Posted on 02/15/2010 9:18:24 AM PST by RayChuang88
I am right now seriously in the market to get a new 40" to 42" flat-panel HDTV to replace my old 27" Mitsubishi CRT television set.
Right now, my primary choice is the new 40" Sony KDL-40EX500 (I had considered the 40" KDL-40VE5 but most places wanted US$200 more for the set). From what I've read online, most people like it, and the suggested retail price of US$899 is quite attractive, especially since the KDL-40EX500 has 120 Hz refresh rate.
I would like to hear suggestions on alternatives from LG, Samsung, Sharp and Toshiba that I should consider (I'm willing to pay between US$800 to US$1,049 street price). I might consider getting a Panasonic 1080p plasma but I do have concerns about the peak power usage of a 42" plasma panel, which can reach around 300 watts.
self ping to check back when people with these things weigh in.
I also have a 10-yo 30” tube and am thinking it is nearing the end of its life.
I bought a 42” Visio at Costco for $699. 1080p, 240 hz, 4 HDMI inputs, and it is an American company, and the last time I looked, was built in FREE China (Taiwan).
I got it two weeks ago and and been VERY happy with it.
Go to CNET.com and all of your questions will be answered.
>www.cnet.com<
My 18 month 40” Samsung has been perfect to date. It also was one of the first 120HZ models and now Samsung has 240HZ models for better reproduction of fast action. HIGHLY recommended!
I have a 1 year old 42” Vizio from Costco, very similar to your set but 120hz. Very happy so far.
42” Samsung, about 18 months old, very happy with it. Smaller Sony Bravia in bedroom, about 6 months old. It is okay but the remote is awkward (too many buttons too near the bottom), and it seems to take too long to “warm up” before you can give it any instructions, although it is probably just a few seconds.
We’re extremely happy with our 46-inch Samsung LCD. The picture is phenomenal. I like the swivel feature in the pedestal. We have a very well-lit living room in the daytime, and there’s very little glare. We purchased it at a base exchange in December for around $800.
The item in post 3 looks good. We got the 240 mhz feature on a 52” Samsung and the number of HDMI plugs is a good start. Consumer Reoports has some recent articles on TVs, you may have to go to your library or subscribe to get their report online.
All 3 are around 3 years old and we love them. I know a few years ago Sony had a problem and samsung actually made their screens for a bit.
I don't think you can go wrong with either brand.
I had a 32” Mistubishi tube that finally bit the dust in ‘09.
Sharp.
I bought this tv a few months ago. Excellent tv with 120hz refresh rate. Here’s the specs.
Specifications:
Display Area: 42”
Display Type: LCD
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Resolution: 1920 x 10
Screen Refresh Rate: 120Hz
Response Time: 2.7 ms
Signal Compatibility: 1080p
Compatibility: VESA (200 mm X 200 mm)
Condition: New
Audio Ports: 5
Speakers: 2
Inputs: RS-232
S-Video
PC
RGB
HDMI In
Remote Control In (IR)
HD Component
Outputs: Audio
Digital Audio Out
HDMI Ports: 4
Power Consumption: 231W
Height (inches): 27.1
Height with Stand (inches): 28.9
Width (inches): 40.4
Depth (inches): 4.4
Depth with Stand (inches): 11.6
Check out tigerdirect.com for some of the best prices out there.
I second researching on CNET.
I bought a particular 52” Samsung model based on their reviews and am quite happy.
Personally I find the performance of Sony of late a bit underwhelming and the price a bit higher.
As you are coming from the old technology, you might want to consider looking at Panasonic on both LCD and plasma they have very good value.
The 37” S1 is very good and the 42” plasma is superb. They have new energy savings too. Check out the AVS Forum for more on all of this.
Best,
Romanesq
How does the plazma and LCD compare?
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