Want a new flat screen TV

[I.B. Washincars]

Hey guys, I want to buy a new TV. The one I have now is a 56" rear projection, I believe it is called. I bought it about 8 years ago, not realizing it would soon be a dinosaur. I want something with about the same screen size, but don't know what type I want, mainly because I don't know what the differences are...LED, LCD, Plasma, Unobtanium or whatever. What is the best thing to buy? I'm not worried as much about price as I am about picture size & quality. I want to buy the one "I wish I had bought" this first go round.

 

[MEP001]

One of the biggest differences in them now is the viewing angle. If the set is primarily for you then it doesn't matter, but if you plan to throw a Super Bowl party or something you want one that can still be viewed clearly at 45 degrees.

Plasma has all but been phased out. There's no real disadvantage to them except they're susceptible to image burn-in like CRT sets were. If you aren't using it as a computer display or surveillance monitor it's not really an issue. Its only real advantage is a very high framerate ability, but if you're just watching TV or movies it won't help you.

It looks like standard LCD is being phased out too - 75% of what's listed on Tiger Direct is LED. The only difference between the two is the backlight. Standard LCD uses a fluorescent light, LED uses LED and since it can actively vary the intensity of the backlight the contrast ratio is much higher. The sets are also a lot lighter, thinner and more energy efficient.

For just basic image quality, you can't go wrong with Sony or Samsung. Panasonic tends to look a little grainy to me, and the color always seems a bit off. The Vizio at Sam's look surprisingly good considering how much less they are - I don't know how they last.

 

[pitzerwm]

I have 4 Vizios, I recommend them. Costco always has a good deal on them.

 

[Bubbles Galore]

I have 2 Vizio's and I've been really impressed with their quality. Can't beat them for the price.

 

[Washmee]

I would recommend any of the Sharp Aquos LCD TVs. I just bought a 60" and the picture is so clear its stunning. I only paid about $1200 at Sams Club.

http://www.samsclub.com/sams/60-sha...40-hdtv-w-wi-fi/prod6230324.ip?navAction=push

 

[mjwalsh]

Hey guys, I want to buy a new TV. The one I have now is a 56" rear projection, I believe it is called. I bought it about 8 years ago, not realizing it would soon be a dinosaur. I want something with about the same screen size, but don't know what type I want, mainly because I don't know what the differences are...LED, LCD, Plasma, Unobtanium or whatever. What is the best thing to buy? I'm not worried as much about price as I am about picture size & quality. I want to buy the one "I wish I had bought" this first go round.

Pat,

Just to give you a heads up ... on some of the models you can plug an ethernet cable into it & on its menu you can search & bring up whatever YouTube. Our Sony 60" in our laundromat has that capability.

mike

 

[seattleguy]

I agree with the Vizios. I have ultra high end Sony & Samsung and a Vizio from Costco. Under ordinary circumstances I can't tell a difference. Vizio all the way for me. Also go LED LCD Lightweight and you can almost move them around all by yourself.

 

[soapy]

I was in Sams club this week and they wanted me to upgrade my membership. If I did for $30 I would be invited to their special black Friday preveiw on Sunday night. In the flyer they had a 60 inch Led tv for around $600. That is the cheapest price I have seen on this size of Tv. I just bought a 60 inch plasma because I wanted the faster speed and frame rate for sports like football and Nascar compared to a LED.

 

[I.B. Washincars]

I'm a Nascar junkie and Mary likes football. Would the plasma be better for that. Also, placement of the TV would restrict viewing from angles of more than about 25-30 degrees.

 

[MEP001]

I'm a Nascar junkie and Mary likes football. Would the plasma be better for that.

No, because the broadcast is still at a maximum of 60 frames per second. LCD/LED displays up to 120.

 

[JMMUSTANG]

We have a Samsung Smart TV.
The picture is UNBELIEVABLE.

 

[jimbeaux]

The December 2012 issue of Consumer Reports has a nice write-up of LCD & Plasma TV ratings. Worth checking out if a new TV is on your wish list.

 

[Whale of a Wash]

The LED TV uses alot less electricity than a plasma, and much lighter and now they are just as sharp or sharper than a plasma. According to C Reports download the red laser or shopsavvy app- yes 2 v's. Some friends i know have dropped cable and do the netflix, and internet streaming, so those features might get more important in the future. Maybe even wifi if not close to an internet connection cord.

 

[2Biz]

I bought a Vizio 55" LED a few years ago at Sams Club...Gave about 2 grand for it....Now they are about 1/3 of the price and a 1/3 of the size...I have no complaints. Works great and has a great picture. I'm thinking about getting one for our bedroom...It will be a Vizio...

One thing I remember a salesmen telling me when buying the 55". The reason LCD's are being phased out is because they have Mercury in them which makes them hard to get rid of..Technically. Landfills arn't supposed to take anything with Mercury in it. At the time, thats why I spent the extra to get the LED. Glad I did though, the Led has a much better pricture anyway.

 

[cellardale@aol.com]

I just bought the samsung 75 inch. It has an awesome picture and smart capabilities also.

 

[soapy]

With a plasma you can stand on the side of it and still see the picture clearly. Some drawbacks of the plasma is it is heavier and they do generate more heat. If it is in a small confined room and veiwed for a long time it will heat up the room a little. I have a friend with a high end Stereo and Tv shop and he recommended the plasma to me. I also have a 65 inch DLP TV that I like. You may also want to consider a 3D TV.

 

[MEP001]

Did you get a TV yet?

http://www.samsclub.com/sams/65-vizio-led-1080p-120hz-smart-hdtv/prod7870078.ip

 

[I.B. Washincars]

Did you get a TV yet?

http://www.samsclub.com/sams/65-vizio-led-1080p-120hz-smart-hdtv/prod7870078.ip

Not yet, but that may be my new one.