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Any (specific) tips on a new flat-panel TV?

Posted on November 14, 2007 by Jeremy Toeman

The time has come to replace my Syntax Olevia 32″ LCD.  My decisions so far:

  • I’ll either get a 42″ plasma or a 45-47″ LCD.  My rationale is that the room I’m currently in could fit below 50″ reasonably, anything else would be awkwardly big.  No reason to go smaller than 42.
  • I’m open to either a plasma or LCD, as neither provide a conclusively better picture than the other for the content I watch (HD from my DVR, some SD hockey games, and Xbox).
  • My budget is under $2000, as I have seen enough screens in person to state, without a doubt in my mind, that anything more than that is a waste of money.  The marginal returns on the more expensive set are exactly that: marginal.
  • I will not buy a Sony, specifically due to the poor experience I had with the Vaio VGN-SZ460N, the worst laptop I’ve ever used.  Incidentally, I apologize for leaving this out of so many recent posts, I don’t know what came over me.
  • I’d prefer to buy a model that’s been on the market for less than 6 months, since I anticipate a less-than-one-year cycle until it’s outdated.
  • On the techie side, I want 2+ HDMI inputs and 1080p max resolution.  I don’t need any other inputs than those since my Pioneer receiver handles video crossover itself.  And while I know there’s virtually no content available at 1080p today, it seems silly to save a few hundred bucks and not be more future-ready (since future-proof isn’t possible, I’d at least like to be close).

I was at Best buy yesterday taking a look at a few sets in person.  The ones I liked were a 46″ Sharp Aquos LCD, a 47″ Samsung LCD, and a 42″ Panasonic Plasma.

It really amazes me the challenge it is to make such a decision.  I’ve researched and it appears there’s two types of advice: outdated (even worse) and/or too much irrelevant details.  I tried getting help from CNET, but they categorized into 44-57 inches, which didn’t help me much (although they otherwise have great advice on the topic).  I’m browsing through Amazon’s search results, but I literally need to weed through 120 sets that technically meet my needs since they don’t offer quite enough criteria.  The other site I like for this is Wize, which I’m still browsing.

So if anyone has any specific advice to help eliminate a few units or consider more, would love to hear them.  I’m also debating between buying online vs Costco, as online is convenient, but Costco has amazing return policies…

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Posted in Video/Music/Media | 20 Comments
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20 thoughts on “Any (specific) tips on a new flat-panel TV?”

  1. Dave Zatz says:
    November 14, 2007 at 3:43 pm

    How close are you sitting to the set? That should determine whether or not you really need 1080. I’m about 8′ from my 42″ plasma and opted for 720p. If you’re fixated on the 1080p, you can’t go wrong with the Samsung LCDs or Panasonic plasmas. CNET and Consumer Reports agree.

    Here are two to look at within your $2k budget:
    Samsung LNT4665F 46″ 1080p LCD HDTV
    Panasonic TH-42PX77U 42″ 720p Plasma HDTV

    I’m convinced plasmas look better for fast natural motion (like sports) and am very happy with my new Panasonic. Some of the newer LCDs have higher refresh rates (120Mhz), but I don’t think they can be had for under $2k.

    Reply
  2. Fred Han says:
    November 14, 2007 at 4:07 pm

    Hi Jeremy,

    I, too, was evaluating numerous tv’s in the 42″-47″ range and researched my options for about 2 months. I pretty much loitered in front of the tv sections at BestBuy, CompUSA and Video Only in the Bay Area obsessing over price, quality and size. I found that the picture quality on the Samsung 4665 and its less glossy faced cousin, the 4661 was very nice, but not quite as sharp as I would have liked coming from a $2K investment.

    After tearing my hair out for a while, I found the Toshiba Regza 47HL167. IMHO, I felt that the Toshiba offered the best picture quality and feature-set in a 47″ for the price. While I have not upgraded to HD cable, my experience running a blu ray movie on that tv was unbelievable. Even on standard def shows, there are no ghost effects, nor are there any issues with fast motion programs. In addition, one of the biggest selling points were the black levels, which were simply impressive.

    The final dealmaker was a review that I read, where a gentleman compared the Aquos, the Samsung 4665 and 4661, a Sony Bravia and the Toshiba — side by side. Needless to say, his glowing comments about the Toshiba convinced me to “pull the trigger.”

    I bought my Toshiba for about $1670 delivered (after tax) from an online site called buydig.com (I don’t work there), but I’m sure you could probably find a great deal elsewhere.

    The TV was available at Costco for around $2K, but has since been replace by the 52″ (for $2500).

    I hope that this helps. Good luck in your search.

    (By the way, we met, briefly, at the Momentum conference — I used to work with Elke at Sterling.)

    Reply
  3. Avi Greengart says:
    November 14, 2007 at 4:21 pm

    I’m working on a similar decision myself; I’ve narrowed it down to the entry level 50″ 720p plasmas from Samsung (~$1500) and Panasonic (~$1600).

    The plasma is for daily HDTV off the new TiVo HD viewed with the lights on; I plan to put a 7′ – 8′ wide tab tensioned screen coming down in front of it for movies watched with the lights out. I’ll pair that with a 1080p front projectors, either the new LCD models from Epson or Panasonic or possibly a DLP from Optoma.

    -avi

    Reply
  4. tivoboy says:
    November 14, 2007 at 4:37 pm

    I would go with a MONITOR plasma and not a general consumer version integrated set. You will get more for your money, and if all the audio is being handled by the receiver (as it should be) then anything else is just a waste of space, and money.

    I personally, LOVE the panasonic professional series and always order them from a company up in Seattle. They are usually about 500-700$ less than their consumer brethren, and historically have offered a better picture. configure the inputs as you need, put in HDMI, or component, PC VGA, whatever you need. I have 42″ versions and 50″ version, THINKING of doing a 58″ version though 🙂

    You could get a 50″ version for about 1300$ today. Might be a 720p version, there are certainly 1080p versions, the latest of which has just been tested as the “best tv ever!” Personally, I understand the “future proof” mentality, but I have yet to see ANYONE be able to tell the differance between 720p and 1080p. Show me the money.

    I DO have a couple of SHARP LCDS, and for the smaller size 32″ I like them. Historically plasma came in a small form factor, but I think they have left that market. I wouldn’t shy away from plasma for any reason today, burn in, life span, brightness, viewing angle and are STRENGTHS at this point with a current model. They are simply stunning.

    I have never been a fan of the sony entrants in this area. More form over function (just don’t start a flame, I’ll role over instantly since it doesn’t matter to me, and it won’t be fun for you then either!) or the samsungs for that matter.

    Here is a starter link
    http://www.visualapex.com/plasma/Plasma_details.asp?VA=Panasonic&chPartNumber=TH-50PH10UK

    Reply
  5. Dave Zatz says:
    November 14, 2007 at 5:15 pm

    Oops, I cut and pasted the wrong Panasonic plasma. The one I pasted above is the one I have. Here’s the 1080p model:
    Panasonic TH-42PZ77U 42″ 1080p Plasma Flat Panel HDTV

    Avi, why not get a larger TV and no projector. Or feed the TiVo through the projector and no TV? For a few years, I only had a projector in the living room (10′ wide screen) and it worked out pretty good – sports, movies, Xbox. (Even with ambient light or the lights in the room low.) In fact, I used the same LG LST3510A you have to power it for a time – the OTA reception isn’t nearly as good as my TiVo S3 or HD. But it was a nice all-in-one device for a projector at the time.

    Reply
  6. Jeremy Toeman says:
    November 14, 2007 at 7:00 pm

    Thanks guys. For more fun on the topic, someone emailed me this link of a good discussion at CNET: http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7596_102-0.html?forumID=60&threadID=271473&messageID=2627800&tag=nl.e497

    Reply
  7. Jamie Odell says:
    November 14, 2007 at 7:37 pm

    Hey Jeremy,

    One consideration to keep in mind is the finish on the display. Plasmas typically have a glossy finish and LCDs typically have a matte finish. If you have a lot of light coming from behind you, you’ll notice more glare on a glossy screen. Its probably not a deal breaker either way, but just something to consider.

    Reply
  8. MikeD says:
    November 14, 2007 at 7:38 pm

    Jeremy,

    I purchased a 42″ Panasonic Plasma (TH-42PX60U) around this time last year and I have zero regrets. It supports 720p/1080i and the picture is bright and amazing. I bought it from Crutchfield for $1400 which, although unusual for them, was cheaper than any other reputable online retailers. The first one arrived with a shattered screen so I refused it from the shipping company but they immediately got another one out the door and I had it in 2 days.

    I can’t comment on the quality of LCDs but I do hear they’re getting a lot better than they were a year or so ago.

    Good luck and enjoy!

    – Mike

    Reply
  9. Shawn says:
    November 14, 2007 at 9:19 pm

    Ahhhh, I remember about a year ago I was asking you the same thing. LCD vs Plasma. As well as is 1080p worth it?

    Last January the week of the Super Bowl I went out and got the Samsung 50″ Plasma (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8254257&type=product&id=1169512522269). For under $2k out the door including delivery. Yes it only does native 720p but it can do 1080i. This TV has more than enough inputs for everything.

    What made me chose Plasma over LCD… Picture quality. LCD is good don’t get me wrong, but the Plasma is beautiful. And I haven’t had any issues with burn in. And that surprises me since my kids what they kid channels on it that always have their annoying logo in the corner.

    And on top of that… The only sat/cable system that broadcasts in 1080p is DirecTV with their new $1000 Pro box. I don’t think Comcast or DirecTV have any plans to roll out 1080p to the masses anytime soon. Are ABC, CBS and NBC broadcasting in 1080p? Now I could be wrong so don’t quote me.

    Have fun and don’t look back.

    Reply
  10. Ben Drawbaugh says:
    November 15, 2007 at 5:53 am

    It is a well known fact that Plasmas offer better contrast and more accurate colors than LCDs.

    That being said, many don’t understand the importance of these two aspects and thus prefer LCDs because they are brighter. If you trust the Image Science Foundation, you’ll buy a TV based on these factors, since they say they’re more important than resolution and brightness.

    As for the best picture quality, hands down. The new Pioneer Kuro line is the current top dog. Sure, PQ isn’t the end all be all to everyone, but it is to me. As for price, the 42-inch Kuro can be purchased from Plasmaconcepts for $1800+plus shipping which ends up being a wash since there’s no sales tax. I bought my 60-inch kuro from them, and I can’t say enough about how great my buying experience was.

    If you want an LCD cause you think you need 1080p, then I’d suggest the Samsung LED backup-lit LN-T4081F. But good luck finding it for less than 2k. The HD Guru recently reviewed one and said it was the best looking LCD to date, but still not as good as the Kuro. 😉

    Reply
  11. Avi Greengart says:
    November 15, 2007 at 10:45 am

    @TivoBoy – Panasonic’s pro monitors are great, but they don’t have HDMI inputs. The monitors feature a flexible card-based system for adding inputs, but that adds hassle and negates the cost advantage.

    @Dave Zatz – I find watching regular TV on a huge screen overwhelming. It’s great for the Super Bowl, can be good for Heroes, but is not so good for Sesame Street. Elmo is downright scary when he’s 6 feet tall. However, I must admit that part of the reason is because my “reference” projector is a 2nd gen DLP with terrible light output – watching it with the lights on was never really an option – and I did not permanently install the projectors that companies sent in for review.

    BTW, I’m using the TiVo HD right now with two Cablecards as my primary TV source. The LG is just being used as a DVD player until I get something better (probably a high def disc player of one format or another).

    -avi

    Reply
  12. Frankie says:
    November 15, 2007 at 11:58 am

    If your on a budget and enjoy watching hockey and other sports, I would definitely take a look at DLP televisions. They have great pictures and are much less expensive than plasma or LCD. DLP’s are also the fastest technology out there so if you plan on watching a lot of sports, you don’t have to worry about motion blur or lag time. Check them out the next time your at the store.

    Reply
  13. Jonas says:
    November 15, 2007 at 2:15 pm

    Over the summer, I upgraded to a Samsung 26″ LCD. It’s a great set, and in my mind, they are the LCD leaders. Even in a room with a large skylight, the colors are excellent, and motion blur hasn’t been an issue on anything I’ve watched. If you’re going LCD, don’t even look at Sony, Samsung is much better- and I went to several store multiple times to come to that conclusion.

    Reply
  14. tivoboy says:
    November 16, 2007 at 7:13 am

    I think I SAID that one could PUT IN HDMI boards, DVI, anything one wants, configure as needed. As for any price advantage, the boards run about 100-110. The devices do come with VGA, PC, component and of course S and RCA as standard. But, to add a couple HDMI boards for 220$, doesn’t really negate the cost advantage, as the advantage could still be 500-700$ savings.

    If one is using a good quality receiver – which it sounds like JT does, then all one really needs is ONE hdmi in (or dvi acutally is fine since no audio is required) and then let the receiver do the HDMI switching, component upscaling, etc. Makes for a nice interface to the set as well.

    I personally, think that the devices are more pro friendly, with easy discrete configuration of each and every input, something which I still don’t think the consumer panasonic TV’s allow.

    I also like the more streamlined form factors, but this would only be a soft value, not the hard cost and feature advantages already mentioned.

    Reply
  15. mike says:
    November 16, 2007 at 7:52 am

    Data point,
    I have 3 friends that recently bought the 46″ Sharp Aquos LCD, after much research.

    Reply
  16. Jeremy Toeman says:
    November 18, 2007 at 5:27 pm

    Thanks for all the tips guys, will let y’all know where I end up after Thanksgiving!

    Reply
  17. Bill says:
    December 1, 2007 at 7:40 pm

    Check out the Pioneer PDP-4280HD. It only does 720p, but the difference in picture quality between Pioneer’s line and every other TV on the market is staggering.

    Reply
  18. AG says:
    December 14, 2007 at 8:15 pm

    JT,

    How ’bout buying online from Costco? Convenience of online, return policy of the stores.

    AG

    Reply
  19. Justin says:
    December 26, 2007 at 12:11 pm

    I bought the Panasonic TH-42PC77U at Costco for $999.00 after the $300 instant rebate. I had looked at numerous brands and types of TVs, and decided the Panny gave me the best bang for the buck!
    Pros:
    AntiGlare screen – I found other plasmas with the mirror-like screens unbearable when watching. That lamp or other source of light would seem to reflect on the screen right where I was looking.
    HD Picture – even though it’s not fully 720P, it handles 720P and 1080i material very well. I had considered a 1080P model, but I sit more than 8 feet away, so it doesn’t make sense for me.
    SD picture- the processor does a great job with standard definition pictures. Some TVs can’t handle the DVD and regular broadcast material very well.

    Processor – is fast compared to many other brands. I have a Sharp Aquos LCD that takes forever to process a change of channels.

    Cons

    Lack of VGA input, although I use a DVI to HDMI cable that works fine.

    No picture and picture – although I never use it anyway.

    SD Card slot and “front mounted” cable connectors are on the back side of the unit. It makes it a little inconvenient if you put the plasma in a cabinet.

    As far as buying from Costco goes, the 90 day return, 30 day price protection, and additional year of warranty are big pluses!

    Reply
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Jeremy Toeman is a seasoned Product leader with over 20 years experience in the convergence of digital media, mobile entertainment, social entertainment, smart TV and consumer technology. Prior ventures and projects include CNET, Viggle/Dijit/Nextguide, Sling Media, VUDU, Clicker, DivX, Rovi, Mediabolic, Boxee, and many other consumer technology companies. This blog represents his personal opinion and outlook on things.

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