StarDestroyer.Net BBS

So my parents finally want to replace the tv and get a new HD one. I don't know much about the new stuff in the TV world.
This is their list of requiements
1200$-1500$
42 or so inches
They want 1080i or p so that would be a strong preference

So TV gurus of SDN, whats the best tv for my needs?

I've always been a fan of plasmas. Though if placed in a room that has no control over the lighting, an LCD is a better choice.

Also, unless they're sitting less than 5 feet from the screen, they won't need to have 1080P. A lot of people can't really tell the difference from that distance on out. Anyways, here are a list of some models that would be in your price range for 1080P resolution:

LCD's:
Samsung: TN61 & TN65 series
Sharp: 64U series
Toshiba: HL167 series
Don't know much about other brands like Phillps, Sony, and Hitachi.

Plasma's:
Panasonic PZ77U
Pioneer HD4280- It's a 720P, but it looks damn good. Thought it was a 1080P.

For further info go Here

I would avoid PLASMA as they can burn in images and are power hogs compared to LCD. I would take a look at DLP TV's. DLP is not as compact as LCD or Plasma but they are quickly dropping in price and are hard to beat for the screen size, resolution for the price.

I would recommend looking at the Samsung DLP tv's, I have one (56") and I love it.

if you plan to use it for gaming then go for an LCD.

Master of Cards wrote:So my parents finally want to replace the tv and get a new HD one. I don't know much about the new stuff in the TV world.
This is their list of requiements
1200$-1500$
42 or so inches
They want 1080i or p so that would be a strong preference

So TV gurus of SDN, whats the best tv for my needs?

Samsung is a good brand. What is the TV used for mostly, and what is the video source (Cable/Sat box, Cable out of the wall, Over the Air antenna, ect)

SpacedTeddyBear wrote:I've always been a fan of plasmas. Though if placed in a room that has no control over the lighting, an LCD is a better choice.

Quoted for Truth.

Also, unless they're sitting less than 5 feet from the screen, they won't need to have 1080P. A lot of people can't really tell the difference from that distance on out. Anyways, here are a list of some models that would be in your price range for 1080P resolution:

I'd disagree on that point, but there is a general lack of 1080P content out there, so 1080i isn't a bad buy, unless there has been a significant investment in 1080P material (ie a Blu-ray player, or if it's going to be used as a moniter)

LCD's:
Samsung: TN61 & TN65 series
Don't know much about other brands like Phillps, Sony, and Hitachi.

Good brands all around. If you are going LCD then the highest quality is going to be Samsung and Sony (a Sony is a Samsung screen with a different case). Also right now the new 08 Samsungs (LN-XX-A550s and LN-XX-A650s) are just hitting stores so the older LN-TXX61s, LN-TXX66s, and LN-TXX71s, can be found for some good prices.

Death from the Sea wrote:I would avoid PLASMA as they can burn in images and are power hogs compared to LCD.

The burn-in isn't as much of a problem anymore (with better greens, and pixel shifting), but the power part is.

I would take a look at DLP TV's. DLP is not as compact as LCD or Plasma but they are quickly dropping in price and are hard to beat for the screen size, resolution for the price.

I would recommend looking at the Samsung DLP tv's, I have one (56") and I love it.

Agreed, but the Lamp does need periodic replacement, and that can get expensive very quickly.


EDIT: The one thing about Samsungs, is the damn high-gloss bezel. The glare can be quite bad.

I've been using a Westinghouse 32" LCD television for the past month and it's been wonderful, even with indirect sunlight in the room.