LCD Dilemma

[techster82]

I have a bit of a problem finding an LCD. Two weeks ago my girlfriend and I went to a local electronics store and purchased a new Toshiba 42HL167 (42" 1080P) LCD for a nice price of $1460 plus tax. It wasn't in stock that day but was promised they were on order and would be in the following week. Fast forward 2 weeks later, still no TV.

So I go by the store today to try to get a handle on the situation. We just bought a new house and have been 2 weeks without a TV. After waiting several minutes for a sales rep, I asked if they had the TV in stock yet. Of course it wasn't, so I asked them to sell me the floor model which was a no go. I was then told it would be no longer than 2 more weeks. At this point I asked to be sold a comparative model at a similar price.

What they had in stock was a Sharp LC-42D62U (42" 1080P) on sale for $1889. With a discout he could get the price to $1675, about $200 more than the Toshiba. I did like the picture on the Sharp better, but am looking at cost and features. Does anybody out there have any experience with the two? At this point I am just looking for a little guidance.

 

[mouettus]

definitely go for it. steal that money from a deaf-blind if you have to! no seriously... in the long run, you'll think that it was a 200$ well spent!

 

[whitestone]

definitely go for it. steal that money from a deaf-blind if you have to! no seriously... in the long run, you'll think that it was a 200$ well spent!

I can understand that but this almost smells like a bait and switch tactic. IMHO. Would this be a big box store? If it is get your money back and spend it somewhere else.

 

[techster82]

Bait and switch definitely crossed my mind. We initially got the price we did because of a "friends and family" sale that HH Gregg was having (store in question). To give them credit, I can either wait for the TV, get my money back, or choose another one. We also got 24 months no interest which helped alot. My father purchased his Panasonic RDLP from the same store with no problem. Whats funny is I went in to get just an inexpensive Olevia on sale.

 

[obscbyclouds]

From what I've seen the Sharp LCD's definately outperform Toshiba panels. With that said, i agree with the last poster, I'd avoid giving them the money if at all possible (there are many places you can get an LCD, even online from a reputable dealer). Or, go up the store's food chain until you get the answers you want. Ask for a Store Manager, then the District Manager. I worked in retail a long time, and you won't believe what a little complaining can get you!

Good Luck!

 

[flyv65]

IIRC, AVguide did a recent review of the Sharp Aquos 1080p LCDs that was more favorable of the 62 series panels than it was of the 92 series still: it might be worth it to you to at least think about it...that price is awfully close to online cost for that LCD...

Bryan...and of the LCD panels, Sharp makes my top two manufacturers list...

 

[techster82]

The only reason I hesitate to go elsewhere is because of the 24 months no interest financing (just buying a house puts liquid assets pretty tight) and the fact that they are willing to deal. At this point I am even entertaining stepping down to a 720P model closer to $1000. We are going to the store after work to make a decision so anymore input before then is definitely appreciated.

 

[techster82]

So we went to the store this evening and came home with a TV. Ended up going with a 42" Toshiba 720p model instead of the 1080p (42HL67). They had it in stock and the picture looked every bit as good as the Sharp 1080p model. They came down to $1050 for it, which I thought was a good deal. The girlfriend is watching Grey's Anatomy in high def right now and it looks great, still needs to be tweaked out of the box, but looks great. Thoughts on how we did?

 

[mouettus]

If you think there ain't no picture difference between the two, then you made a good choice. It all ends up to you anyways. Enjoy your tv!

 

[Frugal]

processor

So we went to the store this evening and came home with a TV. Ended up going with a 42" Toshiba 720p model instead of the 1080p (42HL67). They had it in stock and the picture looked every bit as good as the Sharp 1080p model. They came down to $1050 for it, which I thought was a good deal. The girlfriend is watching Grey's Anatomy in high def right now and it looks great, still needs to be tweaked out of the box, but looks great. Thoughts on how we did?

It's way easier to process a 720p than 1080p. To my eye the Sharp 82 and 92 series with better processing look quite a bit better than the 62 series but cost a lot more. If it where my money I'd do the same as you. It also makes sense that while the girlfriend is watching Grey's Anatomy you're on the computer!

 

[obscbyclouds]

So we went to the store this evening and came home with a TV. Ended up going with a 42" Toshiba 720p model instead of the 1080p (42HL67). They had it in stock and the picture looked every bit as good as the Sharp 1080p model. They came down to $1050 for it, which I thought was a good deal. The girlfriend is watching Grey's Anatomy in high def right now and it looks great, still needs to be tweaked out of the box, but looks great. Thoughts on how we did?

If you are happy with your PQ, then we are happy for you, my friend!

 

[techster82]

Thanks for the votes of confidence guys. I was just a little concerned not purchasing a 1080p set, but started to debate on whether I would use the extra resolution or not. I am now waiting on my tilting mount to come in from monoprice so I can mount on the fireplace (anybody have experience with mounting in brick?). Don't get me wrong, the Sharp 1080p model looked great but in my opinion not worth the extra $600. Now I need guidance as to a budget receiver which will upconvert everything to HDMI.

 

[obscbyclouds]

Now I need guidance as to a budget receiver which will upconvert everything to HDMI.

How "Budget" are you wanting to go? This will be a difficult thing to find below $800-1000.

 

[techster82]

I am eyeing the soon to be released Onkyo 605 that I believe sends everything up to HDMI.