TV help

[Little Whiskey]

I'm looking to buy a new tv and need a little help with any recommendations.

Largest screen size that will fit is 37"

Looking at spending under $800.

I don't really understand the price diff. Are brand names worth the extra dough> Pretty much clueless on this. I've just started the research. The last TV I bought was 8 years ago. Its time to upgrade a bit. Any help would be appreciated.

[MJZiggy]

I can't say, I had bought one, then wandered into Radio Shack and they had a bigger screen for less $$, then found out that they only had the floor model left, so got an even bigger discount. It was a name brand as well. Unless you're looking for total high end, you don't have to spend near $800. My 32" was less than $350.

[SkinBasket]

My thoughts on this are the same as computers. You spend as little as possible on comparable products because these days there's little difference in branding. Last time I helped a family member with a TV, we ended up buying Vizio from Sam's Club. Best specs and features vs price. Unless you're an A/V pervert, you won't be able to tell the difference between brands, and even if you are, you're probably just an idiot who thinks he knows more than he does. See the following as an example:

http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/03/audiophiles-cant-tell-the-difference-between-monster-cable-and/

I don't mean to offend, but buy whatever looks best to you at the lowest price you can find. If you think it looks like shit when you get home, don't be afraid to return it.

[Little Whiskey]

thats what I'm talking about. what matters? what is hype? what is just advertising?

Less than 800 is better. my little boy wants a WII.

[Tyrone Bigguns]

There are differences. Things like color accuracy, black levels, smearing in fast motion, etc.

Ty would recommend reading Cnet, AVSForum.com, Consumer Reports, etc.

Find your price point and then get the best of that.

Ty personally recommends Sony's lower line..M or L series...think a 32 is around 600. But, with the economy..sure you can wheel and deal. 37 inch KDL is 700 on amazon.

Or do the old bestbuy 20% off trick.

[Bretsky]

I think you get a lot of bang for your buck with Vizio

Can you wait til day after Thanksgiving ?

Walmart had some great HDTV deals last year

Wife picked up a 50" Samsung HDTV Plasma for either 699 or 799.

[MJZiggy]

I thought LCD was supposed to be what you wanted with kids as if they leave something paused, it won't burn the image into the tv...?

I've also heard Visio wasn't as reliable as other brands, they just have a football player doing their advertising. As to the wii, my son plays a wii on a 1996 Samsung and thinks it's wonderful.

You have to figure out what you want the thing to do (do you want a PC input? a lot of components? etc.) and then get the least expensive one that will do what you want.

[SkinBasket]

I thought LCD was supposed to be what you wanted with kids as if they leave something paused, it won't burn the image into the tv...

That hasn't been an issue for like 20 some odd years now.

[Scott Campbell]

I don't know if anyone makes a plasma in 37 inches. I know you can get them in 42.

If the room is really bright, LCD's can make sense. If you have the ability to control the light in the room, I think plasma is the way to go. It's really difficult to compare pictures in show rooms because of the lighting, and most retailers just unbox the TV's and plug them in without making any adjustments to the picture.

If it's the primary TV, I'd be less price sensitive and get what you really think looks best.

[hurleyfan]

If it's the primary TV, I'd be less price sensitive and get what you really think looks best.

Couldn't agree more!

I just picked up a LG 26" for a bedroom. It was on display right between a Samsung & Sony, and to ME, the picture was much better, and less $

[Freak Out]

So you will be playing Nintendo on it and what else? Watching Blu Ray? HDTV OTA Broadcast? cable? SAT?

[Little Whiskey]

So you will be playing Nintendo on it and what else? Watching Blu Ray? HDTV OTA Broadcast? cable? SAT?

Its going to be in the basment rec room. (it is a walk out basement so I have a bit of natural light comming in.)

I currently have cable and a PS3. The Wii may be on this tv or on the old one. (Tube TV) His is 4 so i'm leaning on the old tv. Most of our TV watching is thru cable. every now and then we'll watch a dvd, or now since i have a PS3 blu ray.

[Freak Out]

So you will be playing Nintendo on it and what else? Watching Blu Ray? HDTV OTA Broadcast? cable? SAT?

Its going to be in the basment rec room. (it is a walk out basement so I have a bit of natural light comming in.)

I currently have cable and a PS3. The Wii may be on this tv or on the old one. (Tube TV) His is 4 so i'm leaning on the old tv. Most of our TV watching is thru cable. every now and then we'll watch a dvd, or now since i have a PS3 blu ray.

Ok then...1080P is a must. Do you ever plan on hooking the new TV up to an external antenna? What are your purchase options in the area? Is there a Costco nearby? Sam's Club?

[mraynrand]

the 37" screen is and uncommon size. I like the Panasonic Viera plasma 1080p. Plasma seems better for sports action. Don't get too big a screen for the space you are in. I was at a relatives' house with a 50+" screen in a maybe 20x30 great room watching NCAA b-ball last spring and you couldn't take in the whole game at once. good deals can be found at newegg.

[MadScientist]

So you will be playing Nintendo on it and what else? Watching Blu Ray? HDTV OTA Broadcast? cable? SAT?

Its going to be in the basment rec room. (it is a walk out basement so I have a bit of natural light comming in.)

I currently have cable and a PS3. The Wii may be on this tv or on the old one. (Tube TV) His is 4 so i'm leaning on the old tv. Most of our TV watching is thru cable. every now and then we'll watch a dvd, or now since i have a PS3 blu ray.

Definitely hook the Wii to the tube set. A 4 year old can throw a controller through the LCD. If he can throw it through a CRT have the Brewers sign him.