HDTV purchase advice

[ZeroClub]

I recently returned from abroad and need a real TV (currently using a 21 inch old school).

The local Walmart is having a sale. A 40 inch Samsung (LN40C530F1FX) caught my eye at $598. Size is good for the TV room.

There was also a 42 inch LG (42LD450), but I'm leaning toward the Samsung.

Currently we are on Comcast (too many trees for DirecTV, it turns out). May experiment with viewing content via internet at some point; I haven't tried that before.

Any thoughts / recommendations?

Besides the HD DVR from Comcast, any other accessories you'd strongly recommend?

 

[MonsterD]

Look at websites like slickdeals.net and search for a specific tv through the deal finding search sites. I got my 46" Samsung LED for about 45% off plus financed for 2 years because I did a ton of research, literally months.

I would say find out out what tvs you like narrow down to 2 or 3 deal search then buy.

If you get a Samsung LCD forget that 40" 530 and look at the LED lines like 5000 or 6000 series for the UNC models(their sidelits). The LED makes a big difference.

BTW for anyone uneducated LEDs are LCDs.

 

[ZeroClub]

Thanks MD

Anyone else have advice?

 

[YosemiteSam]

You almost can't go wrong with Samsung. Price for what you get is extremely hard to beat.

There are other TVs out there that *can* have a pretty good picture and a cheap price tag, but their hardware quality isn't there. Every single TV I own and my computer monitor are all Samsung. I love all of them. My monitor freaking owns. (mostly LCD, but I have a DLP also)

...take that back, I have (2) TVs that aren't Samsung. They are a 22" and 26" TV, but they are used in rooms that have very little TV usage. (Sort of guest TVs)


As for other things to get, a PS3 with TV remote is very nice. Plays BluRay and you can also use NetFlix, MLB.tv, and several other things on top of playing games.

 

[Dallas]

If you buy anything make sure you get an LED. Don't even think of buying an LCD anymore.

LED is where it's at and Samsung make the best. Also get an internet ready tv. You do those things and your set for the next 3-5 years.

 

[Meat-O-Rama]

If you buy anything make sure you get an LED. Don't even think of buying an LCD anymore.

LED is where it's at and Samsung make the best. Also get an internet ready tv. You do those things and your set for the next 3-5 years.

An LED is an LCD. LED just refers to the backlighting. It allows for thinner more energy efficient backlighting than the previous flourescent backlighting.

That said, LED *IS* the way to go with LCDs...

 

[YosemiteSam]

The downside to LED is they are usually considerably more expensive.

IMO, LCD is still the way to go unless you have money to burn. The enhancements LED offers do not balance out bang for the buck.

 

[trickblue]

I would also look for one with a matte screen. I have a glossy screen on my HP (made by Panasonic) 50" plasma and it is unwatchable with the blinds open because of light reflection off of the glossy screen...

I have a 42" Sharp in the bedroom with a matte screen and it is watchable pretty much in any situation... great picture...

A couple of things... and I am not trying to diss anyone's purchase. I talked to the repair company for Best Buy and they said they repair twice as many Philips units than all other brands combined.

Samsung makes about 80% of the Sony innards and their branded units come at a much cheaper price.

Panasonic is the highest rated for quality.

Pioneer is rated as the highest quality image. Pioneer is bowing out of the TV market this year, so you could probably get a deal.

Sharp has been in the LCD technology much longer than anyone else.

Visio has GREATLY improved their units and you get a lot of bang for the buck.

 

[Duane]

My 50" Panasonic plasma is a thing of beauty but it's in a room without a ton of light.

 

[Dallas]

My 50" Panasonic plasma is a thing of beauty but it's in a room without a ton of light.

I to have a Pany 50" plasma. It's about 5 years old now. Still an amazing picture. It doesn't do 1080, only 720. Im looking at the new Samsung

55" 7000 Series 3D 240hz

http://www.samsung.com/us/video/tvs/UN55C7000WFXZA

State of Alaska Permanent Fund dividends are being deposited on Oct 7th.

Think I'll pick it up then. Can't beat a free TV, right?

 

[ZeroClub]

Thanks all!

I made a purchase and am quite pleased. Ended up with a Sony 40 inch that was on sale. Figured out how to use unit as a monitor for laptop (not difficult, but a new one for me). Quite an upgrade over what I was using....

Your suggestions / observations were helpful.