Page 2 likes my 42" Sharp Aquos.

8/17/2009 6:03:45 AM

Can someone briefly tell me what I should look for in a LCD TV? I know I can read the numerous pages of threads but I'd rather not have to weave through all that + the BS posts. Either something around 26" if I want to go easy on a budget, but maybe up to 37" if I can find a good deal. I know not to go to best buy or buy westinghouse.

brand, refresh rate, published contrast ratio (I know some are BS), etc?

mainly watching sports and tv shows. viewing angle is pretty small (I'm in a small apartment bedroom) and a maximum about about 15 feet away.

budget is variable but probably around $400 as a maximum.



[Edited on September 20, 2009 at 9:24 PM. Reason : .]

9/20/2009 9:19:14 PM

I honestly haven't done much research in this size/price range but I've been thinking about buying a LCD in this size range. What little research I've done has led me to believe that the best time to buy is late October / early November. New models start rolling in around October so most places will start putting the older models on sale and the price fall to whatever the market will bear. Black Friday is probably a good time to find a tv in this range if you don't mind the hassle.

As for features to look for: a tuner if you think you'll ever want to get OTA channels, you won't get the full benefit of 1080 resolution unless you sit 5-6 feet away or less (for size range we're talking)¹, I'm not sure if the benefits of 120Hz would be worth the premium in this size range (may put it out of budget also), a dynamic contrast ratio is a meaningless spec.



¹


[Edited on September 21, 2009 at 10:36 AM. Reason : ]

9/21/2009 10:35:01 AM

go to amazon.com search for panasonic viera plasma tv, there are 2-3 good models for $400 shipped free

plasma will be best bet for smaller budget

[Edited on September 21, 2009 at 10:49 AM. Reason : .]

9/21/2009 10:49:22 AM

hmm... I looked on amazon the other day and didn't see any deals like that. i'll look again though

9/21/2009 11:19:13 AM

Panasonic Viera X1 32" for $420 shipped (from 6ave or J&R)
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-VIERA-TC-L32X1-32-Inch-720p/dp/B001U3YK52

or

LG 32" for $430 shipped
http://www.amazon.com/LG-32LH20-32-Inch-Gloss-Black/dp/B001V5J7Q6/

[Edited on September 21, 2009 at 11:47 AM. Reason : .]

9/21/2009 11:47:05 AM

ahh yes, I did see the LCDs on there... I really thought you meant there were plasmas on there for that cheap

9/21/2009 12:10:27 PM

Just suck it up and buy this: Panasonic TC-P50G10

9/21/2009 12:39:30 PM

yeh.... it will be a while until I can afford that. not to mention that's about as big as my wall

9/21/2009 1:19:47 PM

and here's the next question... just buy it straight up or use newegg or similar and their payment promotions (no interest for 6/12 months). I can pay straight up, but I like free loans and another line of credit won't hurt me. not to mention a lot of places like newegg add you to a prefered account type deal that give you additional discounts...

[Edited on September 21, 2009 at 1:49 PM. Reason : .]

9/21/2009 1:49:19 PM

I know you said maximum 400 max but slickdeals is listing a Panasonic TC-P42X1 (Plasma, 42", 720p) for $480 through dell.

http://www.slickdeals.net/permadeal/24685/Panasonic-Viera-TC-P42X1-42-720p-Plasma-HDTV-480-or-466

[Edited on September 23, 2009 at 12:30 PM. Reason : ]

9/23/2009 12:28:59 PM

dammit that's tempting.

not sure about it thought. after measuring, i'd be viewing mostly from 5-9 feet... so 720 stretched to 42" might be a little much??? reviews also said it was crap for use as a monitor...

[Edited on September 23, 2009 at 1:53 PM. Reason : .]

9/23/2009 1:26:38 PM