total noob question about tv

[bikemig]

So I need a new 47 inch led tv. I've decided on the Panasonic DMP-BDT220 blu ray player and figure I might as well get a panasonic tv. I currently own a 32 inch Samsung and like it. I'm thinking of getting the Panasonic VIERA TC-L47E50; the price is right at under $800 and it has 4 hdmi slots. Is there something else in the Panasonic line I should be looking at? I'd like to keep the total cost at under $1k if possible. Who makes the best led TVs now? Thanks!

 

[ParadigmDawg]

It depends on the light conditions in your viewing room. If it's a dark room I would look at a Panny plasma.

 

[fuzz092888]

I completely agree, if lighting isn't an issue than panny plasma is the way to go.

If lighting is an issue, I like samsung LCD's and LED's. Sharp makes cheaper and bigger LCD/LED TVs. You won't have the picture quality (but pretty close) of some other LED/LCD sets, but for cheaper and bigger than they charge.

 

[bikemig]

Thanks for the replies. Yeah I've been doing some more reading and it looks like Panasonics aren't as well considered as Samsungs and some others when it comes to LED TVs. I'd like to go with a plasma but the room is not that dark. It's a smallish family room with pretty large windows. I have good shades but it won't get really dark when it's light outside.

The other thing is that I don't want or need 3d and I don't really care if it's a smart TV or not since I have a computer attached to my TV for web browsing. Who makes good LED TVs?

Like I said, I'd like to keep the cost to around a $1000 but I'm willing to pay somewhat more. Three models I'm looking at are the LG 47LS4600, the Samsung UN46D6050, and the Sony BRAVIA KDL46EX640.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

The Samsung UN46D6000 is supposed to be a great LCD maybe the 6050 is a newer model? I'm not sure but worth looking into.

 

[Adam]

I don't know how this year's Panasonic plasmas compare against my 2009 G10 in terms of ambient light performance (mine has a screen coating that I don't believe is applied anymore), but I haven't had any trouble with mine, and my living room has a lot of ambient light. I have two windows facing the screen, a large sliding glass door off to one side, and openings on the other side to more windows. The ambient lighting was a big part of my decision, and I went with the plasma in part because of the superior anti-reflective coating on it. I went to Best Buy to look at different screens, and a lot of the LCD screens had gone to the glossy finish (some were available in a matte finish). I encourage you to take a look for yourself if possible before deciding on a particular technology. I can supply pictures if you're interested - I just wanted to add some info.

 

[bikemig]

@Adam: I appreciate the pics; I'll pm you.

I've bought all my TVs before from Best Buy and I may buy this one again from them. I like the idea of being able to return it to a brick and mortar store if I have any problems.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I don't know how this year's Panasonic plasmas compare against my 2009 G10 in terms of ambient light performance (mine has a screen coating that I don't believe is applied anymore), but I haven't had any trouble with mine, and my living room has a lot of ambient light. I have two windows facing the screen, a large sliding glass door off to one side, and openings on the other side to more windows. The ambient lighting was a big part of my decision, and I went with the plasma in part because of the superior anti-reflective coating on it. I went to Best Buy to look at different screens, and a lot of the LCD screens had gone to the glossy finish (some were available in a matte finish). I encourage you to take a look for yourself if possible before deciding on a particular technology. I can supply pictures if you're interested - I just wanted to add some info.

I'm not sure if all the Panny's have it now or if it starts at a certain model but they have changed from the screen coating to a anti reflective Louvre filter which should be superior at least in overhead light conditions. Mine is just fine in a bright room.

 

[Adam]

I'll take some pictures today if it's sunny, or find some older ones that do it justice. It was cloudy yesterday, so the pictures would have been cheating.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I'll take some pictures today if it's sunny, or find some older ones that do it justice. It was cloudy yesterday, so the pictures would have been cheating.

You really don't have to come all the way over just to take pictures but feel free if you want to...

 

[Adam]

You really don't have to come all the way over just to take pictures but feel free if you want to...

It's no problem. Taking pictures of the living room will be fun, actually. I like taking a break from crouching under your bedroom window.

 

[Adam]

Another stormy day. P-Dawg's picture is probably better than any that I'd show, as mine is an older version. I'll look for some pics, though.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Another stormy day. P-Dawg's picture is probably better than any that I'd show, as mine is an older version. I'll look for some pics, though.

Plus my stuff is twice as cool as yours

 

[BMXTRIX]

Plasmas do pretty well in bright rooms. They aren't like rear projection televisions or projectors which do terrible or abysmal in rooms with light. The issue with plasmas is more often the reflections from windows. Still, in our family room with a 2005 home we have an entire wall of windows opening to a kitchen with a wall of windows and our Samsung plasma does just fine during the daytime for viewing. I avoid the 'reflection' seat or close the shades when I'm stuck in that seat during the daytime, but a closed curtain is all it takes to make viewing just fine. Just the window which is in line to create the reflection is the one that bugs me, and unless you get an anti-glare LCD screen, which is becoming more and more rare, then you may run into the same issue with a LCD display.

For the money, you are far better off with plasma for sure.

Otherwise, I would save up a bit for a better Samsung model if you could.