The HD Buying Guide Thread [Archive]

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SlaughterX

05-19-2008, 12:24 PM

So I noticed a lot of people are looking to upgrade their TVs here for the now gen consoles. I also noticed that most people aren't really sure what they want, so I'm offering my help to anyone that needs it, and if anyone else wants to add in their opinions feel free to do so. These are the questions you should probably ask yourself before considering what type of TV to buy...

1. How much are you willing to spend? This is a question that I was taught to never ask while working at CC, becasue to them skies the limit, but for most people who don't want to go into debt buying a 52" LCD on a whim knowing how much you can spend on a TV is the best first step.

2. What size TV are you looking for, how big is the room you're putting it in? This will obviously have a huge effect on the cost, but it doesn't make much sense buying a huge TV for a small room or vice versa. Also it's already been said a million times, but spending out the ass for a small 1080p TV is also not the best choice (unless you plan on using it as a computer monitor too).

3. What do you plan on hooking up to it? PS3, 360, PC? Not everyone is going to need the latest 120hrz 1080p TVs, so don't pay more for something you might not really benefit much from having.

Also there are a few other universal tips you should always keep in mind.

1. Getting the best cables to fully take advantage of your TV is a must, but never buy cables in retail stores. They're a rip off, simple and plain. The only site you need for all you cable needs is Monoprice (http://www.Monoprice.com).

2. Check prices before you buy, espeically online. This should go with out saying for any major purchase like a television. Unless you're buying off credit, I wouldn't even suggest buying from retail stores, as you can usually find most electronics online for cheaper, usually tax free with free shipping too.

3. Do not use default settings. Most of the time these TVs are automatically set to show room presets which just pump up the brightness and contrast, which not only makes things look unnatural, but will also shorten the life of your set. You don't need to spend $400 on a professional calibration either, you will do just fine with a decent calibration disc and a little time.

Also this thread is not limited to TVs, also feel free to ask about any questions you might have about surround sound or anything else that might relate to a hoem theater set-up. In the future I may start a thread for discussing PC upgrades too if enough peopel are interested, though it's not exactly my are of expertise...

Sei

05-19-2008, 12:26 PM

PFV

05-19-2008, 12:29 PM

1. Getting the best cables to fully take advantage of your TV is a must, but never buy cables in retail stores. They're a rip off, simple and plain. The only site you need for all you cable needs is Monoprice (http://www.Monoprice.com).
Word. Monoprice is awesome.

3. Do not use default settings. Most of the time these TVs are automatically set to show room presets which just pump up the brightness and contrast, which not only makes things look unnatural, but will also shorten the life of your set. You don't need to spend $400 on a professional calibration either, you will do just fine with a decent calibration disc and a little time.
A good place I've found to look up settings other people have worked out is the AVS Forums (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/).

Be prepared to use the search function, though. Some of these threads can hit 500+ pages.

Olethros

05-19-2008, 12:35 PM

This is a topic that has been on my mind a lot lately. Since my knowledge in the area is extremely limited (I've gotten some great advice on another forum already :wink: ) every little tidbit helps. I plan to learn as much as possible before I take the plunge on the upgrade sometime in/near July.

Tivor

05-19-2008, 12:37 PM

Yikes, long links are long. :shock: Fix please, Sei?

I'll be checking this thread for many advices from fellow posters. :)

SlaughterX

05-19-2008, 12:40 PM

How do you feel about the Red Bezel Samsung's (touch of color series) compared with the equivalent bravias?

http://tinyurl.com/5ltsnu

That is my new one, opinions?

Edit: Sorry about humongous URL lenght, fixed.

Lol, did you forget what I said in this (http://www.atlus.com/new_forum/viewtopic.php?t=1141&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=150) thread already? I think you made the right choice. It looks to improve upon last years 71 series in every way, and that was already a great set.

Sei

05-19-2008, 12:42 PM

^ Want to see if you have got any new insights!.

Dead to Rights

05-19-2008, 01:12 PM

What type of setting (number) do you use for your HDTV, Slaughter? I spent at least two hours tweaking everything, but I dunno something still feels a little off with the colors.

My Vizio has the following:

Backlight
Contrast
Brightness
Sharpness
Color
Tint

SlaughterX

05-19-2008, 01:27 PM

It varies depending on which input is being used, you probably don't want to have the same settings you use for watching cable as you do for your PS3. I got some calibration settings off some website, but I didn't really like how it looked so I tweaked it a little more until it satisfied me. Of course I couldn't tell you these numbers off the top of my head, I will take a picture or write down the settings later...

Also unless you have the exact same of very similar model TV as mine my settings probably aren't going to help you much. Also they can be very different depending on the type of TV you have, so you shouldn't compare the settings of a RPTV to an LCD, or even a plasma to an LCD for example...

Sei, my opinion of the TV hasn't changed any, if I were to get a nice sized LCD that would most likely be it. You'll be the local expert on that TV soon enough, and I will probably have a few questions for you!

Sayckeone

05-19-2008, 02:26 PM

DTR, which Vizio did you get?

Chronis

05-19-2008, 05:26 PM

I currently have a 20 inch Sanyo tube TV with mono sound in my room. I'll probably use this thread in the near future.

Dead to Rights

05-19-2008, 11:23 PM

It varies depending on which input is being used, you probably don't want to have the same settings you use for watching cable as you do for your PS3. I got some calibration settings off some website, but I didn't really like how it looked so I tweaked it a little more until it satisfied me. Of course I couldn't tell you these numbers off the top of my head, I will take a picture or write down the settings later...

Alright thanks. I'll see what you got and mess around with the settings some more.

DTR, which Vizio did you get?

Sayck, I got a 26" Vizio (http://www.vizio.com/products/detail.aspx?pid=24) in November. Remember I bought mine after you gave me the green light on the quality of your television? So far it's been working great as you've said.

PFV

05-20-2008, 04:16 AM

DTR:

I found these settings for a Vizio VW26L (is that your model?):

Backlight - 75
Contrast - 57
Brighness - 48
Color Temperature - Cool
Fine Tune - 27
H-Size - 127
H.Position - 62
V.Position - 48

SlaughterX

05-20-2008, 01:57 PM

Here's the Cnet review (http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/samsung-ln52a650/4505-6482_7-32887597.html?tag=tpr) of the new Samsung LCD that Sei is getting.

"Aside from design, we found plenty to like about the higher-end LN52A650, and it produces arguably the best picture of any LCD TV we've tested so far, although it doesn't quite beat the quality of the best plasma."

:)

Also the TV is $400 less than the same size Sony XBR4, and $1,100 cheaper than the XBR5 (OHHH GLOSSY!!!) at Best Buy. Samsung > Sony.

Sei

05-20-2008, 02:03 PM

^ Awesome! Thanks for posting it. I'll put up some pictures tommorrow when it's delivered.

Kakizaki

05-21-2008, 10:33 AM

SlaughterX

05-21-2008, 02:26 PM

No (http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/sony-bravia-kdl-52xbr4/4505-6482_7-32468196.html?tag=prod.txt.2)... Which one were you talking about?

Kakizaki

05-21-2008, 07:41 PM

edit - I must have been looking at the wrong size.

Sei

05-22-2008, 06:37 PM

So, what is a decent calibration disc?

SlaughterX

05-25-2008, 06:53 PM

This one is free (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=948496).

Sayckeone

05-25-2008, 07:55 PM

How about one that doesn't require a DVD burner?

Olethros

05-29-2008, 07:15 AM

Hey Slaughter:

After doing a bunch of comparison shopping, I think I've made a decision:

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-LNT4671F-46-inch-1080p-120Hz/dp/B000U9ZCS6/ref=br_lf_m_1000232901_1_4_s_o_p?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=400931301&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_t=1401&pf_rd_i=1000232901&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=11MA9R2H1A2CBDZHKZMP

How does this look to you quality, price, and deal wise?

Sei

05-29-2008, 07:51 AM

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-LN46A650-46-inch-1080p-120Hz/dp/B001413D94/ref=dp_ob_title

Not Slaughter, but, You should probably do this one, it's the one I got and its the current top model (the 750 has additional features but the display engine is the same) I got the one you linked first in its 60 HZ model and the 650 series is a big improvement display wise, even with the 120 Hz mode turned off. It is also only 100 USD more.

It also has a pretty awesome game mode that in the 650 "Increases the display speed" I can't verify the veracity of the claim, but it does seem to make a marked visual difference.

Also, the red is nice, If you are into red.

Had a cold so I've been slacking on taking pictures of my setup but ill get around to it soon.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Olethros

05-29-2008, 08:30 AM

Thanks Sei. I thought this was probably similar to the one you went with. I ahven't actually ordered it, but I'm heavily inclined to do so. Wife didn't like the Red one; apparently it doesn't go with the color scheme of the room. :roll:

Also, love the new sig!

Sei

05-29-2008, 08:37 AM

Thanks!

Ah, the red is not really that noticeable (to me anywa) but yeah, it might be a problem if it clashes with your decor.

It is a lot better display wise tho, especially for standard definition, on my previous, SD was a big blur of a mess, this one has pretty much CRT quality.

Both are pretty okay tho.

Also, they had said they would release the Touch of color series (650 and 750 Samsungs) in other colors, dunno when that'll be tho, but at its announcement in CES there were quite a few.

SlaughterX

05-29-2008, 09:01 AM

The 71 series is a fine TV, but I hear there were some problems (http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/samsung-ln-t4671f/4505-6482_7-32514512.html?tag=prod.txt.1) with the 120hrz mode with that particular TV, mostly becasue it was their first TV to feature it so it was still imperfected. Of course you could always turn the feature off, but then again why pay more for a TV for a feature you might not want to use? If the newer model Samsungs are only $100 more then I would suggest waiting for the 71 series to come down even more.

Olethros

05-29-2008, 09:05 AM

Thanks Slaughter. I'll keep looking around. I still have plenty of time to make a final decision.

SlaughterX

06-02-2008, 08:00 PM

You could have got the 52" 71 series today for $1,900 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fgoldbo x%2F&tag=1upcom0f-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325) shipped if you had acted sooner, but my bad for not checking the deal until now... I don't know why I'm telling you this, as it will probably just piss you off...

Olethros

06-03-2008, 06:20 AM

Damn. You know, the really crappy part about this is that I actually convinced my wife to go along with getting the new TV this month instead of next. After my pay check cleared today (our pay cycle is really weird here) we were going to order it tonight or tomorrow. So if I would have been getting ready to order it yesterday, I would have noticed this and...

:x

Arjuna

06-06-2008, 01:38 AM

Olethros

06-06-2008, 06:27 AM

Well, I pulled the trigger on the TV I posted above. I looked around some more and I was still happiest with this TV and Amazon's price point. Now it's all about the waiting...

SlaughterX

06-06-2008, 11:26 AM

A friend of mine got this today in preparation for MGS4.

http://i32.tinypic.com/2hz4mtx.jpg

All I can say is wow I really changed my opinion towards Samsung, it's a 32 inch 1080p TV.. and it's beautiful. He was playing Ninja Gaiden 2 earlier and holy ####.

It was over 1k but well worth it. I am not exactly sure on the model, I just chose the one that looked like it the most. I am pretty sure Slaughter will be hounding me about that though lol.

I hope he's using it as a computer monitor, otherwise getting 1080p in a TV that small is a waste.

Olethros, I ment to ask how important the 120hrz mode to you, because you can the 550 series for hundreds of dollars less than the 71, and it's all black (unlike Samsung's newer higher end TVs) and has a slightly higher contrast ratio. Anyway I'm sure you'll be happy with either TVs. :)

Olethros

06-06-2008, 11:33 AM

I really kind of wanted the 120Hrz mode. I still haven't decided if I really like it for a lot of things, but I'm looking forward to playing with it to find out.

After looking around at so many different TV over the past month or so, it feels pretty good to have a decision made and done with...now it's just a matter of waiting it out.

Thanks to everyone for the help!

Arjuna

06-06-2008, 12:48 PM

SlaughterX

06-28-2008, 05:34 PM

Well since so many people have recently upgraded their TVs and equiped them with PS3s, I figured I 'd give my suggestions on the proper surround sound set-up to compliment the two...

First let's start witht he receiver. Normally I would reccomend something like the Onkyo TX-SR605 or better, but since the PS3 converts all HD audio signals to PCM, there's really no need in paying more for a receiver that supports DD True HD and DTS-HD bitstreaming, so right now the best bang for the buck receiver wise IMO is the...

http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/products/2008/158/x158STDG720-f-1.jpeg (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fexec%2Fobid os%2Ftg%2Fdetail%2F-%2FB0015HKR46%3F%255Fencoding%3DUTF8%26v%3Dglance&tag=1upcom0f-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)

The Sony STRDG720. Yes, OMG, it's a Sony, I know. Normally I wouldn't even bother reccomending any of their audio equipment or TVs, but unlike all their TVs or receivers that bitstream the newer HD audio formats, this one is priced right and does everything you need it to in order to make the most out of your PS3. It doesn't support the newer HD audio formats, but it doesn't need to because it accepts uncompressed PCM via HDMI, which is what the PS3 outputs all of those fancy formats as anyway.

There are plenty of HDMI inputs (3 to be exact), but one draw back is that it doesn't appear to have HDMI video upconversion, so if you're hooking up anything to it that uses component cables (or less) you're going to have to run a set of cables to your TV too.

Also it's 7.1 so you can run all types of wires behind your couch so you can hear a few extra sound effects in a select few first party games! Heh, more movies are supporting it now though, so I really think it's a worth while feature for those willing and able to set it up right, if not 5.1 still works fine.

As for the speakers, well, that's a whole other story... A nice 5.1 set can easily set you back just as much if not more than the receiver. However, if you just need something to get by with, these (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSony-SA-FT1H-Panel-Speaker-System%2Fdp%2FB000HHQB7C%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Daudio-video%26qid%3D1214725182%26sr%3D1-33&tag=1upcom0f-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325) Sony speakers aren't a bad choice to go along with the receiver, and eventually when you add a couple of nice tower (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fb%3Fie%3DUT F8%26node%3D281420%26pf%5Frd%5Fm%3DATVPDKIKX0DER%2 6pf%5Frd%5Fs%3Dgp-center-4%26pf%5Frd%5Fr%3D0FCCX3780TW5FB2KK5BP%26pf%5Frd%5 Ft%3D101%26pf%5Frd%5Fp%3D320161801%26pf%5Frd%5Fi%3 D1065836&tag=1upcom0f-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325) speakers to the front, they will make really nice surrounds to mount on the wall behind you.

Sei

06-28-2008, 08:00 PM

I think I'll look into it, this is an awesome thread.

Still making do with the speakers on the tv which, while not too shabby, certainly are not the best.

Raithgar

07-04-2008, 07:08 PM

Sad to say, but I fear my LCD TV is on its way out. The unit refuses to turn off (screen turns white).. the only way to do a shut down is to go into D-Sub (VGA) mode and have it do a power down when no signal is found.

Been looking at the recomendations here... and was wondering if the Vizio 22" will be worth looking at ($369.99 at BJ's). Unfortunetly my room can't support anything larger.

The current unit is a Westinghouse 19" (no HDMI)..

SlaughterX

07-04-2008, 07:48 PM

If you're going to buy a TV that small you're better off going with a computer monitor like this (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSamsung-Touch-Color-T220-Monitor%2Fdp%2FB001769KP2%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Dpc%26q id%3D1215229256%26sr%3D1-9&tag=1upcom0f-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325). Do you have surround sound or external speakers of any kind?

Raithgar

07-04-2008, 08:20 PM

yep, have a small 5.1 surround setup.. not the best, but works.

Unfortunetly I've fallen into a slight delemma.. the wedding rings are due to be picked up soon (one hell of a timeing). So the budget is getting ultra stretched.. to the point I'm actually considering a 19" Dynex set ($249 on sale with free shipping from best buy)

To say this sucks, would be a mild understatement.

SlaughterX

07-04-2008, 09:24 PM

This (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FAcer-AL2216Wbd-22-LCD-Monitor%2Fdp%2FB000HAR8UI%3Fpf%5Frd%5Fp%3D25031460 1%26pf%5Frd%5Fs%3Dcenter-41%26pf%5Frd%5Ft%3D201%26pf%5Frd%5Fi%3DB001622L12% 26pf%5Frd%5Fm%3DATVPDKIKX0DER%26pf%5Frd%5Fr%3D1WXH 653VGMF2B43TF19A&tag=1upcom0f-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325) should do the job too if the Samsung is too much.

Raithgar

07-04-2008, 09:41 PM

thanks for the help there Slaughter, checking them out now..

Raithgar

07-09-2008, 10:31 AM

Just solved my HD problem.. picked up something slightly larger than expected (had to re-arrange my entire setup). Will post pic's in the spoils thread.

Thanks again Slaughter for the assistance, Unfortunetly I couldn't use the LCD moniters.. As I failed to mention what I normaly have hooked up (PC,360,PS3). But that was my fault for not clarifying. I have a spare 1 Month XBox Live account card if your interested, Just let me know and I'll PM you the details.

SlaughterX

07-17-2008, 08:15 PM

I dunno if anyone else is looking for a nice sized TV, but Amazon has the 52" A650 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fproduc t%2FB001413DF8%3Fpf%5Frd%5Fp%3D415289201%26pf%5Frd %5Fs%3Dcenter-1%26pf%5Frd%5Ft%3D1401%26pf%5Frd%5Fi%3D1000249701% 26pf%5Frd%5Fm%3DATVPDKIKX0DER%26pf%5Frd%5Fr%3D1PHQ Z7T833K08YDQQWP1&tag=1upcom0f-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325) on sale for $2,200 shipped...

SlaughterX

11-26-2008, 11:06 AM

Figured at this time of the year this thread could use a bump...

Anyway Amazon has the Boston Acoustics MCS100 5.1 speaker set on sale (today only) for $200.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000W9DO7U?ie=UTF8&tag=1upcom0f-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000W9DO7U

I've had this set for about a year now and I can say that it's a steal at $200, just keep in mind that you will still need a receiver to power them.

Also here are some of my top TV picks for the here and now...

Big Screen: Samsung HLXXA750 (comes in both 61" and 67" models)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001413DWQ?ie=UTF8&tag=1upcom0f-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001413DWQ

Cnet review

http://reviews.cnet.com/projection-tvs/samsung-hl61a750/4505-6484_7-32915921.html?tag=mncol;lst

If you want the biggest TV possible with out spending over 2Gs then this is your best bet. It's not just big, but it also sports one of the best pictures you can find on any type of TV. The LED engine fixes most of the problems associated with DLP TVs (bulb replacements and the noise from the DLP engine).

Best Deal: Panasonic Viera TH-42PX80U

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00142HLV4?ie=UTF8&tag=1upcom0f-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00142HLV4

Yes, it's a plasma and it's only 720p, but it's a 42" Panasonic for around $700 (which is aroudn the same you would for a name brand 32" LCD). Panasonic is second only to Pioneer in the plasma business (whose TVs are many times more expensive), even though it's a plasma these TVs are extremely resistant to burn-in. It's only 42", so unless you're going to be sitting extremely close to the TV, 1080p wouldn't make much of a difference, though you can buy the 1080p model for a few hundred bucks more.

SlaughterX

01-21-2009, 12:44 PM

If you're looking for a nice sized TV Buy.com has the 50" Kuro with a Pioneer Blu-Ray player for $2,300 shipped, an absolute steal for what most people consider the best HDTV on the market right now!

http://www.buy.com/prod/pioneer-kuro-pdp-5020fd-bundle-50-1080p-plasma-hdtv-w-free-blu-ray-bdp/q/loc/111/210633886.html

Riku Xander

01-21-2009, 03:56 PM

That's nice! Too bad there's no way I can afford that.

SlaughterX

01-30-2009, 11:33 PM

If I only had $1,100 right now...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0014175NE?ie=UTF8&tag=1upcom0f-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0014175NE

Vincent Alexander

01-31-2009, 07:02 AM

I guess my dad's 63" HDTV wasn't good enough---he just upgraded to a 73".

SlaughterX

01-31-2009, 10:53 AM

Mitsubishi DLP huh? He should have went witht he 67" Samsung LED Engine DLP. The Mitsubishi LaserVue DLPs really need to come down in price...

Vincent Alexander

01-31-2009, 04:10 PM

He didn't like how the Samsung looked---definitely not as nice.

SlaughterX

01-31-2009, 04:20 PM

He should probably have his eyes checked then... the Samsung is better. I own a Mitsubishi DLP myself and I would trade it in a second for a Samsung LED.

Vincent Alexander

01-31-2009, 04:28 PM

He should probably have his eyes checked then... the Samsung is better. I own a Mitsubishi DLP myself and I would trade it in a second for a Samsung LED.

Make that both our eyes then :P

s1mpleHUmar

02-02-2009, 04:28 PM

If I only had $1,100 right now...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0014175NE?ie=UTF8&tag=1upcom0f-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0014175NE

When this puppy drops to $999 shipped...MINE.

SlaughterX

06-28-2009, 11:47 AM

Just ordered the Panasonic TC-P50G10 for $1,300 from Best Buy with 3 years no interest (making the payments less than $40 a month). You can also find it online on other sites for $1,200 (http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=PNTCP50G10) shipped. According to reviews (http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/panasonic-tc-p50g10/4505-6482_7-33497901.html?tag=mncol;lst) it's one of the best plasmas since the Kuro, and at a fraction of the cost it can't really be beat IMO. Anyway it will be here on the 4th, so if anyone has any questions about it feel free to ask. :D