TV ADVICE (New to site)

[WHEswim]

Well, after finding useful information on this site before...Here we go with the first post. I was hoping to get some helpful suggestions on a TV. I live in an apartment (I think it is small, others disagree.) Right now I have a 37" 1080p, but I was thinking of possibly upgrading somewhere in the range of 46" - 55" while hopefully keeping the price fairly modest. ($2,000 or under hopefully) As far as what I would be looking for besides an upgrade in screen size... I would like to have 3D (and I believe passive 3d at that), unless everyone here can convince me that is a complete waste of time/money. I am not sure I need any other features as my PS3 can handle netflix. Unless, once again, all of you who are much wiser and much more experienced can convince me that there are other features that cannot be missed. Obviously the more money I could save the better. I know I will not be purchasing the world's greatest tv. I would likely have to commit some sort of crime to afford an OLED in the next couple years. And if this is not the appropriate area for a thread like this, or if this is a complete waste of everyone's time.... I sincerely apologize. Just trying to find some advice on a future purchase from people who have been in the game for a bit longer than I have. Thanks for any and all help that comes my way.

 

[markw]

As for features, I'll leave that to others but, as for the size, I'd strongly suggest you go as large as possible or else you'll be in this exact same situation again in a year or so.. 55" or so would be a reasonable jump.

Look carefully at the demos of the 3D system you consider in the stores before buying and be really, really sure you can live with it. You'll also need a new blu-ray for 3d but the good thing is that almost all now have tons of internet apps built in.

 

[brianedm]

As for features, I'll leave that to others but, as for the size, I'd strongly suggest you go as large as possible or else you'll be in this exact same situation again in a year or so.. 55" or so would be a reasonable jump.

Look carefully at the demos of the 3D system you consider in the stores before buying and be really, really sure you can live with it. You'll also need a new blu-ray for 3d but the good thing is that almost all now have tons of internet apps built in.

I believe the ps3 can play 3d blu rays

 

[BMXTRIX]

The PS3 has no issue with 3D playback of BDs.

What viewing distance are you at? I'm about 12' from my display at 64" and it is very comfortable. At 10', going to 55" or so is not at all unreasonable.

Can you do plasma, or is your room to bright for plasma to be a feasiable option? The Panasonic and Samsung plasmas are both excellent and provide great value and quality for the money.

The GT series 60" Panasonic plasma is excellent and under $2K from Amazon:
Amazon.com: Panasonic VIERA TC-P60GT50 60-Inch 1080p Full HD 3D Plasma TV: Electronics

There are only a couple of brands of passive TVS, neither of which are plasmas. Since I won't rcommend LG to anyone, that leaves you with Vizio, which gives some good cheaper models, but I'm not sure is going to deliver compared to Samsung or Panasonic, though they may be similar to Sharp.

 

[WHEswim]

I can't remember the exact distance I am from the tv. It isn't all that far though. 9 or 10 ft I want to say. I will have to measure it again to remember exactly what the distance is. I really don't mind the 37" for movies, but I definitely need a bigger screen for split screen/multiplayer gaming. Plus an old roommate and I used to have a projector set up on a 100" screen at the place I lived in before this one, so I would like to try and get a little closer to that feeling again. Ha. Thanks for the advice and pointing me in the right direction. If you have any other suggestions, let me know. I really appreciate it.

Oh, and besides the specifics of the tv, any thoughts in general on your experiences with 3D (specifically passive vs active)??

Thanks again.

 

[afterlife2]

Go for a Panasonic. I wish I could afford one, but I love my Vizio 37 Inch TV. It has surprised me picture wise after adjusting it to my taste.