HDTV Shopping - What Should I Get?

Soulzz

Founder
Retired Founder
Joined
Jan 2, 2008
Messages
19,100
Age
36
I'm going shopping with my Dad to get a 40" HDTV. Here's what I'm wondering:

1. Do you see a difference in quality with 120Hz or 240Hz as opposed to 60 Hz?

2. I've heard bad things about Plasma's going out after 9-12 months of time, if not shorter. Is this still the case?

3. Type of TV; DLP, Plasma, or LCD and why?

4. I'll be going to Best Buy for this one. I'm looking to buy a Samsung. If any of you can find me a few good Samsung TV's of your pick (LCD, DLP, or Plasma), that would be great!
 
1. Do you see a difference in quality with 120Hz or 240Hz as opposed to 60 Hz? HELL YES!

My brother works for the supplier of Best Buy. He showed me the different models. There is a noticeable difference. 240 is the way to go if you can afford it. If not, don't look at them because you won't like anything less (at least that was my experience).

2. I've heard bad things about Plasma's going out after 9-12 months of time, if not shorter. Is this still the case?

I've heard that yes, and then no, and it doesn't seem like they're real sure about this since manufactureres have improved the quality of the plasmas. Then again I have an LCD so what do I care.


3. Type of TV; DLP, Plasma, or LCD and why?

Depends on your usage. Do you watch a lot of movies/action flicks etc. Play games on your setup, or just watch HDTV with it. What you get depends on what you mainly do with your TV. For instance, if you just watch HDTV-news, some sports, regular shows, don't bother with a 240hz monitor, but if you regularly watch action flicks or play games on this display then get the 240hz.

Same goes for any feature if you'll use it regurlarly get it, if not don't waste extra money on a feature you won't use.
 
1. Thank you, that's what I was looking for.

2. LCD it is then.

3. It varies -- Sometimes we watch movies, sometimes we watch TV. We hardly play games on it.

Looks like we'll get a 120Hz or 240Hz. We'll see ;).
 
Oh, before I forget-use an LCD in a well lit room so there's no reflection. Plasmas are cheaper, but the reflection sucks if its in a well lit room or one with a lot of sunlight.

I think you'll really like either one, the 120 or 240hz; either way they are superior products for movies, sports, action. And to me, the image just looks sharper with the higher resolution.
 
You can get an anti glare screen with a Plasma TV, but I'm not a fan of plasma's. I would definitely get a LCD.
 
I've have two LCD TV's
1. 1080P to maximize Blue Ray
2. 120 or 240Htz only matters to streaming HD channels; usually, you notice with sports,
3. I recommend LED LCD TV's; power savings and a newer type back light
I did a lot of research on CNET; I didn't want to deal w/ burn in on the plasmas although they have features to prevent that; the highly glossy screen also was a dislike also. I bought my TV at Fry's in Chicago...bet Best Buy by 200 bones. I bought the UN46B8000; DVD's & Blue Ray's breath taking. My CEO bought the 40" for $1200; my TV was $1900; eventully, all the LCD's will be LED's.
 
Interesting. I'll take that into consideration Balls.
 
Well, we went today to look and see what the prices would be like at Best Buy. We are going to Costco tomorrow to buy a VIZIO it looks like. Plus, Best Buy has really expensive prices compared to Costco.
 
Nice. Honestly though, Sixer, I would rather see the TV in person so I know what I'm buying is quality ;).
 
Believe it or not check out Sears. I picked up mine from there a few years back and they beat every price in town. At the time I paid $1800 for the same 46 incher that others like Best Buy and Circuit City were still $2600 and that was onl sell. TVs have really fallen in price and you can pick up a great 40 inch. Happy hunting but don't be fooled into less than 1080P. Most stores are running HD on all models and the 720s will look just as good but beware.

Red.
 
Sears? Interesting, never even thought about that as an option. I'll ask my Mom and see what she thinks.
 
Do you watch a lot of porn? You might want to look at some kind of protective screen - you know... it can become difficult to keep it clean.
 
Soulzz, check them out in person, and if you can find a better price online buy it that way. I got mine from Circuit City after seeing it in person at other stores. CC had the best price by a few hundred dollars. It's not the worst way to shop, as long as you know what you're buying.
 
Lacks has good deals too. Picked up a 50" Plasma for around 700 ...with the works. Now I have a 42" LCD in the bedroom (porn) and a 50" Plasma in the living room (family shows). Plasma in my opinion has more clarity and definition, but like mentioned it has a lot of glare if not positioned correctly.
 
I have a Samsung 22" monitor for gaming and internet stuff and a Samsung 42" for t.v. and movies. Both are hi-def and LCDs. I love both. I recommend any Samsung product. Never had issues with any of their equipment I owned in the past and will buy Samsung in the future. I'm looking at getting this with my taxes this year. (see link below)
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...+Electronics&cName=Televisions&sName=View+All
 
Hey Soulz I got a 50" 1080p Plasma and we love it. They are made a lot better than what they were. The picture is off the charts and in my opinion more vivid than any LCD that we looked at. LCD's tend to look bad if you look from the sides.
 
We got a 40" Samsung LCD 120 Hz for 800 from best buy. They did a price match. Typing this from my iPhone. Be on in a bit.
 
Back
Top