I will be upgrading my TV next year, and I would like some opinions on what to get from some fellow members.
My current TV is a LG 46" LCD. 60 hz refresh rate. VGA, 3 HDMI inputs.
I'm looking at getting a similar TV, but 240 hz and at least 1 usb input. LED. Size would need to be around 44-52". I've had LG in mind, but someone I know suggested Samsung too.
What good ones are there, and where should I purchase it?
I've had luck with both Samsung and LG. I recently sold my 49" Toshiba to my parents which is also a good brand. Every TV I have purchased has been through BestBuy because they have good variety for HD TVs. You don't have to get too crazy with where you go unless if you're a bargain hunter.
BestBuy's website is efficient for filtering your search to what you want. I plugged in your preferences and came up with a bunch of different results. Go to their website and try looking around.
Two things to look out for:
1) Don't pay extra for a 3D-compatable TV. If you don't plan on watching anything with the 3D feature(s) then it isn't worth the extra money. However, if you can get a 3D-compatable TV and it's a better deal than one without that feature then go for it. Just don't feel pressured that you have to buy one unless if that's what you want.
2) Read customer reviews carefully. You'd be surprised how important they are. I recently bought a Sony sound bar with a wireless subwoofer and it had a 4.5/5 star rating with over 200+ reviews. A couple of the 1 and 2 star ratings were from users who recently had issues with the hardware not scanning the wireless subwoofer (these reviews were within a 1 year period). Unfortunately I had to return mine after a few days since it had the same issue. I returned it and exchanged for a new one. Works like a gem now. I recommend reading carefully what other buyers have said before purchasing a TV.
The advices Jubileus for choosing a TV is good advice. I will add that you also need to consider what you want to use with said TV and what you need as said TV. If you are and heavy HD user, you might need to have more HDMI ports. If you are sitting a few foots to the TV, you might a smaller one (too big when you are too close is not what you you want, you end up missing stuff).
You specified you wanted a LED TV. Being the owner of a PC screen and a TV made that way, I tell you they are great (altought both are smaller than what you want 27 inch for PC screen and 32 for TV screen, don't need bigger). With blu-ray and HD graphics, it's really good. Even the older game systems look great with such tvs.
But be carefull not to be scamed. Shop the price of the TV, don't hesitate if you see a lower price for the same TV to bring said price to your favorite electronic dealer. Sometimes, they blow up the price to have more profits. Shop wisely and don't hesitate to take your time when shoping.
One of each representants. Prices from lowest to highest are LG, Toshiba, Samsung and Sony. They are all 1080p. I would go with the LG one after checking the specs.
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The only thing I would add is not to pay a premium for a brand name. Unless you've got products that work with one another (like a Sony Soundbar and a Sony TV), it really doesn't matter all that much. Most of today's HD TVs are manufactured in the same place these days.
2) Read customer reviews carefully. You'd be surprised how important they are. I recently bought a Sony sound bar with a wireless subwoofer and it had a 4.5/5 star rating with over 200+ reviews. A couple of the 1 and 2 star ratings were from users who recently had issues with the hardware not scanning the wireless subwoofer (these reviews were within a 1 year period). Unfortunately I had to return mine after a few days since it had the same issue. I returned it and exchanged for a new one. Works like a gem now. I recommend reading carefully what other buyers have said before purchasing a TV.
I definitely agree. ALWAYS read the outlier reviews and consider them. Ratings and reviews online aren't always reliable and some of the best reviews will always be plants. Always read the poor and middle of the road reviews.
Go to a store with a 60Hz, 120Hz, and 240Hz TVs on display and see if you can even notice the nominal differences. Most people can't. No need to pay more for snake oil tech specs.
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#define ALWAYS SOMETIMES
#define NEVER RARELY
#define ALL MANY
-=GIVE US SOMETHING TO BELIEVE IN=-
I'm nerd enough to link my WoW Armory Though I'll put it in a small font.
I've had luck with both Samsung and LG. I recently sold my 49" Toshiba to my parents which is also a good brand. Every TV I have purchased has been through BestBuy because they have good variety for HD TVs. You don't have to get too crazy with where you go unless if you're a bargain hunter.
BestBuy's website is efficient for filtering your search to what you want. I plugged in your preferences and came up with a bunch of different results. Go to their website and try looking around.
Two things to look out for:
1) Don't pay extra for a 3D-compatable TV. If you don't plan on watching anything with the 3D feature(s) then it isn't worth the extra money. However, if you can get a 3D-compatable TV and it's a better deal than one without that feature then go for it. Just don't feel pressured that you have to buy one unless if that's what you want.
2) Read customer reviews carefully. You'd be surprised how important they are. I recently bought a Sony sound bar with a wireless subwoofer and it had a 4.5/5 star rating with over 200+ reviews. A couple of the 1 and 2 star ratings were from users who recently had issues with the hardware not scanning the wireless subwoofer (these reviews were within a 1 year period). Unfortunately I had to return mine after a few days since it had the same issue. I returned it and exchanged for a new one. Works like a gem now. I recommend reading carefully what other buyers have said before purchasing a TV.
1) I agree. I don't care for 3D. It's hard for me to watch it because I wear glasses as it is. I have realized a lot of the 240hz sets usually have 3D built in though. Hopefully I can get away without one having it.
2) Agree again. I always look at probably 5+ positive reviews, and 5+ negatives when it comes to online purchasing.
I bought my current LG from a local Best Buy, never had a problem. But now that I'm getting picky, their in-store selection sucks. Hardly no variation of 60-120-240hz sets. Most are 120. and a few of the new OLED that are 240hz, and cost $5,000.
The advices Jubileus for choosing a TV is good advice. I will add that you also need to consider what you want to use with said TV and what you need as said TV. If you are and heavy HD user, you might need to have more HDMI ports. If you are sitting a few foots to the TV, you might a smaller one (too big when you are too close is not what you you want, you end up missing stuff).
You specified you wanted a LED TV. Being the owner of a PC screen and a TV made that way, I tell you they are great (altought both are smaller than what you want 27 inch for PC screen and 32 for TV screen, don't need bigger). With blu-ray and HD graphics, it's really good. Even the older game systems look great with such tvs.
But be carefull not to be scamed. Shop the price of the TV, don't hesitate if you see a lower price for the same TV to bring said price to your favorite electronic dealer. Sometimes, they blow up the price to have more profits. Shop wisely and don't hesitate to take your time when shoping.
One of each representants. Prices from lowest to highest are LG, Toshiba, Samsung and Sony. They are all 1080p. I would go with the LG one after checking the specs.
1) I have already checked into what is comfortable for my living room and viewing distance to tv size. That's why I posted then range above. I agree with you on that big time. Already done though Also, HD ports, I have 2 always in use, with a 3rd ready for optional equipment. I don't need 6 ports, but if I get 4-5 I'll be more than satisfied. My PS3 and Xbox 360 are the primary HDMI hook-ups. I also have an HDMI cable for my Droid Bionic to use in the 3rd slot.
2) I agree with LED quality, that's why I chose it. Eventually my PC monitor will get upgraded to one too. But that's another story.
3) Scams can suck for sure. I am one of those type of people who have no problem at all telling a salesman i can get something cheaper elsewhere.
4) 1080p. Sorry about not mentioning that in my OP. I figured in this day and age, that was a given. I honestly didn't think 1080i was still out there. Haven't seen a set with that in awhile.
Thanks for the links. I use to browse tiger direct a long time ago. forgot all about them.
The only thing I would add is not to pay a premium for a brand name. Unless you've got products that work with one another (like a Sony Soundbar and a Sony TV), it really doesn't matter all that much. Most of today's HD TVs are manufactured in the same place these days.
I definitely agree. ALWAYS read the outlier reviews and consider them. Ratings and reviews online aren't always reliable and some of the best reviews will always be plants. Always read the poor and middle of the road reviews.
Yea, I don't care much for spending Sony type money. It's like Nike and shoes. I did hear from a few people that LG and Samsung actually are almost identical parts on the inside. And again, I agree with reading reviews.
Go to a store with a 60Hz, 120Hz, and 240Hz TVs on display and see if you can even notice the nominal differences. Most people can't. No need to pay more for snake oil tech specs.
I have. That's why my mind is set on 240hz. When I bought my 60hz LG, I just didn't want to spend the extra $$ to get the faster refresh rates. When I brought my PS3 to a buddies place, i was stunned at how much smoother the gameplay was on his 240hz tv. (forgot the brand) I do see in stores now, when they only have 120 or 240's out, the differences between those 2.
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My current TV is a LG 46" LCD. 60 hz refresh rate. VGA, 3 HDMI inputs.
I'm looking at getting a similar TV, but 240 hz and at least 1 usb input. LED. Size would need to be around 44-52". I've had LG in mind, but someone I know suggested Samsung too.
What good ones are there, and where should I purchase it?
BestBuy's website is efficient for filtering your search to what you want. I plugged in your preferences and came up with a bunch of different results. Go to their website and try looking around.
Two things to look out for:
1) Don't pay extra for a 3D-compatable TV. If you don't plan on watching anything with the 3D feature(s) then it isn't worth the extra money. However, if you can get a 3D-compatable TV and it's a better deal than one without that feature then go for it. Just don't feel pressured that you have to buy one unless if that's what you want.
2) Read customer reviews carefully. You'd be surprised how important they are. I recently bought a Sony sound bar with a wireless subwoofer and it had a 4.5/5 star rating with over 200+ reviews. A couple of the 1 and 2 star ratings were from users who recently had issues with the hardware not scanning the wireless subwoofer (these reviews were within a 1 year period). Unfortunately I had to return mine after a few days since it had the same issue. I returned it and exchanged for a new one. Works like a gem now. I recommend reading carefully what other buyers have said before purchasing a TV.
You specified you wanted a LED TV. Being the owner of a PC screen and a TV made that way, I tell you they are great (altought both are smaller than what you want 27 inch for PC screen and 32 for TV screen, don't need bigger). With blu-ray and HD graphics, it's really good. Even the older game systems look great with such tvs.
But be carefull not to be scamed. Shop the price of the TV, don't hesitate if you see a lower price for the same TV to bring said price to your favorite electronic dealer. Sometimes, they blow up the price to have more profits. Shop wisely and don't hesitate to take your time when shoping.
And for your information: Samsung, LG, Toshiba and Sony are your best choices for what you want. You must also make sure of the resolution type of your TV, 1080p or 1080i. Here's some examples (obviously in US prices):
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=8549423&CatId=4717
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2506358&CatId=3820
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2021946&CatId=3807
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7874799&CatId=4717
One of each representants. Prices from lowest to highest are LG, Toshiba, Samsung and Sony. They are all 1080p. I would go with the LG one after checking the specs.
I definitely agree. ALWAYS read the outlier reviews and consider them. Ratings and reviews online aren't always reliable and some of the best reviews will always be plants. Always read the poor and middle of the road reviews.
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Though I'll put it in a small font.
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1) I agree. I don't care for 3D. It's hard for me to watch it because I wear glasses as it is. I have realized a lot of the 240hz sets usually have 3D built in though. Hopefully I can get away without one having it.
2) Agree again. I always look at probably 5+ positive reviews, and 5+ negatives when it comes to online purchasing.
I bought my current LG from a local Best Buy, never had a problem. But now that I'm getting picky, their in-store selection sucks. Hardly no variation of 60-120-240hz sets. Most are 120. and a few of the new OLED that are 240hz, and cost $5,000.
1) I have already checked into what is comfortable for my living room and viewing distance to tv size. That's why I posted then range above. I agree with you on that big time. Already done though Also, HD ports, I have 2 always in use, with a 3rd ready for optional equipment. I don't need 6 ports, but if I get 4-5 I'll be more than satisfied. My PS3 and Xbox 360 are the primary HDMI hook-ups. I also have an HDMI cable for my Droid Bionic to use in the 3rd slot.
2) I agree with LED quality, that's why I chose it. Eventually my PC monitor will get upgraded to one too. But that's another story.
3) Scams can suck for sure. I am one of those type of people who have no problem at all telling a salesman i can get something cheaper elsewhere.
4) 1080p. Sorry about not mentioning that in my OP. I figured in this day and age, that was a given. I honestly didn't think 1080i was still out there. Haven't seen a set with that in awhile.
Thanks for the links. I use to browse tiger direct a long time ago. forgot all about them.
Yea, I don't care much for spending Sony type money. It's like Nike and shoes. I did hear from a few people that LG and Samsung actually are almost identical parts on the inside. And again, I agree with reading reviews.
I have. That's why my mind is set on 240hz. When I bought my 60hz LG, I just didn't want to spend the extra $$ to get the faster refresh rates. When I brought my PS3 to a buddies place, i was stunned at how much smoother the gameplay was on his 240hz tv. (forgot the brand) I do see in stores now, when they only have 120 or 240's out, the differences between those 2.