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

[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]

Originally Posted by 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?

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]

Originally Posted by 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?

How big?

[ovillegator]

Originally Posted by helix139

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]

Originally Posted by helix139

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]

Originally Posted by 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?

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