I worked at Magnolia for a bit and got good exposure to all their TVs, and I’d hands down pick one of the Sony LCD models. To me they have the best picture at a good price, and during my time at the store we saw a lot of Samsungs and LGs come back through the door but not one Sony. Along with picture quality, not having to haul a big-screen TV back to where I bought it are the two most important features I look for in a TV. I subscribe to Consumer Reports, and Sony is the only one who gets a green dot for reliability while Samsung and LG get yellow dots, which concurs with my personal experience at Magnolia. I’d also skip the extended warranty as you probably won’t need it with the Sony, and if anything goes wrong it usually happens within the first year so will be covered under warranty. Just my opinion.
As as far as models, OLED may be a little better (I’d recommend LG over Sony if you go the OLED route), but the better backlit LCDs have gotten good enough that I’m not sure it’s worth the significant price differential unless you frequently have people seated well off to the side of the TV. I think the Sony 900 series is the sweet spot in the lineup in terms of price/performance, but if it’s in your budget I’d get the 950 as it is a little better. Also, make sure 55” is big enough. That’s what I have and frankly I wish I’d gotten a 65” as it’s a more involving experience. I’ve never heard anyone say they wish they got a smaller TV but have heard the opposite a lot. Hope this helps, and best of luck.
As as far as models, OLED may be a little better (I’d recommend LG over Sony if you go the OLED route), but the better backlit LCDs have gotten good enough that I’m not sure it’s worth the significant price differential unless you frequently have people seated well off to the side of the TV. I think the Sony 900 series is the sweet spot in the lineup in terms of price/performance, but if it’s in your budget I’d get the 950 as it is a little better. Also, make sure 55” is big enough. That’s what I have and frankly I wish I’d gotten a 65” as it’s a more involving experience. I’ve never heard anyone say they wish they got a smaller TV but have heard the opposite a lot. Hope this helps, and best of luck.