TVs
 

We're thinking about getting a new TV. Anyone want to recommend a set 40-42" where the price tag won't put me in shock?

The prices keep coming down.

When I shopped for mine back a year or so ago, I was frustrated with the displays in the store. They don't have the settings all the same on all the tvs, so you can't compare apples to apples. I ended up doing a lot of research online and buying a brand I'm feeling pretty loyal to these days that also got a pretty good review online.

The models change so often that it won't help you for me to recommend anything based on my 1.5 year old research.

Regarding size and resolution, it's helpful to look at the charts out there that show what the human eye can see from different distances, and then compare that to your normal viewing distance. For example, this chart points out that with a 40 inch screen, 1080P doesn't become visible over 720P until you are sitting around 7-8 feet from the screen. I personally sit around 10-13 feet from the screen, so 1080P isn't needed for me at that size. (You may only be able to find 1080P in the 40" sizes. I think 720P doesn't become common until you get down to the 32" screens.)

The bigger the screen, and the closer you sit, the higher the resolution you need.

The only recommendation I can give you is to read the reviews at cnet and other similar sites. I can say that I love my Panasonic LCD.

I just did a quick search at Cnet, and even though I hate Sony, this TV looks like it has potential. They didn't review it, but customers gave it 4 stars, and it's "only" $650.

I love Sony, why do you hate Sony?

Because they hate standards and they go out of their way to destroy existing standards in order to gain market share with their proprietary devices. The consumer always loses when they start another format war. Once or twice in their history, they have had a better product, and the war made sense, but usually they just start a war and the consumers are caught in the middle. I blame them for the drawer full of compact flash digital camera memory cards that I no longer use. My old camera, my new camera, my old cards, and my new cards are all non-Sony devices, but the war they started with their stupid MemoryStick destroyed the memory card standard that existed up until then.

I wrote a really long rambling post and decided to delete it, but their wikipedia page has a big section on all the format wars they have started in order to destroy existing standards to gain market share with their proprietary formats.

HDTV or Plasma or ???

I have been watching my 40" Sondy HD for a year and a half and I love. Even non HD shows (like soccer) turn out pretty good on it. I picked it up at Walmart for $800 at the time so it's probably right around $7.49 now.

I was just walking about Sams Club today and was floored at the TV prices - they've gone down SO much! Looks like hubby is gonna get a nice fathers day present this year.

This one. I've had my eye on it for some time.

After my old large screen broke I've been using a small 19 inch for two years waiting for prices to lower.

:blush:
My capacity for delayed gratification is embarrassing.

On sale now for $599. $749 regular price.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...15&OVKEY=p42x1

This month's Consumers Reports. The cover story is answers to your questions.

Every time I've tried to follow Consumer Report's advice on buying an appliance, it hasn't worked. Most of the models have been discontinued before the issue even hits the stands.

Yeah, but they do give good buying advice and a bit of education about the products.

I'm not sure about a plasma. The family room where this would go gets a a fair amount of afternoon sun - especially in the summer. Are the newer plasmas better in this respect?

I don't get the paper version, but I pay yearly for access to the web site. I look at professional reviews, but I like to personal recommendations as well. Sometimes the reviewers pay too much attention to features and not enough on the main use.

Good luck.