdmi outlets so you can plug future things in that haven't been thought of yet.

[ChicagoGranny]

so you can plug future things in that haven't been thought of yet.

Like a CPAP that gives you a video detail of all events during the night?

[greatunclebill]

so you can plug future things in that haven't been thought of yet.

Like a CPAP that gives you a video detail of all events during the night?

for instance, i have 2 dvd's, surround sound system and cable box. the surround sound is a surround sound receiver. i plugged the cable box and both dvd's into the hdmi plugs in the receiver and then plugged the receiver into the tv with hdmi. so i only have one thing going to hdmi on the tv. if i didn't have the receiver with 4 hdmi outlets, and only had 2 hdmi outlets on the tv i would have to unplug this to use that. if it comes to a choice between tv's try to get the one with the most hdmi outlets.

[Guest]

I'll throw in a technical number I think you want to follow. Since you say you'll be buying Blu-Ray player, do not buy a TV with 720P resolution. Get 1020P resolution or you will not get the visual benefit of the Blu-ray.
The 1020p used to be much more expensive, but if you watch, you'll find one for a little more than the lesser resolution.
Also, when you get the Blu-ray you'll want a decent sound system, and that can be tricky unless you already have a 5.1 home theater. I just returned a HTIB (home theaater in a box) because it uses tiny speakers and wires; and puny connectors for the speaker wires. Don't recommend one of those deals.

Besides the 1020p you will want to pay attention to the refresh rate. most of what you find on sale are 60hz which is what the old tv's were at, remember how you would see the tv rolling when they showed a tv on tv? that is 60hz
ever see lights flickering? that is 60hz
240 is too fast for anyone to see a flicker

they also come in 120 or 240hz i went with a 42" Vizio 1020 240Hz the pic is so much sharper and we are not sorry. when we go to the friends house and see 60hz we think our eyes are out of focus it is just real blurry.

the dilema is you will need HD cable box and if you get a 60hz HD will not do you any good and vice versa you need both HD and 240hz.

and get a DDR cable box. it is so much easier to record things plus you can rewind even live tv if you didnt hear or see what just happened. there is nothing like it

you cant take the money with you so enjoy the tube while you are here
go Vizio 1020P 240hz with HD box. you wont be sorry

obtw you can get the hdmi cable or any adapters needed at amazon for pennies

[idamtnboy]

We need something basic as neither my husband nor I watch much TV. No interest in 3-D either.

We go out to the movies often so don't watch many on TV.

We have an HD cable package with DVR.

I see Best Buy has an LG 42-inch for just over $500.

A 42-inch fits the stand and the room in which it would be used.

We also want to get a Blu-ray player that will make a wireless internet connection. Best Buy has one of those for $112.

There are so many choices in good TVs but I don't want to spend a lot of time comparison shopping if you are already knowledgeable.

Did you do some comparison shopping recently and can give me (and anyone else watching) some good advice?

Thanks!

If you have access to a Costco warehouse check out their selection. Vizio gives a lot of TV for the money. It's my understanding that all of the screens are manufactured by only 2 or 3 companies in the Far East so don't get hung up on the idea that any one brand is really any better than another as far as the screen quality and durability. As others have said, there are differences in image quality, just not the hardware quality.

[Pugsy]

Granny, Thanks for this OT. We just received a $500 gift certificate for Best Buy for our birthdays because a little birdie told our nephew we were thinking about a new TV. Our den isn't very large so we can only go with a 40". I'm interested in the best sound quality so Mike can catch all the words. What brand is best known for it's sound quality? What's the difference between LCD and LED? And what is the difference in resolution number?

The higher the pixel numbers the sharper and clearer the images. Also make sure you get a good refresh rate.
Don't ask me to explain refresh rate because I can't

I am super happy with the Vizio we got last year.
My daughter says that Vizios are "the best" and she said she researched a lot of them. I trusted her and haven't been sorry. Mine is a 42 inch...Big enough for our tiny living room and got a good deal on it at WalMart no less. It had a super high pixel count and a very good refresh rate. It was on sale because it was being replaced by models with more than 3 auxillary ports...for computers, multiple games and stuff...none of which we needed. I haven't used the 3 that we have.

[Goofproof]

I have 3 Visios, all work good, my only concern I got them before wireless network was built in , would be nice to browse the internet from the T.V... Also get the LED tech, and as said lots of connections 4 HDMI's for the big TV's. Also it's 1080P not 1020P, some one spilled their "P"'s, and forgot their "Q"'s. I mounted two on the wall, but in the bedroom put it too low and too far from the top of the bed. Really I would have liked it on the ceiling, but afraid it would fall on me, and it would cause back sleeping (BAD). Got mine from Sam's Club. I feed them from Dish TV, and my home network storage. Jim

[Kody]

Also have a 42 inch Vizio and it has been an excellent and reliable TV. Along with that at the same time bought an internet capable Blu Ray player for streaming Netflix. Recently purchased a 50 inch Panasonic Plasma with internet apps. Have found it much more convenient to get the internet apps that come with the newer Flat Panels, then to use the blu ray players internet. Quick difference between the LCD Flat panels and the Plasmas. Plasmas have beautiful pictures and deep colors, however you need a darker room for them and they use a little more electricity than the LCD's. Still think Vizio's are excellent choices for the money, as mentioned before you can see them at Costco and they sell them at Walmart as well.

[Komodo]

I suggest one of Best Buy's "house brand" Insigna TV's. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olstemplate ... 01-01&gf=y

I have 4 of them, and swear by them!
Three of mine are LCD, one, the newest, is LED. All 4 look good, but the LED does look a little better. All four are 1080p/120Hz. Never had any problems with any of them, and the oldest one is about 7 years old.
You NEED to use an HDMI cable to connect the TV (any TV) to your cable box. I get all my cables, wall mounts, and other related stuff from Monoprice.com http://www.monoprice.com/products/searc ... dmi+cables They're the lowest priced reliable place I've found and have LOVED everything I've bought from them.

[justpam]

For what it's worth. I, too, have a Vizio. It's a 42", purchased from Best Buy. Great quality picture and very affordable. One of the best buys we've ever made.