Before anybody bitches and asks me to read the threads on here and information on the internet, this is what I have to say:

I have read all the 1+ page threads on here. I have looked briefly at some websites to help me and my wife decide. But, here is the thing: We don't watch that much TV, and with a child on the way, we will watch even less. We just watch the news (BBC, CNN, SKY) for 10 minutes a few times a day, a few Nat Geo programs per week, and about 1 movie per week. We don't really care for all the latest technology when it comes to TVs (for music and cameras, we do), so all we want from TWW is to read the list of the TVs below and then recommend one or two models from there, which you think is the best in terms of picture quality. We hardly watch TV with lights off.

We went to a local large electronics store similar to BB/CC and with a pen and paper in hand, started writing down the prices and specs of all the models we were considering (between 37" and 42" AND under $1,500). After finishing 5 brands (Sharp, JVC, Toshiba, Panasonic, Samsung), while in the middle of the 6th (Sony), and with one left to go (LG), I was approached by a Sony or Samsung (can't remember) rep (not a store employee), who said it was against company policy to let customers write down the prices/info of so many models (because he said I might be an agent of another store ). I argued with him for a bit, and then left, because he was an idiot. I wasn't deciding between cookies, but between different models and brands of a very high tech product.

Again, our only criteria are picture quality and sound (and of course, product quality). HD is not really an issue, because we don't anticipate getting an HD signal for at least a few to several years (Would the pic quality of a 1080p be [much] better than that of a 1080i, with a normal TV signal? If so, then yes, that would be a criterion). Oh, and the price is also a criterion, but only if, for example, there is product A, and product B which is 90% as good as product A, but at, say 70% of the price of product A. Then we would go with product B. An SD slot might be nice as well. I have never bought a TV, and so I know not much about all the latest features and technologies, and frankly, don't have the time or inclination to learn it now. (they have so many of those little tech/feature-stickers on the perimeter, it is head-hurting)

Please suggest one/two 37", and one/two 40"/42" (or suggest as you see fit, since you are the experts!).

All are LCDs unless otherwise indicated.

Oh and, I remember reading in some old thread that there are 2 types of LCD TVs, and one of them is better than Plasmas, but the other not as good as Plasmas. So what are the 2 types? And how could I tell the ones below apart?

This should be easy for you gurus on TWW as the models are limited to the ones below. Please don't suggest any other models or any websites to get them cheaper, as we are not in the US, so that would be useless to us, unfortunately.


Sharp

LC42PX5M, 42", $1,333, 1080i
LC37PX5M, 37", $1,040, 1080i


JVC

LT42EX18, 42", $1,120, 1080i


Toshiba

37AV500E, 37", $1,040, 1080i
42AV500E, 42", $1,253, 1080i
42X3500E, 42", $1,600, 1080p


Panasonic

TX37LX80, 37", $1,067, 1080i
TH42PV8MS, 42", $1,067, Plasma (1024x768)
TH42PV8MS, 42", $1,200, Plasma (1024x768) (same as above, but with home theater system worth $320)
TH42PV80MS, 42", $1,173, Plasma (1024x768)


Samsung

LA37A450, 37", $1,011, 1080i
LA40A450, 40", $1,173, 1080i
LA40A550, 40", $1,493, 1080p
PS42A410, 42", $1,037, 1080i, Plasma


Sony

KLV40S400A, 40", $1,320, 1080p
KLV40V400A, 40", $1,467, 1080p
.
(couple of more Sony models)
.
Interrupted by idiot Sony/Samsung rep


LG

Couldn't write down any info because of above.

Will go back and get the info on the LG models and the remaining Sony models.


THANK YOU!!!


P.S. There is another big electronics store, and they might have some different models. I hope to go there in the next couple of days and add some more models to this thread.

Sorry for the [words].

1/1/2009 3:43:58 PM

i'd go with a samsung

1/1/2009 3:51:36 PM

As far as price and performance are concerned, buy a Panasonic Plasma.

720p models are dirt cheap and with how low prices have been on them as of late (like $700), it is absolutely impossible to go wrong.

Some of the latest model numbers are TH-42PX80U and TH-42PX85U

1/1/2009 3:59:21 PM

Panasonic (for Plasma)
TH42PV8MS, 42", $1,067, Plasma (1024x768)
TH42PV8MS, 42", $1,200, Plasma (1024x768) (same as above, but with home theater system worth $320)
TH42PV80MS, 42", $1,173, Plasma (1024x768)

Samsung (for LCD or Plasma)
LA40A450, 40", $1,173, 1080i
LA40A550, 40", $1,493, 1080p
PS42A410, 42", $1,037, 1080i, Plasma

just need to decide which one you think looks better.

[Edited on January 1, 2009 at 4:00 PM. Reason : .]

1/1/2009 4:00:27 PM

Thanks for the answers so far.

I just want to quote the following so at least they get answered by someone:

Would the pic quality of a 1080p be [much] better than that of a 1080i, with a normal TV signal?

Oh and, I remember reading in some old thread that there are 2 types of LCD TVs, and one of them is better than Plasmas, but the other not as good as Plasmas. So what are the 2 types? And how could I tell the ones below apart?

Thanks again!



[Edited on January 1, 2009 at 6:25 PM. Reason : ]

1/1/2009 6:24:43 PM

Quote :

"with a normal TV signal"

no. normal TV doesn't broadcast in 1080p yet and won't for a while. 1080p is for blu-ray and some video games

[Edited on January 1, 2009 at 6:29 PM. Reason : never heard of the 2 LCD types thing so not sure on that one]

1/1/2009 6:29:31 PM

^ 1080i generally looks better on a 1080p TV because most of the TVs do blend deinterlacing instead of your bob or scan conversion, but of which effectively lose resolution.

For a "normal" TV signal, it won't really matter though, but normal signals are quickly fading in to obscurity.

I would definitely go with a 1080p TV though, because they generally have better video decoders in them than their lower-res models, which means things will automatically look better.

You should be able to spend a little bit more and get the 650 series samsung, otherwise the Toshiba X series, the 550 series samsung, or the 80 series Panasonic plasma are your best options, with the Panasonic and the Samsung being about equal (but the X series being the best-- keep in mind Toshiba is notorious for color distortions at angles and "crunching" in the shadows), depending on your circumstances (assuming the PV series is the durka durka version of the PX series: http://www.avforums.com/forums/plasma-televisions/771935-differences-between-panasonic-px8-px80-px80b.html )

1/1/2009 7:39:43 PM

Quote :

"we don't anticipate getting an HD signal for at least a few to several years "

Your TV will get broadcast HD over the air, so you don't really need to do anything. You might want to get a cheap antenna if you have bad reception.

Quote :

"Oh and, I remember reading in some old thread that there are 2 types of LCD TVs, and one of them is better than Plasmas, but the other not as good as Plasmas."

That may have been in reference to the two different backlighting methods that exist (or existed), mercury tube lamps and LEDs. The LEDs are/were only on high-end models, though. Some LEDs are considered pretty close to the best plasmas.

I would recommend one of the Samsung LCDs, probably a 1080i because you won't appreciate the difference. Those are among the best TVs.

[Edited on January 1, 2009 at 8:05 PM. Reason : .]

1/1/2009 8:02:06 PM

Quote :

"Your TV will get broadcast HD over the air, so you don't really need to do anything. You might want to get a cheap antenna if you have bad reception. "

Does that apply outside of the US? I'm thinking it isn't true everywhere in the world..

1/1/2009 8:10:44 PM

Quote :

"As far as price and performance are concerned, buy a Panasonic Plasma. 720p models are dirt cheap and with how low prices have been on them as of late (like $700), it is absolutely impossible to go wrong. Some of the latest model numbers are TH-42PX80U and TH-42PX85U"

What Stein said.


I had a 50" Panasonic 720p/1080i Plasma earlier this year (would still have it if I could've moved it by myself, but the ex paid me for it) and it was hands down the best thing I could've gotten short of a Pioneer Kuro. I did shit tons of research, and finally bought it when the price was right. I was completely happy with it - happier with it than I was with my gf, as a matter of fact, but that's another story for another time.

For the sizes you're looking at, the value break is at the 42" size and not the 37". I did a bunch of research to look for a replacement after the breakup and decided on the same range of sizes you're looking at now. I have a 42" LCD now that is good, but what made it a great deal was the newegg blackfriday pricing. 37" is just overpriced for the return you get.

Keep in mind that at those sizes, most aren't going to be able to tell the difference between 1080i and 1080p at normal sitting distances - it's just a limitation of the human eye given the viewable area. Couple that with the fact that OTA stuff come in at 1080i max, and there's not too huge a reason for you to absolutely get a 1080p set. Even if you do get Blu-ray (which I'd suggest against), it's not going to be a huge deal given your professed viewing habits.

In fact, I'd suggest staying away from Blu-ray in the interest of waiting for more direct-delivery HD content from the internet. I thought about buying a blu-ray player myself, but it's kind of pointless with netflix, hulu, and bittorrent.

1/1/2009 8:37:33 PM

2 thoughts.

1) the entire purpose of this 10 page thread is so people can ask questions there and not have a million "I'm buying a new tv...help me" threads. Your questions could have easily gone there.

2)Why would you spend $1000+ on a semi-nice tv if you don't have, aren't interested in, nor can get a picture that's even close to worthy of it. If it were me, I'd spend $300 on the best looking tube tv I could get my hands on and then in a few years when you've got need for a nice HDTV you'll be able to get the equivalent of a $3000-4000 tv for the same $1000-$1200 that you're looking to spend now.

Bottom line is I don't know why you're even concerned about picture quality at all if all you're going to be watching is some crappy ass SD signal anyway. You could drop $5000 on the best newest technology out there and it would still look like ass if all you're watching is a non-HD source.

1/1/2009 10:17:25 PM

El Nacho makes two very good points.

Should have used the other thread.

Should get a smaller 37" 720p TV for <$600, save your money for when you need a real TV

1/2/2009 12:20:48 AM

Those prices in the original post look high. Always look at slickdeals.net to find the best price.


LCD, 120hz, 1080p

Quote :

"Bottom line is I don't know why you're even concerned about picture quality at all if all you're going to be watching is some crappy ass SD signal anyway. "

1/2/2009 12:31:39 AM

Quote :

"We just watch the news (BBC, CNN, SKY) for 10 minutes a few times a day, a few Nat Geo programs per week, and about 1 movie per week."

and

Quote :

"we don't anticipate getting an HD signal for at least a few to several years"

and

Quote :

"with a child on the way"

def doesnt sound like a LCD TV is something you should be spendig money on.

It sounds similar to someone dropping $TEXAS on a grand piano when all you plan on doing is playing chopsticks a couple times a week.

You are actually better off buying a projection HDTV off of craigslist for a couple hundred bucks.

1/2/2009 3:36:29 AM

my parents have the 40" samsung 1080p (LN something) and i got them a blu ray player for xmas

it looked amazing; however, for some reason when i try to calibrate it for them, it always reverts back to its default retina-burning settings which are really painful if there arent any other lights on in the room

1/2/2009 7:26:21 AM

there's a couple different modes. i've found that depending on the 'input' the mode changes.

so if you change the mode for the cable STB input, then go to your blu-ray input, you'll have to set the mode for that input separately. it stores in memory which mode was set for which input

i have the LN40A650 (40" 1080p 120Hz)

1/2/2009 12:51:31 PM

i can vouch for the Samsung LN**A650 series. I have the 52" and it is amazing and superior to most TV's I've seen. The smaller models look great too. OTA HD signals are free and a cheap HD antenna works well and looks great

1/2/2009 3:33:05 PM

Quote :

"there's a couple different modes. i've found that depending on the 'input' the mode changes. so if you change the mode for the cable STB input, then go to your blu-ray input, you'll have to set the mode for that input separately. it stores in memory which mode was set for which input"

yeah i know about that

however, once i go through and change all the settings, 20 minutes later they revert back to factory

the only one that sticks is the on/off melody stays off

1/2/2009 9:41:20 PM

not reading the whole thing, but my two cents:

plasma - panasonic first, samsung close second
lcd - samsung

1/2/2009 11:01:10 PM

Panasonic 42" Viera Plasma THC4218 720P at Costco B&M $680 ($730 Costco.com)

1/3/2009 11:01:23 PM

LCD - Sony, Samsung

Plamsa - Panasonic.


For what you are trying to do..go LCD

1/5/2009 8:16:27 PM

Ordered a Samsung LN52A750 today!

1/19/2009 7:05:02 PM

So I went to Circuit City and found the Sony Bravia 46W4100 120hz LCD for $1800! i picked the same TV up from CC back in november for $1100 OTD. I was laughing my ass off when I saw the "$1999 $1799" tag

1/19/2009 7:24:30 PM

cast another vote for Samsung lnxxa650 models

i got my 46" calibrated and the blacks are incredible

1/19/2009 8:14:14 PM

I have a 46PZ80U and I can really spot a similar priced LCD when I go over to someones place that has one.

1/19/2009 8:29:05 PM

Just picked up the panasonic 50inch 1080p plasma. Damn thing is sweet and takes up most of the wall. i would say the overall picture looks better than my sharp aquos just because of the color definition in the plasma.

and you really picked up a 120hz 1080p sony tv for $1100??

1/19/2009 10:01:46 PM

LCD FOR NORMAL PEOPLE
PLASMA FOR PEOPLE WHO CARE


KIND OF LIKE BUD LIGHT OR GUINNESS

SOME LIKE DARK/TASTE , SOME JUST WANT TO GET DRUNK

1/19/2009 10:09:04 PM

If you have a sams around you, i would advise you to go by there and check them out. They usually have better prices on tv's than most other stores around. But thats just my opinion

1/19/2009 10:45:38 PM

Quote :

"LCD FOR NORMAL PEOPLE PLASMA FOR PEOPLE WHO CAREPRETEND TO CARE BUT REALLY JUST LIKE HOW IT SOUNDS LASERVUE FOR PEOPLE WHO CARE OLED FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE BALLER "

^there are no Sams clubs or HD signalz in mesopotamia ppl

[Edited on January 21, 2009 at 5:28 PM. Reason : .]

1/21/2009 5:25:21 PM

come on now. lcds look like garbage.

1/21/2009 6:01:03 PM

how necessary are color calibrations?

sounds like a scam.

1/21/2009 6:25:53 PM

color calibrations seem like a scam to me too...

both of my tvs have settings for sports, movies, video games, etc and those seem to work just fine for me. then again, im not some crazy videophile who would obsess over something like that.

1/21/2009 7:43:55 PM

color calibrations are not a scam, but unless you are very serious about the getting the best color & blacks, then you probably don't need to. i have got a free LCD calibration dvd though i got awhile back that helped, but the manf. settings were close.

1/21/2009 8:01:39 PM

so how did you do it yourself?

1/21/2009 8:37:19 PM

changed the settings in the TV's menu so the displayed image looks right

1/21/2009 8:45:08 PM

Ah. Don't they use some kind of l33t camera when they do it professionally? What do they charge for that at Best Buy, like $300? Fuck that.

1/21/2009 8:51:26 PM

yea, that's retarded. even in the AVS forum they all can't agree on what looks best. it's all personal preference IMHO.

1/21/2009 8:55:34 PM

^thats because part of it depends on the room

calibration has to do with accurately displaying colors/shades, hence the needs for expensive cameras and whatnot

and again, some people simply don't like the look of a professionally calibrated picture

1/28/2009 4:37:35 PM

Well, I got mine in the other day, and the default colors look fine to me

1/28/2009 5:14:53 PM