Which is the best cheap HDTV

[EddieG]

I'm looking for a 50 inch HDTV. I read in consumer reports that the off-brands usually get their parts from the same suppliers as the brand names. So between Vizio, Olevia, and Best Buys own brand (Insignia?) are there any others I am missing, and of these off-brands does anyone have any experience with them to give a recommendation?

My room is bright so if I go plasma it needs a good anti-glare screen, too.

Thanks!!

Eddie G

 

[majorloser]

I'd probably go with a Vizio. They offer a "Zero Bright Pixel Defect" guarantee and offer a decent extended warranty is wanted.

 

[Clypher]

I've heard good things about Westinghouse.

 

[Hi Ho]

If you go plasma (which I recommend) and need the anti-glare screen then your only real option is Panasonic. What is your budget for the set?

The main issue with off brands is that it is very difficult to get them repaired once they are out of warranty. When they are under warranty they usually just swap out the entire display but once they are out of warranty the individual parts are not available or come in prohibitively expensive modules with several parts attached. Here is a very good article on the subject.

Your New Disposable Flat Panel TV

I work at a full fledged service center and we have had very little luck repairing off-brand sets.

 

[John Bailey]

A few days ago I did a whirl-wind tour of many Best Buys, Circuit City's and Audio/Visual stores. I viewed 100's of TV's in different settings and with different set-ups. For my eyes, Westinghouse and Insignia's were the best of the cheap. If it were me, I'd go with the Insignia, however, I've decided to wait and get one of the higher priced units for the reason Hi Ho explained.

John

 

[Gasman]

Thanks HiHo, for that very informative read.
Although, it does not pertain to me (well not on most of my gear)

I do have 2, Westinghouse computer LCDs, but my TVs, etc.. are Samsung, LG, etc..

Granted, in the current market, the value of even a 2,000.00 TV in one years time will very unlikely be able, to be sold for even half it's cost.
Due to the dropping prices of technologies, why would someone in a year from now buy your TV for 1,000.00 when they can get a 1,100.00 one that is 3 times better..
So, pretty much if you pay 1,500~1,800 for a TV, it will be pretty much disposable anyways.
With luck, you get 2 ~ 3 years out of a TV.
knowing me, I would unlikely keep a TV for 3 years, due to upgradeitis.
(same applies for front projection, which resale value is not even close, after a ~years use)

 

[runninkyle17]

I will say that I have been very happy with my Westinghouse 42" LCD. Yes, I have a new plasma but that is only because I ended up getting the plasma and a PS3 for about $400 total (PM me for details).

However, I plan on putting the Westinghouse in my office and just using it as a computer monitor for now. I will most likely get an external TV tuner to hookup to my MBP and then I can also use the set to watch TV. Still the Westinghouse is a decent brand.

I will agree that unless you have a warranty on the TV you are taking a gamble. I will point out that plasmas have a lot more that can go wrong with them and most LCD's will last a good 7-10 years if you treat them right.

 

[Hi Ho]

What more does a plasma have that can go wrong over an LCD? Both plasmas and LCD sets have been extremely reliable for the most part. I'm talking major brands here though. Samsung has had problems with their plasmas but Panasonic and Pioneer are rock solid and virtually trouble free.

By the way, I have two Westinghouse LCD monitors on my PCs and they are a great value at $250 for twenty inches. I don't know how long they will last but the picture quality is great and they do very well for games.