Flat Screen TV Help

gamble77 · Jan 21, 2008

Alright guys it is time to buy a new flat screen for the living room and master bedroom of our new house. I am really not up to date on this type of stuff, about all I know is that I was told to get one with 1080 resolution (not even sure if that is right).

In the living room there will be a lot of natural light coming into the room and want a TV that will show well with all the natural light. I am wanting something in the 42" range that won't break the bank! In the master we have a triple window but the TV in this room won't get as much of the natural light due to its location. We are thinking something in the 20" range for this room.

Any and all advice would be much appreciated!

GaryM · Jan 21, 2008

An LCD unit has a matte surface while a Plasma unit has a glossy surface on the display. So for the room with a lot of natural light an LCD is probably the best choice.

Plasma TVs, in general can have a "blacker" black than many LCD TVs.

I recently bought a Toshiba Regza in 32" for our "spare TV room". Has a nice picture with three HDMI inputs as well as Componant, S-Video, and RF inputs. I believe it was in the $800 range.

A friend just bought a Toshiba Regza Cinema Series in 52". It was $3200. Size does make a difference. But this was going to be his main TV.

Our main TV is a Sony rear projection LCD unit in 50". Very nice picture, but it's 18" deep, so not a good choice for many installations.

Where are you going to get your signal? Over the air, cable, Dish network?

Robert_in_NY · Jan 21, 2008

I am glad you made this post as I am looking for a new TV for when I move in to my new house. So if you don't mind can I tag along with a few questions of my own instead of starting another similar thread? Thanks

gordon21 · Jan 21, 2008

For us to help you pick a screen size, we need to know how far your face will be from the screen. Have someone measure the distance from the typical chair or sofa you will use. This makes a big difference. Too big can actually be a problem.

For the big TV, I suggest a LCD due to the ambient light.

The bedroom can be 26-29" if it is within 3-4' of the end of the bed.

If you have Directv, you will want 1080i or 1080p (better).

A 46" 1080p LCD will run about $1700 for a name brand like Sony, Sharp, etc. That is a typical living room size. Depending upon the size you need, you may want a 42" or a 52" instead.

gamble77 · Jan 21, 2008

Feel free to tag along, the more questions and answers the more educated I become as well!

I am going to do a little window shopping tomorrow, but from all the TV's I have looked at so far 42" seems to get a logical fit for the size room we have, we don't want the TV to "dominate" the room, but we want it large enough to be enjoyabe.

These will both be wall mounted units as we had the home wired for it. Keep the suggestions coming, thanks guys!

gordon21 · Jan 21, 2008

This is about as impartial as you can get. Cnet.com reviews and info.

The sales people will try to sell you 120 refresh rate TV's as opposed to regular refresh rates. The difference in price is substanial. Look at two side by side to see if it makes a difference to YOUR eyes.

Do NOT buy the expensive cables. Many tests have shown that there is no difference between a $15 and a $89 HDMI cable. Digital is digital.

CNET's ultimate HDTV buying guide

jinman · Jan 21, 2008

I have a 37" tube type HDTV at 1080i and it is good from 10' away, but I think a 42 would be about perfect at that distance. I agree with everything gordon21 says about LCDs and staying away from high priced cables, and, of course, 720p HDTVs in general. I love that Sony HDNA and I've noticed they put them away from the others at Sam's. I think that will be my next purchase. In my opinion, if you start with a Sony, everything else will look like something less.

For my bedroom, I have a non-HDTV LCD panel mounted high up on a wall. I don't watch it long enough to justify HDTV. I'm asleep in about 15 min after my head hits the pillow.

GarthH · Jan 21, 2008

We bought a year ago 46" Sharp LCD. Since then I've added the home theatre components. I too look at reviews Consumer R and CNet. We have converted a south facing solarium to a family room. 9' windows, about 550 square feet. We sit about 10' from the LCD; the picture isn't too large in fact I could image a 60" screen (we moved from a 27" tube) and the brightness is very good. Mid day watching is challanging without the blinds pulled down.

Some of the LCD's seem to react better with a Dish vs Cable; in fact the Sharp set seems to get banding with cable that that we do not get on the Dish. We went for the 1080 but have no idea of whether that is worthwhile; CR's said it wasn't important but all of the recommendations had the 1080.

dgl24087 · Jan 21, 2008

I went thru this same decision about a year ago. I purchased a 40" Samsung LCD. I have Directv HD, and let me tell you, the clarity of the HD channels is mind boggling. The LCD was the better choice for me due to the nonglare screen. As for the LCD, Plasma, DLP debate, the sales representative recommended the LCD due to the matte screen, lighter weight, generates less heat, lower power consumption, plus his observation that LCD's had a better service record. I am exremely satisfied with my TV, just wish I had gotten the 42" TV. My primary viewing seat is about 10 ft. away.