Posted on 09/13/2010 6:33:23 AM PDT by StrictTime
I'm just numb from doing research, so I'm opening up the floor to take suggestions from FReepers.
I hate to think that I'm going to be dropping $2K on a TV that has a life of 2 years (Samsung, Vizio, according to the interwebs). Looking for a 46" LCD with a matte screen (brightly lit room).
Anyone actually happy with a brand/model? Mostly interested in comments about reliability, since I HATE shopping for stuff like this every couple of years.
Yeah, I think I’m limited on Samsung models to one (LNxxC630), because I need the matte screen. Wish they had more options, there, because I know a lot of people think it’s a great TV.
Thanks, BC. I want to avoid the returning thing as much as possible. It’s probably going to fall on my shoulders and having to lug that big ol’ box around just makes me nervous. Appreciate all the info, especially about 120 vs. 240hz. I thought I was getting the runaround, especially since I hadn’t read anything like that on the forums. :)
I have my 52 inch in a room without windows, so I didn’t have any issues with glare. The screen still isn’t very reflective. I don’t believe it would have been an issue had I put it in a room with windows.
I wouldn’t buy an LCD TV. I would buy an LED TV, the clarity and sharpness is MUCH better in the LED TVs.
wow!
Another site to use to watch for excellent deals is Dealmac.com. They don't scour ALL retailers but they certainly watch quite a few and they focus on the 46-47" market, so that sounds like a site that you would benefit from.
You've done a good job of stating your needs and describing the room the flat panel will be in. It all comes down to what is important to YOU. Are you brand agnostic? Do you care if it's not brand X, for example?
My advice is to narrow your search down to 2 or 3 brands you'd be interested in. Then, with the size known (46/47 for you), get to know the models, because there will be different lines for each brand for a given size. Then, watch prices and packages (and financing offers if you're into that) via the dealmac site or bfads.net or the other black Friday sites mentioned.
You won't have buyers remorse.
I’m an audio/video/gadget freak, used to be in the consumer electronics business myself, etc., and I research everything like crazy before making a decision. If you’re not set on a flat panel style, you might take a look at the DLPs, the new generation of “big screen,” ie. rear projection sets. They’re MUCH MUCH thinner than the old style, more streamlined, and they deliver unmatched quality/size for the buck. I bought my son a 65” Mitsubishi Diamond Series last Christmas and it’s simply fantastic. Picture quality is impeccable and if you’re a gamer or big sports watcher, the cool thing about DLP is that it doesn’t burn in, period. $1200ish.
If you are indeed set on the flat panel format, my personal preference right now is probably Samsung.
MM
As long as BluRay disks don’t start being total garbage, as a number of DVD pressings have been, I’m cool with the bargain prices. Costco has a $99 BluRay player right now, hmm, probably a Vizio, but for those who want to fall for it, there’s also a Sony for under $150 right next to the $99 box. The JVC and Toshiba — okay, come to think of it, that $99 BluRay may be a Toshiba instead of a Vizio — and Samsungs are also to be found under $150, and have been for a while, off and on.
Christmas is 14 weeks from Saturday.
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