I need a new TV



I currently have a Vidikron VL – 52 LCD monitor. It has been great for the last four years but the panel is failing now. So, time for a new TV. I went to Magnolia and looked at all their TVs. Sure, 4k is better, but the entry is $5,000 and the TV they had had three ugly speakers on each side. Also, I’ve gone this route on my last set and don’t want to take the plunge again on such an expensive purchase that could very well fail just after the warranty. Anyway, I looked at both LCD and Plasma. I preferred the LCD. I do have a room with much ambient light that I cannot tame in the daytime. But really, I just preferred the LCD, which appear to be better at detail as opposed to the plasmas that appeared smoothed and kinda bland. I liked the Sony KDL55W900A the best and the Samsung UN55F8000 was fairly close (and the styling is better than the Sony). The Sony seemed more precise and crisp and has nice pop as well. Small images and text were also rendered better. CNET rates these two LCDs nearly as good as the current Panasonic Plasmas. Anyway, I may also consider the Panasonic TCP55ST60 (plasma) because I’ve read that it is very close to the two higher-end models and is only $1,349 (haven’t seen it in person yet). I have also had an offer from my dealer on a Panasonic TH-65VX300. It is a business class monitor (no TV tuner or speakers) but was stated to be the new reference, comparable to the Kuro by one reviewer on AVforums. Only problem is I will not be able to check it out before it is delivered. –OK, kinda long ramble but I’m done setting this one up now.

So, do any of you have any advice on the TVs I mentioned above or any that I should consider? I’d rather spend in the low $2Ks for a TV and not spend $4-5 grand again. I have read the “New tv” thread, but it is more general. Anyway, what advice would you share with me?
pokey77

Showing 1 response by french_fries

I got a Panasonic plasma (warehouse deal) in November for less than $950
(50 inch) ; the ST series recommended by CNET. Sure looked good watching
Avatar on Blu-Ray. Has Wi-Fi too. only drawback is you need a D/A converter
to get analog-audio output. the converters are only $25-$50 but it is one more technicality to deal with. i don't watch a lot of TV anyway so this turned out
to be a pretty sweet deal for me. of course the TV-Stand i really wanted was $1200 which brought the total to over $2K...