Any TV buying tips?

[cypher1]

Agree with everything Seen already stated. I personally think LED has the best image for technology right now, which is thinner and consumes less power. Which also makes sense for PC monitors to go that route. Plasma vs LCD is also about preference and budget. Besides burn in images (not too frequent, but think of icons IE history/AMC, etc) concerns on plasma is controlled lighting in room. Since there is basically an extra glass layer on screen, any glare from sunlight, or light fixtures may be reflected on image. The pro is image will appear the same from any angle/spot in room, and great for contrast. LCD (120hz minimum) pros with faster image process good for gaming/sports, no "shadowing", but certain angles image any vary. I personally think Sony is overpriced, and Samsung is better for the money. LG is decent and Insignia (?) an exclusive for Best Buy, but a series from LG, I believe.
I'd still be more concerned about room layout and what is going to be hooked up, blu ray/dvd, game consoles, sound systems, or network, HDMI connections, etc. Also don't go cheap and buy a floor model, since it's probably been ran every day for 10+hrs for demo. As for the money, you could spend a little more over 300 and get something bigger, but I realize thats a matter preference.

[disneysteve]

I'd still be more concerned about room layout and what is going to be hooked up, blu ray/dvd, game consoles, sound systems, or network, HDMI connections, etc. Also don't go cheap and buy a floor model, since it's probably been ran every day for 10+hrs for demo. As for the money, you could spend a little more over 300 and get something bigger, but I realize thats a matter preference.

It is a small room and, as stated, we are confined by the size of the existing wall unit which I don't really want to replace. We have a VCR, a DVD player and a Wii hooked up to that TV.

Viewing angle is important, particularly the vertical angle. I want to be able to see it just as well from the floor as from the sofa. Horizontal angle isn't that big a deal as the room isn't that big.

[feh]

Got to cnet.com and read their buying guides. More info that you'll ever need.

In general, LCD is currently still the best option for general use.

[cypher1]

It is a small room and, as stated, we are confined by the size of the existing wall unit which I don't really want to replace. We have a VCR, a DVD player and a Wii hooked up to that TV.

Viewing angle is important, particularly the vertical angle. I want to be able to see it just as well from the floor as from the sofa. Horizontal angle isn't that big a deal as the room isn't that big.

If it's a smaller room, then I wouldn't worry too much about angles for viewing. Since it's not your main entertainment setup and you want to keep around 300, LCD may be have more models in that range. While I'd typically recommend minimum resolution 1080p @120hz, you may be better off at lower res 1080p 60hz, or even 720p if no HD involved. And it doesn't sound like you'd be using HDMI components just yet. I bought my parents a 1yr old Sony 42" LCD TV from a co-worker for $300 some time ago. They only use DVD player and basic cable (no cable HD package). So they don't fully utilize video display, which they're fine with.

[disneysteve]

Since it's not your main entertainment setup

I never said that. It actually is our "main entertainment setup." It is in our family room. The only other TV in the house is in our bedroom (well, there is a little one downstairs by the treadmill but I don't count that). That's why our VCR, DVD and Wii are all hooked up to it and we stream Netflix on it.

[ralphswurld]

try samsungs 37 inch la37c550 it has an option to have wireless connectivity

[feh]

We just bought a Samsung a couple months ago. Very happy with it; they are well-regarded.

[cypher1]

I never said that. It actually is our "main entertainment setup." It is in our family room. The only other TV in the house is in our bedroom (well, there is a little one downstairs by the treadmill but I don't count that). That's why our VCR, DVD and Wii are all hooked up to it and we stream Netflix on it.

Either way, I still stand by my suggestions on type of TV/resolutions.

[elessar78]

I bought a 32" Vizio for $285 (720p) a few years back, still have not seen one for that price again!

For the frugal set, my advice is: "Go small or go home!"

If you get a Vizio or depending on where you buy it, I'd consider getting the warranty. Not mine, but our babysitter's 50" went out 13 months after purchase (just right outside of the orig. warranty). They can't even get it repaired because Vizio they get the same components from diff. suppliers each year).

[kv968]

Steve, if I were you I'd pay attention to the inputs the tv has and where they're located. Since you're not going to be doing blu-Ray or anything, 720p instead of 1080i resolution should suffice. However, since it sounds like you're going to be plugging quite a few things into it, make sure it has enough inputs and check out where they're located. Some tv's have a set of inputs on the side and if you're putting the tv in a cabinet you might not be able to access them. Just check out what type (composite/component) of hook-ups you're using on your current tv and that the one you're looking at has the same in an accessible spot. I know when I've bought tv's in the past there always seemed to be way more hook-ups than I needed but then I'd end up hooking up HD, blu-ray, Xbox, etc...and then realize I barely have enough.

[disneysteve]

Steve, if I were you I'd pay attention to the inputs the tv has and where they're located.

Definitely something to keep in mind for the future. Not really a problem today. Only the VCR plugs directly into the TV. The Wii and the DVD run through the VCR.

[kv968]

Definitely something to keep in mind for the future. Not really a problem today. Only the VCR plugs directly into the TV. The Wii and the DVD run through the VCR.

You might want to plug the DVD player directly into the tv to get a better picture. You might not be able to see a difference with your current tv but you may with the new one. I'm sure you're fine with the way it looks now, but give it a shot with the new tv and see if it's any better.

[snafu]

VCR? Do you still watch VCR tapes? Most of the population has abandoned that technology for DVDs. If you are playing your VCR tapes great! If not, most VCRs & tapes go to electronic re-cycle as the charities can't sell them either. The machine still works but unless it's used and enjoyed, it's clutter

[disneysteve]

VCR? Do you still watch VCR tapes? Most of the population has abandoned that technology for DVDs. If you are playing your VCR tapes great! If not, most VCRs & tapes go to electronic re-cycle as the charities can't sell them either. The machine still works but unless it's used and enjoyed, it's clutter

Why abandon something that still works perfectly fine, especially when we have a couple hundred movies on hand? We no longer buy VHS tapes, of course, but there is nothing wrong with the ones we've got. Plus, the VCR is the only means we have to record a show since we don't own a DVR. We also have a VCR with the TV by the treadmill so I can watch movies while I'm walking.

I think a lot of people abandon "old" technology just to get the latest thing rather than thinking about whether or not they really need the latest thing or if there is anything wrong with the "old" thing they already have.

My mom recently had to replace her VCR which broke. We were able to get one at Goodwill for $8 (since they no longer sell them). They had stacks of them for sale. I guess eventually they will become completely obsolete but until then, we're keeping ours. I hate being forced to upgrade for no good reason especially because it generally costs me money that I didn't really want to spend.

[disneysteve]

You might want to plug the DVD player directly into the tv to get a better picture. You might not be able to see a difference with your current tv but you may with the new one. I'm sure you're fine with the way it looks now, but give it a shot with the new tv and see if it's any better.

I'll keep that in mind. Just one of many reasons I hate upgrading stuff.