Time for a new TV – suggestions

[corysmith01]

Okay, so my tv is the last thing to get upgraded. I've just been given the green light to get one. However, I have to confess that I've spent most of my time here and on other sites, focusing mainly on audio equipment. Now that it's time to buy a tv, I'm not 100% confident in my ability to choose a good one. Oh sure, I've read and know of a few good ones. But I was hoping to turn to you guys to give me a suggestion within my parameters. So, here's what I'm looking for.

1. Has to be from BB or CC - I don't have the kind of cash to drop on a tv withou financing it (no interest of course), so I'd be picking it from one of these two.

2. Budget is $2000 - Give or take. A little under would be great, a little over wouldn't kill me.

3. 37" - I'm in a small (let me repeat...SMALL) apartment, so I've figured that anything larger would be overkill and feel like that time you decided to sit in the very front row of the movie theater just for kicks. Anyway, so my LR is small and I'm thinking 37" is probably best. Same as with the money...a little over probably wouldn't be horrible (40"?) and a a little under would be bad either (32"). But I'm thinking 37" is the sweet spot.

4. Plasma/LCD – See above, #3. My apartment is small, so I'm looking get a tv that takes up as little space. I'm replacing my monster CRT, which has a depth of nearly 2'. With that in mind, I'm thinking LCD or Plasma is the best way to go. DLP is nice, but those still have a fair amount of dept. The slimmer, the better in my case.

So, with that in mind, anything a clear cut winner? I've been looking at the Sony XBR's (pricey?), and the Westinghouse sets. The Westinghouse sets look amazing and the prices are silly...which make me wonder. Anything else I should consider, or is there a clear cut best-set-for-the-buck tv that I should look at? Thanks in advance for any help/suggestions.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Here's my two cents. With technology changing towards 1080p sets, the 1080i sets are really bargains. I've been looking closely at the Samsung and Sony LCD's, and the Panasonic 50" plasma sets. You can pick those up for under $2000. You can also pick up a few 37" sets for under $1200 - one great one is the Olevia.

My parents purchased a 37" Olevia set last year, and get a free HD feed via OTA ATSC tuner. I've watched several sports feeds in HD at their place, and honestly can't see any difference in the higher priced Samsung and Sony sets. The 50" Panasonic plasma is out of this world, but doesn't come with a built in ATSC tuner. The plasma is still prone to screen burn in with video games as well as ticker readouts at the bottom of the screen. My uncle purchased a new 40" Bravia Sony LCD, and unless it's way off calibration, I prefer the picture of the Olevia brand. My brother was so impressed with the Olevia set, he bought one a few months ago.

It's been so frustrating finding a new flatscreen that I haven't bit the bullet yet. The new Olevia sets are not 1080p - which probably isn't a big issue seeing most HD programming is still done in 1080i. I'm not in any rush to purchase the new HD DVD/Blu-ray players, so 1080p is not an issue for me. If I had $2000 to buy a flat screen, I'd most likely buy a 37" and 32" Olevia LCD. I'd put one in the bedroom, and one in the main room.

I've found the picture is only as good as your tuner, and most of your better channels via cable are digital 480i. Time Warners 8300HD DVR tuner is the best I've seen as far as pq is concerned. The several HD channels come in prefect, but I appreciate more is channel 99-149 that come in crystal clear.

Why are you against purchasing a set from an internet direct company, like Tiger Direct or Buy.com?

 

[Matt34]

When I was looking for a new display before I ended up going front projection I liked the Sony's the best. The XBR's are more expensive but I thought the picture was much better than the Toshibas, Panasonic, etc. I also liked the Samsung LN-XXXXX models.

Not a XBR but looks like a good deal.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7683312&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat95100050025&id=1134703573276

Of course check for open box specials.

 

[jcPanny]

37" Lcd

Check out the 37" Samsung LCD at best buy. I am looking into the 32" version to fit in my entertainment center. The prices at BB and CC are at least a few hundred more than online dealers. You might consider saving up funds for a couple months because the price of the set will drop and you'll be saving a few hundred by paying cash.

 

[corysmith01]

First off, thanks for the replies guys.

Buck, I'm looking at those big box places and not ID simply due to money. I'm looking to finance it, using their oft offered 18-24 months no interest. Unless of course you know someone else that offers that. I think Crutchfield does, but I'd imagine the prices are very comparable. I'll look into the Olevia as this is not the first place I've read about them. But I'd still need to find it at a retailer that allows financing. Happen to know anywhere?

Matt, I've looked at that very set. Very nice indeed. It's definitely in the running.

JC, is this the one you're talking about? If so, I totally dig that set. I'd get it in the black, though that white is pretty cool looking. My brother is an area manager (in televisions actually) at CC and actually suggested this set.

Still looking around. Hopefully will have something within the next week or two. I want it now, but I think it'd be beneficial for me to take my time and research.

 

[stratman]

Cory,

My HT room is small also, I bought the 42" Panasonic ED plasma two years ago, it's great, reliable and with hdmi and optional HD channels via Direct TV it looks outrageous.
And CC has it for 1350.00 (miami store in kendall), I saw it about 2 weeks ago.

 

[Geno]

I'd get a "no interest" (for awhile) credit cards with the check feature and head to Costco. You'll never get a better deal on a set, and if you don't like it for any reason, they'll give you a no grief refund.

 

[hemiram]

Sears had no interest same as cash for 18 months, and I had a Sears card, so I went there, and bought my Sharp LC37D40U. It was the same price as it was at CC and BB. Three months later, I'm very happy I went with it. No complaints except I really don't like the remote.

 

[Nick250]

Be careful with the no interest deals. With most of them if you have not paid off the principle in full by the target date, you get charged retroactively the whole amount of interest at gauge rates calculated from day one of the purchase. You all probably know this, but thought best to mention it just in case.

Nick

 

[corysmith01]

Thanks Nick. Yeah, funny thing. I actually used to work in the bank/credit card division of CC at their corporate HQ, back when I lived in Richmond, VA, and handled phone calls from angry customers about this very thing. So yeah, I'm all too awaare. People, understandably, are pretty upset when those retroactive int. charges are added to their balance...sometimes it was hundreds of dollars depending on the size of the initial purchase. Ouch.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Does your brother get a pretty good discount on flat screens? I'm sure CC offers some type of same as cash financing. If stores are offering a 12 months s.a.c. deal, they're probably paying a discount for that option unless they have inhouse financing (and even then it's not really in house). That discount can range from 4% to 10%!

 

[corysmith01]

Does your brother get a pretty good discount on flat screens? I'm sure CC offers some type of same as cash financing. If stores are offering a 12 months s.a.c. deal, they're probably paying a discount for that option unless they have inhouse financing (and even then it's not really in house). That discount can range from 4% to 10%!

Yeah, he does. In fact we've discussed me getting one from him. But there are some logistical problems (he's in N.C., I'm in N.Y.), but we've worked them out, so if they happen to have a set that's a solid buy, I'll get it from him.

Today, I stopped by BB and was most impressed by two sets I saw. There was a Westinghouse LTV-37w2. It's only 1080i, but I don't plan on getting a HD player anytime soon, so I don't think 1080p is a huge factor. I don't know how they do it at this price, but the picture was amazing. I don't want to cross a line here at all, but it was pretty darn close, in terms of image quality, to the Sony XBR sets. Also, the Samsung LN-S4041D was nice...but significantly more expensive than the Westinghouse. My search continues. Thanks for all the help so far.

 

[Nick250]

Yeah, he does. In fact we've discussed me getting one from him. But there are some logistical problems (he's in N.C., I'm in N.Y.), but we've worked them out, so if they happen to have a set that's a solid buy, I'll get it from him.

Today, I stopped by BB and was most impressed by two sets I saw. There was a Westinghouse LTV-37w2. It's only 1080i, but I don't plan on getting a HD player anytime soon, so I don't think 1080p is a huge factor. I don't know how they do it at this price, but the picture was amazing. I don't want to cross a line here at all, but it was pretty darn close, in terms of image quality, to the Sony XBR sets. Also, the Samsung LN-S4041D was nice...but significantly more expensive than the Westinghouse. My search continues. Thanks for all the help so far.

It's amazing how prices have plummeted faster than I would have guessed. Just about two years ago I got a Sony 37" plasma. Retailed at $4500 and I got one for $3500 and was very pleased the deal at the time. No regrets, it's been a great unit so far.

Nick

 

[ggunnell]

I don't remember if they're carried at BB CC, but the Korean (I believe) mfgr LG makes some great plasma screens at reasonable prices -- in a roomful of good screens the 42" LG had the most 'magical' picture.

 

[Sounds Good]

hey cory, i am in the EXACT same boat as you are... id really like to get a something 40-46" but money is a big factor for me, and i am all about getting the best bang for the buck...

anyhow have you ever considered a widescreen CRT? the sammy runs about 800 i think at circuit city ( http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Samsung-30-Slimfit-HDTV-TXS3082W/sem/rpsm/oid/147559/catOid/-12868/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do )

i have been considering this same model... but i hate thoes big stores (BB and CC) cuz' with all the other tvs around it makes this 30" wide screen look REALLY small... and i am concerned that whe i get it into my apartment it will be too small...

if anyone has any info about this tv please let me know... i hope to be getting something within the next few weeks...