HAY GUYS

Soldier · Dec 23, 2006, 10:27 PM

So, I've pretty much decided to return my Westinghouse 37" LCD with 1080p. Fortunately it will require no effort from me; the same guys who delivered it can pick it up at no extra cost. I simply couldn't get used to the color banding issue. So to avoid the hassles of exchanging sets online, I'm going to be looking for an instore purchase.

Right now I have two sets in mind, the , or the . Currently, while both sets are pricey, I can sign up for Circuit City/Best Buy's policy of minimum payments for 2 months, without interest or financing. I feel it's worth it for guaranteed quality. The only problem is deciding which set is best.

I'm heavily in favor of the Samsung, based on overwhelmingly positive reviews, but I've had a few people show favor over the Sharp. Even so, I've also read some complaints that Sharp is prone to banding issues, which is something I never want to have to deal with again (but at least this time I can simply drive to the store and exchange it). That said, here's a list of all the things I'm looking for in a quality set.

1. 30-40 inches
2. Resolutions up to 1080p
3. Good black levels
4. Good scaler for component hardware (PS2, GC)
5. Not prone to banding issues
6. PC Support
7. Plentiful calibration options (noise reduction, etc)

Right now the Samsung is $1799 in Circuit City, while the Sharp is $1598 in Brandsmart, USA. I'm waiting it out for any after christmas sales (or even open box specials), but I'm hoping to reach a decision by next week before New Year's.

Please offer your advice, things to watch out for in sets (already know about banding and clouding), LCD vs Plasma (still hearing mixed opinions on that), fine print that I should be reading with any 2 year no interest/financing deals, or any other sets you would recommend. I want to do this right this time.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Nogib · Local time: Dec 24, 2006, 02:42 PM

The Sharp Aquos used to have banding issues when they first hit the market. That has long since been corrected so anything you find in stores now should be OK. I don't know if it makes a big difference or not but their 46" and 52" are made using their absolute newest LCD manufacturing while the 42" is not. I've played many games on the 52" Aquos and let me tell you, I'd buy one in a heartbeat if I had the money.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

killmoms · Local time: Dec 24, 2006, 01:46 PM

Since it seems that you're not worried about HDTV input, I'll not caution you too strongly about the current inability of all but one 1080p HDTV on the market to correctly deinterlace/inverse telecine 1080i sources. The Samsung has gotten pretty consistently high scores and was my TV of choice until I found out that all but one HDTV new this model year was shit at one, the other, or both of those criteria I mentioned above.

I'm waiting to buy an HDTV until more manufacturers realize that correct de-interlacing and inverse telecine for 1080i television is IMPORTANT.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

SeanParnika · Dec 24, 2006, 08:18 PM

Have you seen the HP tv's at Best Buy. I really like the 50 inch plasma that best buy is selling right now.

I don't know who makes the tv, but it looks great at the store.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Soldier · Dec 25, 2006, 01:14 AM

Quote:

The Sharp Aquos used to have banding issues when they first hit the market. That has long since been corrected so anything you find in stores now should be OK. I don't know if it makes a big difference or not but their 46" and 52" are made using their absolute newest LCD manufacturing while the 42" is not.

Well, that's good to know. The Sharp IS the cheapest of the two, currently, but I still read more praise over the Samsung, so that's still my current top choice.

Quote:

Since it seems that you're not worried about HDTV input, I'll not caution you too strongly about the current inability of all but one 1080p HDTV on the market to correctly deinterlace/inverse telecine 1080i sources.

This isn't really a big concern to me, as I've seen HD TV, and there's plenty of other flaws to consider (noisy picture when up close). HD Programming as a whole has a long way to go. I mostly want to use it for gaming and DVD/Blu Ray movies.

Quote:

Have you seen the HP tv's at Best Buy. I really like the 50 inch plasma that best buy is selling right now.

I'm still not sure of all the benefits Plasmas bring over LCDs. I steered clear when I read about the burn-in issue, but I recently read that it's been resolved for newer models. I also wonder what advantages DLPs have.

Also, anything larger than 40-42" might be too much for my small room. As tempting as it is to own a 50" whopper of a set, it might be too big to fit into my cabinet, plus my maximum viewing distance is about 6-8 feet.

The Samsung might be cheaper in Brandsmart, but it seems their no-interest/financing plan only lasts a year, while Circuit City is 2 years of minimum payments. I'll still research, but I don't see any faults whatsoever in purchasing the Samsung.

I was speaking idiomatically.