Another guy who can't decide on a TV - HELP!

[Minbari]

Hi All

I am trying to finally decide on a TV to replace a 36" CRT.

The room is reasonably large (18x20x19) - very open with lots and lots of windows (with a really great view - so I'm not putting up shades!).

I watch lots of SyFy; BBC America; Dark shows - Fringe, Bones, etc; old movies; SciFi movies: Babylon 5, Farscape; Sports - football, baseball; Racing - F1 and Nascar. Some daytime as well as night.

We sit about 12'-13' away.

I am a teacher in a small rural county in Virginia and don't want to spend a fortune - probably top out around $2500 for the set - as I need to buy a new receiver as well as a BD player. I've got really great sound and want to finally move up to a "real" TV.

I've read stuff for years now and have no idea what to buy - I've looked at loads of sets, but they all seem to have their faults - so here I sit - suffering from "paralysis through analysis"!

So...... what can you suggest?

Help a guy out - please!

[ImRizzo]

Hi All

I am trying to finally decide on a TV to replace a 36" CRT.

The room is reasonably large (18x20x19) - very open with lots and lots of windows (with a really great view - so I'm not putting up shades!).

I watch lots of SyFy; BBC America; Dark shows - Fringe, Bones, etc; old movies; SciFi movies: Babylon 5, Farscape; Sports - football, baseball; Racing - F1 and Nascar. Some daytime as well as night.

We sit about 12'-13' away.

I am a teacher in a small rural county in Virginia and don't want to spend a fortune - probably top out around $2500 for the set - as I need to buy a new receiver as well as a BD player. I've got really great sound and want to finally move up to a "real" TV.

I've read stuff for years now and have no idea what to buy - I've looked at loads of sets, but they all seem to have their faults - so here I sit - suffering from "paralysis through analysis"!

So...... what can you suggest?

Help a guy out - please!

Hi, well given the fact that your not going to close up window openings with shades or curtains that kinda rules out plasma due to the highly reflective screens and your seating distance makes a 55-60" display necessary Sony has a 52" LCD Z series highly rated http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...52921665746346

Toshiba also make a LED LCD 55" local dimming set @ 2499 rated fairly high also

[toomanystraydogs]

I think the Toshiba 55" is $1999

The LG 55LH90 might be a better fit with it's non glossy screen

[ImRizzo]

I think the Toshiba 55" is $1999

The LG 55LH90 might be a better fit with it's non glossy screen

Is the Z series sony a gloss screen because most Sony screens are Matte surface.

[ImRizzo]

Is the Z series sony a gloss screen because most Sony screens are Matte surface.

I just checked this series has a Matte screen and are available on Amazon

[_sprkeng_]

If you look at the Kuro thread or any other of the Plasma threads all plasma owners swear they don't get a reflected screen....of which I'm seriously looking into possibly buying a Plasma in the future....to replace my Sony...

[ImRizzo]

If you look at the Kuro thread or any other of the Plasma threads all plasma owners swear they don't get a reflected screen....of which I'm seriously looking into possibly buying a Plasma in the future....to replace my Sony...

I'm sorry but I completely disagree it's impossible not to get reflections off that Hi-Glass screen, what I believe is, that these owners are "seeing thru" the reflections, I did exactly the same thing on my Pioneer. The PQ is that good that you can "TRAIN" yourself to see and watch the picture but, the reflections are definitely still there and they don't magically disappear, and some people cannot see past them and it becomes a major distraction. It's like having a PIXEL failure most and I emphasize MOST people can watch their sets not obsessed by that lone failed pixel but some of us become totally anal and affix our eyes on that tiny lone failed pixel spot and almost forget whatever else is on the screen because of that TINY spot. The only way to get reflection-free playback is in a viewing area totally devoid of ambient lighting.

[lindseybp]

Like Rizzo said you can get a 52" sony with a blu ray player and surround system included for under $2k before taxes.

The 55" LG LH90 would be a good one also but that would take all of your $2500 budget.

You also might want to look at the Samsung 52" B750.

Honestly no matter which tv you get it will look leaps and bounds ahead of your old tube tv!

I would say definitely get a 52" or 55" if you can afford it.

Do you have SyFy in HD?....I do and love it!

[BUYLONGTERM]

I'm sorry but I completely disagree it's impossible not to get reflections off that Hi-Glass screen, what I believe is, that these owners are "seeing thru" the reflections, I did exactly the same thing on my Pioneer. The PQ is that good that you can "TRAIN" yourself to see and watch the picture but, the reflections are definitely still there and they don't magically disappear, and some people cannot see past them and it becomes a major distraction. It's like having a PIXEL failure most and I emphasize MOST people can watch their sets not obsessed by that lone failed pixel but some of us become totally anal and affix our eyes on that tiny lone failed pixel spot and almost forget whatever else is on the screen because of that TINY spot. The only way to get reflection-free playback is in a viewing area totally devoid of ambient lighting.

I have to disagree. I have owned both technologies and I can attest that my Pioneers as well as my old Panny had NO reflection issues. I'm a picky SOB and it handles reflections perfectly Sure with all displays you can see some reflection, but I think that Plasma's get a bad rap. I honestly saw MORE reflection with the Sony XBR9 and 10 than I do with my Plasma's. My fiances' brother in law just purchased a Panny G10 and his living room is VERY bright. No issues and that display honestly looked just as bright as any LCD/LED I've ever seen. I actually was blown away buy it.

I think his best bet (for that kind of money) is to get the 58" Panny V10, or better yet, save some money and get the 54" Panny for well under 2000 grand. Pound for pound, Panny gives you the BEST bang for your buck and is a VERY bright display.

[BUYLONGTERM]

If you look at the Kuro thread or any other of the Plasma threads all plasma owners swear they don't get a reflected screen....of which I'm seriously looking into possibly buying a Plasma in the future....to replace my Sony...

Your are absolutely correct. I see no reflection in either of my Pioneer's. It's pretty incredible and shocking.

[ImRizzo]

I stand pat, with my declaration. I can only suggest you carefully audition any display before you JUMP you maybe one of those "unaffected by the reflections" it is impossible not to get reflections of a GLASS panel. Just look at any picture in a picture frame that has glass (not non-glare glass of course) and you will see exactly what I'm speaking about.

[lindseybp]

Yeah definitely make sure the place you buy from will let you exchange for a different tv should reflection or other things bother you.

[BUYLONGTERM]

I stand pat, with my declaration. I can only suggest you carefully audition any display before you JUMP you maybe one of those "unaffected by the reflections" it is impossible not to get reflections of a GLASS panel. Just look at any picture in a picture frame that has glass (not non-glare glass of course) and you will see exactly what I'm speaking about.

We will agree to disagree.

I stand firm. Plasma's handle reflection just as good LCD's and LED's and not only are better displays, but the new panny's are extremely bright. I have had several LCD's and I'm now on my 3rd Plasma and again, the plasma's handle light just as good ass my XBR5 or Samsung. I brought my 40" Samsung LCD over to my fiances sisters house last weekend to play COD. My LCD was next to his G10 and his not only had a brighter picture, but handled sunlight better than my LCD and the picture quality wasn't even close. (granted my LCD is a couple of years old). I always use to say LCD's are much better for gaming. But, after I saw his G10 Play COD, Assasins Creed and FIFA Soccer, I have now switched my opinion. I will however still go down saying LCD have a much better pic quality if you hook up a PC to it.

[ImRizzo]

We will agree to disagree.

I stand firm. Plasma's handle reflection just as good LCD's and LED's and not only are better displays, but the new panny's are extremely bright. I have had several LCD's and I'm now on my 3rd Plasma and again, the plasma's handle light just as good ass my XBR5 or Samsung. I brought my 40" Samsung LCD over to my fiances sisters house last weekend to play COD. My LCD was next to his G10 and his not only had a brighter picture, but handled sunlight better than my LCD and the picture quality wasn't even close. (granted my LCD is a couple of years old). I always use to say LCD's are much better for gaming. But, after I saw his G10 Play COD, Assasins Creed and FIFA Soccer, I have now switched my opinion. I will however still go down saying LCD have a much better pic quality if you hook up a PC to it.

I wish I was close enough to witness your magical reflection free plasma to resolve this I would either have to say Holy shit your right and hang my head in shame or ...... say, WTF do your call these refering to those reflection you don't see.

[BUYLONGTERM]

I wish I was close enough to witness your magical reflection free plasma to resolve this I would either have to say Holy shit your right and hang my head in shame or ...... say, WTF do your call these refering to those reflection you don't see.

Might have to fly your ass to Chicago and make you eat your words along with getting your ass drunk!

[ImRizzo]

Might have to fly your ass to Chicago and make you eat your words along with getting your ass drunk!

Sorry, too many outstanding warrants to chance a visit to Chi-town.

[Minbari]

Thanks for all the suggestions so far. The $2500 max budget is just for the TV. I'm really between just going cheap with something like the Sony 55V5100 or really look at the group around $2500 - the LH90, The Tosh 670, Panny 65S1, 54 or 58 V10.

I fear that a 46" set will be too small for our room size and viewing distance.

My concern with the LH90 is how does it handle motion - football, racing - etc.

I love the size of the 65S1 but have read many reports of color inaccuracy and iffy adjustability.

The whole plasma question is really about reflections - i have a lot on the old CRT - but it's nowhere near as large as the sets in question.

[ImRizzo]

Thanks for all the suggestions so far. The $2500 max budget is just for the TV. I'm really between just going cheap with something like the Sony 55V5100 or really look at the group around $2500 - the LH90, The Tosh 670, Panny 65S1, 54 or 58 V10.

I fear that a 46" set will be too small for our room size and viewing distance.

My concern with the LH90 is how does it handle motion - football, racing - etc.

I love the size of the 65S1 but have read many reports of color inaccuracy and iffy adjustability.

The whole plasma question is really about reflections - i have a lot on the old CRT - but it's nowhere near as large as the sets in question.

the Samsung B8500 is a magnificent display and if the current fix for the crop circle anomoly works, then that would be the display you should put at the top of your list, of course the Pioneer 500M is above and beyond all other for PQ just once again I must call your attention to the possibilities of reflections ( which are being disclaimed by others who own that set ) I would still suggest you look for yourself for the sake of satisifying yourself, rather than suffering a disappointment, because once you see the PQ of the Pioneer you may noy want to give it up. Good Luck in your hunt.

[lindseybp]

Thanks for all the suggestions so far. The $2500 max budget is just for the TV. I'm really between just going cheap with something like the Sony 55V5100 or really look at the group around $2500 - the LH90, The Tosh 670, Panny 65S1, 54 or 58 V10.

I fear that a 46" set will be too small for our room size and viewing distance.

My concern with the LH90 is how does it handle motion - football, racing - etc.

I love the size of the 65S1 but have read many reports of color inaccuracy and iffy adjustability.

The whole plasma question is really about reflections - i have a lot on the old CRT - but it's nowhere near as large as the sets in question.

I agree 46" might be too small for your viewing distance, etc. I would try to go 52" or 55". There is nothing wrong with getting the Sony 55V5100, I think it's a good tv for the price. Sure it may not have quite as nice of a picture as some of the more expensive tv's on your list but unless you have them side by side in your house you will not care and would never know. Getting a free PS3 or blu-ray player is a nice bonus also. You just need to look at them in person and see if you find a large enough difference between the Sony and the other to justify an additional $500+ potentially. Tough call but definitely try to see the ones in person that interest you.

[BUYLONGTERM]

Thanks for all the suggestions so far. The $2500 max budget is just for the TV. I'm really between just going cheap with something like the Sony 55V5100 or really look at the group around $2500 - the LH90, The Tosh 670, Panny 65S1, 54 or 58 V10.

I fear that a 46" set will be too small for our room size and viewing distance.

My concern with the LH90 is how does it handle motion - football, racing - etc.

I love the size of the 65S1 but have read many reports of color inaccuracy and iffy adjustability.

The whole plasma question is really about reflections - i have a lot on the old CRT - but it's nowhere near as large as the sets in question.

Do not get anything smaller than a 50" You will regret it. The Samsung B8500 is a great display, but for that kind of money, you can easily get a Panasonic V10 58" for more than thousand bucks less.