The Best HD LCD Flat Screens For the Money

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Just curious who has one? Brand and size? Have you experienced any issues with it?

[pedroh 21]

according to several friends, and reps from circuit.. the best bang for the buck is Vizio.. that's the only cheapo generic brand that's worth it, akai, and any other brand like that.. its #######..

my only problem with generic brands, is that usually they only offer 1080i.. and. if u're not a big aficionado of high def. better get a 720p, which is technically the same as 1080i... only better brands like jvc, samsung or sony will give u the full 1080p, of course you have to get the hdmi cables and an hd source.. preferably dvd, cuz hd cable or satellite, the highest they do is 1080i, only hd-dvd and blu-ray, and ps3-xbox360 gives u 1080p in some games..

I bought a 37" 1080p JVC.. I love it.. the sounds is aight, but I got a home theater anyway.. but the picture, just love it... u don't have to move the def everytime u have a different source, it does it by itself.. and it was on sale, a little more expensive than the generic brands, but heck i love it

[JohnK 0]

I have a 32" Niko LCD that I bought from Buy.com. So far it's been great!

[one...two...tree 2,762]

according to several friends, and reps from circuit.. the best bang for the buck is Vizio.. that's the only cheapo generic brand that's worth it, akai, and any other brand like that.. its #######..

my only problem with generic brands, is that usually they only offer 1080i.. and. if u're not a big aficionado of high def. better get a 720p, which is technically the same as 1080i... only better brands like jvc, samsung or sony will give u the full 1080p, of course you have to get the hdmi cables and an hd source.. preferably dvd, cuz hd cable or satellite, the highest they do is 1080i, only hd-dvd and blu-ray, and ps3-xbox360 gives u 1080p in some games..

I bought a 37" 1080p JVC.. I love it.. the sounds is aight, but I got a home theater anyway.. but the picture, just love it... u don't have to move the def everytime u have a different source, it does it by itself.. and it was on sale, a little more expensive than the generic brands, but heck i love it

Whoa, whoa...what is 1080i? Sorry. 720p?

Also, do you think I could find a reasonable home theater system for under $200?

[mRx 16]

LCDs are still pretty expensive. I think that RPTVs are the best out there, currently. They have gotten much thinner, most offer 1080p, and you will get much more for your money. I bought a 55" 1080p LCoS for the same price a 40" 1080p LCD cost. Only downfall of RPTVs is after 2000-3000 hours, you have to replace the bulb. But, its no big deal.

If your motivating factor for an LCD is size, at least check out the current line-up of rear projections, you may be surprised how sleek and slim they have gotten.

[pedroh 21]

according to several friends, and reps from circuit.. the best bang for the buck is Vizio.. that's the only cheapo generic brand that's worth it, akai, and any other brand like that.. its #######..

my only problem with generic brands, is that usually they only offer 1080i.. and. if u're not a big aficionado of high def. better get a 720p, which is technically the same as 1080i... only better brands like jvc, samsung or sony will give u the full 1080p, of course you have to get the hdmi cables and an hd source.. preferably dvd, cuz hd cable or satellite, the highest they do is 1080i, only hd-dvd and blu-ray, and ps3-xbox360 gives u 1080p in some games..

I bought a 37" 1080p JVC.. I love it.. the sounds is aight, but I got a home theater anyway.. but the picture, just love it... u don't have to move the def everytime u have a different source, it does it by itself.. and it was on sale, a little more expensive than the generic brands, but heck i love it

Whoa, whoa...what is 1080i? Sorry. 720p?

Also, do you think I could find a reasonable home theater system for under $200?

resolution.. i=interlaced p=progressive scan..

"When you're watching your television, if you go up real close to it and watch carefully (but not too long, remember kids, it'll rot your eyes!) you'll notice that the picture sort of "shimmers." Old skool computer users will probably remember how back in the day, when resolutions higher than 800x600 were in the realm of super-highend workstations, you could sometimes get those higher resolutions if you really tried, but your picture would wind up flickering and shimmering, usually causing groans of disgust and a quick jump back down to a lower resolution. That's interlacing at work.

Progressive video means that every pixel on the screen is refreshed in order (in the case of a computer monitor), or simultaneously (in the case of film). Interlaced video is refreshed to the screen twice every frame - first every Even scanline is refreshed (the little gun at the back of your Cathode Ray Tube shoots all the correct phosphors on the even numbered rows of pixels) and then every Odd scanline. This means that while NTSC has a framerate of 29.97, the screen is actually being partially redrawn every 59.94 times a second. A half-frame is being drawn to the screen every 60th of a second, in other words. This leads to the notion of fields."

the HD sources vary from resolution.. 480i normal, 480p is dvd quality.. then it goes to 720i and p.. which p looks better.. the highest being 1080p..

generic brands will usually go to 1080i, which is the same as 720p, and charge more for it.. if you ain't a HD aficionado.. and just like agood pic and decent size, get a 720p instead of 1080i, it'll be cheaper, and still look good, now if u wanna invest in the full hd thing, u have to get a 1080p which will be more expensive... you can really notice the difference between the 3 resolutions (480, 720, 1080), actually after watching 720 for a while and if u go back to a normal tv, u will notice the picture fuzzy..

for cheap home theaters, get refurbished onkyo equipment from the onkyo online store.. they have IMO the best surround sounds, way better than panasonic, sony, etc.. and their refurb stuff is really good

----

and agree with rear projection tvs.. they're cheaper for a bigger size, the thing is the bulbs u got to replace are 300-400 bucks..

Edited November 19, 2007 by pedroh

[JohnK 0]

LCDs are still pretty expensive. I think that RPTVs are the best out there, currently. They have gotten much thinner, most offer 1080p, and you will get much more for your money. I bought a 55" 1080p LCoS for the same price a 40" 1080p LCD cost. Only downfall of RPTVs is after 2000-3000 hours, you have to replace the bulb. But, its no big deal.

If your motivating factor for an LCD is size, at least check out the current line-up of rear projections, you may be surprised how sleek and slim they have gotten.

If I can find the source I'll update this post, but anyhoo I read recently that LCD and Plasmas have a MUCH lower failure rate in the first 3 years than rear-projection.

[Dan J 277]

HD TV signals are only 1080i or 720p. To get actual 1080p signal, you need a blue ray or hd-dvd player and discs with content of that resolution.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

according to several friends, and reps from circuit.. the best bang for the buck is Vizio.. that's the only cheapo generic brand that's worth it, akai, and any other brand like that.. its #######..

my only problem with generic brands, is that usually they only offer 1080i.. and. if u're not a big aficionado of high def. better get a 720p, which is technically the same as 1080i... only better brands like jvc, samsung or sony will give u the full 1080p, of course you have to get the hdmi cables and an hd source.. preferably dvd, cuz hd cable or satellite, the highest they do is 1080i, only hd-dvd and blu-ray, and ps3-xbox360 gives u 1080p in some games..

I bought a 37" 1080p JVC.. I love it.. the sounds is aight, but I got a home theater anyway.. but the picture, just love it... u don't have to move the def everytime u have a different source, it does it by itself.. and it was on sale, a little more expensive than the generic brands, but heck i love it

Whoa, whoa...what is 1080i? Sorry. 720p?

Also, do you think I could find a reasonable home theater system for under $200?

resolution.. i=interlaced p=progressive scan..

"When you're watching your television, if you go up real close to it and watch carefully (but not too long, remember kids, it'll rot your eyes!) you'll notice that the picture sort of "shimmers." Old skool computer users will probably remember how back in the day, when resolutions higher than 800x600 were in the realm of super-highend workstations, you could sometimes get those higher resolutions if you really tried, but your picture would wind up flickering and shimmering, usually causing groans of disgust and a quick jump back down to a lower resolution. That's interlacing at work.

Progressive video means that every pixel on the screen is refreshed in order (in the case of a computer monitor), or simultaneously (in the case of film). Interlaced video is refreshed to the screen twice every frame - first every Even scanline is refreshed (the little gun at the back of your Cathode Ray Tube shoots all the correct phosphors on the even numbered rows of pixels) and then every Odd scanline. This means that while NTSC has a framerate of 29.97, the screen is actually being partially redrawn every 59.94 times a second. A half-frame is being drawn to the screen every 60th of a second, in other words. This leads to the notion of fields."

the HD sources vary from resolution.. 480i normal, 480p is dvd quality.. then it goes to 720i and p.. which p looks better.. the highest being 1080p..

generic brands will usually go to 1080i, which is the same as 720p, and charge more for it.. if you ain't a HD aficionado.. and just like agood pic and decent size, get a 720p instead of 1080i, it'll be cheaper, and still look good, now if u wanna invest in the full hd thing, u have to get a 1080p which will be more expensive... you can really notice the difference between the 3 resolutions (480, 720, 1080), actually after watching 720 for a while and if u go back to a normal tv, u will notice the picture fuzzy..

for cheap home theaters, get refurbished onkyo equipment from the onkyo online store.. they have IMO the best surround sounds, way better than panasonic, sony, etc.. and their refurb stuff is really good

----

and agree with rear projection tvs.. they're cheaper for a bigger size, the thing is the bulbs u got to replace are 300-400 bucks..

Thanks, brother. That makes sense now.

Here's the one I'm looking at....

Philips 32" LCD HDTV with Digital Tuner, 32PFL5322D/37

Walmart has it listed for $756.

Look at the description on their website though...which must be an error..

Key Features & Benefits:

# 32-inch widescreen plasma TV

Delivers 1366 x 768 resolution with over a million pixels for excellent picture quality at 720p or 1080i

# Built-in ATSC digital / NTSC analog tuner

Receives conventional analog broadcasts and digital broadcasts including HDTV programs, where available

# 3200:1 contrast ratio

Ensures deeper blacks and brighter whites along with smoother on-screen motion

# Pixel Plus 3 HD technology

Enhances each pixel by reducing noise and artifacts to produce a sharp, natural picture with vivid color and smooth motion

# HDMI, component video, S-video, audio, USB and computer connections

Accommodate DVD players, camcorders, surround sound systems, computers and other gear

# 20-watt stereo amplifier, two speakers, Virtual Dolby Surround and coaxial digital audio output

Furnish room-filling audio with surround sound effects and an interface for optional surround sound systems

# 4.6 inches deep and includes detachable stand

Mounts on a wall with an optional VESA-compatible kit (sold separately)

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5633680

Edited November 19, 2007 by Mister Fancypants

[mRx 16]

Also, do you think I could find a reasonable home theater system for under $200?

I researched Home Theater for quite some time. I got this system http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-THX-Certifi...8692&sr=8-1 Just check out the reviews on Amazon.

It's under 300, and I am thouroughly impressed with it. It was designed as a 5.1 for a PC, but it has all the connections for home theater. It is THX-certified, and if you hook up via analog cables, you can get lossless sound (Dolby TrueHD).

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Also, do you think I could find a reasonable home theater system for under $200?

I researched Home Theater for quite some time. I got this system http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-THX-Certifi...8692&sr=8-1 Just check out the reviews on Amazon.

It's under 300, and I am thouroughly impressed with it. It was designed as a 5.1 for a PC, but it has all the connections for home theater. It is THX-certified, and if you hook up via analog cables, you can get lossless sound (Dolby TrueHD).

Thank, brother Matt. I have had Logitech speakers for my computer and the sound was decent.

[mRx 16]

LCDs are still pretty expensive. I think that RPTVs are the best out there, currently. They have gotten much thinner, most offer 1080p, and you will get much more for your money. I bought a 55" 1080p LCoS for the same price a 40" 1080p LCD cost. Only downfall of RPTVs is after 2000-3000 hours, you have to replace the bulb. But, its no big deal.

If your motivating factor for an LCD is size, at least check out the current line-up of rear projections, you may be surprised how sleek and slim they have gotten.

If I can find the source I'll update this post, but anyhoo I read recently that LCD and Plasmas have a MUCH lower failure rate in the first 3 years than rear-projection.

All depends on what you go with. I think what you may be referring to is the light wheel inside the DLP models. In some models it has been known to catch, and stop spinning. I have a Sony LCoS SXRD, and it has been loyal to me thus far.

To piggy back on what Dan said, it is pointless to get an HDTV if you are not going to either subscribe to recieve HD broadcasting or get an HD player (HD DVD or Blew-Ray)

[russ 1]

HD TV signals are only 1080i or 720p. To get actual 1080p signal, you need a blue ray or hd-dvd player and discs with content of that resolution.

Blueray or HD-DVD are most likely 1080i. There is no broadcast standard for 1080p yet, only reason to get it now is if you use a computer as a source (I have a home theater PC running at 1920x1080). Not worth the money for most people.

Resolution isn't everything. Your eyes can only see so much detail at 10 feet away. You probably can not tell the difference between 720 or 1080 on anything smaller than 46". I wouldn't care about having 1080p until you have a 55"+ screen.

Keep in mind that aspect is a bigger deal than resolution now. Most broadcast on cable are still NTSC (super low res) with a 4x3 aspect. This means in most cases, you will have pillarboxes on both sides of the screen. You want to by a set at least 25% larger diagonally than what you have now to make up for the lost space on the side of the screen.

I have a 42" Westinghouse 1080i monitor that I got for $1300 new last year. I would probably get a 46" now.

For sound, the cheapeast all-in-one 5.1 system from walmart (~$150 is fine for most people. Any significant improvement will be 10x as much. Most important thing is where you place the speakers.

Plasma or LCD is still the big question. LCDs are better in bright rooms. Plasmas tend to have darker blacks, good if you watch lots of movies in a dark room. I personally think that DLPs look like #######. I would not even consider a CRT these days.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?sk...5#productdetail

Found this interesting...

Philips - 1000W 5.1-Ch. Home Theater System/Upconvert DVD/CD

Delivers greatly enhanced video performance by upconverting the video resolution of standard DVDs to HDTV-compliant formats (via HDMI output only)

[JenAlex 0]

I just bought what Mister Fancypants has pictured. Best Buy ran an ad that was a mistake so they had a very small blurb about it in the paper the next day. Anyway they offered $150 off all LCD TV's so I got it for under $700. I <3 it! I went from a 19 inch to a 32 and the HD is unbelievable. I just wish Comcast offered more HD channels in my area.

Edited November 20, 2007 by JenAlex