11 replies to this topic

[tobytobey]

It's been 8 years since I last bought a TV. That being said, I'm looking for some info on what specs are important when buying a tv.My price range is from $1,000-TO-$1,500. I saw this one on Best Buy's website as well as in store at BJ's wholesale club (and no they don't offer BJ's, I asked).Samsung 40" 1080p Flat Panel LCDBuilt-In HDTV Tuner: Add HD-capable antenna to receive over-the-air high-definition broadcasts, where available. Optional set-top box required for high-definition cable or satellite programming. 40" measured diagonally 1080p display provides the highest quality progressive-scan picture possible from a high-definition source 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio delivers a cinema-style entertainment experience DNIe (Digital Natural Image engine) dramatically improves picture by enhancing contrast, detail and white balance Wide color enhancer and CCFL (Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp) provide a vast array of colors for vibrant picture quality Incredible dynamic contrast ratio (20,000:1) for an arresting viewing experience Wide 178° horizontal and vertical viewing angles make every seat the best in the house Fast 5 ms response time minimizes blurring of moving video 2 built-in 10W down-firing bottom-mount speakers; SRS TruSurround XT delivers a virtual surround sound experience Ultraslim (3-3/5" deep), lightweight design is ideal for wall mounting (with optional mounting kit, not included) Included swivel stand is easy to adjust for improved viewing PC input lets you connect your computer to experience high-resolution images 3 HDMI inputs provide an uncompressed all-digital audio/video link for the highest-quality connection and they support copy-protected HD broadcast content; HDMI-CEC support for controlling compatible peripheral devices with the TV remote Inputs: 3 HDMI (2 rear, 1 side), 2 RF, 2 component A/V (rear), 2 composite A/V (1 rear, 1 side), 1 S-video (rear) and 1 PC (rear) Outputs: headphone jack V-Chip parental controls keep children from being exposed to undesirable material Entertainment mode allows customized picture settings that can be optimized for different content Other convenient features include trilingual (English, French, Spanish) on-screen menus, picture-in-picture and sleep timer What's in the box: 40" 1080p flat-panel LCD HDTV, remote and swivel stand What's good/bad about this TV?Thanks for the help.

[HollywoodAFD]

Buy it now

[SuitedAces21]

how much tv do you watch a day?

[Asimo]

I just bought this last week. More bang for your buck! http://www.costco.co...?...g=en-US&s=1

[tobytobey]

SuitedAces21, on Sunday, May 4th, 2008, 8:52 PM, said:

how much tv do you watch a day?

Too much.

[FCP Bob]

That TV is a good choice.For LCD you can't go too wrong with either Samsung or Sharp. For example Sony doesn't even make any LCD panels of their own they just get their's from Samsung.For sure you want a 1080P TV like this one that can show all the detail of a Blue Ray player and is "Full High Def".One of the key stats to compare is the contrast ratio and 20,000-1 is good. The higher the contrast ratio the better.The latest thing in LCD's in 120HZ refresh rates which helps to keep some of the fast action from blurring but for most tv watching you won't notice any difference between 120HZ and 60HZ like this one.In your budget I would look at that TV and compare if I could the 64 Series 42 inch Sharp Aquos.http://www.sharpusa....1,1922-,00.html

[chrozzo]

just win onei did...it was easy, all correspondence, no payment or hassles

[tobytobey]

FCP Info, on Sunday, May 4th, 2008, 11:23 PM, said:

That TV is a good choice.For LCD you can't go too wrong with either Samsung or Sharp. For example Sony doesn't even make any LCD panels of their own they just get their's from Samsung.For sure you want a 1080P TV like this one that can show all the detail of a Blue Ray player and is "Full High Def".One of the key stats to compare is the contrast ratio and 20,000-1 is good. The higher the contrast ratio the better.The latest thing in LCD's in 120HZ refresh rates which helps to keep some of the fast action from blurring but for most tv watching you won't notice any difference between 120HZ and 60HZ like this one.In your budget I would look at that TV and compare if I could the 64 Series 42 inch Sharp Aquos.http://www.sharpusa....1,1922-,00.html

Thanks for the info. I saw a similar Samsung offered with 120HZ but at almost double the price. I'm sure there are other differences (I think a contrast ratio of 50,000:1) but I'm pretty TV stupid.

[brvheart]

If there is no particular reason that you are saying your max is $1500, then you should just spend another $1500 and get this 72" bad boy...72" - $3200http://www.samsclub....amp;item=39354350" plasma - $1700http://www.samsclub....amp;item=39656847" - $1245http://www.samsclub....amp;item=386273

[Governator]

I love my sharp aquos.Where are you putting the tv? Main floor with lots of natural light go with LCD, basement for the movie 'experience' go with Plasma. Dynamic contrast ratio is highly overrated and is mostly a marketing gimmick. Look at the native contrast ratio for a more accurate idea, tvs that don't advertise it I'd look it up under the specs on the manufacturer's website.

[tobytobey]

Governator, on Tuesday, May 6th, 2008, 1:07 PM, said:

I love my sharp aquos.Where are you putting the tv? Main floor with lots of natural light go with LCD, basement for the movie 'experience' go with Plasma. Dynamic contrast ratio is highly overrated and is mostly a marketing gimmick. Look at the native contrast ratio for a more accurate idea, tvs that don't advertise it I'd look it up under the specs on the manufacturer's website.

The TV will be in the family room with that has plenty of natural light. I'm not sure whether I'll get a tv stand or put it on my mantle over my fireplace (about 4' off the ground - i dont the fireplace). I'm worried about having to constantly look up.What are the main spec's I should be looking at, and what is good for each?Thanks again.Edit: I went to Samsung's website and didn't see a "native contrast ratio" spec. I did however see that the tv I listed has a contrast ratio of 12,000:1 as opposed to the 20,000:1 listed on Best Buy's website.

[qyayqi]

true contrast 2000:1 or greaterresponse time 4ms or less1080p (obv)120mhz refresh desireable but priceywide viewing angle (if you're having it mounted high, watch the vertical angle)check each model on retrevo for reviews & ranking - ie like this.having said all this, i picked up a dlp tv (thicker, think projection/lcd hybrid), sony kds-50a2020 just before they stopped making them and have been completely satisfied even though it doesn't have 120mhz. use retreveo and follow links to reviews to get a good feel for all the tv's you consider. some have low response time which makes action stuff jittery. some have banding issues. take your time before you commit and you'll be pleased with the results.