Need TV help

[azoomm]

OK kiddies, I don't know anything about televisions. I know I have an RCA Scenium that RCA gave to me as a peace offering when their tech support fucked up, years ago. But, that is as technical as I get with these things :lol:

Needs: has to mount on the wall, good picture, not HUGE, and I don't want to break the bank.

This is intended to be an additional TV in the house, so I'd prefer a good deal that will last and be functional. I do get freaked out by flash-in-the-pan brands....

What should I be looking for?

[the chi]

Well, I just picked up a GREAT 50 inch plasma Samsung at Best Buy, with a package deal including a Samsung surround sound, with installation and wall mount all under $1500.00. The Package with the TV and surround sound was $1000.00. The extended warranty was about $150 (great deal) with geek squad, and the installation of the wall mount by the service techs at geek squad was $350.

The problems that plasmas used to have are mostly resolved, they arent a "scary" buy anymore, and you definitely get more bang for your buck by getting plasma versus LCD. LCD may have the higher dlp: 1080 versus a reasonable 720, but for a regular tv user, it makes little difference. The plasma also have much higher HZ versus the LCD's, so the picture "tracks" motion faster (which apparently means its less blurry, great for sports, motogp anyone?!)

The LCD's are also about 100 per inch, meaning going from a 50 inch to a 52 inch, your looking at $200 bucks, whereas the plasma was $100 for 3 inches more.

Getting the install is worth the cash, as they warranty the work, and do all the mounting to insure the darn things dont fall off the wall. If your going to spend the cash on a nice tv, its worth it.

[Trip]

Plasmas = dead tech, stay away, far away

Look at Samsung LCDs and LEDs, Sony LCDs, Sharp LCDs.

240Hz are really nice, 120Hz will get ya. High contrast ratio and high response time = good

[marko138]

I absolutely LOVE my plasma. I highly recommend it. Panasonic 42". 700 series I think.

[Amber Lamps]

LCD ftw! Plasma will be phased out in the next few years as tv tech goes to led based lcds. Now it seems that you don't care about all of that so :idk:.

I agree that plasma WAS better for fast paced action BEFORE the advent of 120/240 hz lcds and led tvs. Those days are all but over. When a clerk steers you towards a plasma vs a lcd it's to hit a price point. Btw plasma is more susceptible to video game "burn in" than lcd... Everyone has their own opinion but the bottom line is that lcds give a much better/clearer picture and use far less energy and tend to last longer than plasma. In fact, I believe that lcd uses about half the energy as plasma and the new led tvs use about 40% less energy than lcd. So the $200 you save now will be given to the electric company in stead over the next couple years. Also, anyone that buys a tv only considering today's tech is making a mistake and they have obviously never seen 1080p. I'd rather watch the most boring program in the world in 1080p than the best, most action packed show in normal broadcast 480i. Oh and make sure your new tv has a digital/hd tuner, it will eliminate any need for a cable box, unless you have sat tv, then never mind. FWIW if you don't mind a little motion blur on occasion, you can buy a lcd VERY cheap in the 60 hz range. I've seen sales with 46'' tvs for under $1,000.

[marko138]

Here's a question for you LCD guys....do they get fucking hot as balls? My plasma is HOT when it's on. Sucker puts off some SERIOUS heat.

[Rider]

Here's a question for you LCD guys....do they get fucking hot as balls? My plasma is HOT when it's on. Sucker puts off some SERIOUS heat.

No LCD's run much cooler than plasma. LCD's are lighter as well.

[marko138]

No LCD's run much cooler than plasma. LCD's are lighter as well.
Fuck.

[Rider]

Fuck.

It's still better than my rear projection POS. It's almost dead though.

[marko138]

I love my plasma...it's just insanely hot. And my electric bill did go up a bit since I got it 2 years ago.

[azoomm]

LCD ftw! Plasma will be phased out in the next few years as tv tech goes to led based lcds. Now it seems that you don't care about all of that so :idk:.

I agree that plasma WAS better for fast paced action BEFORE the advent of 120/240 hz lcds and led tvs. Those days are all but over. When a clerk steers you towards a plasma vs a lcd it's to hit a price point. Btw plasma is more susceptible to video game "burn in" than lcd... Everyone has their own opinion but the bottom line is that lcds give a much better/clearer picture and use far less energy and tend to last longer than plasma. In fact, I believe that lcd uses about half the energy as plasma and the new led tvs use about 40% less energy than lcd. So the $200 you save now will be given to the electric company in stead over the next couple years. Also, anyone that buys a tv only considering today's tech is making a mistake and they have obviously never seen 1080p. I'd rather watch the most boring program in the world in 1080p than the best, most action packed show in normal broadcast 480i. Oh and make sure your new tv has a digital/hd tuner, it will eliminate any need for a cable box, unless you have sat tv, then never mind. FWIW if you don't mind a little motion blur on occasion, you can buy a lcd VERY cheap in the 60 hz range. I've seen sales with 46'' tvs for under $1,000.

I don't know what hz is....

I have cable - and not planning on using a box on this TV. It will be wall mounted without DVD, or box. It is back-to-back with a closet, so if I want to add that in the future it will be added through the wall.

LCD
1080p
240hz

Just found one for less than $1000... you're saying buy that NOW for the deal I'd be getting?? The guy told me it was a killer deal - I don't know one TV from another. :idk:

[marko138]

I don't know what hz is....

I have cable - and not planning on using a box on this TV. It will be wall mounted without DVD, or box. It is back-to-back with a closet, so if I want to add that in the future it will be added through the wall.

LCD
1080p
240hz

Just found one for less than $1000... you're saying buy that NOW for the deal I'd be getting?? The guy told me it was a killer deal - I don't know one TV from another. :idk:
1080p and 240hz is what you want.

[Amber Lamps]

Here's a question for you LCD guys....do they get fucking hot as balls? My plasma is HOT when it's on. Sucker puts off some SERIOUS heat.

No, that's one of the other problems with plasma and a huge problem back in the day. They would leave a "mark" on the wall from the heat.:lol: In fact, the 1st gen plasmas had a separate unit that housed the power equipment that had a rather loud cooling fan in it. Hahaha, I remember when I lived in an older part of town (Heritage Hill), a neighbor bought a plasma and had to have his wiring redone because his circuit breakers weren't up to the current drain!!!:lol: They are A LOT better now than they were then but I remember working at Best Buy/ Circuit City and having to swap out plasma tvs every so often because they weren't up to running 12 hours a day/ 7 days a week.:idk:

[marko138]

No, that's one of the other problems with plasma and a huge problem back in the day. They would leave a "mark" on the wall from the heat.:lol: In fact, the 1st gen plasmas had a separate unit that housed the power equipment that had a rather loud cooling fan in it. Hahaha, I remember when I lived in an older part of town (Heritage Hill), a neighbor bought a plasma and had to have his wiring redone because his circuit breakers weren't up to the current drain!!!:lol: They are A LOT better now than they were then but I remember working at Best Buy/ Circuit City and having to swap out plasma tvs every so often because they weren't up to running 12 hours a day/ 7 days a week.:idk:
I dont have quite that much of an issue with it. It does have 4 fans in the back of it...but I've never heard them running.

[Amber Lamps]

I don't know what hz is....

I have cable - and not planning on using a box on this TV. It will be wall mounted without DVD, or box. It is back-to-back with a closet, so if I want to add that in the future it will be added through the wall.

LCD
1080p
240hz

Just found one for less than $1000... you're saying buy that NOW for the deal I'd be getting?? The guy told me it was a killer deal - I don't know one TV from another. :idk:


What size, Angel? If that is a 46'' and a Sharp, Sony, Samsung then get your card out! Otherwise, what brand is it?

[Trip]

I don't know what hz is....

I have cable - and not planning on using a box on this TV. It will be wall mounted without DVD, or box. It is back-to-back with a closet, so if I want to add that in the future it will be added through the wall.

LCD
1080p
240hz

Just found one for less than $1000... you're saying buy that NOW for the deal I'd be getting?? The guy told me it was a killer deal - I don't know one TV from another. :idk:

So you are just going straight cable? Are you getting a cable card? If not, it doesn't really matter what you get because Standard Def looks like ass on 99% of HDTVs.

[azoomm]

Cable Card
46"

And, I just double checked... :lol: it's another RCA

[marko138]

So you are just going straight cable? Are you getting a cable card? If not, it doesn't really matter what you get because Standard Def looks like ass on 99% of HDTVs.
SD does look like shit. Tell me more about this cable card.

[Amber Lamps]

I dont have quite that much of an issue with it. It does have 4 fans in the back of it...but I've never heard them running.

Oh yea, they're much quieter now! I mean you had to have your volume at a significant level to overcome the fans before!:lol: That may be better fans rather than a better tv.:lol: Wow! 4 fans and it's still hot? Holy balls! Maybe you don't hear them because they aren't working.... j/k plasma tvs are hot!

[Trip]

SD does look like shit. Tell me more about this cable card.

Some cable companies offer a cable card if your TV supports it, it's basically like a box that plugs into your TV.

[Amber Lamps]

SD does look like shit. Tell me more about this cable card.

Some tv manufacturers are in bed with the cable companies (sat too) and allow you to take the card that normally slides in the cable box and put it in your tv in stead. Not all cable systems use this type of system though.

[azoomm]

Some tv manufacturers are in bed with the cable companies (sat too) and allow you to take the card that normally slides in the cable box and put it in your tv in stead. Not all cable systems use this type of system though.

The guy at Time Warner told me Austin is a geek-enough market that they "had to" offer them :lol:

[Rider]

My SD DVR has a card in it but my 2 HD DVR's dont have any cards. Seems backwards to me. I'm thinking about switching to U-Verse anyway.

[marko138]

Some cable companies offer a cable card if your TV supports it, it's basically like a box that plugs into your TV.

Do they offer high def through this card?

[z06boy]

1080p and 240hz is what you want.


This is what I bought recently. Samsung LCD 46"...great TV and a Samsung Blu-Ray player...love it.

I won't get into the debate about Plasma v.s. LCD but the Plasma definitely puts off more heat.

I don't know if they have an HHGregg store near the op but I was in there yesterday buying a GPS and a portable NetBook and they had some killer deals going on. I'm sure BestBuy does as well.

http://www.hhgregg.com/

[Amber Lamps]

Cable Card
46"

And, I just double checked... :lol: it's another RCA

Well, I won't lie, I'm not a huge fan of RCA but for that price....:idk: I don't know who you are dealing with but check how much a comparable Sharp, Olevia or even LG would cost you... I'd hate to see you buy more problems...

[azoomm]

I don't know what HHGregg is, so I'm assuming they aren't around here.

I'm going to stop by Fry's after my appointment this afternoon, I want to make sure they don't have something that would beat the other. It does, however, seem fitting that after the nightmare with RCA that I buy another one of their products.

[marko138]

I need a Blu-Ray player. And cable or satellite for that matter. Yes, I have a plasma tv and no cable or sat. FML.

[Trip]

HHGregg is kinda like a bestbuy, but without the media stuff like dvds games and movies.

They use to sell just previous generation stuff, now I think they get the new stuff but I haven't been in one in awhile.

[Amber Lamps]

Do they offer high def through this card?

I believe so... to be honest, I went sat back home and now cable here they are WAY backward and don't offer A LOT of the programming I was used to in Mi... few hd channels, no On Demand, etc. All the cards do, to my knowledge, is decode the signal based on what you have paid for. So if you pay for hd and have a hd tv, I'd imagine that it would work. If you have a "hd ready" tv, then probably not. I'm not sure though to be honest.

[z06boy]

HHGregg is kinda like a bestbuy, but without the media stuff like dvds games and movies.

They use to sell just previous generation stuff, now I think they get the new stuff but I haven't been in one in awhile.

Yeah they definitely get the new stuff now. I had always shopped at Best Buy and still do at times but HHGregg has really stepped it up...around here anyways.

[Trip]

I believe so... to be honest, I went sat back home and now here they are WAY backward and don't offer A LOT of the programming I was used to in Mi... few hd channels, no On Demand, etc. All the cards do, to my knowledge, is decode the signal based on what you have paid for. So if you pay for hd and have a hd tv, I'd imagine that it would work. If you have a "hd ready" tv, then probably not. I'm not sure though to be honest.

It offers anything offered in the digital package. So HD should be available. However, I don't think you a guide menu or anything like that. It uses the digital channels frequencies that your TV can detect.

It still costs the same as a box, marko. The box is better cause you get ondemand and stuff, this is just for people who want a card for their computers or want their TV to look pretty without a box nearby.

[marko138]

It offers anything offered in the digital package. So HD should be available. However, I don't think you a guide menu or anything like that. It uses the digital channels frequencies that your TV can detect.

It still costs the same as a box, marko. The box is better cause you get ondemand and stuff, this is just for people who want a card for their computers or want their TV to look pretty without a box nearby.
Right on. I'm probably gonna go with TurboHD when I get something anyway. Dont know when that will be.


I just committed to putting central air in my house this morning so it might be a while.

[Gas Man]

I love my plasma...it's just insanely hot. And my electric bill did go up a bit since I got it 2 years ago.

Can have the guys from Geek Squad properly tune the set so it runs better, more efficiantly, and better color.

[the chi]

Not to mention, for those that are dogging the plasma, you might want to do some research, its not as "dead" or bad as you are making it out to be...

Ours runs for hours and there isnt any noticeable heat production...:shrug:

[Amber Lamps]

Not to mention, for those that are dogging the plasma, you might want to do some research, its not as "dead" or bad as you are making it out to be...

Ours runs for hours and there isnt any noticeable heat production...:shrug:

I'm sorry sweetie but I sold electronics for years and plasma had problems. I'm not saying that they haven't improved but to buy one now would be like buying a tube tv imho. :idk:

[the chi]

I'm sorry sweetie but I sold electronics for years and plasma had problems. I'm not saying that they haven't improved but to buy one now would be like buying a tube tv imho. :idk:


:lol: For years angel? How long ago? Do some research, I did, and there are plenty of pros and cons to both, but most of the arguments about heat, burn in, etc have all been resolved by some manufacturers and many come highly recommended.

For someone who isnt looking for super pricey, and isnt going to sit and compare their tv to one in the store, it is a more than reasonable option to pursue. Im not dogging LCD's by any stretch of the imagination, but for basic needs, quality and the price differences, dont opt out just because there were problems years ago.

Edit: I also spent 2 days looking at nothing but TV's and researching the pros and cons, less than a week ago, so while not an expert, I did plenty of research before making my decision.

[Trip]

Not to mention, for those that are dogging the plasma, you might want to do some research, its not as "dead" or bad as you are making it out to be...

Ours runs for hours and there isnt any noticeable heat production...:shrug:

It's on it's way out. Companies have already started closing plasma plants and lines. It's reached the end of it's capability vs other tech advances. It's cheap because companies are starting to get out of the plasma game and moving them for good deals. AKA dead tech. It's not that it's bad, it's that it's reached the end of competition. Kinda like VHS was slowly phased out for DVD.

http://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/plasma-tv-is-dead/image_mini

[Avatard]

Trip is spot on. Fuck plasma, get an LCD.

Plasma sets have a half life of about 5 years, not unlike a tube set (10). Within 5 years, they have half the life output they did when new.

[marko138]

Everybody is always an expert and everyone's shit is ALWAYS better than what everyone else has. Such is the rule of the INTERNET.

[Trip]

Everybody is always an expert and everyone's shit is ALWAYS better than what everyone else has. Such is the rule of the INTERNET.

Except this one is true, look it up. Corporations are shutting down plasma lines and no longer making a lot of sizes they use to make. It's reached it's end of life. No joke.

[azoomm]

Except this one is true, look it up. Corporations are shutting down plasma lines and no longer making a lot of sizes they use to make. It's reached it's end of life. No joke.

So?

Really, I don't know that I've ever owned a TV for 5 years.... there is always some new technology or function that comes out and I want the new stuff :lol: So, for someone to say that it's going to be gone in 5 years - that doesn't necessarily turn me off to it.

I'm still looking - I don't impulse buy.

[Homeslice]

Who cares about lifespans or how new the technology is, how does that really affect you? Either you like the picture or you don't.

This argument is kind of like bikes, you guys will buy a new one only 2-3 years from now, yet you argue about what brand of oil to use. :scratch:

[marko138]

Because everyone has to be super fantasticly awesome and be on the cutting edge of technology so they look cool to their friends and internet peoplez who have never met them.

[Trip]

So?

Really, I don't know that I've ever owned a TV for 5 years.... there is always some new technology or function that comes out and I want the new stuff :lol: So, for someone to say that it's going to be gone in 5 years - that doesn't necessarily turn me off to it.

I'm still looking - I don't impulse buy.

Find what you like and is in the price range you want, you asked for advice so I gave it to you.

Who cares about lifespans or how new the technology is, how does that really affect you? Either you like the picture or you don't.

This argument is kind of like bikes, you guys will buy a new one only 2-3 years from now, yet you argue about what brand of oil to use. :scratch:

TV geeks and electrical geeks in general. This is a discussion forum, we discuss.

Because everyone has to be super fantasticly awesome and be on the cutting edge of technology so they look cool to their friends and internet peoplez who have never met them.

I like to read up on the stuff, I went into electrical engineering for pete's sake. The new tech in electrical world is something I regularly study. I get a pay check for learning about the electrical world.

[azoomm]

Find what you like and is in the price range you want, you asked for advice so I gave it to you.

TV geeks and electrical geeks in general. This is a discussion forum, we discuss.

I like to read up on the stuff, I went into electrical engineering for pete's sake. The new tech in electrical world is something I regularly study. I get a pay check for learning about the electrical world.

As usual, Trip - you and I were discussing. Some others, not so much. :lol: I do appreciate knowing what's out there. I have an LCD right now that I'm very happy with - and will probably go with another one just because of THAT.

Thank you, everyone, for your input....

[HurricaneHeather]

As usual, Trip - you and I were discussing. Some others, not so much. :lol: I do appreciate knowing what's out there. I have an LCD right now that I'm very happy with - and will probably go with another one just because of THAT.

Thank you, everyone, for your input....

You gonna get it before next Tuesday? :D

[Trip]

I am picky when I buy a TV, if I were to buy right now I would probably go Samsung LED 240Hz with the internal wifi built in. I don't like to be a bargain shopper when it comes to my TV watching cause I am much more a visual person than an audio one. I usually save money by not purchasing surround sound or going for a cheap one or reusing old ones or stealing my dads.

[Amber Lamps]

As usual, Trip - you and I were discussing. Some others, not so much. :lol: I do appreciate knowing what's out there. I have an LCD right now that I'm very happy with - and will probably go with another one just because of THAT.

Thank you, everyone, for your input....

Boy I hope you're not referring to me...:lol: I said basically what Trip said.:idk: I thought that I tried to be "nice"... at least for me anyway.:lol:

Anyway, I think that everyone has valid points. Who keeps a tv for any significant period of time anymore? Heck, who buys anything thinking that they'll have it forever? Shit, people don't even get married forever anymore!:lol: I can see how not buying a plasma because it's old tech would be like not buying an internal combustion car because electric cars are coming out. :lol:

The oldest thing I own is my stereo with is all Rotel and Boston Acoustics. I bought it in 1995 while I was recuperating from reconstruction surgery on my hands. I know intellectually that a $300 Sony receiver/surround sound will probably out perform this 10 piece, $10,000 tower of components and speakers but I'll never let it go as long as it works.:rockwoot:

[azoomm]

Boy I hope you're not referring to me...:lol:

Hey Betty, it's not always about you :nee:

Oh, and your old...

:lol:

[Amber Lamps]

Hey Betty, it's not always about you :nee:

Oh, and your old...

:lol:

It's Nancy... and yep I am! :wtlw:

Hey, I'm sorry if I come off as "preachy"... Like Trip, I like to stay on top of this kind of stuff because it interests me. When someone asks an opinion of this type, it's easy to get into "spending someone else's money so the sky's the limit" mode!:lol: I'm with Trip in that if I had an open account, I would buy a LED 240 hz, definitely with WiFi AND USB/memory card capabilities! Especially if it's a "stand alone" device. I and I'm sure many others, get most of those capabilities from PS3s and/or computers hooked up to our tvs. In fact, I saw one recently that has 3 speakers across the front, wireless sub and rears, and a built in blue ray player. Plus it's WiFi, blue tooth and had a couple USB ports! :drool:

[azoomm]

OK, goodies are "nice"

But, this will be on the wall. It's a backup. It's a TV to distract my brain so I can sleep while my husband is at work.

I don't play video games.
I don't even watch movies.
It will not have anything else connected to it.

I need it to be a good purchase, but I'm not keeping up with anyone on this. Besides, if it's too good it will be on while my husband is home :lol:

[Trip]

OK, goodies are "nice"

But, this will be on the wall. It's a backup. It's a TV to distract my brain so I can sleep while my husband is at work.

I don't play video games.
I don't even watch movies.
It will not have anything else connected to it.

I need it to be a good purchase, but I'm not keeping up with anyone on this. Besides, if it's too good it will be on while my husband is home :lol:

:lol:

In that case, go get a cheap walmart LCD job. Save some coin.

[Amber Lamps]

:lol:

In that case, go get a cheap walmart LCD job. Save some coin.

Hell, I saw a refurb at Best Buy.com for $500!:lol:

[shmike]

So?

Really, I don't know that I've ever owned a TV for 5 years.... there is always some new technology or function that comes out and I want the new stuff :lol: So, for someone to say that it's going to be gone in 5 years - that doesn't necessarily turn me off to it.

"I replace my stuff often because I like new technology so I'll buy old technology that is almost obsolete already." :scratch:

[Amber Lamps]

"I replace my stuff often because I like new technology so I'll buy old technology that is almost obsolete already." :scratch:

:lol::lol::lol:

[azoomm]

"I replace my stuff often because I like new technology so I'll buy old technology that is almost obsolete already." :scratch:

Oh shut up - it made sense while typing it :lol:

I am that person that won't buy a TV for the sole reason that it's shiny. I DO like to be aware of what is new out there - but the fact that it is being phased or maybe might be "old" technology isn't a good enough reason for me to skip it on a purchase.

[Amber Lamps]

Oh shut up - it made sense while typing it :lol:

I am that person that won't buy a TV for the sole reason that it's shiny. I DO like to be aware of what is new out there - but the fact that it is being phased or maybe might be "old" technology isn't a good enough reason for me to skip it on a purchase.

Hey you're right. For what you are using it for, it makes no sense to get anything other than a basic tv.

[the chi]

Oh shut up - it made sense while typing it :lol:

I am that person that won't buy a TV for the sole reason that it's shiny. I DO like to be aware of what is new out there - but the fact that it is being phased or maybe might be "old" technology isn't a good enough reason for me to skip it on a purchase.


Exactly!! If you find a great deal on something, and you know its going to last at least 5 years (cuz if ya have the extended they gotta replace it if it breaks), it doesnt matter if its going obsolete in a few years. Right now, its good. Next year, its still good. If folks wanna judge ya on your TV, they need something better to do with life.

I cant help you tech gurus, ya'll live on another planet. :lol:

[Amber Lamps]

Exactly!! If you find a great deal on something, and you know its going to last at least 5 years (cuz if ya have the extended they gotta replace it if it breaks), it doesnt matter if its going obsolete in a few years. Right now, its good. Next year, its still good. If folks wanna judge ya on your TV, they need something better to do with life.

I cant help you tech gurus, ya'll live on another planet. :lol:

So sayeth the girl who's selling a pair of jeans because she lost 2 lbs...:lol:

[azoomm]

So sayeth the girl who's selling a pair of jeans because she lost 2 lbs...:lol:

That's different - fit is EVERYTHING.

[Gas Man]

Everybody is always an expert and everyone's shit is ALWAYS better than what everyone else has. Such is the rule of the INTERNET.

Its funny how that is... when in magnolia room... i told him I didn't need the best, but something up towards that. That way it isn't completely obsolete in 2 yrs.

6 months later they came out with the 240hrz over my 120... oh well.

Because everyone has to be super fantasticly awesome and be on the cutting edge of technology so they look cool to their friends and internet peoplez who have never met them.

Yeah no shit.... I just want some good shit.

:lol:

In that case, go get a cheap walmart LCD job. Save some coin.

That is true. My FIL up north did that. Bought it after turkey day. Got the morning special. I think his is only a 720p. BUt the most high def he gets is a dvd and digital air tv.