So I havn't bought a new TV in a long long time and I feel like it might be the time to get one.
This thread consists of a general question about TV shopping which might help a lot of people and then a more specific one for myself. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

(in this case I'm thinking LCD, Plasma, etc., newer flat large TVs)

The general question is, if you're in the market for a TV what is your process for shopping. Is there a specific website you look at first to start to compare prices? (pricegrabber?) I see a lot of threads where people are selling a TV for a price that seems cheap and then BAM someone comes up with a link with a better and cheaper TV. How did they know to look at Walmart, Target, etc? Do you guys look at every single site like this? In terms of quality, I've heard the manufacturer argument, and the "just go and find one that looks good" argument. Is there a specific company that's awesome at TVs? maybe like top three? Sony, Hitachi, Panasonic? And is it better to shop at a local store where you can see the TV and just buy it online, or buy it in store?

The more specific question is. I'll use the TV for gaming (mainly Wii, and PS3 in the future), movies and just basic cable (are HD channels free with basic cable?).

Is LCD > Plasma > DLP?

Thanks!

10/10/2007 1:16:03 AM

There is a thread titled "What is the best 40 inch TV?" or something like that floating around tech talk. The conversation of the thread has moved beyond just 40 inch TV's though, so there is a lot of good information in there.

Here it is:

http://www.brentroad.com/message_topic.aspx?topic=483890

[Edited on October 10, 2007 at 3:04 PM. Reason : ]

10/10/2007 3:03:41 PM

oh boy

10/10/2007 3:04:58 PM

From the other thread. Conclusions:

Notable brands mentioned.

Philips
Toshiba
Sony
Samsung
Panasonic
Westinghouse (only one really referred to as 'budget')
Sharp

with most success with Samsung and Sony

LCD is taking over Plasma?

look at newegg.com , pricegrabber.com , bestbuy.com , circuitcity.com

10/10/2007 4:58:51 PM

2008 will be the year of hybrid LCD/PLASMA
2009 will be the year of OLED

10/10/2007 5:16:24 PM

^^ don't forget amazon.com

10/10/2007 10:00:21 PM

so my mom wants a 42" tv and wants to spend around $1000 on it.

what should she get? 1080p isn't a need/concern, but i guess its a nice bonus "just in case"

what say the experts? it would need to be purchased from a brick/mortar store like BB/CC/Sears/Costco etc. Thx people.

10/10/2007 10:17:57 PM

Whatever you buy, don't buy until Black Friday.

10/10/2007 10:32:27 PM

well she wants to buy this weekend...so BF is out.

10/10/2007 11:01:58 PM

Quote :

"2008 will be the year of hybrid LCD/PLASMA 2009 will be the year of OLED "

What do you meany hybrid LCD/PLASMA? Do you mean than they will share the year, or that there's some bizarre new hybrid tech that's a mix of LCD and Plasma?

10/10/2007 11:35:13 PM

About the best deal your going to find at a brick and mortar store.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8386285&st=westinghouse+42%22&lp=1&type=product&cp=1&id=1181831586462

10/10/2007 11:36:09 PM

^ that's the one i just bought with the 12% coupon it was $930 tax included...loving it, except for some lines which i can't figure out if TV or signal

10/11/2007 12:31:32 AM