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New TV

SkunkedAgain

By SkunkedAgain
in Computers and Electronics

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SkunkedAgain Grand Master

SkunkedAgain

Posted
Posted

I'm in the market for a new tv. It'll be in our basement and used mostly for watching sports and movies. There will be zero glare as the only two tiny windows are on the same wall as the tv, and will have treatments.

I read some of the older threads about plasma versus LED. Is it still the same, that plasma gives a better sports picture in basements or has the whole market moved towards LEDs?

More importantly, who are the decent and good brands? What should an ignorant tv buyer be looking for?

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LMITOUT Grand Master

LMITOUT

Posted
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Plasma's can give off a bad reflection if in brighter areas due to their screen, but since you're going to the basement with it this shouldn't be an issue.

LCD's used to have a bad rap for motion blur but this is pretty much a non issue with the LCD's out there today. Look for one with 120Hz or 240Hz and you'll be fine. I have a Samsung LCD with 120Hz refresh rate and there is no problems with motion blur and it's primarily used for sports, including NASCAR.

Some of the top brands that are usually mentioned are Samsung, Sony, and Toshiba. I used to like Mitsubishi but I had an issue with the DLP I had prior to my current LCD and it left a sour taste in my mouth. After having a couple of friends have similar issues with Mits I decided not to include them in my list of TV's when shopping. One's a fluke, two's a pattern.

If you're going to be hanging the TV on the wall a LCD/LED will be easier than a Plasma since it's lighter and will require a smaller bracket (cheaper usually too).

Be aware of the source they are feeding the TV in the showrooms when shopping. Some will have a Blu-Ray player hooked up which will make one TV look amazing while some will have a satellite TV signal that has been split a bazillion times to feed the entire shelf of TV's. Also keep in mind that more than likely people have messed with the settings of those on display (either purposely or by accident) so they all won't look the same when trying to compare. A favorite trick of theirs is to jack up the contrast and/or brightness to make a TV 'pop' when compared to the rest......they probably have a warehouse full of them and need to move them out or want you to step up to a more expensive model than you had planned for.

Best bet is pick out a size of tv you want, narrow it down to a handful of brands that fit in your price range, and then start poking around the internet looking for various reviews or user's comments on these specific models. Otherwise it'll be too overwhelming to sift through all the information to make a decision.

Have fun shopping! I'd guess that there should be some sales coming up with football season right around the corner and don't hesitate to buy a year-end closeout. You'll save a ton of money and although they aren't the most current models, they'll be more than adequate and work just as well.

Good luck!

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zamboni Grand Master

zamboni

Posted
Posted

I have a LED in my bedroom (22 inch) and a LCD in the living room (42 inch) and one huge difference is the heat the LCD gives off. Supposedly LCDs burn alot of electricity as well. The LED is amazingly light and thin

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CJH Grand Master

CJH

Posted
Posted

In terms of heat + power consumption (hottest to lowest):

-Plasma

-LCD

-LED LCD

Plasma's are great for basements. I believe Panasonic is supposed to have high quality Plasma's.

Samsung and Sony tend to be considered the best mainstream LCD manufacturers, with LG, Toshiba, Panasonic, and a hand full of other right behind them. I would just stay away from a knock off brand - unless its for occasional use only.

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OnAFly Grand Master

OnAFly

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Any specific reason to stay away from knock off brands? Just because they're knock-offs? Just asking.

I was considering an Element 42" LCD. The price is right, but I'm a little worried that I've never heard of them before. Also considering a 42" Panasonic Plasma, but worried about glare with that.

Any recommendations?

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CJH Grand Master

CJH

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Any specific reason to stay away from knock off brands? Just because they're knock-offs? Just asking.

I was considering an Element 42" LCD. The price is right, but I'm a little worried that I've never heard of them before. Also considering a 42" Panasonic Plasma, but worried about glare with that.

Any recommendations?

Cheaper components. Lower quality picture, inputs, adjustments, and longevity.

I wouldn't shy away from anything Panasonic - they make good quality stuff. Now the glare issues with a plasma is a legit concern, depending on the room it was going into.

My Mom just picked up a 42" LG LCD at Best Buy for $720 - 1080p + 120hz. In my opinion, that's a pretty solid deal.

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spearchucker Mentor

spearchucker

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The reliability of the names brand is usually better. I am partial to the Samsung picture quality. They look best to me, but that is a personal preference. I have 2 46" LCD Samsungs and like them. If you put the Elements next to a Samsung, Sony, or LG there is no comparison in picture quality.

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spearchucker Mentor

spearchucker

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I remember talking to a best buy associate and he said the "inexpensive ones", or store/off brands are considered entry level tv's for people who just want lcd/plasma tv and not worried about the bells/whistles. Low quality tv's.

That is about the first time that I would agree with a Best Buy salesman. They come up with some pretty wild stuff sometimes. "Buy this $50 printer cable and your printer will print faster..." I could go on. I laugh at some of the stuff they feed people that don't know any better. I will say that lately they seem to be getting better though.

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The_Duckslayer Mentor

The_Duckslayer

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We got a 42 inch LCD tv some time ago. It's a SANYO and I am very happy with it. The clincher for me was when I walked in to Wally world and they had a bunch of them all with the same thing on. For some reason the SANYO just looked a lot better that day and we have been very happy with it every since!!! Side by side comparisons work best I think... sure there were some in there that looked a lot better but I was not willing to pay that much money for a TV. Everyone gaurentees the lowest price but we found the best price at wally world. Take care and N Joy the Hunt././Jimbo

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