Old is New Again HDTV Buying Thread

The Sybian · Post by **The Sybian** » Thu Mar 21, 2013 12:44 pm

I know we just did this, but I can't find the thread. I didn't pay it much attention, as I thought I owned a TV. Now I don't. A couple of months after successfully fixing my DLP TV, another component went. It's 5 years old, which is about the expected life span, and I've replaced the inexpensive parts. At this point, replacement parts cost about as much as a new TV, which have much better pictures. And it is a huge assumption that I could successfully replace a ballast and color wheel and put the damn thing back together and make it work again.

I think I have the basics. I know I can't go plasma, as I have too many windows, and the glare wouldn't be conducive. It seems like LCD is done, and LED is the way to go. I saw them side by side, and I can't tell the difference, but the friendly Best Buy kid looked at me like I was an idiot. LED isn't that much more expensive, so what the hell? I really don't see any need for the Smart TV options. I am fine using my ipod for Facebook, no need for a 55 inch monitor for that. I don't have Netflix yet, and if I get it, I'll just get a Roku box or something similar anyways. I just don't see the value, but if someone can school me, by all means. Same goes for 3D.

It seems like all options are 1080p these days, so I'm not going to bother learning what that means. As for refresh rate, I couldn't tell the difference between 60Hz, 120Hz and 240Hz. Watched BBC Earth and golf on a 60 next to a 240. No difference to me. I know higher number equals better,but whatever. Anything else to look for? Name to avoid? I almost bought a Sansui at BJs because it looked nice and was dirt cheap, but the name scared me. I know Samsung is supposed o be the best picture, but am I just paying for the name, or is it really that much better?

A_B · Post by **A_B** » Thu Mar 21, 2013 12:46 pm

BIG BIG BIG

70 inches or bust.

Get one that is internet enabled to reduce the likliehood that you will need a roku or anything like that.

BSF21 · Post by **BSF21** » Thu Mar 21, 2013 12:52 pm

I've got a Sharp Aqueos 42" I bought probably 4 or 5 years ago. LCD, 120hz. I've had no issues with it. Picture is fantastic. I'd buy a Sharp again in a heartbeat.

Brontoburglar · Post by **Brontoburglar** » Thu Mar 21, 2013 2:01 pm

1080P 120HZ, that's all you need to know.

Here's a great deal

govmentchedda · Post by **govmentchedda** » Thu Mar 21, 2013 2:09 pm

I think the refresh rate is important. Golf is a pain in the ass to watch on a bad TV. Make sure you see it in action.

mister d · Post by **mister d** » Thu Mar 21, 2013 2:30 pm

I have a Sharp that I like, probably same as BSF, then I ordered another and it came not working. They asked if some red light blinked, it did, and they said "yeah, its a defective one". So they had a recallable product for sale and turnaround on a new one would have been a few weeks and Sharp can now suck my dick and my Sony's dick.

The Sybian · Post by **The Sybian** » Thu Mar 21, 2013 2:58 pm

Brontoburglar wrote:1080P 120HZ, that's all you need to know.

Here's a great deal

Damn, that is a nice price. A Roku is like $75-$100, but is there a monthly fee? If not, why pay so much more for a smart tv if I can get a Roku for $75 that does he same think for so much less? Golf on a 60Hz Samsung looked no worse than on a 240Hz to me, but WTF do I know. Beer I can differentiate, TVs not so much.

Scottie · Post by **Scottie** » Thu Mar 21, 2013 3:08 pm

The Sybian wrote:I know we just did this, but I can't find the thread.

http://www.sportsfrog.net/swamp/forum/t ... ision-recs" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

To get to page two, you have to manually enter a "2" in the little page number box and then hit go a couple of times.

Gunpowder · Post by **Gunpowder** » Thu Mar 21, 2013 4:58 pm

Brontoburglar wrote:1080P 120HZ, that's all you need to know.

Here's a great deal

And LED.

Soooo yeah don't get that one.

The Burglar · Post by **The Burglar** » Thu Mar 21, 2013 6:41 pm

Grasspenis wrote:
Brontoburglar wrote:1080P 120HZ, that's all you need to know.

Here's a great deal

And LED.

Soooo yeah don't get that one.

Everything I read makes the LCD-LED difference one that's not incredibly big.

Johnnie · Post by **Johnnie** » Thu Mar 21, 2013 7:09 pm

I typically just stick to this website for quickly gauging expected prices: http://www.slickdeals.net" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

And outside of what you can find quickly with a Google search about the metrics of a good TV, my advice is to physically walk into a Best Buy and just stare at the wall of TVs like Cameron Frye in front of a Jackson Pollack. (That was a Jackson Pollack, right? Whatevs. You get the simile.)

Another point of advice, if you know someone who can get you on base to save tax (vice just ordering tax free from an online spot), do that too. (Not sure how far you are from the closest military base though.)

Other than that, go big or go home. In the last year 60" looks to be the new norm. I have seen up to 80" for sale in some places and I believe they are getting even bigger. And from Bronto's link, they look pretty damn affordable.

The Sybian · Post by **The Sybian** » Thu Mar 21, 2013 7:11 pm

Scottie wrote:
The Sybian wrote:I know we just did this, but I can't find the thread.
http://www.sportsfrog.net/swamp/forum/t ... ision-recs" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

To get to page two, you have to manually enter a "2" in the little page number box and then hit go a couple of times.

Manually type in the 2? You wanna fix that, Scottie? Yeah, so basically it seems like as long as I don't by a Sorny or a Magnetbox I'm fine. I'm blown away by how cheap tvs gave gotten, especially if you go down to 32" or lower. Insane. I feel like I should by a small Tv for every room in the house now.

Scottie · Post by **Scottie** » Thu Mar 21, 2013 7:22 pm

The Sybian wrote:Manually type in the 2? You wanna fix that, Scottie?

I did. You're reading the fix right now.

The Sybian · Post by **The Sybian** » Thu Mar 21, 2013 8:19 pm

You know, I thought I would never buy anything at Best Buy, but this seems like a great deal: (thanks for the slick deals link, Johnnie, that's exactly what I needed).

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/LG+-+55%26% ... Id=6735568

Rush2112 · Post by **Rush2112** » Thu Mar 21, 2013 11:53 pm

I have a Panasonic that I am more than happy with.

Also for 100$ or so you can get a GoogleTV box that does all that Internet shit, and searches for programmes on cable/Internet/subscriptions very very cool service.

Gunpowder · Post by **Gunpowder** » Fri Mar 22, 2013 8:10 am

The Burglar wrote:
Grasspenis wrote:
Brontoburglar wrote:1080P 120HZ, that's all you need to know.

Here's a great deal

And LED.

Soooo yeah don't get that one.
Everything I read makes the LCD-LED difference one that's not incredibly big.

Everything I've actually seen says it is.

Gunpowder · Post by **Gunpowder** » Fri Mar 22, 2013 8:11 am

My TV has the internet connectivity thing but I've never used it. What does it do?

mister d · Post by **mister d** » Fri Mar 22, 2013 8:53 am

All the porn penises and vaginas you're looking at become 5x bigger.

Post by **Shirley** » Fri Mar 22, 2013 9:19 am

To clear it up, LED tvs are still LCD screens. The difference is in the backlighting. LED TVs use ... LEDs! Other LCD screens use florescent backlighting. LED lights allow for thinner screens and apparently better contrast.

A pretty good breakdown - http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2387377,00.asp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The Sybian · Post by **The Sybian** » Sat Mar 23, 2013 7:42 pm

Groupon with an amazing deal! Toshiba Smart/3D/LED 120Hz. 47" for $750 or 55" for $1000.

DaveInSeattle · Post by **DaveInSeattle** » Sat Mar 23, 2013 8:01 pm

I bought a 40" inch Teac when I got here to Australia...1080p 120Hz....with a built in blu-ray player, and I like it. Great picture, lots of inputs (3 HDMI inputs). Works great.

The Sybian · Post by **The Sybian** » Sun Mar 31, 2013 5:36 pm

Pulled the trigger today. Best Buy ran a great sale, thanks to Johnnie or the tip on slickdeals.com. Insignia 55" LED, 120HZ for $649. Can't beat that. Insignia is the store brand, which is supposedly identical to the LG model. The guy showed me the two models, and they looked identical to me.

I was debating between that and the TCL 55" for the same price, also LED but 240 Hz Link, but I just don't trust a Chinese company I haven't heard of. they have been around a while, but some people say the color quality isn't good. I don't know, I guess I prefer an LG make with a store brand stuck on it than a Chinese mystery company for the benefit of the 240 Hz. I think I'll enjoy my soccer games plenty fine at 120Hz.

Brontoburglar · Post by **Brontoburglar** » Sun Mar 31, 2013 10:05 pm

I got two Westinghouse 40" LED (1080P/120HZ) refurbished for $186 apiece.

Yes, I know, Westinghouse refurbs should throw up a red flag, but why the hell not at that price and it's a business expense.

Johnnie · Post by **Johnnie** » Sun Mar 31, 2013 10:47 pm

Just walked past the dumpster next to the new air traffic control tower. 17 empty flat screen boxes. 16 47" LGs & 1 Samsung 60".

Money well spent. :-/

Post by **Shirley** » Mon Apr 01, 2013 9:49 am

Brontoburglar wrote:I got two Westinghouse 40" LED (1080P/120HZ) refurbished for $186 apiece.

Yes, I know, Westinghouse refurbs should throw up a red flag, but why the hell not at that price and it's a business expense.

When I was shopping for a TV for my bro-in-law for Christmas, I read a lot about Westinghouse. They have some SHITTY customer reviews. The brand today has no connection to the old-skool American company by that name. Apparently it's some low quality stuff. Hope you get lucky.

I ended up getting a TCL. I had the same concerns as The Sybian about the quality there too, but unlike Westinghouse, TCL has pretty good reviews. I believe his TV has been great so far.

The Sybian · Post by **The Sybian** » Mon Apr 01, 2013 11:16 am

Shirley wrote:
Brontoburglar wrote:I got two Westinghouse 40" LED (1080P/120HZ) refurbished for $186 apiece.

Yes, I know, Westinghouse refurbs should throw up a red flag, but why the hell not at that price and it's a business expense.
When I was shopping for a TV for my bro-in-law for Christmas, I read a lot about Westinghouse. They have some SHITTY customer reviews. The brand today has no connection to the old-skool American company by that name. Apparently it's some low quality stuff. Hope you get lucky.

I ended up getting a TCL. I had the same concerns as The Sybian about the quality there too, but unlike Westinghouse, TCL has pretty good reviews. I believe his TV has been great so far.

I found the same thing with Westinghouse. Good luck, Bronto. Subsequent searching on TCL, I haven't seen anything bad, but I still feel better playing it safe, and I don't think I'll miss the 240 Hz.

Gunpowder · Post by **Gunpowder** » Mon Apr 01, 2013 11:41 am

Brontoburglar wrote:I got two Westinghouse 40" LED (1080P/120HZ) refurbished for $186 apiece.

Yes, I know, Westinghouse refurbs should throw up a red flag, but why the hell not at that price and it's a business expense.

Westinghouse anythings should throw up a red flag. Those are the garbagiest TVs/monitors I've ever seen. They are like the Craig or Coby of the TV market.

Brontoburglar · Post by **Brontoburglar** » Mon Apr 01, 2013 12:59 pm

Oh, I know that it's a risk, but at that price, I was willing to take it. I hope I'm right. If not, I'm wrong and I'm having to business expense them again next year.

The Sybian · Post by **The Sybian** » Mon Apr 01, 2013 1:05 pm

Grasspenis wrote:
Brontoburglar wrote:I got two Westinghouse 40" LED (1080P/120HZ) refurbished for $186 apiece.

Yes, I know, Westinghouse refurbs should throw up a red flag, but why the hell not at that price and it's a business expense.

Westinghouse anythings should throw up a red flag. Those are the garbagiest TVs/monitors I've ever seen. They are like the Craig or Coby of the TV market.

I thought Coby was the Coby of the TV market.

Post by **Sabo** » Mon Apr 01, 2013 1:10 pm

Brontoburglar wrote:Oh, I know that it's a risk, but at that price, I was willing to take it. I hope I'm right. If not, I'm wrong and I'm having to business expense them again next year.

Tip: Don't say this during any job interviews.

Brontoburglar · Post by **Brontoburglar** » Mon Apr 01, 2013 1:20 pm

Sabo wrote:
Brontoburglar wrote:Oh, I know that it's a risk, but at that price, I was willing to take it. I hope I'm right. If not, I'm wrong and I'm having to business expense them again next year.
Tip: Don't say this during any job interviews.

It's my own business

rass · Post by **rass** » Sat Feb 22, 2014 9:38 am

Does this seem like a decent enough deal?

It pretty much hits the sweet spot as far as brand, size and price for me. I'd also rather not have to deal with delivery. I don't game at all (just a Wii for the kids) so the 2 HDMI inputs is OK, though I might buy a switch anyway to allow for cable box, video player and Chromecast/miscellaneous.

teeteebee · Post by **teeteebee** » Sat Feb 22, 2014 9:59 am

Before Christmas I picked up a 65" Samsung for the main room. It's a smart TV. It has threedee, which was of little interest to me but it's a nice extra bell/whistle.

I am having issues with HDMI inputs though. Had a Samsung tech come out to my house and he couldn't figure it out. Now I will need to reopen a ticket and ask for a new motherboard, I think.

Here's the deal - four HDMI inputs and I have four devices (cable, wii u, 360 and a PS4). HDMI 4 is the only input that gives me video and sound from all four devices. The cable box can be plugged into any of the four inputs and I get audio/video. For the game systems, HDMI 1, 2 and 3 only give me video, no audio. So I plug a game system into HDMI 4 and the cable into any of the other three. Then I have two devices working with audio/video. Other two are without audio. Not a huge deal but for the sticker price on this TV, this should work while the remote plays with my balls. Unfortunately that's not happening. So maybe it's a new motherboard as the tech suggested.

Scottie · Post by **Scottie** » Sat Feb 22, 2014 10:50 am

rass wrote:Does this seem like a decent enough deal?

It pretty much hits the sweet spot as far as brand, size and price for me. I'd also rather not have to deal with delivery. I don't game at all (just a Wii for the kids) so the 2 HDMI inputs is OK, though I might buy a switch anyway to allow for cable box, video player and Chromecast/miscellaneous.

Nice TV, for sure. Similar to one I bought for my Dad and soon after for myself. But think you might be able to get that for even another couple of hundred cheaper?

One thing I wish I knew waybackwhen was to look for an input for laptops (or even desktops). If you want to watch, for example, a YouTube vid that is longer than, say, a pop song and in a size larger than a postcard (or postage stamp). Like a classic ball game or concert or movie or whathaveyou. Being able to hook up a computer to the TV is such a nice convenience. I couldn't do it "out of the box" and it drove me nuts after a while (because I like classic World Series games from the pre-Buckmccarver era). Now the VGA cable is surely on the fast track to being obsolete yet it is that one input that stands out to me as typically missing.

Since getting a Samsung just over a year ago (with tremendous guidance from DSafe), my wife purchased a couple of slightly smaller ones for the office and bedroom. Only one of them has a VGA input. Now, granted, there are other ways to hook up a laptop to a flatscreen. But VGA is the simplest and the only where you most likely have the cable already at hand. My annoyance with laptops and other devices is that while they are loaded with inputs they have very few outputs.

Anyway what I'm talking far too long to say is that you might want to make sure that you can hook up a computer to your TV.

The Sybian · Post by **The Sybian** » Sat Feb 22, 2014 3:47 pm

rass wrote:Does this seem like a decent enough deal?

It pretty much hits the sweet spot as far as brand, size and price for me. I'd also rather not have to deal with delivery. I don't game at all (just a Wii for the kids) so the 2 HDMI inputs is OK, though I might buy a switch anyway to allow for cable box, video player and Chromecast/miscellaneous.

Looks like a great price, especially if you need/want a smart TV. I got pretty much the same TV without the smart feature for $599 (I think, I should just check upthread).

rass · Post by **rass** » Sat Feb 22, 2014 4:12 pm

Scottie wrote:But think you might be able to get that for even another couple of hundred cheaper?

If I was at all obsessive about getting the absolute best deal and not pulling the trigger until I was sure I wasn't paying a penny more, that comment would be downright cruel.

As for BestBuy, the fuckers won't ship that particular TV to me or to any store near me. I can get it at that price if I want to drive to Jersey City. Today. And I don't.

rass · Post by **rass** » Sat Mar 22, 2014 8:55 am

DirecTV is here upgrading my dish and receivers. 21st century here I come. Finally.

rass · Post by **rass** » Sat Mar 22, 2014 10:43 am

Giddy.

Brontoburglar · Post by **Brontoburglar** » Sat Mar 22, 2014 12:23 pm

Genie? I love it, except sometimes my TVs will go into screensaver mode for no reason.

rass · Post by **rass** » Sat Mar 22, 2014 12:56 pm

Yes.

Brontoburglar wrote:Genie?

Yes.