[john1970]

Dear AC Members,

I am considering the purchase of a 37" to 42" LCD flat panel in the late summer / early fall.  My budget is $1500 or less.  I was in CC today and the low end 40" Sony (KDL-40S4100)  looked very good.  Target also had the low end Phillips 42" (42PFL3603D) for $1099.  Unfortunately, I can't find a local retailer of the mid-level Phillips (42PFL5603).

Please recommend any brands that have a good picture and are reliable.  My three year old Panasonic (34" CRT HDTV) is having issues so I am avoiding that brand.  Pity, because the CRT still has the best color and black levels of any current technology.

Lastly, I will be using a over the air (OTA) antenna to receive HD broadcast so a strong tuner is required.

Cheers,

John

[soewhatman]

Are you considering plasma screens at all, or are LCD's more suited to your use?  I purchased a 42" Samsung plasma about 8 months ago for right at $1000 and have been very pleased with it's picture and performance.   I am using the internal tuner for OTA HD and so long as I'm using a decent antennae I'm having no problems.  Best Buy has Samsung's current model 42" Plasma for $897, which is a screaming price for the picture quality.  I think it's a later model than mine, but probably still uses the same screen.

That said I know is some cases an LCD is much better, and I don't aim to start the lcd vs. plasma debate here.

Rick.

[john1970]

Rick,

I am considering the LCD because it gives off considerably less heat.  Frankly, I would go with a Panasonic 42" Plasma if my three year old Panasonic was not having problems. 

Best,

John

[avahifi]

Check out:

http://www.plasmabay.com/

I have had good service and prices from them on Sony Bravura flat screen TV models.

Regards,

Frank Van Alstine

[Wayner]

I just bought a 19" Sony Bravia and second Franks sugggestion. Great LCD for the money though it is only 720p. I am awaiting the new shipments of 26" for another room, but it's way on back order.

I would avoid TV's from Walmark and Tardebt as I have heard no-one will fix them when they break.

Wayner

[ArthurDent]

I purchased a 37" JVC LCD 1080p from Sam's last fall for $1100. I haven't used the tuner as yet, a secondary consideration in my case as it was purchased for for HT and is not connected to the cable in an effort to limit my TV addiction. Good picture, though for reasons not explained the screen did develop problems after about 12 hrs of viewing. Nice thing about most if not all the new flat screens is they come with a 1 yr in home warranty. So while it took about 3-4 weeks, not a plus, due to JVC's part replacement policy, it did get fixed with minimal hassle. The main delay was the repairman had to take the unit apart to get the serial # off the screen itself, the # on the unit wasn't sufficient. With 30 years of experience with various JVC electronics I've never had problems or been disappointed. Everyone has glitches, and this would not put me off of another JVC unit.

Consumer Reports ranked the Sonys highest in quality & reliability, the JVCs were 2nd or 3rd (brandwise), depended on the specific model. The Sonys were also the more/most expensive. My considerations in LCD vs plasma were weight & I couldn't find a plasma storewise that had a non-reflective screen. I've managed over the last couple of years to eliminate all my computer CRTs, and now have only one CRT TV/monitor. An old 19" NEC I hate to part with as it has the best picture of any TV I've ever had. Note that at least per CR the Phillips did not rank well in their testing.

I've also purchased a 32" Vizio at Sam's, that replaced a 10+ yr old 27" JVC CRT, for $590. It is only a 720p, but to these aging eyes not a major step down from the 1080p. This is watched daily and so far has been a good 'little' unit. It too has the in-home warranty. As Sams has carried this brand for a couple of years now I can't imagine if they'd had reliability issues they'd still have it, too many options to deal with the hassles & complaints. They weren't listed in the CR testing so only time will tell. Someone like Frank or Wayner who are much more up on what's what electronically can probably better speak to who Vizio actually is and what reputation they have.

Nice thing is the 32" weighs 20 lbs +, the 37" 35 lbs +/-. From earlier research the 42" weigh in at around 60 lbs I think, and I want/need something I can move by myself without calling the neighbors or wrecking my back. I haven't checked of late, but with prices coming down the 42" JVC is probably about $1500 now. When I first looked at it they were $1999, but that was over a year ago. In time the 32" will move to the BR, the 37" to the LR for TV viewing, and a future 42" will be the Home Theater screen probably with an OTA connection for occasional viewing. Not the 'wow' factor of the projection or big plasmas, but neither will I need 3 people & a hand truck to move it.

Good luck & good hunting. 

[john1970]

Why won't people repair TVs purchased at Target or Walmart?

This seems awfully strange.  If you purchase a Sony product and an extended warranty through the manufaturer IMO it should be repaired by an authorized repair center.  Can someone explain this?

Thanks,

John

[Doublej]

I suspect the problem is finding an authorized repair center for an Emerson or AOC television sold by Walmart. Finding one for Sony should be a tad easier.

[bummrush]

It seems your looking at lcd,just to chime in iv'e got a 42 inch Hitachi plasma which to me at least has a very good picture,and the screen is quite anti reflective,but also lg makes some good tv's also

[GHM]

Samsung, Mitsubishi and Sharp are all great flat panels ..whether Plasma or LCD. The Panasonic Plasma has a beautiful picture as well.

You can definitely get the plasma cheaper. Depending on your viewing area, the LCD could be the better choice. If the room is dark or very low light the plasmas really work well. For a highly sun filled room the LCD is a better choice. It is brighter and most have light absorbing screens, A plus for using near windows.

The Sharps have a light sensor, which allows them to brighten and darken depending on how much light enters the room. This is a very nice feature IMHO. Look for a Sharp Aquos LCD 1080p model that has a 60 Hz refresh rate. These are being sold for dirt cheap as the 120 Hz units are coming too market. If 120 Hz isn't important too you..you can find some killer deals!

I would avoid LG depending on the model. The black levels in some aren't anything to write home about.

[Matt__P]

Personally I think SD Comcast looks like crap on LCD. I'd take a Plasma over LCD if you watch alot of that.

[Doublej]

I think have found the answer on warranty repair and it's a doozy. If it breaks toss it out.


http://hdguru.com/your-new-disposable-flat-panel-hdtv/107/#comment-21938

[Bob in St. Louis]

WOW. 
That's very good information for anybody wanting to buy a flat panel. 

[ArthurDent]

WOW. 
That's very good information for anybody wanting to buy a flat panel. 

I think have found the answer on warranty repair and it's a doozy. If it breaks toss it out.


http://hdguru.com/your-new-disposable-flat-panel-hdtv/107/#comment-21938

2nd that    Thanks Doublej. Guess I won't bother looking into repairs on the Vizio should it bite the dust. Nor consider purchasing another. That's what ya get when you don't do your homework & read the fine print.   

[Bob in St. Louis]

Yea, I've heard very good things about the Polaroid units, but will have to give that brand a second (or third) thought.
The wife has a grand remodel of the upstairs in mind and it involves a medium sized flat panel. Polaroid was high on my list based on what I'd heard up to now.

Bob

[Wayner]

Also, any Sony DTV that needs to be thrown away will have the cost of disposal covered by Sony. I know this stuff 'cause my friend has a electronics store and is an authorized Sony dealer.

Wayner