Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

So I'm itching to finally upgrade from my 27" CRT, but I have some reservations about spending $2-4K on a TV. I know there have been a handful of TV threads, and I've run a search, but nothing quite covers this budget range, of $1500-2000.

My situation: Right now my living room is about 18x14, and the couch would be about 5-6 feet from the TV. I'm not a gamer, but I do watch a lot of sports. While I currently have room for pretty much any size and bulk TV, I'm young and in NYC (so I could very well have a new place each year) and probably headed to grad school in a couple years, so avoiding lugging around a 200 pound beast from place to place is a consideration, but doesn't necessarily eliminate a good option.

So what are your recommendations?

All types and technologies welcome.

Whatcha got?

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

5 or 6 feet away I would be looking at smaller lcd's rather than anything big 27" may well be enough. Will be easier to move from place to place as well.

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

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5 or 6 feet away I would be looking at smaller lcd's rather than anything big 27" may well be enough. Will be easier to move from place to place as well.

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What additional sizes/sets would I consider if we pushed that distance to 7-8 feet?

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

I have a 42" Sony HD LCD and I am VERY VERY VERY VERY happy with it. I am also in an apartment, and I'm about 5-6 feet away from it on the couch. It is AWESOME in Hi-Definition, everything from sports to regular prime time programming.

The only negative is that standard definition just sucks. I don't know if it's because Hi-Def stuff is just so awesome, but it really sucks to go from Hi-Def to regular programming. I also don't know if you're going to have that with EVERY Hi-Def set or not, but I have read in other "research" that LCDs are particularly bad for that.

As for cost - I bought mine at the beginning of the year when they were listed at $2300. Talked down Circuit City to $2050. DEFINITELY NEGOTIATE with this type of large purchase. I believe they're listed at like $1900 now, so I'd suspect you can pick them up for $1700 or so?

The only thing I'd caution is to be careful of the extras. I have DirecTV, so it was a couple hundred extra for the Hi-Def receiver. I had to buy an antenna to get Hi-Def locals, and that was like $50. If you're a TIVO guy, their Hi-Def box is extra. You WANT the good cables when you go to hook everything up, and they're expensive (I spent $75 each on cables to hook up my Hi-Def box and my PS2).

The other "extra" with LCDs is that the bulbs burn out. And they're a couple hundred bucks each. I bought the Circuit City service plan, which has unlimited bulb replacement for 3 years.

In summary, I LOVE my TV - you'd be very happy with a 42" in that "small" of a space, and the picture on my Sony LCD is AMAZING.

No matter what you go with though - consider the extras. They add up REALLY fast.

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

Up to 32", the recommendation for 42" plasmas is 10-12ft.

I would still look at lcd, over here they are not looking to do hdtv in crt sets so thats a basis for me saying lcd. A good crt is going to have a better picture than a equivelent priced lcd (but do they have hdmi slots on crts in the states?)

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

I just bought a Samsung HLR5067W for less than $2000. Highly recommended.

Though as the other poster said, 5-6 feet is a little close for that size. You would be fine with HD content, but SD stuff will look pretty bad.

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

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No matter what you go with though - consider the extras. They add up REALLY fast.

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Yeah, if you're on a budget then this is a huge consideration. I ended up spending as much on the peripherals as I did my TV.

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

spending a lot of money on good cables is kind of a bad idea. as long as you dont buy bargain bin crap its pretty much all the same. i say this having built many RCA/component cables in my lifetime. with 8 bucks worth of parts i could build cables better than monster cables.

rj

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

6' is a good distance for a 42' set. if you go smaller you will be shortchanging yourself for all of your hd viewing.

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

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spending a lot of money on good cables is kind of a bad idea. as long as you dont buy bargain bin crap its pretty much all the same. i say this having built many RCA/component cables in my lifetime. with 8 bucks worth of parts i could build cables better than monster cables.

rj

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I don't know jack about building cables - maybe that's my problem.

However, I do think that HAVING good cables (whether you buy them or make them) is important. When I hooked up my PS2, I was pretty disappointed the first time I played Madden. So I went out and spent $75 on Monster cables and it looks AWESOME.

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

I always thought this one looked pretty nice, but it might be a bit big/expensive for what you want/need.

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

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[ QUOTE ]
No matter what you go with though - consider the extras. They add up REALLY fast.

[/ QUOTE ]
Yeah, if you're on a budget then this is a huge consideration. I ended up spending as much on the peripherals as I did my TV.

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Thanks for the warning. It's not so much I'm on a limited budget as it is a self-imposed limit. I don't have as extensive a home theater setup as most, so I don't see myself spending more than a few hundred on peripherals, and that's fine by me. $1800+500 is much more preferable to $3200+1000.

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

What about technologies? Seems like most suggestions are for LCD. Is that because Plasma is out of budget and rear-projections are too large?

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

for your price range and needs, which are similar to mine, I would go with DLP.

a 42 inch DLP is only about 13 inches deep and 70 pounds, making ir easy to house/move. it's picture quality is just as good as LCD/plasma, although you'll want to check out specific models at avsforum to see what the experts say.

finally, they are a much better value than wall-mountable TV's. a 42 inch Samsung should set you back about $1600.

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

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The only negative is that standard definition just sucks. I don't know if it's because Hi-Def stuff is just so awesome, but it really sucks to go from Hi-Def to regular programming. I also don't know if you're going to have that with EVERY Hi-Def set or not, but I have read in other "research" that LCDs are particularly bad for that.


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This is a very important point, and we recently purchased a conventional CRT instead of an LCD for exactly this reason. The flat panels look *awesome* on HD signals or DVDs, but fared poorly on conventional TV signals. Unless you (the OP) is certain of having an HD/DVD source for most of his viewing, a flat panel may not be a good choice.

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You WANT the good cables when you go to hook everything up, and they're expensive (I spent $75 each on cables to hook up my Hi-Def box and my PS2).

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In the audio world, cables are generally a huge scam. Buyer beware!

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The other "extra" with LCDs is that the bulbs burn out. And they're a couple hundred bucks each. I bought the Circuit City service plan, which has unlimited bulb replacement for 3 years.



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Sharp is quoting a bulb lifetime (to half-brightness) of 60,000 hours in their latest sets. If you're watching TV 8 hours a day, it'll take 20 years to get to that point. LCDs and plasmas have both moved past the short-lifetime problems of the past, at least for top-tier manufacturers like Sharp and Panasonic.

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

This is right in range if not ahead, I'm sure. Remember, what ever price you see at a Best Buy or Circuit City you can almost certinaly find it for...say 10/20% cheaper at a reputable online retalier.

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

Move your couch back, and get a projector.

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

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Move your couch back, and get a projector.

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Not an option, based on the configuration of the room.

Thanks, though.

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

True.

One thing to be careful of is what resolutions it can display. I think the key would be to make sure it can do true 1080p and 1080i.

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

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True.

One thing to be careful of is what resolutions it can display. I think the key would be to make sure it can do true 1080p and 1080i.

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even this is arguable. a lot of people say 720i is better than 1080p

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

Can't TV's that are 1080p display 720i just fine too?

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

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Can't TV's that are 1080p display 720i just fine too?

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honestly, I'm not sure. I think some can, some can't. basically, I recommend people doing a search at avs forum when they find a model they like, to see what the geeks over there have to say. those people are pic-ky. if it's ok over there, it's ok for you.

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

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Can't TV's that are 1080p display 720i just fine too?

[/ QUOTE ]

honestly, I'm not sure. I think some can, some can't. basically, I recommend people doing a search at avs forum when they find a model they like, to see what the geeks over there have to say. those people are pic-ky. if it's ok over there, it's ok for you.

[/ QUOTE ]

Agreed on the last point, but it's the reverse that I think is more important, and more difficult. It's when the geeks say "i would never buy this TV...it doesn't upconvert the DXT into 1068x869 with a satellite feed overdriver with a ZDMC" that folks like me are left scratching their heads and thinking "Ok...but do I care if I just wanna watch some football and DVDs?"

For example, I think I've deduced thusfar that I want something with HDMI input. But frankly, I'm not even 100% positive of that. Reason I bring it up is the WEstinghouse TV some folks have pointed to in this thread has no HDMI input.

The suggestions have been very helpful thusfar though to a relative TV dunce like myself.

Keep 'em coming!

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

This is the 200 pound monster you speak of.

Sony KD-36XS955

Incredible picture on both Standard and HDTV. Also comes in a 16:9 version, slightly more expensive. I recommend this one because so much of TV is still in standard 4:3 mode and this will give a good picture for that. The 36" 4:3 is the same picture size as the 34" 16:9 in HD mode.

If the 200 lb problem doesn't bother you, you'll be hard pressed to beat the picture, and it puts most, if not all, flat screens to shame, even the $4000 ones.

I'm waiting for DirecTV to come out with our locals in HD, should be next year. Then it's HD Direct TiVo time, they're down to $579 or so.

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

I recently bought one and did a lot of research ahead of time, so I'll throw in my two cents.

For your price range, you can get a 42" or smaller RPLCD, DLP, or CRT. CRT are the cheapest of those. Flat panel LCD or plasma are > $2k.

If you don't want the weight, then eliminate CRT. However, you said that's not a deal breaker. So here's your choice: CRT offers better picture quality, especially with standard definition, but will weigh 150-200 lbs compared to 65 for RPLCD or DLP.

You are going to want to spend some time in the store watching SD material. Note that SD quality varies from channel to channel, program to program. So try many different sources/shows. Some SD stuff looks great on my RPLCD, some sucks. ALso note that digital cable stations and satellite stations in SD are going to look better than analog stations. And make sure when you check them out in stores, you view from the same distance that you'll be at in your living room.

Viewing angle may or may not be important to you. If you want to be able to see the picture from less than straight on, then RPLCD > DLP > CRT.

LCD and DLP have advantages and disadvantages. Google "DLP vs LCD" and such and you'll see the pros/cons. Things to look for: rainbow effect, black levels, screen door effect (SDE).

Once you decide on your desired technology, find a few models from bestbuy.com or amazon or something. Then I would search avsforum.com for those models. That place can be hard to wade through, so I recommend google for researching technologies and then avsforum for specific models. When you're reading, note the dates that articles were written because a lot of issues from the past have been improved upon/corrected in recent months/years.

Lastly, FWIW I got a Sony KDFE42A10 RPLCD a couple weeks ago. Brief review:
HD - No complaints. Looks fantastic.
SD - (DirecTV) some things look awful, like golf. But most programs range somewhere between decent and very good. I came from a 27" Wega non-hd crt which had a tremendous picture, so I had high standards. Black levels are not very good and shadow detail is weak, but I'm getting used to it.
DVD - I have a non-progressive, non-upconverting dvd player, so the tv is doing the upconverting/deinterlacing. 24 is really all I've watched so far. It doesn't look as good as HD stuff, but it looks far better than SD programming. In other words, it's very good. Would possibly be even better with a better DVD player. Black level issues are present but less noticeable than SD tv stuff.

Hope this helps and isn't too long.

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

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[ QUOTE ]
Can't TV's that are 1080p display 720i just fine too?

[/ QUOTE ]

honestly, I'm not sure. I think some can, some can't. basically, I recommend people doing a search at avs forum when they find a model they like, to see what the geeks over there have to say. those people are pic-ky. if it's ok over there, it's ok for you.

[/ QUOTE ]
Most have a native resolution, meaning it's one or the other - 720p or 1080i. No matter the source, it will convert it and output at its native res.
Most people say it's hard to tell the difference between 720p and 1080i. The standard response is that 720p is better for things with a lot of movement like sports. 1080p is very new and very expensive, and aside from downloading stuff from the internet, there is no source material in 1080p. HD DVDs may change that relatively soon, but broadcasters are a long long way from it. So it's probably not worth the money now unless you have an HTPC and access to content.

I believe all DLP and RPLCD are 720p, while many/most CRTs are 1080i, but I'm not sure about that.

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

One last thing:
Burn-in. This is not nearly the problem it once was, but still can be an issue depending on who you ask. I refuse to watch 4:3 stuff in "stretch" mode, so I eliminated CRT as an option because I didn't want to worry about burn-in with the black bars on the sides. RPLCD and DLP are not subject to it.

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

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Hope this helps and isn't too long.

[/ QUOTE ]

Perfect, actually.

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

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I have a 42" Sony HD LCD and I am VERY VERY VERY VERY happy with it. I am also in an apartment, and I'm about 5-6 feet away from it on the couch. It is AWESOME in Hi-Definition, everything from sports to regular prime time programming.

The only negative is that standard definition just sucks. I don't know if it's because Hi-Def stuff is just so awesome, but it really sucks to go from Hi-Def to regular programming. I also don't know if you're going to have that with EVERY Hi-Def set or not, but I have read in other "research" that LCDs are particularly bad for that.

As for cost - I bought mine at the beginning of the year when they were listed at $2300. Talked down Circuit City to $2050. DEFINITELY NEGOTIATE with this type of large purchase. I believe they're listed at like $1900 now, so I'd suspect you can pick them up for $1700 or so?

The only thing I'd caution is to be careful of the extras. I have DirecTV, so it was a couple hundred extra for the Hi-Def receiver. I had to buy an antenna to get Hi-Def locals, and that was like $50. If you're a TIVO guy, their Hi-Def box is extra. You WANT the good cables when you go to hook everything up, and they're expensive (I spent $75 each on cables to hook up my Hi-Def box and my PS2).

The other "extra" with LCDs is that the bulbs burn out. And they're a couple hundred bucks each. I bought the Circuit City service plan, which has unlimited bulb replacement for 3 years.

In summary, I LOVE my TV - you'd be very happy with a 42" in that "small" of a space, and the picture on my Sony LCD is AMAZING.

No matter what you go with though - consider the extras. They add up REALLY fast

.

[/ QUOTE ]

I have the 51" version and I agree with everything posted. And yes, the HD Sat stuff can add up expecially with the Tivo option.

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

bump for the after-work crowd...plus I think it's a quesiton that applies to a lot of us

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

When people say standard definition stuff looks crappy, do they mean that it looks the same as on a regular TV and crappy in comparison to HD, or that it looks even worse on an HD TV than it does on a regular TV?

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

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When people say standard definition stuff looks crappy, do they mean that it looks the same as on a regular TV and crappy in comparison to HD, or that it looks even worse on an HD TV than it does on a regular TV?

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It's the latter. If you're going to just watch standard broadcast signals, you will be better served by a decent CRT than a flat panel display. Spending 75% less is just a very nice icing on the cake.

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

Ok, this is where I get frustrated...

Just stopped at both BB and CC (heh, isn't that funny) on the way home. Viewed a bunch of models, all sizes, all technologies.

Came across the 30" Samsung SlimFit CRT in Best Buy, and I thought the picture looked fantastic, and at under $1000. Looked much better than the picture on the Sony CRT's, which I know are often touted as the best HDTV CRT's. The same Samsung TV in CC looked very mediocre though. Which should I trust? The were both receiving HDTV feeds.

I've got about 8 models down that I want to look into further. I gave the dude at BB my budget and size parameters, and he suggested a 32" Aquos. Any thoughts on that?

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

Also look for no interest financing. I bought my TV at Best Buy but am able to pay it over 2 years with no interest. Makes a pricier set a lot more palatable. I am about 6' away and have a 50" and I think it is a great size. Better to say "I could have gotten away with the smaller TV that is $200 cheaper" than to say "I wasted $1500 because this TV is too small, should have spent an extra $200".

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

So I just got home and measure, and I grossly underestimated my viewing distance.

The couches are 8-10' from the TV. I guess I underestimated because I have abolutely no problems with my 27" CRT now. Is it silly to be considering a 30 or 32" TV at this distance? Is there a reason why a 32" widescreen at this distance would be much worse than a 27" CRT?

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

[ QUOTE ]
So I just got home and measure, and I grossly underestimated my viewing distance.

The couches are 8-10' from the TV. I guess I underestimated because I have abolutely no problems with my 27" CRT now. Is it silly to be considering a 30 or 32" TV at this distance? Is there a reason why a 32" widescreen at this distance would be much worse than a 27" CRT?

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Personally if I'm spending 1k+ I'm going much bigger than 32". I went from 27 4:3 to 42 16:9 and it is awesome. To me, 32 is much too small at 8-10 feet. But it's personal preference I guess.

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

[ QUOTE ]
Came across the 30" Samsung SlimFit CRT in Best Buy, and I thought the picture looked fantastic, and at under $1000. Looked much better than the picture on the Sony CRT's, which I know are often touted as the best HDTV CRT's. The same Samsung TV in CC looked very mediocre though. Which should I trust? The were both receiving HDTV feeds.

[/ QUOTE ]
You've got to go with what looks best to your own eye. On the other hand, the individual video settings on each are likely set quite differently. This can affect picture quality drastically. You could fiddle around with all the settings...or do what I did and just go by what the videophiles on avsforum had to say. A lot of those guys know a lot about tweaking all the settings so I trusted their judgement on which models were best.

[ QUOTE ]
I've got about 8 models down that I want to look into further. I gave the dude at BB my budget and size parameters, and he suggested a 32" Aquos. Any thoughts on that?

[/ QUOTE ]
I haven't read anything about the Aquos' but they look fantastic when I've seen them in the store. Only thing is whether or not you want to go that small.

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

[ QUOTE ]

Lastly, FWIW I got a Sony KDFE42A10 RPLCD a couple weeks ago. Brief review:
HD - No complaints. Looks fantastic.
SD - (DirecTV) some things look awful, like golf. But most programs range somewhere between decent and very good. I came from a 27" Wega non-hd crt which had a tremendous picture, so I had high standards. Black levels are not very good and shadow detail is weak, but I'm getting used to it.
DVD - I have a non-progressive, non-upconverting dvd player, so the tv is doing the upconverting/deinterlacing. 24 is really all I've watched so far. It doesn't look as good as HD stuff, but it looks far better than SD programming. In other words, it's very good. Would possibly be even better with a better DVD player. Black level issues are present but less noticeable than SD tv stuff.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm now considering this model. How do you find the viewing angle?

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

Lastly, FWIW I got a Sony KDFE42A10 RPLCD a couple weeks ago. Brief review:
HD - No complaints. Looks fantastic.
SD - (DirecTV) some things look awful, like golf. But most programs range somewhere between decent and very good. I came from a 27" Wega non-hd crt which had a tremendous picture, so I had high standards. Black levels are not very good and shadow detail is weak, but I'm getting used to it.
DVD - I have a non-progressive, non-upconverting dvd player, so the tv is doing the upconverting/deinterlacing. 24 is really all I've watched so far. It doesn't look as good as HD stuff, but it looks far better than SD programming. In other words, it's very good. Would possibly be even better with a better DVD player. Black level issues are present but less noticeable than SD tv stuff.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm now considering this model. How do you find the viewing angle?

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Excellent. Much better than I expected. Just to clarify - I'm talking horizontal. Above or below center, it loses brightness quickly. Side to side it retains brightness quite well.

Re: Want a new (HD)TV, Budget = $1,500-2,000
 

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even this is arguable. a lot of people say 720i is better than 1080p

[/ QUOTE ]

you mean 720p vs 1080i...