help with buying a new TV

[k.hunter30]

Ok folks... I'm asking for some advice and recommendations. My hubby and I are thinking about buying a TV. Since we got married a little over a year ago, the TV we have put in our living room makes a constant buzzing noise whenever it is on - plus it's rather small for the room (30-some inches). After this past Christmas we decided that we would start saving up for a new TV.

Our limit is $4,000. No matter how much we saved, I just can't see myself spending more than that (I can barely see myself spending all that, but...). Since we'll be paying with cash, we will likely get a discount if we purchase one at a store (as apposed to online) - so a few hundred dollars over that would be ok. We'd like one of the slim TVs (not rear-projection)- we're leaning towards an LCD over plasma. We'd like at least a 46" but nothing larger than 56". It needs to have sound built-in, HD-ready, 1080p (I think...), and be preferably black - not silver.

We have yet to see one in person. So far we've only been looking online and capabilities and components. Obviously, we won't buy one until we have seen in the store. DH likes these so far:
Sony KDL- 46XBR3 46"
Sharp Aquos LC52D624 52"

Any recommendations you can give us on TV selection would be greatly appreciated! Or any experiences, good or bad, you've had would be helpful. Thanks in advance everyone!

 

[k.hunter30]

Anybody?:lookaroun

 

[wdwmagic]

The XBR2 is a very nice screen (in either 46" or 52"). There are issues though being reported by some owners. Do a search on google for "XBR2 cloudy". However, if you get a good one, performance is about as good as it gets right now.

The XBR3 is the same as the XBR2, but with a piano black facia surround. It is around $300 more.

For any of the HD displays, make sure you have HD source material available. While they look great displaying HD material, non-HD sources tend to look much worse than they do on a regular old TV.

Let us know how you get on and which you get.

 

[garyhoov]

Ooooh, I'd love to help, but you already seem to have it somewhat narrowed down.

My preferred display at the moment is the Sony SXRD or JVC LCOS . . . but you say you don't want rear-projection.

I'm not a big fan of plasma or LCD (Not as good "fill factor" as the better projection models, and plasma has burn in issues), so since you already are leaning that direction, you may be a little ahead of me on those specific models.

I've seen good things about both models you listed, so if you've seen them and are happy with the picture, I'd say get them.

You can get the 52 inch XBR3 online for less than $4000:

http://www.pricescan.com/electronics/items/item528084.asp

I've bought things from Abes of Maine before, and I was very pleased with their service (but they're charging a little over $4000. I can't vouch for the ones on the list offering it for a lower price.

Good luck, and if you any more specific questions about inputs or anything, I may be able to help.

Have you decided between HD-DVD and Blu-Ray yet?:lookaroun

 

[k.hunter30]

Thanks guys for your help. I didn't know about the cloudy-ness issue. Thanks for giving me the heads up!

Ooooh, I'd love to help, but you already seem to have it somewhat narrowed down.

My preferred display at the moment is the Sony SXRD or JVC LCOS . . . but you say you don't want rear-projection.

I'm not a big fan of plasma or LCD (Not as good "fill factor" as the better projection models, and plasma has burn in issues), so since you already are leaning that direction, you may be a little ahead of me on those specific models.

I've seen good things about both models you listed, so if you've seen them and are happy with the picture, I'd say get them.

You can get the 52 inch XBR3 online for less than $4000:

http://www.pricescan.com/electronics/items/item528084.asp

I've bought things from Abes of Maine before, and I was very pleased with their service (but they're charging a little over $4000. I can't vouch for the ones on the list offering it for a lower price.

Good luck, and if you any more specific questions about inputs or anything, I may be able to help.

Have you decided between HD-DVD and Blu-Ray yet?:lookaroun

We haven't thought that far ahead. (Right now, all we're thinking is getting the HD-DVR - we have regular TiVo now...) We'll eventually get one of those, but I've heard that Blu-Ray is still working out some kinks. And plus, I'm hoping if I wait a year or so the price will drop a good amount. I realize that by getting one of these TVs now, I'll be paying for things that I won't get full use of just yet (1080p if I'm not doing the HD-DVD or Blu-Ray) but I'll be ready for it when we are ready to make that next purchase. Think I have a good thought process? Would you recommend blu-ray over an hd-dvd player?

 

[garyhoov]

Thanks guys for your help. I didn't know about the cloudy-ness issue. Thanks for giving me the heads up!


We haven't thought that far ahead. (Right now, all we're thinking is getting the HD-DVR - we have regular TiVo now...) We'll eventually get one of those, but I've heard that Blu-Ray is still working out some kinks. And plus, I'm hoping if I wait a year or so the price will drop a good amount. I realize that by getting one of these TVs now, I'll be paying for things that I won't get full use of just yet (1080p if I'm not doing the HD-DVD or Blu-Ray) but I'll be ready for it when we are ready to make that next purchase. Think I have a good thought process? Would you recommend blu-ray over an hd-dvd player?

I'm trying to be patient to see if one emerges as a clear winner. HD-DVD got the quicker start, but Blu-Ray seems to be coming on strong, and my money is that they'll finish out on top. They've got a new low price player coming out ($600 I think) and once their players come down, that could put HD-DVD out of the game.

Frankly, a good upconverting DVD player with HDMI output still looks better to me than the HD signal I get from Comcast (also HDMI).

So, while it would be cool to see some true HD signals from either HD-DVD or Blu-Ray, the real weak link currently is the HD TV signal.

If your set is 1080P, I can pretty much guarantee you that the set's ability will far outperform just about any signal you get until you get HD-DVD or Blu-Ray . . . but it will still probably look ten times better than what you're watching now.

:wave:

 

[Monty]

I looked at LCD and Plasma sets and didn't like either yet. The plasma is too fragile, a slight bump at the wrong angle can destroy the set... not a good idea with kids in the house. LCDs look great showing HD signals, but watching standard TV on them was horrible, particularly on sets larger than 42"!

I ended up getting a Sony SXRD KDS60A2000 rear-projection. The picture is great and it's a comparatively thin TV for a rear-projection. The major advantage is the bulb is replaceable with relative ease, so it'll last until it's obsolete and then some.

 

[Master Yoda]

While I can't give you many specifics on the TV's you are looking at I can give you a link to a site that was invaluable to me last time I purchased a new TV.

cnet

Also have a gander at their TV buying guide for advice on size etc. Even though it completely goes against my guy logic you can actually have a TV that is too big.

 

[Master Yoda]

Thanks guys for your help. I didn't know about the cloudy-ness issue. Thanks for giving me the heads up!


We haven't thought that far ahead. (Right now, all we're thinking is getting the HD-DVR - we have regular TiVo now...) We'll eventually get one of those, but I've heard that Blu-Ray is still working out some kinks. And plus, I'm hoping if I wait a year or so the price will drop a good amount. I realize that by getting one of these TVs now, I'll be paying for things that I won't get full use of just yet (1080p if I'm not doing the HD-DVD or Blu-Ray) but I'll be ready for it when we are ready to make that next purchase. Think I have a good thought process? Would you recommend blu-ray over an hd-dvd player?

I would wait a little while longer on the HD DVD player. Wait for the format war to be winding down or for the combo players to be more affordable.

 

[dizneykev]

I too was in the market for a TV recently and was convinced that I wanted a Plasma or standard LCD because of the "thickness issues". What I ended up getting was a JVC rear-projection model. It is the model HD56FN97. I have nothing but great things to say about it. The first thing I love about it is the brightness level. I have had a TUBE TV for quite sometime (last model was a 37" HDTV by Panasonic) and am used to that brilliant picture brightness. Regular LCD Tv's seemed to lack this to me. I also couldn't see a $2,000 difference in the Plasma models over this one. I was able to talk the guys at HHgregg into selling me this for just over $1600.00. It allows you to use the tv speakers as a center channel if you need to, has a cable card slot and has tons of inputs. I have been blown away by this set. It uses the same technology as the Sony models (Sony got it form them) and is 1080P capable as well. I say take a look at it in the stores and see what you think. I know my local best Buy has this guy on the floor. Good luck!!


Dizneykev

 

[wdwmagic]

I'm trying to be patient to see if one emerges as a clear winner. HD-DVD got the quicker start, but Blu-Ray seems to be coming on strong, and my money is that they'll finish out on top. They've got a new low price player coming out ($600 I think) and once their players come down, that could put HD-DVD out of the game.

I think the format war will be won on the game consoles in the short term.

XBOX 360 is a very cheap way to get HD-DVD, and the PS3 is a cheaper way of getting BluRay.
Currently in the UK, HD-DVD is outselling BluRay by 4 to 1, all because of the very cheap route into HD-DVD via XBOX360.

My feeling is we will end up with dual format players in the long run, much like what happened with DVD-R and DVD+R. The format choice will then become pretty irrelevent.

 

[garyhoov]

I think the format war will be won on the game consoles in the short term.

XBOX 360 is a very cheap way to get HD-DVD, and the PS3 is a cheaper way of getting BluRay.
Currently in the UK, HD-DVD is outselling BluRay by 4 to 1, all because of the very cheap route into HD-DVD via XBOX360.

My feeling is we will end up with dual format players in the long run, much like what happened with DVD-R and DVD+R. The format choice will then become pretty irrelevent.

Those are all good points. I really thought that HD-DVD's early entry combined with MUCH lower priced players (before the game systems got involved) would give them a head start that would be difficult to overcome, but Blu-Ray seems to have already caught up with them (over here . . . I think I just saw an article that mentioned Blu-Ray had pulled even in the US, but as you mention, I think the same article said that HD-DVD still had the lead in the UK).

Blu-Ray also has more companies producing players, and over the coming year or so, that could be a big factor. They also seemed to have a slight advantage in studio alignment (thought it seemed to me that HD-DVD had the more desirable initial releases).

Dual players would be a nice outcome that would be good for consumers . . . but Sony really seems to be fighting that possibility.

Was it Samsung who announced a dual player only to go back and say they wouldn't do it? I can't remember, and I'm not sure where they stand now. I think Sony is putting some heavy political pressure on the Blu-Ray camp to stick with Blu-Ray, and there are some heavy hitters in the Blu-Ray camp. I think that a stronger performance by HD-DVD might have convinced some of the big Blu-Ray player manufacturers to go the dual route, but now I think it's up to the smaller manufacturers to see if they can make waves with dual players.

 

[ClemsonTigger]

While you have indicated that you are ruling it out, currently rear projection is most economical, you can get the largest sets and quality is good. I would say LCD is my second option.
My opinion only...

 

[Master Yoda]

Those are all good points. I really thought that HD-DVD's early entry combined with MUCH lower priced players (before the game systems got involved) would give them a head start that would be difficult to overcome, but Blu-Ray seems to have already caught up with them (over here . . . I think I just saw an article that mentioned Blu-Ray had pulled even in the US, but as you mention, I think the same article said that HD-DVD still had the lead in the UK).

Blu-Ray also has more companies producing players, and over the coming year or so, that could be a big factor. They also seemed to have a slight advantage in studio alignment (thought it seemed to me that HD-DVD had the more desirable initial releases).

Dual players would be a nice outcome that would be good for consumers . . . but Sony really seems to be fighting that possibility.

Was it Samsung who announced a dual player only to go back and say they wouldn't do it? I can't remember, and I'm not sure where they stand now. I think Sony is putting some heavy political pressure on the Blu-Ray camp to stick with Blu-Ray, and there are some heavy hitters in the Blu-Ray camp. I think that a stronger performance by HD-DVD might have convinced some of the big Blu-Ray player manufacturers to go the dual route, but now I think it's up to the smaller manufacturers to see if they can make waves with dual players.

LG is currently selling their Super Blu player that is a dual format HD DVD player but at $1200 I'll wait a little while before I rush right down and pick one up. I do not think that Samsung's dual format ever made it to market.

 

[k.hunter30]

You have all been very helpful! While I am definitely open to a rear-projection, my hubby has his heart set on an LCD.

We went to a store last night just to check them out [rear-projection, plasma, LDC, DLP(?)] - and I have to be honest, I've never seen a clearer picture than the Sony Bravia 3. I'll keep you posted to what we end up with.

 

[Aurora_25]

You have all been very helpful! While I am definitely open to a rear-projection, my hubby has his heart set on an LCD.

We went to a store last night just to check them out [rear-projection, plasma, LDC, DLP(?)] - and I have to be honest, I've never seen a clearer picture than the Sony Bravia 3. I'll keep you posted to what we end up with.

My dad got the Sony Bravia about 6 months ago and loves it- he has been waiting for the HD systems to go down (he has been keeping track of them ever since they were started being talked about over 20 years ago I believe) and he couldn't be happier. He is now getting a whole system worked out- he has some really great speakers and is getting a cabinet specially made to hold all his stereo equipment for this specific TV- Mom isn't as thrilled, but as long as she can watch her home improvement shows she's ok.

As for the Blu-ray vs. HD-DVD- I talk to my dad about it because he keeps up with that stuff alot more than I do and he is going to go with Blu-Ray when it becomes a bit cheaper (just like he did with the HD) He thinks that in the end they will be the better choice once all the kinks are worked out of it.

Me, well, I really don't know much about any of it which is why I am spouting what my dad says- he knows alot more about all of it and has been looking into it since 20 years ago

 

[TAC]

LG is currently selling their Super Blu player that is a dual format HD DVD player but at $1200 I'll wait a little while before I rush right down and pick one up. I do not think that Samsung's dual format ever made it to market.

The problem with that player is since LG is in the Blu-Ray camp, they had to adapt technology to be able to read HD-DVD discs. The company has no access to the HD-DVD decoding chips. Because of that, if you play a HD-DVD disc in that machine, all it does is play the disc. There are no menus, no special features, etc.

Actually, I read about a "dual layer" disc that is in development. That is, it would have both a Blu-Ray format and HD-DVD format on one disc. That way, a movie could be recorded on both formats, and then it would not matter which type of player you had.

I still say that Blu-Ray will ultiminately win out.

 

[Master Yoda]

The problem with that player is since LG is in the Blu-Ray camp, they had to adapt technology to be able to read HD-DVD discs. The company has no access to the HD-DVD decoding chips. Because of that, if you play a HD-DVD disc in that machine, all it does is play the disc. There are no menus, no special features, etc.

Actually, I read about a "dual layer" disc that is in development. That is, it would have both a Blu-Ray format and HD-DVD format on one disc. That way, a movie could be recorded on both formats, and then it would not matter which type of player you had.

I still say that Blu-Ray will ultiminately win out.

I tend to agree. From the limited experience I have with it it seems like Sony has a little of an edge. They lost the VHS Betamax war so you can bet they will pull out all the stops to win the HD DVD war.

 

[k.hunter30]

Ok... I think we made our final decision...:lookaroun

We're going with the Sony Bravia 3 (46"). :sohappy: The picture is absolutely amazing. What helped to make up our minds was the deal we're going to get. $3758 for the TV and a 4-year extended warrantee - that's including tax. I've seen it for even less on some online stores, but I'd rather stick with a place I trust and with one that can give me the 4-year warrantee in conjunction with Sony Service Centers.

Now all I have to do is work out the DirecTV/Dish Network issue. I think we're going to have to switch to Dish since they'll give us the HD-DVR for free. (DirecTV is asking about $200 to upgrade to the HD-DVR.) Plus, right now, Dish has 20 more stations in HD than DirecTV - granted most of those extras are things like HD-Golf and HD-Kung Fu - things I probably will not watch...:lookaroun

Has anyone been dissapointed by the picture when NOT watching a HD channel? A friend of ours (they have a 1.5-year-old LCD) has a worse picture than we do when watching non-HD...

Again, you all have been SO helpful!

 

[wdwmagic]

Ok... I think we made our final decision...:lookaroun

We're going with the Sony Bravia 3 (46"). :sohappy: The picture is absolutely amazing. What helped to make up our minds was the deal we're going to get. $3758 for the TV and a 4-year extended warrantee - that's including tax. I've seen it for even less on some online stores, but I'd rather stick with a place I trust and with one that can give me the 4-year warrantee in conjunction with Sony Service Centers.

Has anyone been dissapointed by the picture when NOT watching a HD channel? A friend of ours (they have a 1.5-year-old LCD) has a worse picture than we do when watching non-HD...

Again, you all have been SO helpful!

Is that the 46" XBR3 you are going for?

I am dissapointed in the nonHD performance of these TVs. And you are right in that the picture when using nonHD sources is superior on an old regular tube based TV than a new HD panel. However, these panels are meant for HD viewing, and not for standard viewing, so you have to accept that if you want the benefits of a HD set.