Best TV choice?

[SunTzu69]

Hi guys,

I hope this isn't off-topic in this thread. I am looking to buy a 40'' or so widescreen TV set. I am looking for image quality before anything else. The room the TV takes in my living room is not of much concern to me. It has to be HDTV of course.

What would you guys generally suggest as best bang for buck? I am looking at the $2,000 price range or so. I might buy from Costco.com since I can pickup in my area. Is there anything in particular that I should avoid also?

Thank you for your advice.

[Burdman27911]

From just looking at Costco's site, I can see a few options. IMO the best one (if you don't mind a 37") would be this Sceptre (http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11042448&whse=BC&Ne=5000002+4000000&N=4001374%204294966754&Mo=9&No=4&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&Sp=C&topnav=) it has a resoultion of 1920x1080 which is real 1080p and it is at a price of $1299 (AR of $200) which is a good bit under your budget, leaving room for a nice sound system or something of that nature ;).

If you really have your mind set on 40", then both Sony (http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11121940&whse=BC&Ne=5000002+4000000&N=4001374%204294966754&Mo=9&No=0&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&Sp=C&topnav=) and Viewsonic (http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11162632&whse=BC&Ne=5000002+4000000&N=4001374%204294966754&Mo=9&No=2&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&Sp=C&topnav=)have sets that are 1366x768. The sony is $1999 and the Viewsonic is $1499, with the sony only seeming better in contrast (black levels).

All those were LCD, but if you want Plasma then your best choice will be either 42" Philips (http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11161689&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&N=4001381%204294966780&Mo=12&No=1&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ns=P_Price|0||P_SignDesc1&Sp=C&topnav=)for $1699 (1024x768) or a 50" Vizio (http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11165569&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&N=4001381%204294966780&Mo=12&No=2&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ns=P_Price|0||P_SignDesc1&Sp=C&topnav=)for $1999 1366x768 (my personal choice for the plasmas).

As for DLP there is only a 56" Sharp (http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11041931&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&N=4001386%204294966780&Mo=2&No=2&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&Sp=C&topnav=) 1280x720 (only up to 720p) for $1499.

In the end it really depends on what you prefer, do you want more size for the money, more dark levels, longer lasting... But my personal choice is torn between the 37" Sceptre LCD (for the 1080p, which I'd LOVE for my HTPC) and 50" Vizio Plasma (plasma has great black levels, but I'm not a huge fan of plasmas).

Unfortunately I am no expert, but I was just throwing around your choices from Costco. I hope that helped a bit.

[SunTzu69]

Thank you for the feedback.

Generally speaking from what I have been told thus far:

Plasma - avoid because of repair costs and low durability
LCD - perhaps the best choice, low repair cost, nice sizes available
CRT - Best bang for buck, perhaps the sizes aren't available

Sony Wega is a TV I have been looking at. My brother mentioned it might be the best bang for buck image wise. I am still reading reviews and trying to figure out what "type" of TV I am looking for.

[jiggamanjb]

CRTs are still the best you can get for HD and since they frowned upon by most, maybe cause they are heavy, what happened to people doing any amount of lifting anymore???? Sorry I'm rambling.. Anywho, yes, that Sony you are looking at is an amazing TV. One of my inlaws just bought it and it looks better than any plasma I've ever seen. I'm assuming you mean this one link (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7705799&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat95100050007&id=1138087658070). If you can wait, I'd go for a SED ( LCD size, CRT quality ) when they become available, but the prices will probably be through the roof.

[Robbie T]

I always Liked Sony TVs. The Image Quality is usually awesome

[SunTzu69]

I notice that CRT HDTV televisions seem to only be offered up to 34''. I was looking at something more in the range of 40'' HDTV. Does this mean that my best bets are LCD rear projection or Plasma capable of 1080i (or whatever the number is.. :P)?

[Kurz]

I am surprised no one is endorsing DLP's.
I love my Samsung Set.
SED's arent even out yet, there is talk about A set coming out in Christmas, though until you see it dont recommend it.

[Jumpin Jack]

I have a 56" rear projection Toshiba TV, although its great and has huge WOW factor, my next TV will probably be front projection as it will be capable of HD.

[jiggamanjb]

I notice that CRT HDTV televisions seem to only be offered up to 34''. I was looking at something more in the range of 40'' HDTV. Does this mean that my best bets are LCD rear projection or Plasma capable of 1080i (or whatever the number is.. :P)?

You got it. I wouldn't worry about 1080p unless you plan on getting a blu-ray or hd-dvd player.

[Procharger]

You got it. I wouldn't worry about 1080p unless you plan on getting a blu-ray or hd-dvd player.

According to the DirectTV guy 1080p through the satellite is soon to come.

[jiggamanjb]

According to the DirectTV guy 1080p through the satellite is soon to come.

hmmm, I think that is about 5-10yrs out. I could be wrong...:eek:

[mcoleg]

check the westinghouse brand in best buy or wherever you have tvs on display. you can find 1080p 40" model for around 2k. pq is pretty good as is the scaler and they have more connections than you can shake a stick at.