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Community => Watto's Junk Yard => Topic started by: I Am Sith on May 9, 2007, 05:02 PM

Title: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: I Am Sith on May 9, 2007, 05:02 PM
I'm looking at buying an HDTV and have done all the research on LCD vs. Plasma vs. DLP, but was wondering what everyone's experience has been with these.  I'm leaning toward plasma for my Family Room, mostly because of size, and LCD if we upgrade the one in our bedroom, but I'm sure I could be convinced to go with LCD for both.

What does eveyone else have and would you buy the same thing if you had it to do all over again?
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: DoctorPadawan on May 9, 2007, 06:18 PM
I have a Sony 42" LCD projection HDTV, and I couldn't be happier with it.  I've had it for just over two years and I bought it specifically because the husband of a former co-worker told me they tended to have the least amount of problems.  He was not a fan of plasma screens and kind of steered me away from them with his horror stories of going through two plasma screens in a year because of screen defects. 

The Home Theater Forum (http://www.hometheaterforum.com) is an excellent resource for hardware reviews from average folks, but you may have already been over there.  As for long-term service, I've gotten just about every piece of electronic equipment I have from Sears and have yet to have a problem (knocking on a big block of wood as I type that). :)  They seem to be a bit more flexible with warranties and price and depending on your location, you can usually compare the different sets on their website and have them hold the actual set for you to pick up at the store.

As for the last part of your question, I'd buy the exact set I have now again in a second. :)
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: BillCable on May 9, 2007, 06:20 PM
I have an LCD.  I couldn't find a 1080p plasma anywhere I looked, and getting a 1080p HDTV was my primary goal.  My research indicated plasmas don't last as long, are susceptible to burn-in if you use them for video games, and run a lot hotter.  Of course I was only looking for a 40" HDTV... if you're looking for something really big a DLP would probably work better.
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: Darth_Anton on May 9, 2007, 11:48 PM
All the tech professionals I talk to, people like telecini artists whose eyes are trained for detail, say stay away from plasma if you care about picture quality.

I plan on going with DLP projection myself.
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: Nicklab on May 10, 2007, 12:55 AM
I've been working in the television industry for over 15 years.  Recently I was at a seminar on signal quality with some of my colleagues.  We got into part of the discussion regarding HDTV and what is the best signal quality you can get at home.  And honestly, what people are getting delivered to their homes as HDTV is not necessarily a 1080i or 1080p image.  At least via home satellite and cable systems.  Both cable systems and Direct TV are digitally compressing those HD signals for the purpose of transmission.  They're not devoting anywhere near the true ammount of bandwidth that those signals require for 1:1 transmission.

Where can you get a true HDTV signal?  A few places.  Most of the next gen gaming platforms have HDMI outputs.  And then there are the HDTV ready DVD players, regardless of which format they're using.  And finally there is over the air transmission from local stations.  Believe it or not you can get a true Hi-Def picture at home just by hooking up an antenna for the over the air stations.  And transmission of those signals is now digital, so you won't have hash in the image if you don't have good reception.  Either the signal is solid or it might go to digital blocking or black if the signal quality is poor.

As for the sets themselves?  Plasmas have been marketed as the top of the line, but that's not necessarily the case.  LCD's are almost as good.  But I've heard the most promising things about the DLP sets.  HOWEVER, you may also want to look at a CRT set.  The image quality is amazing.  CRT's are very tried and true and that's what is being used in the television industry for video quality control.  They're not as compact as the flatscreen televisions, but I think you may like the image quality.  Especially when it comes to viewing the set from different angles in a room.
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: Matt_Fury on May 10, 2007, 12:56 AM
I have a 61" HDLI by JVC....basically, it's their version of DLP and I really enjoy it.  The picture is great for regular Direct Tv (we're upgrading to HD Direct Tv when we move at the end of the year), and awesome when I have the X-Box 360 on.

I didn't consider getting a plasma because they really aren't recommended for higher altitude, and if I get the assignment I want, we won't be leaving Colorado anytime soon.
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: BillCable on May 10, 2007, 02:16 AM
I have noticed a lot of compression artifacts from my local channels over DirecTV.  That was kind of disappointing.  It's still way better than regular TV about 95% of the time.  The only time it's not is in scenes where the color pallet is really limited (such as night time scenes) when it can be absolutely blocky.

I haven't had the chance to watch a Blu-ray movie yet, but I'm really looking forward to it.  I'm planning on picking up "Curse of the Golden Flower" next week, so that may end up being my first.  That movie has hands-down the most gorgeous interior sets I've seen in a film.  I have the feeling I'm going to be wiping the drool off my chin while watching that film.
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: I Am Sith on May 10, 2007, 08:22 AM
Thanks for the advice everyone, I really appreciate it since I'm a novice at this and it's a big investment I don't want to regret later.

Looks like the consensus is stay away from plasma and go LCD or DLP.  I have a feeling that I'm going to have to go with DLP though because we have a 19' long family room that opens into the kitchen.  So the idea was to get a set that we could still see well if we were in the kitchen making meals, etc.  That being said, I was looking at at least a 56" set if not bigger.  So I guess that rules LCD out...

I've been working in the television industry for over 15 years.

Hopefully you won't mind a few PM's when I finally narrow down my choices  ;D
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: Madcow on May 10, 2007, 08:56 AM
I was in the same boat as you a few months ago. After some research and going to the store 8 million times, I decided on the Sharp Aquos 46" 1080p LCD and I love it. The picture quality is great with my HD channels through cable and i'm planning on getting a Blu-Ray player by the end of the year...

Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: DarkKnight2k4 on May 10, 2007, 10:15 AM
I was in the same boat as you a few months ago. After some research and going to the store 8 million times, I decided on the Sharp Aquos 46" 1080p LCD and I love it. The picture quality is great with my HD channels through cable and i'm planning on getting a Blu-Ray player by the end of the year...



This is the route I would take King...
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: Nicklab on May 10, 2007, 08:28 PM
If you think that an antenna for local stations is an expense that you think is out of reach, check out Antennas Direct (http://www.antennasdirect.com/hdtv_antenna_selector.html).
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: Rob on August 6, 2007, 11:08 PM
Well here we go... I just bought one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-REGZA-42HL167-1080p-HDTV/dp/B000MXYD0I

Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: mousedroid on August 8, 2007, 09:45 AM
Cool!  I just bought one of these on Monday (I got mine at Circuit City though):

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-LNT4065F-1080p-LCD-HDTV/dp/B000OE02G4/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-9728076-2266221?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1186580563&sr=1-1 (http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-LNT4065F-1080p-LCD-HDTV/dp/B000OE02G4/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-9728076-2266221?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1186580563&sr=1-1)

I haven't hooked it up yet though.  Probably this weekend or next week - I need to get rid of my current entertainment center first.
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: Rob on August 8, 2007, 10:03 AM
Nice.

I found the Toshiba in a Fry's ad for $160 less - so I went back to Best buy and they gave me $191 back.

So, it ended up being quite a deal.

Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: I Am Sith on August 8, 2007, 04:24 PM
Those both look great guys!  I'm very jealous.  As far as purchasing one for my new place, I lost the arguement with my wife that we needed an HDTV before we needed to get window coverings for the Family Room and Morning Room...  Looks like I'm going to need to wait until Christmas.

And before anyone asks, yes, the money we spent on the window treatments that my wife wanted would have been able to get me an HDTV...
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: Oboewan on August 8, 2007, 04:39 PM
Well.... I ended up getting a PS3... then decided I need to get an HDTV 1080p too!    An folks.... we all know Force Unleashed is coming out... I expect that the Lucas Arts team will be churning it out in 1080p (at least I HOPE so!)

So... COSTO had a 42" Magnavox LCD with 1080p for 999 plus tax/shipping. 
Magnavox (http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?whse=BC&topnav=&prodid=11213783&ec=BC-EC877-CatHome&pos=9&lang=en-US)

 I've had it for almost two weeks now and already have a single pixel gone.   I talked to them about this but they can't do anything without at least 4 pixels being gone (then Magnavox will come repair or replace it).   There's also an annoying display feature that I can't get rid of- whenever I change stations or imputs (and sometime just DVD sections) a small box appears "informing me" of the current format/picutre/source.   I'm seriously thinking about taking it back to COSTCO and getting something else because of both of these (90 day return policy!)

    I must say that Fifth Element in Blue Ray on this baby ROCKS!   Ninja Gaiden and F1 Championship are SCHWEEEET!!!

Only debate is whether to keep it or not at this point.   I "think" I'll keep it a few more weeks and see if any more pixels go out (and see what other deals come up)!

Jeff
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: Morgbug on August 8, 2007, 11:35 PM

And before anyone asks, yes, the money we spent on the window treatments that my wife wanted would have been able to get me an HDTV...

I share your pain.  Not directly relating to a TV, but the window covering part :'(
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: Tracy on August 9, 2007, 10:14 AM

And before anyone asks, yes, the money we spent on the window treatments that my wife wanted would have been able to get me an HDTV...

I share your pain.  Not directly relating to a TV, but the window covering part :'(

Well, without proper window coverings, you will get a horrible glare on the brand new, ginormous, expensive tv of yours :-*
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: Morgbug on August 9, 2007, 11:27 AM
Not if you tack up a dark colored sheet >:( :-*
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: Oboewan on August 9, 2007, 11:45 AM
Not if you tack up a dark colored sheet >:( :-*

Like some of the old Star Wars sheets.......
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: MaxWedge on August 10, 2007, 04:28 AM
You might want to think about viewing angle, space, and how bright the room is.  I bought a Philips 47" 1080p LCD at Costco early this year, and hung it on the wall of the family room.  We have a kitchen with joined family room (a big 14' x 35' room) with a lot of south facing windows, so it's pretty bright in there.  The LCD handles the bright light conditions well, has good viewing from anywhere in the room, and is big enough to be seen well from the far end of the kitchen.  To me, it seems with a lot of projection DPLs you have to be sitting directly in front of them with your head as high as the center of the screen to get a nice bright picture.  With you head higher or lower than the screen, it darkens considerably.  Test this out at the TV store you visit.  I think you'll find LCD is the way to go.
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: JediMoses on August 10, 2007, 07:24 AM
I recently got a Samsung DLP - HLS 6187.  Extremely happy with it.  Best size/money combo in my book.
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: I Am Sith on February 24, 2008, 04:49 PM
I'm leaning toward plasma for my Family Room, mostly because of size, and LCD if we upgrade the one in our bedroom, but I'm sure I could be convinced to go with LCD for both.

So I finally got a promotion at work and convinced my wife that we 'NEED' to get an HDTV for the Family Room.  After traveling to many friend's houses to experience their sets in person and then combing through reems of reviews and Consumer Reports, I finally made my purchase.  I ended up with an LCD and got the Sony KDL-52XBR5.  They were running a special at one of the local electronics stores near Milwaukee, otherwise I wouldn't have gotten the 52".  I ended up with that and the Bose 3-2-1 Home Entertainment system.

My wife is out shopping for a stand now.  Can't wait to get this all hooked up.
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: Rob on February 24, 2008, 05:16 PM
Congrats.   :)
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: Diddly on February 24, 2008, 10:09 PM
I'm starting to look into purchasing an HDTV sometime soon for my room. A 36" or bigger would be my ideal choice but they're way too expensive for me, so I'm looking at the 26" ones. So far I'm leaning towards this (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8205872&type=product&id=1165610666913) since I don't have a DVD player (always used my computer or PS2 for movie viewing).

Does anyone know which stores generally have the best deals or selections on HDTV's?
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: Tracy on February 25, 2008, 07:19 AM
Diddly

BJs (http://shop.bjs.com/21-quot----29-quot-_stcVVcatId428422VVviewcat.htm) has a few HDTV/DVD combos for less than Best Buy - though not as good a selection.  Good luck!
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: Diddly on June 9, 2008, 02:01 PM
Update from my last post: I think I've finally found a TV, a Samsung LN32A550 (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8742186&st=ln32a550&lp=1&type=product&cp=1&id=1202648738906). It's 32" and 1080p, and all the reviews I've read have been positive. Now I'm looking at comparing prices. Circuit City has it for $1000, cheapest I've found so far, but I'll have to try some local electronics stores too.

I'm also looking at DVD players with HD/1080p upconversion, does anyone have experience or suggestions for those?
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: I Am Sith on June 9, 2008, 10:08 PM
Congrats on finding an HDTV you like.  After watching the first few months of the MLB season in HD, I still say this is the greatest purchase I have ever made...

I don't have any experience with an upconverting DVD player, sorry.  I know a few people that have blueray players though and they swear they are the greatest thing ever.
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: BrentS on June 10, 2008, 10:49 AM
I know a few people that have blueray players though and they swear they are the greatest thing ever.


I'm one of those guys.  Best.  Movie.  Quality.  Ever.  It allows you to take advantage of the full 1080p picture.  I'm sure the prices on blu-ray have dropped a bit so you may consider that as well.  The blu-ray also upconverts to near HD quality for regulary definition DVDs.  I've not had any issues with watching any of my older movies on the blu-ray.

Now the downsides of the blu-ray:  My player is very, very, (sometimes painfully) slow when loading up a movie and getting to the main menu.  I've also already had to upgrade the firmware once on it to keep it up to date with the current "standards".  Not a big deal once I figured out how to update it - I had to download an update CD from the Sony website.
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: Diddly on June 10, 2008, 12:38 PM
Oh yeah, I definitely have plans to get a Blu Ray player in the future, but I'm not ready to make the switch yet (translation: I will be broke after the HDTV purchase). Plus I plan on getting a PS3 sometime. That's actually why I'm springing for the 1080p TV's even though I won't be able to hook it up to HD cable, for all the future HD purchases I plan on making.
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: Diddly on July 12, 2009, 01:03 AM
Bump to brag. The other day I was killing time in Best Buy before work and I noticed a 32 inch, 1080p Sharp Aquos hidden over by the car audio section "on clearance" for $399.99 (original price was around $1200). I asked an employee if that was the correct price and about 4 of them checked on it and determined that nothing was wrong with it, it was just "last year's model" that they wanted to get rid of. And because the display unit was their last one I was able to get a 15% off open item discount. So today I brought home a 32 inch, 1080p HDTV for only $370!

Picture quality and sound are perfect but now I'm looking into Blu-Ray and all the other HD stuff because it's a shame I'm only using the TV with basic cable for now. (parents have the HD cable box on our downstairs TV but I might have to steal it once or twice...)
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: Darth_Anton on July 12, 2009, 11:35 AM
We would up buying an LCD and absolutely love it. We almost went with the new LED, which looks amazing, but the price was a little much. If price is no object though, I would recommend to anyone to consider an LED.
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: iFett on July 12, 2009, 06:02 PM
I'm VERY close to upgrading to a 42" LCD something anytime now.  Question though - I have a 36" Phillips/Magnavox tube.  Does anybody even pay money for these things or is it straight to recycling for these old puppies?

We almost went with the new LED, which looks amazing, but the price was a little much. If price is no object though, I would recommend to anyone to consider an LED.

LED?  Crap.  I used to be up with all the new gadgets and crap when I was a teen.  Sucks being an old man.   :-\
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: BrentS on July 12, 2009, 09:28 PM
I've also just recently caught the bug to upgrade the bedroom TV.  We've got a 27" tube TV in there now and I have an HD Directv received just wasting away on it.  I'm thinking of getting a 32" LCD TV as it would fit nicely.  The big debate is whether to get a 720p or 1080p.  According to CNet (http://reviews.cnet.com/720p-vs-1080p-hdtv/) I'd probably just be better off with a 720p LCD since its not larger than 50".
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: Nicklab on July 12, 2009, 09:49 PM
Saw a similar deal today at a local WalMart store.  They were clearing out the store display units.  Saw a 42" LCD that was 1080p for about $700.  But it was an as is sale, so that was a significant deterrent to me.
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: Darth_Anton on July 13, 2009, 10:56 AM
The big debate is whether to get a 720p or 1080p. 

I can't say with any certainty. We went with 1080p for a 46" and don't feel like we over paid.

Speaking of tech variances though, we got a 120 mhz TV. Everyone keep trying to sell us on the 240's if you watch sports, but I can say that it's waste of money to upgrade. I've watched many a football game on our TV and have not noticed a single "blur" the sales people claimed we'd see without the 240.
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: BillCable on July 13, 2009, 11:11 AM
That's funny... I remember when all the salespeople were saying you needed to get a 120 not to see the blur...   ;D
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: Nicklab on July 13, 2009, 12:53 PM


The big debate is whether to get a 720p or 1080p.  According to CNet (http://reviews.cnet.com/720p-vs-1080p-hdtv/) I'd probably just be better off with a 720p LCD since its not larger than 50".


I would say go with the 1080p right off the bat.  720p will serve you well enough with any kind of broadcast signals.  Simply because most broadcasts don't have the bandwidth to give you a true 1080p signal, and the network HD broadcasts max out around 720 p...even sports.  But if you have a BluRay player or a gaming console like the PS3 or X-Box 360, you'll get a far superior image on a 1080p set.

As for the 120 MHz refresh rate?  I can't say that I'm a fan of it when it comes to watching movies.  Because that refresh rate is in contrast to the quaint 24fps look of film.  It makes movies look more like they were shot on video, and they lose some of that "cinematic" quality.
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: BrentS on July 13, 2009, 01:33 PM


The big debate is whether to get a 720p or 1080p.  According to CNet (http://reviews.cnet.com/720p-vs-1080p-hdtv/) I'd probably just be better off with a 720p LCD since its not larger than 50".


I would say go with the 1080p right off the bat.  720p will serve you well enough with any kind of broadcast signals.  Simply because most broadcasts don't have the bandwidth to give you a true 1080p signal, and the network HD broadcasts max out around 720 p...even sports.  But if you have a BluRay player or a gaming console like the PS3 or X-Box 360, you'll get a far superior image on a 1080p set.


I've got a 51" 1080p LCD in my family room - I absolutely love it.  We've got a Blu-Ray and PS3 hooked up to it and the picture quality is stunning.  However, for my bedroom where we are only looking at a 32" TV and we'll never have a gaming console (though maybe a blu-ray in the distant future), I'm just not sure its worth the extra couple of hundred bucks.  I'm going to look around at some more specific TVs and read some reviews and then look at them in person before I make a final purchase.

When I upgrade my basement TV (from a rear-proj HD), I'll definitely go 1080p again.
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: Darth_Anton on July 14, 2009, 11:22 AM

As for the 120 MHz refresh rate?  I can't say that I'm a fan of it when it comes to watching movies.  Because that refresh rate is in contrast to the quaint 24fps look of film.  It makes movies look more like they were shot on video, and they lose some of that "cinematic" quality.

You're right. In double checking our specs, we didn't even get a 120 model. We got a slightly older model because most newer TV's have a gloss finish on the screen to enhance the blacks. We wanted the matte finish to cut down on glare. The "better" MHz TV's did look really bad handling movies.
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: name on July 18, 2009, 10:58 PM
We jumped into the world of HDTV today.  Stopped into Sams Club to pick up garbage bags and laundry detergent, and walked out with a this (http://www.amazon.com/JVC-LT42X579-42-Inch-1080p-HDTV/dp/B0017SW79G) 42", 1080P JVC set for ...wait for it.....

$450.

Was an open box return.  Unhooked the 27" tube set I've had since college and watche ROTS on it tonight.  We are in love. 
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: I Am Sith on July 18, 2009, 11:24 PM
Congrats name.  Boy, a new baby and a new HDTV all in the same week...  Which one are you happier about? ;)
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: I Am Sith on January 11, 2010, 09:25 PM
Question for all of you HDTV owners out there.  We are talking about mounting our LCD up on the wall.  I'm pretty confident that I can mount the HDTV correctly, but I'm actually more worried about the Bose 3.2.1 system I have and getting the speakers mounted/wired properly.  Does anyone else have a Bose 3.2.1 system and if so, were you able to run the wires through the wall properly and not have gaping holes in the walls.  The reason I ask is because the speaker connections are pretty large and of course are unique to Bose.  I haven't seen any couplers out there where I can use a coupler and faceplate and make a connection in the wall like I can with HDMI or component cables.  The only option I can come up with is to cut a hole in the wall the same size as the speaker connection and then patch it once the wire is through.  The speaker mount bracket will cover up the opening somewhat, but I'm hoping that's not my only option.

Any thoughts/suggestions on how to accomplish this and not make a mess of the walls would be appreciated.  Thanks.
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: Jesse James on January 11, 2010, 11:04 PM
This thread bumping up reminds me to thank Sprry75 and some other of the JD faithful for their help privately leading up to Christmas with me buying a spankin' new 60" DLP HDTV at an super cool price from Best Buy in late November/Early December.  It's a Mitsubishi 60", 1080p, 120hz, and fantastic from every angle of the living room, and I couldn't be happier with it.  I went with DLP because the depth of the TV wasn't an issue, more the cost of LCD's and Plasma's was scary to me, and so I figured I'd go with a thicker TV for a lot less moolah spent.

My favorite thing is hockey in HD...  It's gorgeous.  A very close second is XBox360 in HD, which is eye-popping.  We actually were given a hand-me-down surround-sound from someone recently, so we're going to be beefing up the sound a bit too, but honestly I haven't ever been much of a nitpicker on that.  I have to get speakerwire is all now, and then it'll be boomin' sound too.

I'm not a movie guy generally, but I'm anxious to watch Star Wars on it because I briefly popped ANH into the player and man, it was like watching it all over again.  Freaky.

Also Ryan hooked me up with a good stand at Ikea and when we went to grab one, they were even on sale for $129, so right away we got our whole living room beefed up for entertainment in the span of Christmas Weekend.  Double freaky for us.  We're not much for big changes.

My gf has adapted, even though she insisted no TV was necessary...  This was a family gift, and so far we're all enjoying it a ton.  Unfortunately her daughter went back to school, so she's missing the TV now, but she'll be back for Summer and I'm sure she'll get to pop in movies and enjoy.

My hat is off to everyone who helped me out though with finding this, especially Ryan for his help, as it was greatly appreciated and made Christmas pretty fun this year, despite my early buyer's remorse.  ;D  I have the same feeling when I pick up an extra loaf of bread though.

IAS,

I'd love to help you but I'm a noob with all this stuff.  The only thought I have is that a small hole in the wall's very easy to cover up without you noticing it, but you probably already knew that...  I have no clue what the size woudl be you'd need to cut is all.  I'll be running my wires ont he outside around the baseboard to avoid hastle.  The living room is getting redone eventually anyway so I figure no sense me doing work that would be tore up anyway eventually.
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: Brian on February 28, 2010, 09:11 PM
I wasn't sure exactly where to post this, but figured this was as good a place as any.  Sort of a technical question, since we're new to the HDTV world here.  We just picked up our first HDTV, a 42" LG 1080p, 120 Hz model.  We also previously had a blu ray player (gift for Christmas, with intentions of getting this TV eventually), and I picked up the HDMI cable with the TV today as well.  Anyways, got everything hooked up, and we're very happy with it.  We tried out a few of the blu ray movies we already had just to see them, and the picture looks great.  Here's my question though, it seems that the movies still have the "black bars" on the top and bottom.  I guess I always thought when you had a widescreen TV, those would be gone, but perhaps our settings are wrong.  I have both the player and the TV set on 16:9.  I know we're not "losing any picture" like a lot of fullscreen fans think is happening with those black bars, but I just thought those would be gone with a widescreen television (or closer to it).  Just curious if anyone knew what we're doing wrong, if anything.
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: JediJman on February 28, 2010, 09:22 PM
I don't have a BR, but I see this from time to time on some of our DVDs.  There are different aspect ratios apparently.  Our Sony Bravia has a "WIDE" button on it that let's you toggle to different size screen views and that usually fixes it, though if the ratio is off you will still end up with a little cut off on each side (that's what happens on ours anyway).
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: Dave on February 28, 2010, 10:30 PM
I wasn't sure exactly where to post this, but figured this was as good a place as any.  Sort of a technical question, since we're new to the HDTV world here.  We just picked up our first HDTV, a 42" LG 1080p, 120 Hz model.  We also previously had a blu ray player (gift for Christmas, with intentions of getting this TV eventually), and I picked up the HDMI cable with the TV today as well.  Anyways, got everything hooked up, and we're very happy with it.  We tried out a few of the blu ray movies we already had just to see them, and the picture looks great.  Here's my question though, it seems that the movies still have the "black bars" on the top and bottom.  I guess I always thought when you had a widescreen TV, those would be gone, but perhaps our settings are wrong.  I have both the player and the TV set on 16:9.  I know we're not "losing any picture" like a lot of fullscreen fans think is happening with those black bars, but I just thought those would be gone with a widescreen television (or closer to it).  Just curious if anyone knew what we're doing wrong, if anything.

It can depend on the movies you're watching on Blu-Ray as well.  Blu-Ray widescreen formats like anamorphic will still leave black bars on the top and bottom.
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: Brian on March 1, 2010, 10:29 AM
Thanks for the info guys.  Yeah, our has different viewing options as well, but I wasn't sure what the "right" one was for sure.  Some will make it fill the screen, but it seems to look a little different (not as good) as the standard 16:9 setting.  Glad to hear that it isn't just something we were doing wrong, and perhaps that is just how they look.  We don't have a ton of blu ray movies, but tried a few (Spidey/Spidey 2, and my wife tried watching Twilight), and they all seemed to have the bars - but looked great otherwise.
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: iFett on March 1, 2010, 11:00 AM
We just picked up our first HDTV, a 42" LG 1080p, 120 Hz model.

42" LG 1080p 120Hz was my first flatscreen purchase (well at least the first one I kept)   ;)  Very happy with it - so far.
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: I Am Sith on May 27, 2010, 11:33 PM
We are talking about mounting our LCD up on the wall.  I'm pretty confident that I can mount the HDTV correctly, but I'm actually more worried about the Bose 3.2.1 system I have and getting the speakers mounted/wired properly.  Does anyone else have a Bose 3.2.1 system and if so, were you able to run the wires through the wall properly and not have gaping holes in the walls.  The reason I ask is because the speaker connections are pretty large and of course are unique to Bose.  I haven't seen any couplers out there where I can use a coupler and faceplate and make a connection in the wall like I can with HDMI or component cables.  The only option I can come up with is to cut a hole in the wall the same size as the speaker connection and then patch it once the wire is through.  The speaker mount bracket will cover up the opening somewhat, but I'm hoping that's not my only option.

Well after some research on the internet and a few phonecalls with Bose, I was able to find the speaker couplers I needed to mount the speakers on the wall.  I was also able to find a site that made custom component face plates for my HDMI and Component cables.  All in all this project took a lot longer than I thought it would (and cost me a lot more money than I thought it would), but I'm very happy with the results.  I have the HDTV on the wall, the speakers mounted, the subwoofer tucked away next to the fireplace and my components completely on the opposite side of the room, also tucked away out of sight.  All the cables were run through the walls with minimal drywall damage and I didn't fry myself running a new outlet in the wall for the TV to plug into.  However, I'll let my fellow forum-mates judge for themselves if I did a good enough job:

(http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e391/iamsith22/DSCN3270.jpg)
(http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e391/iamsith22/DSCN3271.jpg)
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: JesseVader08 on May 27, 2010, 11:47 PM
It looks so clean, nicely done.
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: JediJman on May 28, 2010, 04:10 AM
Looks great - nice work.  Now come install some speakers for me!
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: Ryan on August 30, 2010, 10:58 PM
I have a bit of a dilemma... I have a slightly older HDTV. I bought it about 3-4 years ago and it has been a great TV to me. I've never had any problems with it and it works perfectly. I'm moving next week and I'm finally going to be using it in the family room as my entertainment TV. Here's the catch, because the TV is older it only has one HDMI port. This was never a problem before, I've never needed to connect more than one HDMI capable device. Now I have 3, my Xbox, my PS3, and the HD DVR. I don't want to have to ghetto it up and physically switch the cable every time I want to use a different device, and I can't necessarily afford a new TV. So here's my question, does anyone know of any kind of splitter exists so I can can use all three devices at the same time? I found some but they seem to work the other way. They have one input and four outputs, i.e. one Xbox that can be played on four TV screens, not four devices on the one TV. Even that splitter was like $125.

Has anyone one else run into this issue? Does anyone know of any good and reliable HDMI switchers?
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: shmashwitdaclub on August 31, 2010, 09:22 AM
I think this may be what you are looking for (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882021170&cm_re=hdmi_splitter-_-82-021-170-_-Product)

there are more here (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=hdmi+splitter)

Newegg rocks.
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: hansolo_506 on August 31, 2010, 10:17 AM
We sell an HDMI switcher from Phillips at WalMart, with more models found online.
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: Ryan on August 31, 2010, 07:45 PM
We sell an HDMI switcher from Phillips at WalMart, with more models found online.

But why would I want to buy anything from Wal-Mart?
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: Ryan on August 31, 2010, 07:51 PM
I think this may be what you are looking for (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882021170&cm_re=hdmi_splitter-_-82-021-170-_-Product)

there are more here (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=hdmi+splitter)

Newegg rocks.

Thanks smash. I found one a little later last night. I did a little reading on Cnet and decided on this one (http://reviews.cnet.com/audio-video-distribution/monoprice-5x1-hdmi-switcher/4505-14101_7-32684037.html?tag=contentMain;compare). We'll see how it works.
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: iFett on August 31, 2010, 09:15 PM
We sell an HDMI switcher from Phillips at WalMart, with more models found online.

But why would I want to buy anything from Wal-Mart?

That's funny....Seriously   :)
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: shmashwitdaclub on September 1, 2010, 08:40 AM
this one (http://reviews.cnet.com/audio-video-distribution/monoprice-5x1-hdmi-switcher/4505-14101_7-32684037.html?tag=contentMain;compare). We'll see how it works.

the reviewers at the bottom of that page says it doesn't work for 1080p   :-\
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: I Am Sith on August 7, 2011, 08:51 PM
Was at Best Buy picking up some HDMI cables and came across a Sony 46" LED Internet HDTV for only $599.  When I asked why it was so cheap, the salesperson didn't really know.  When they went back to the desk to check it out, they said that there was actually an error in the price and that it was supposed to be $1000.  He said that it was their error and if I wanted one, he had to sell it to me for the $599 advertised price.  Needless to say, I walked out of there with the TV and a new BD player for good measure!

I love it when you get lucky just on blind **** luck!
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: Phrubruh on August 8, 2011, 01:12 AM
That is a wonderful thing. You know if it was TRU, they would tell you to pound sand.
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: Diddly on August 8, 2011, 02:35 AM
Well they probably got $80 something from those HDMI cables, something you can find on Amazon for $10, so I guess they won in the end  :P
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: Jesse James on August 8, 2011, 08:33 PM
Yeah I was going to say the same thing.  TAKE THE HDMI's BACK!

I learned (thank you Sprry75) when I bought my TV a couple years ago that they rape you on HDMI cables at BB, and you can get them shipped to you for free usually,f or like $10.  I have extras even.  Hell, Comcast even gave us HDMI cables with our DVR.

Take those back, and laugh even more on your way to the bank.
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: I Am Sith on August 8, 2011, 08:48 PM
Yeah, I normally go through 'My Cable Mart' to get my cables.  I also only bought the cheap ones at BB, not Monster Cables or anything like that.  In the future, I'll plan these things out better and make sure I have the cables in hand before I make a purchase like this!
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: name on August 9, 2011, 10:41 AM
cables, mounting brackets...any accessories like that...I recommend Monoprice.com.  pennies on the dollar compared to retail.  My TV hangs on a $19 wall mount that would have been $120.00 in a big box store.
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: Phrubruh on August 9, 2011, 10:56 AM
I found online a 30ft hdmi cable for $20. It works great. No distortion. Buying most cables from retail is a complete waste of money.
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: Phrubruh on August 10, 2011, 11:45 PM
What do you guys think of this Vizio 47" LED TV? $798 at Sam's Club with all the Internet widgets including NetFlix.

http://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/product.jsp?productId=prod1511359&navAction=push&_requestid=211858 (http://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/product.jsp?productId=prod1511359&navAction=push&_requestid=211858)
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: Morgbug on August 12, 2011, 05:24 PM
cables, mounting brackets...any accessories like that...I recommend Monoprice.com.  pennies on the dollar compared to retail.  My TV hangs on a $19 wall mount that would have been $120.00 in a big box store.

Seconded.  I haven't bought any accessories from anywhere other than Monoprice.com for over a year now.  Six foot HDMI cable for $3?  I'm in (and yes, the quality is the same). 
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: Jayson on December 27, 2011, 11:43 PM
Finally took the first step into HD territory over Xmas. The Mrs. wanted a flat screen for the living room to get the 36", 210lb flatscreen tube Sony and AV equipment out of the living room. I accommodated her of course (under the premise that I was doing for the family) and I bought an LCD 40" Philips 1280p/120hz with wi-fi/internet capability.

The basement is being converted from a dumping ground into a kids play room and home theater. I'll be getting another flatscreen and blu-ray player for down there, but I have to replace the current receiver as it isn't up to today's standards (no HDMI) and the .1 channel **** the bed.

Any audiophiles in the house with good recommendations for receivers with 7.1?
Title: Re: What HDTV to buy - LCD, Plasma, DLP
Post by: iFett on December 28, 2011, 09:42 AM
My 47" led has wi-fi too.  I never use the feature, but I suppose it's neat for Netflix.  Just not used to doing computer based stuff on my tv I guess..now that I finally have high speed interweb at home.