 Which BIG TV?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223
Big Bore
|
OP
Big Bore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223 |
Went to see my accountant today thinking I was going to take a beating. Turns out we WILL be getting a refund! WooHoo!!!!
On the way home, my wife goes "I guess you are going to get a big TV now, right?" Had a hard time containing my grin inside the cab!!
Been looking and now seeking advice as I know some of you are very into big TVs. The only thing I know now is I want it to be 42" and no bigger (won't be getting THAT much back!).
I looked at a Sony WEGA KDFE42A10 (rear projection LCD) at City Furniture the other day and they only wanted $800!!?!? Looking around out there, they are $1300-1500. Does anyone know about this TV?
How about some advice on any other models? Anything I need to look for or look out for? Any and all input is appreciated!
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
|
|
|
Re: Which BIG TV?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 655
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 655 |
There is a stat, more sex happens in the bedroom if there isn't a TV in there ... Hope that narrows it down for you ...
|
|
|
Re: Which BIG TV?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877
Should be Riding
|
|
Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877 |
I don't know much about them, BUT my friend has a WEGA wide screen HD, not sure what size, pretty big considering it is wide screen... And it's a CRT I believe, not LCD. BIG and heavy, but REAL nice for movies. Only thing about the wide screen is he watches TV shows with the picture "stretched" to fit and it's funky. Great for movies, bad for TV... So tepending, if you watch more TV than DVD, get a normal aspect ratio, more for movies, wide screeen is nice. Just my 2 cent
Benny
Black & Silver '02
Too many mods to list
Not enough miles ridden
|
|
|
Re: Which BIG TV? *DELETED*
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172
Saddle Sore
|
|
Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172 |
More flags
More fun!
|
|
|
Re: Which BIG TV?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,308 Likes: 4
Worn Saddle
|
|
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,308 Likes: 4 |
DO NOT BUY IT! They are a bast*rd type set and there have been numerous problems with them. They are basically three of the desktop LCD type projectors with a mirror and such. They are not really a true LCD set like the flat screens are.
They sorta are, but more of a bast*rd mishmash of technologies. The lifespan of the LCD projector lamps is also about half that of a standard type projector with CRTs.
Trust me on this Phil. I used to work for Sony as a field engineer back in my yute.
For about a grand you can get a Westinghouse 32" true LCD flat screen TV that will blow away that Sony and most plasmas in the same size. I am in the process of buying 30 of them for our casino and have done a ton of research lately on large screen sets. The Westinghouse is the best LCD HD ready flat screen on the market in that price range. I can send you the exact model number and some links when I in to work in the morning. We curently have several of the Sony 46" sets and they are only 4 years old and are toasted and burned into the lamps already. Totally unacceptable.
If you really want the top of the line, you can get a nice NEC 65" Plasma for about $13k. We have one of those in the sports bar and the thing is freakin unbelievable, even with standard analog signal. People come to the casino just to watch the games on that TV. Really amazing if you got boatloads of bucks.
I can send a ton of good links to you for many brands of sets and tell you what NOT to buy. That is like buying a bike, get what you like. Circuit Sh1tty is good for looking and in this case, for a couple hundred bucks I would actually recommend the 3-5 year extended warranties. One simple house call in 5 years and you got twice your money's worth out of it. I used to charge $125 to knock on your door for big screen service calls. Then the clock started with labor costs on top of that. Average repair is about $400, and twice that for plasma screens.
A word to the wise is not necessary. It is the stupid ones who need the advice.
Pat
|
|
|
Re: Which BIG TV?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 485
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 485 |
For your budget you can get a projector. Get one and you will never go back! FYI http://www.hometheaterforum.com
|
|
|
Re: Which BIG TV?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
|
|
Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
I bought a Zenith a couple of years ago, love it! Their marketing area is pretty small, but if you live where you can get Curtis Mathis, there is nothing else as good.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
|
|
|
Re: Which BIG TV?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 922
3/4 Throttle
|
|
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 922 |
Wife wanted a large screen (she likes movies, but doesn't want to drive to them anymore), so I did a lot of checking around. Wound up with a standard rear projection Mitsubishi in 16:9 aspect at 65" width.
The CRT rear projection should last much longer than a plasma or LCD. We got ours figuring it will be the last TV we ever buy. Oh, it gets over-the-air digital broadcasts, so we're all set. And, no, we don't have cable.
|
|
|
Re: Which BIG TV?
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 885 Likes: 2
3/4 Throttle
|
|
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 885 Likes: 2 |
I'm with Dean here.. I looked at the difference in price and the difference in picture and wound up getting a 52" AKAI rear projection at Sams Club for under $1500. It's wide screen, supports 16:9 ratio and has a built in HDTV receiver to pick it up with a regular antenna. This was a little over a year ago and replaced an older (12+ years) Sony 42" rear projection unit that finally started to go on us.
Cheers,
Brad
To be old and wise, you must first be young and stupid.
|
|
|
Re: Which BIG TV?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
|
|
Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
Quote:
DO NOT BUY IT! They are a bast*rd type set and there have been numerous problems with them. They are basically three of the desktop LCD type projectors with a mirror and such. They are not really a true LCD set like the flat screens are.
They sorta are, but more of a bast*rd mishmash of technologies. The lifespan of the LCD projector lamps is also about half that of a standard type projector with CRTs.
Trust me on this Phil. I used to work for Sony as a field engineer back in my yute.
For about a grand you can get a Westinghouse 32" true LCD flat screen TV that will blow away that Sony and most plasmas in the same size. I am in the process of buying 30 of them for our casino and have done a ton of research lately on large screen sets. The Westinghouse is the best LCD HD ready flat screen on the market in that price range. I can send you the exact model number and some links when I in to work in the morning. We curently have several of the Sony 46" sets and they are only 4 years old and are toasted and burned into the lamps already. Totally unacceptable.
If you really want the top of the line, you can get a nice NEC 65" Plasma for about $13k. We have one of those in the sports bar and the thing is freakin unbelievable, even with standard analog signal. People come to the casino just to watch the games on that TV. Really amazing if you got boatloads of bucks.
I can send a ton of good links to you for many brands of sets and tell you what NOT to buy. That is like buying a bike, get what you like. Circuit Sh1tty is good for looking and in this case, for a couple hundred bucks I would actually recommend the 3-5 year extended warranties. One simple house call in 5 years and you got twice your money's worth out of it. I used to charge $125 to knock on your door for big screen service calls. Then the clock started with labor costs on top of that. Average repair is about $400, and twice that for plasma screens.
Good advice. My buddy bought a 50-couple inch Toshiba plasma from Sam's Club. It lasted about 2 years, had a lot of trouble. My buddy spent about $2k and thought he lost that dough. Toshiba did cover the repair under warranty, but it was a difficult process between them and Sam's. My buddy was lucky and Toshiba eventually sent out a replacement at no cost. Bet most of those stories end a whole lot worse.
Al
|
|
|
Re: Which BIG TV?
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726 |
Quote:
Trust me on this Phil. I used to work for Sony as a field engineer back in my yute.
Pat, I've been studying up and looking. I really like Sony's new flat straight LCDs. I was most interested in the KDL-V40XBR1 - their top of the line XBR LCD TV. What's your take?
Last edited by RamSound; 03/28/2006 11:10 AM.
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
|
|
|
Re: Which BIG TV?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
|
|
Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
Another thing to consider, a plasma screen will burn in short order if you use it for video games.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
|
|
|
Re: Which BIG TV?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,485
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,485 |
Did the research for a couple of years - LCD, DLP, Plasma, etc. All looked great, just like you'd hope for $2-$3K. Lot of freakin coin for a TV. Would hope they'd be trouble-free for a long, long time. Started reading owners reviews. Yup, all looked great but almost all needed repair much sooner than expected. No likey. Stumbled onto a website singing the praises of a 47" 'table top' projection set from Samsung. Actually carried by Sam's. Went to check it out. Looked horrible in the store, but when I got it home and properly connected with quality cables to a digital/HD box the picture was stunning! Much more mature technology than the sexier LCD's and plasmas. Best part: including stand and 5-year in-house warranty the cost was only $1150. Quite pleased.
"Despite all the amputation, you could dance to a rock 'n roll station..."
|
|
|
Re: Which BIG TV?
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 885 Likes: 2
3/4 Throttle
|
|
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 885 Likes: 2 |
a plasma screen will burn in short order if you use it for video games.And rear projection won't work with those light guns that some shoot 'em up video games support. Found that one out the hard way  Cheers, Brad
To be old and wise, you must first be young and stupid.
|
|
|
Re: Which BIG TV?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,734
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,734 |
Big? No bigger than 42" these days is a relatively small TV. I've got a 56" Hitachi CRT RPTV and IMO it's got a great picture. Even with all this new latest restest technology in TVs, you'll still find it hard to be an old CRT design. So if you have the room for the deeper CRT design, that's where your deals are going to be. Look at the better brands...Sony, JVC, Toshiba, and Samsung.
But the problem with buying TVs is that they aren't set up right in the big box stores. Circuit City, Best Buy, and the rest of those don't take the time to dial in the TV like it should be, and they run their crummy signal from some huge gang box and it ends up looking like crud on the floor displays. They'll also typically have the contrast boosted way up, and if you ran it like that at home it'll reduce the life of the TV. Want to see what a DVD looks like playing on that showroom floor TV? Good luck finding one that even has a DVD player hooked up to it. Really it's a shame the way they demo TVs, especially for the amount of money they want you to spend on one these days.
|
|
|
Re: Which BIG TV?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 999
3/4 Throttle
|
|
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 999 |
Quote:
For your budget you can get a projector. Get one and you will never go back!
FYI
http://www.hometheaterforum.com
that's what i'm planning for in my new addition.
|
|
|
Re: Which BIG TV?
|
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 185
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 185 |
IF your viewing area doesn't have a lot of exposure to light, i second the idea of the projector - most folks will buy a screen to go with, but the hometheaterforum has plenty of posts on how to paint your wall to make it just about as good. also, you'll probably pay a few $$ for someone to come out and calibrate it but it's worth it. projectors can go way bigger than TV's and they don't have problems w/ burn-in.
|
|
|
Re: Which BIG TV?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 299
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 299 |
Sony SXRD rear projection HDTV with the Oppo upconverting 1080i HD-DVD player. Street prices for the 50-inch set have dropped below $2,500 since last fall when they were in the upper $3,000's. Later this year Sony will release a 55-inch SXRD without the elephant ear speakers, which would be my preference. The SXRD doesn't have any of the appearance and/or burn-in issues the LCD/DLP/plasma sets have. All big screen sets have one problem though: a very expensive ($200 - $300) lamp that will burn out. For further info, check out Hi Def.
|
|
|
Re: Which BIG TV?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 999
3/4 Throttle
|
|
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 999 |
yep. the bulb. make sure you have a spare or i promise, the day of the big game or the party where you're all gonna watch susy's recital, it'll burn out. been there done that at my buddy's bar, super bowl no less!!
|
|
|
Re: Which BIG TV?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,308 Likes: 4
Worn Saddle
|
|
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,308 Likes: 4 |
ANY in their XBR series are top notch stuff. Pricey, but very nice (That's what I have had since they came out). The XBR stuff is vastly superior to all the other models Sony makes. Sony, in the good old days, was by far the best stuff available. But everyone else has played catch-up and there are many comparable good stes available in lower price ranges. But they kept the good stuff for the XBR series and you can spot them a mile away when you walk into a video room with a ton of various sets turned on the same source.
If you got the coin, the XBR can't be beat.
A word to the wise is not necessary. It is the stupid ones who need the advice.
Pat
|
|
|
Re: Which BIG TV?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,968 Likes: 1
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,968 Likes: 1 |
I have a Samsung 42" HD-DLP. It's a great TV and reasonably priced. I'm very happy with the color and features.
|
|
|
Re: Which BIG TV?
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726 |
Thanks for the endorsement Pat. I want to mount it on the wall over a fireplace and anything but an LCD or Plasma is out. I also can't stand reflections and the new LCDs without glass on the front don't reflect lamps, outside light, etc. like all the rest. It's a lot of money (3150. best price) but I watch a lot of TV and feel I'm worth it.
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
|
|
|
Re: Which BIG TV?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 318
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 318 |
Phil, I worked for Sony for 20 yrs. Have had a few different big screens...
I would buy a WEGA any day, only other choice is the DLP technology. A bit more expensive right now, but better black resolution.
The critical point in any big screen being used for HD, is how it looks on standard definition since much of the programing you will be watching is going to be standard definition.
Sony's "Digital Reality Creation" circuitry (turns standard def. into the widescreen format) is the best there is. Very little distortion.
Get a WEGA, you will not regret it.....
Ride like a Combat Fighter Pilot
|
|
|
Re: Which BIG TV?
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,477
Oil Expert
|
|
Oil Expert
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,477 |
I just saw an advert for a new SONY flat screen. I think it was called a "Bravia." The interesting part of this, in my opinion, is that SONY appears to be naming a particular model of TV, rather than simply using acronyms, numbers, or technology series (Trinitron, Black Stripe, etc.)to cover a whole range of TV's.
JB
"Long live the Duck Force!"
|
|
|
Re: Which BIG TV?
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726 |
JB, they have been out for almost a year now. The XBRs or Bravias are Sony's top of the line LCD TVs. Back up this thread to Pat's (Dinqua) comments. I guess they wanted a "named" distinction for their top of the line (ie: priceiest) TVs.
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
|
|
|
Re: Which BIG TV?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 551
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 551 |
This is the one I have Maxent . It is not as big a name as Sony or Panasonic, but it works and looks great. And you can’t beat the price I walked out of Best Buy with it and a Toshiba DVD recorder (to replace the VCR with) for $1700. The TV also had a $200 rebate, and at the time Best buy had 3 years 0% on TV’s.
|
|
|
Re: Which BIG TV?
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527 |
for what its worth....if anyone is buying a non HD non widescreen television at this point they are just throwing money away IMHO. The HD revolution is gaining steam and the point at which we will be viewing everything in HD aspect ratio is just around the corner.
As soon as the format war for HD DVD is finished and the loser is laying in a ditch gutted than at that point full HD DVD will take off at full blast. Anyone stuck with a standard def standard NTSC ratio TV is going to be ...lost.
"Proud to be an Infidel" ... "100% pure American Jingoist"
|
|
|
Re: Which BIG TV?
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 534
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 534 |
i've got a lowe excellent picture 42" LCD with Yamaha surround sound
also has digital terrestial tuner and more functions that i can use HD ready picture in picture loads of stuff
|
|
|
|
|
