The Official "I need help with a new TV purchase" thread

[diehardgator1]

Have just about settled on Pan tcp58s2 for $1273.00 with free shipping and no tax. I can get a flat wall mount $175.00 value for $29.00 with tv purchase. Do you think the floating blacks some are talking about is a problem? We will only use the set for tv as we do not play games. Some of you sound very informed and would appreciate your input. Thx

[helix139]

Have just about settled on Pan tcp58s2 for $1273.00 with free shipping and no tax. I can get a flat wall mount $175.00 value for $29.00 with tv purchase. Do you think the floating blacks some are talking about is a problem? We will only use the set for tv as we do not play games. Some of you sound very informed and would appreciate your input. Thx

Even with the floating blacks (which isn't limited to Panasonic), you're still getting a fantastic set. It's also a software issue, not an issue with the panel itself, which means it should get fixed in a firmware update.

One point I might make is that Panasonic has purchased all of Pioneer's plasma patents and technology, so if you can hold of a year, I'd expect a lot of the Kuro tech to be going into Panasonic's panels within the next year or two.

[diehardgator1]

thx

[el_lagarto]

im ready to pop for the panasonic viera 46 inch plasma. my only concern is that it will be in the garage so quite a bit of sunlight. i can mute the light a bit with a canopy and a 4 x 8 rolling trellis with a thick vine on it strategically positioned out of the garage in the driveway.

should glare affecting a plasma screen outweight the good motion capture and seemingly great value of this highly rated tv? 600 ish at best buy.

only care about watching sports and xbox. hate my current 32 lcd for basketball as it blurs awful.

thx.

[helix139]

im ready to pop for the panasonic viera 46 inch plasma. my only concern is that it will be in the garage so quite a bit of sunlight. i can mute the light a bit with a canopy and a 4 x 8 rolling trellis with a thick vine on it strategically positioned out of the garage in the driveway.

should glare affecting a plasma screen outweight the good motion capture and seemingly great value of this highly rated tv? 600 ish at best buy.

only care about watching sports and xbox. hate my current 32 lcd for basketball as it blurs awful.

thx.

Panasonics have great glare reduction on their panels. You'll be fine. It's also hard to even find a decent matte LCD screen nowdays, so that argument has mostly gone out the window.

[el_lagarto]

is the 1080p gonna be worth 300 dollars more than the 720p for sports and xbox.
thx for the opine.

[helix139]

is the 1080p gonna be worth 300 dollars more than the 720p for sports and xbox.
thx for the opine.

I would say so, but not for 1080p alone. The 1080p panasonics typically have some better features and image processing than the 720p sets.

[SRQGator1]

LG 47" 1080P 240Hz LCD HDTV LD650
*
Panasonic Viera 46" 1080P 600Hz Plasma TC-P46S2
*
*
Any thoughts on the 2 of these?

Both 1080p, only 1" difference in size and both are the same price.
*
I sit about 8-10 feet away and the room has usually pretty dim but if the blinds are opened there could be alot of natural light

[helix139]

LG 47" 1080P 240Hz LCD HDTV LD650
*
Panasonic Viera 46" 1080P 600Hz Plasma TC-P46S2
*
*
Any thoughts on the 2 of these?

Both 1080p, only 1" difference in size and both are the same price.
*
I sit about 8-10 feet away and the room has usually pretty dim but if the blinds are opened there could be alot of natural light

Being that you have blinds, no question go with the Panasonic. LCD cannot compete with plasma (especially panasonic) in terms of contrast, color accuracy, motion, or black level. LCD is only superior in terms of brightness and that isn't really a huge factor for a normal home.

[Gatorbait45]

In terms of LCD which brand would you recommend, Sony or Samsung? Have heard great things about both.

[helix139]

In terms of LCD which brand would you recommend, Sony or Samsung? Have heard great things about both.

Personally I'm not a fan of LCDs when plasma is an option, but if you're going to go that route I would go with Samsung. Sony generally has a price premium that, IMO, isn't worth it unless you're going for one of their RGB LED backlit models.

[Gatorbait45]

Decided to go with the Sony KDL-46EX400 at Best Buy- 46", 1080p, 60Hz. It's Samsung equivalent was the same price and the Sony just looked better. Also the manager recommended it over the Samsung, said that's what he bought.

[helix139]

Decided to go with the Sony KDL-46EX400 at Best Buy- 46", 1080p, 60Hz. It's Samsung equivalent was the same price and the Sony just looked better. Also the manager recommended it over the Samsung, said that's what he bought.

Out of curiosity, what was the Samsung you were looking at?

[Gatorbait45]

The Samsung LN46C530F1F. The Sony was $10 more.

[vaxcardinal]

I'm looking to purchase a Samsung 6500 through Amazon. Anyone have experience with purchasing through them? How easy is it to return a large purchase like that?

[LeafUF]

I just bought my Panny plasma through Amazon on cyber Monday. Had no trouble with it so have not had to return. Everything went smoothly though I would recommend getting Amazon prime to get a better deal on expedited shipping. Also, make sure its fulfilled by Amazon and not another seller.

[Swampmaster]

Costco has a 65 inch panasonic plasma (3d) for $2,199 (TC-65PST34) -- anyone know anything about this set compared to Samsung's 65 inch LED?

[helix139]

Costco has a 65 inch panasonic plasma (3d) for $2,199 (TC-65PST34) -- anyone know anything about this set compared to Samsung's 65 inch LED?

Plasma > LCD unless your viewing room is a walmart showroom or equivalently bright.

[rpmGator]

Looking into the wifi type sets. 40 something range, LED. Not sure what programming can be picked up with them so far. Any tips would be helpful. Don't need 3-d and a home theater option if cheaper than buying the tv alone, would be nice. Something that picks up the same amount of wifi as the tv would.

Just getting started, so even basics would be some help for me and appreciated.

[fastsix]

Looking into the wifi type sets. 40 something range, LED. Not sure what programming can be picked up with them so far. Any tips would be helpful. Don't need 3-d and a home theater option if cheaper than buying the tv alone, would be nice. Something that picks up the same amount of wifi as the tv would.

Just getting started, so even basics would be some help for me and appreciated.

Something like the LG ST600 will "upgrade" a TV to being web capable.

http://www.lg.com/us/tv-audio-video/video/LG-ST600.jsp


Also Apple TV, but it has less features.

[rpmGator]

Thanks for the info. So many things like Google TV's and all the new wifi stuff, its hard to wade through it all to find something that isn't over priced or junk.

[LeafUF]

I wouldnt look into a Google TV just yet. My Panasonic Plasma has an ethernet port which is nice for the widgets you can use like Amazon on Demand and Netflix. These widgets are pretty common on better TVs though not on all of them. Similar things are also available on a lot of the blu ray players out now. So you might want to just look for the best set you can afford in the size you are looking and not worry about things like wifi. Instead just focus on picture quality, size and price.

[rpmGator]

That does sound cheaper for qualtiy. I may just get blue ray player or home theater type of thing. I am planning on cutting off my Direct TV in April, so I have that long to see what is working well and what isn't.

Want to go wifi then, but that may be obsolete by then.

[LeafUF]

If you are just looking to cut cable you may also want to look at getting a PC that you just hook up to your tv. I looked into this a while back and remember Lenovo sold some just for this purpose. That would give you a lot of flexibility.

[rpmGator]

I have Wifi, what can I get with the computer hook up?

The local channels look better on rabbit ears than with the dish. I already turn off the dish to get a better picture for sports on CBS type channels.

If I can get ESPN's and SunSports without a dish, I will be a happy camper.

Is there a reason some wifi blue ray's advertise one group of netflix type places and then another unit has a seperate set of sites. Question being, are they limited to those apps, or can you get it all?

[LeafUF]

I have Wifi, what can I get with the computer hook up?

The local channels look better on rabbit ears than with the dish. I already turn off the dish to get a better picture for sports on CBS type channels.

If I can get ESPN's and SunSports without a dish, I will be a happy camper.

Is there a reason some wifi blue ray's advertise one group of netflix type places and then another unit has a seperate set of sites. Question being, are they limited to those apps, or can you get it all?

As far as I know they are limited. For example my Panasonic TV has Amazon on Demand and Netflix but not Hulu. My Sony Blu Ray has Hulu and Netflix but not Amazon. I think they come preloaded with the apps and at least on my stuff I do not know how you can get more.

With the computer hook up you can basically get anything you can reach online, for you I dont know if that means Sunshine or ESPN. You most likely could get ESPN3. The thing with using the PC hooked up to your TV would be that anything you can get over the internet you can watch. So that means all the services like Netflix and MLB.tv as well as any websites that offer their content and that includes unofficial sources.

The problem will always be getting live stuff outside of the OTA networks and I did not get far enough in my research to see if there was any way to get feeds like ESPN and Sunshine.

[fastsix]

The problem will always be getting live stuff outside of the OTA networks and I did not get far enough in my research to see if there was any way to get feeds like ESPN and Sunshine.

I haven't looked into it much, but I have read several people who got rid of cable complain that live sports is the biggest problem.

[Emmitto]

I have Wifi, what can I get with the computer hook up?

The local channels look better on rabbit ears than with the dish. I already turn off the dish to get a better picture for sports on CBS type channels.

If I can get ESPN's and SunSports without a dish, I will be a happy camper.

Is there a reason some wifi blue ray's advertise one group of netflix type places and then another unit has a seperate set of sites. Question being, are they limited to those apps, or can you get it all?

You're limited to their "suite" or "network." Even the ones with browsers are limited. But it's getting better. VieraConnect (Panasonic's network formally known as VieraCast) just added Hulu Plus, although not Hulu (Standard, or whatever you might call it.) The manufacturers generally have a comprehensive list of what you'll get, and they add stuff via firmware upgrades.

And over the air is indeed the best quality HD. An antenna you've had laying around for a decade will work if you're moderately lucky. Everyone with a HDTV should connect an antenna.

Channel Master is getting close to perfection. The 7400 OTA DVR has Vudu, but not the rest of the Big Boys. If they can add the other services over time and you can get your locals via antenna, we're onto something. TiVo has more services and will record OTA but TiVo is a fee in and of itself, of course.

[Emmitto]

:devil:As far as I know they are limited. For example my Panasonic TV has Amazon on Demand and Netflix but not Hulu. My Sony Blu Ray has Hulu and Netflix but not Amazon. I think they come preloaded with the apps and at least on my stuff I do not know how you can get more.

With the computer hook up you can basically get anything you can reach online, for you I dont know if that means Sunshine or ESPN. You most likely could get ESPN3. The thing with using the PC hooked up to your TV would be that anything you can get over the internet you can watch. So that means all the services like Netflix and MLB.tv as well as any websites that offer their content and that includes unofficial sources.

The problem will always be getting live stuff outside of the OTA networks and I did not get far enough in my research to see if there was any way to get feeds like ESPN and Sunshine.

It sounds like you have VieraCast. I believe Panasonic will upgrade you to VieraConnect for free, via firmware. You'll get Hulu Plus but not Hulu and it'll be the platform they add to going forward.

I don't know of a solution for ESPN, Sunshine, etc.

[rpmGator]

Good info, thanks to all.


The quality of the locals during big games for free is one of the big reasons for the change. Movies I can get, the cable type sports channels are my worry.

I have an outdoor antenna I have used for a back up system for years. About to upgrade to a better one as digital is a shorter signal and they are also packing in UHF channels into the VHF, and you need more antenna area, the more that sticks out the better, to do the same job.

I could get Tampa in analog, can't with digital, only my local Orlando area channels.

[helix139]

Grab an Xbox 360 or hook up a PC for ESPN3 coverage. You'll be able to get most SEC games that way.

[uffeesh]

Our Sony 50" LCD that we've had for about five years is getting the blue blob spots and I want a new TV ASAP. We're also going to buy a cheaper smaller - 32" for our bedroom if we can find a 0% interest deal. Hoping there may be decent deals Thanksgiving week.


1. What is your total home theater budget (TV and surround system)? With the deals running right now, I'm not looking to spend over $1500 on TV only.

2. On a scale of 1 to 10, how much do you value sound as compared to your TV? 1 is you don't care at all about sound, you just want a TV, and 10 is you HAVE to have the best surround sound, even if it may cut back on your TV size and quality. (If you already have a surround system and do not wish to buy a new one, answer 1 here) 1

3. Do you have any specific discount club memberships? (i.e. Sam's, Costco, etc.) Sam's

4. Do you need to wall mount it or have other reasons you would only consider flat panel and not rear projection or front projection? Don't need to wall mount, but would consider if it didn't require multiple cords hanging from the TV and down the wall.

4. Any restrictions on size? No - currently have a 50" and looking between 40" and 55"

5. What is your typical viewing distance going to be? 8-10 feet

6. Do you plan to use it as a computer monitor? No

7. Do you plan to game on it? if so, what system(s)? XBOX 360, Wii

8. On a scale of (1) to (10), rate which is more important to you within your size restrictions, picture quality, or size? (1) being quality is most important (i.e. you are willing to sacrifice a few inches for the best picture possible as long as it meets your minimum needed size ), and (10) being size is most important (i.e. picture quality is not important at all if you can get the biggest screen possible). 1

9. Are there any brands you definitely prefer? Are there any you definitely dislike? Prefer Panasonic or Samsung. Not happy with Sony right now.

10. Do you have to buy your TV in a brick and mortar store (i.e. Best Buy) or would you be willing to buy it online? Prefer store if they run a 0% interest deal

11. What is the layout of your room, and where will your TV be situated? be sure to disclose any windows, lamps, or other ambient light sources that you would not be willing to cover with curtains (NOT blinds). TV is against large wall in between two wall lamps. Window is about 12 feet in front of TV and has blinds and curtains.

12. Do you have an available wall that is 60" or larger and are you willing to consider front projection? No front projection

13. Any aesthetic requirements we should be aware of? No

14. Do you have any discounts with any retailers or vendors? Panasonic discount if I order through them

15. What is your typical viewing content? (dramas, sports, action, etc.)? Sports mostly, cartoons for kids, standard TV comedy/drama

16. Are you planning on a professional installation, or are you the DIY type? DIY

17. If you get a flat panel, will you want to wall mount it and will you want a stationary mount or something that pulls out from the wall and pivots your TV to an angle? See above regarding wall mounting. We have a large TV stand, but would wall mount if there weren't lots of cords hanging.

18. Anything else we should be aware of (i.e. mounting over fireplace, etc.)? I'd prefer a TV with a wireless feature that includes Netflix, Pandora, etc. We have DirecTV. I like the picture quality on the Panasonic plasmas I've seen, but I'm not biased to plasma only. I want a TV that will last more than five years and has vibrant features for picture and wireless capabilities with minimal cord issues.

[uffeesh]

Panasonic Plasma 50" TC-P50S30 - any opinions? This looks about what I'm looking for. Are there any TVs comparable to this that would be better?

[LeafUF]

Haven't looked at that model but I bought a 50" panny last year on amazon the Monday after thanksgiving. Great tv and a great price.

[uffeesh]

Haven't looked at that model but I bought a 50" panny last year on amazon the Monday after thanksgiving. Great tv and a great price.

Did yours have wireless capabilities? Did you buy the wireless adapter if so?

[LeafUF]

Did yours have wireless capabilities? Did you buy the wireless adapter if so?

No wireless, had the port on the back and my FIOS was set up so that the router was right behind my TV and I just ran a cable to it. I did not care about wifi capabilities when I was looking though, just best picture and size that I could afford.

[uffeesh]

No wireless, had the port on the back and my FIOS was set up so that the router was right behind my TV and I just ran a cable to it. I did not care about wifi capabilities when I was looking though, just best picture and size that I could afford.

Gotcha. My router is in my office through a concrete wall so I want to run wireless for my TV. I currently have my XBOX in the living room and want to move it to my office. I only currently use it in the living room so my daughter can use Netflix. With the TVs with wireless and Netflix streaming, I could just use that. So the wireless feature is very important in my purchase. But I've loved the picture on the Panasonic plasmas.

[LeafUF]

Yeah, I totally understand. I actually had widget overkill in my apartment when I got my TV last year. XBOX and PS3 both with wireless and Netflix as well as others. I also had a blu ray player with wifi in my bedroom so I was pretty covered. The only widget that the TV added was Amazon on Demand, otherwise the internet features werent really a big deal to me.

[uffeesh]

Looks like that model I'm looking at isn't in stores anymore so I may need to go with an upgraded model with 3D even though I could care less about 3D.

[LeafUF]

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-VIERA-TC-P50S30-50-Inch-Plasma/dp/B004M8SCJM/ref=sr_du_1_map?ie=UTF8&qid=1321647988&sr=8-1

There is a comparison chart here with all the models for 2011 on it. And the S is available.

[uffeesh]

Thanks - wife wants it from Best Buy because they're running 0% interest for three years. We'll see what works out.

[delandgator]

Just bought a 60" LED Sharp Aquos for $1399 last weekend at BJs...Awesome picture with all the bells and whistles

[uffeesh]

OK - got the Panasonic 55GT30 tv and need HDMI cables and a wall mount. Monoprice folks? Also bought a new Sony 3D Blu Ray Player. Guy tried to sell me Monster HDMIs and I said no way! Direct links folks? Walmart has the wall mount plus two HDMI cables or should I go monoprice for all?

[helix139]

OK - got the Panasonic 55GT30 tv and need HDMI cables and a wall mount. Monoprice folks? Also bought a new Sony 3D Blu Ray Player. Guy tried to sell me Monster HDMIs and I said no way! Direct links folks? Walmart has the wall mount plus two HDMI cables or should I go monoprice for all?

Yep, mono price is what you want

[Juggernautz]

Update, gave my 52" Samsung HDTV to my mother & purchased a 55" Samsung LED HDTV with a Samsung 3-D Blu_ray player.

Excellent buy, superb quality.

[Swampmaster]

anyone have that 65 inch samsung led they have at costco for $2249?

[gatorr4life]

Thinking about buying a new tv. I've had this Sony sxrd since around '06. I use it for gaming (mainly), so the bulb tends to pop quicker than usual. And now I'm getting the green tint on the screen. (Optical block problem)

Too expensive to fix, and I'm tired of replacing the bulb. Any suggestions on a tv for gamers?

[helix139]

Thinking about buying a new tv. I've had this Sony sxrd since around '06. I use it for gaming (mainly), so the bulb tends to pop quicker than usual. And now I'm getting the green tint on the screen. (Optical block problem)

Too expensive to fix, and I'm tired of replacing the bulb. Any suggestions on a tv for gamers?

How big?

[ovillegator]

ok, since there have been several of these questions recently, i decided to make a short questionaire for anyone who needs help deciding on a new tv. Those of us who know tvs end up asking all these questions anyways and it will help us narrow down the choices for you. If anyone has any additional criteria that should be added to the questionaire, let me know and i'll put it in.

1. What is your total home theater budget (tv and surround system)?
$2,500 or less.

2. On a scale of 1 to 10, how much do you value sound as compared to your tv? 1 is you don't care at all about sound, you just want a tv, and 10 is you have to have the best surround sound, even if it may cut back on your tv size and quality. (if you already have a surround system and do not wish to buy a new one, answer 1 here)
sound value - 9
do have a sony ta-sa200wr wireless surround system... It's only okay, though. Would not mind upgrading.

3. Do you have any specific discount club memberships? (i.e. Sam's, costco, etc.)
bj's

4. Do you need to wall mount it or have other reasons you would only consider flat panel and not rear projection or front projection?
Don't like projection tv.

4. Any restrictions on size?
Prefer 60 inch or greater

5. What is your typical viewing distance going to be?
15 - 18 feet

6. Do you plan to use it as a computer monitor? Probably not

7. Do you plan to game on it? If so, what system(s)? Wii

8. On a scale of (1) to (10), rate which is more important to you within your size restrictions, picture quality, or size? (1) being quality is most important (i.e. You are willing to sacrifice a few inches for the best picture possible as long as it meets your minimum needed size ), and (10) being size is most important (i.e. Picture quality is not important at all if you can get the biggest screen possible).
4


9. Are there any brands you definitely prefer? Are there any you definitely dislike?
Always been impressed with sharp aquos and sony bravia (but not so much recently)

10. Do you have to buy your tv in a brick and mortar store (i.e. Best buy) or would you be willing to buy it online?
Can buy online, but need help making it all work.

11. What is the layout of your room, and where will your tv be situated? Be sure to disclose any windows, lamps, or other ambient light sources that you would not be willing to cover with curtains (not blinds).
Living room, high ceiling, sliding glass doors nearby, kitchen is open to living room, about 30' by 30' room, not a dark room.

12. Do you have an available wall that is 60" or larger and are you willing to consider front projection?
Wall is available, no projection.

13. Any aesthetic requirements we should be aware of?
No

14. Do you have any discounts with any retailers or vendors?
No

15. What is your typical viewing content? (dramas, sports, action, etc.)?
#1 movies (i work in that industry), #2 sports.

16. Are you planning on a professional installation, or are you the diy type?
Pro

17. If you get a flat panel, will you want to wall mount it and will you want a stationary mount or something that pulls out from the wall and pivots your tv to an angle?
May not have to wall mount it, but if i did, a pivot, because it will be in a corner angled.

18. Anything else we should be aware of (i.e. Mounting over fireplace, etc.)?
Nope! Thanks!

my answers are in caps above!

[gatorr4life]

How big?

My current is 60". Though I don't think I'm going that big this time. Maybe high 40's. 46" would probably do fine.

[Jaggator]

Thinking about buying a new tv. I've had this Sony sxrd since around '06. I use it for gaming (mainly), so the bulb tends to pop quicker than usual. And now I'm getting the green tint on the screen. (Optical block problem)

Too expensive to fix, and I'm tired of replacing the bulb. Any suggestions on a tv for gamers?

I own that same SXRD Sony TV (50") and it has a great picture. Sony had problems with the optical block in that '06/'07 model and they fixed the problem for me after the 1st year due to the fact it was a manufacturing problem that was their fault. I called them directly with the complaint and never used my extended warranty for it. I've replaced the bulb twice but have never had any more problems with the optical block since Sony fixed the problem.

I'd call Sony customer service and tell them you are just now finding out that they had a major problem and see if they'll help you. The most they can do is say no. I think there was going to be a class action lawsuit against them because so many people had the same problem so it was cheaper for them to give in and come out and fix the problem the first 2 years that tv was sold.

[Jaggator]

Check out some of these good on-line prices...FREE Shipping & NO TAX


Check out Costco if you want to buy locally. Better warranty included. Also, check online.

For $99, you can purchase a Costco warranty that covers "in home" parts & labor for 4 years from date of purchase. You won't beat that anywhere.

The Sharp Aquos Quattron has a pic that is hard to beat...

This place has good prices.

http://tvsuperstores.com/LED_TV/?MID=73