In need of HDTV Help

[Aggort]

Alright, in November the Miss and I are buying an HDTV. Considering it's my first I was hoping I could have a little guidance. I know how they work and what to look for, but I certainly know people with HDTV sets are going to be able to help me find a nice screen. I guess I am looking for company and brand recommendations. It would certainly help to say I need a 26" to 32" to fit my very small living space. By screen size guidelines I am supposed to have the 32"

Price isn't really an issue as long as I wouldn't be paying a grand for such a small screen so keep it reasonable. Thanks in advance!

[crazyD]

Samsungs are nice. Reasonable pricing, high quality. I'm running a Samsung LN32A330 32-Inch, and it is pretty good. One thing to note is that you shouldn't really go for 1080p, as it will tack on a lot of cost, and is not really noticeable at that size.

[Mr. Murphy]

I'm typing this on a 32" Olevia TV that I got at NewEgg for $500. It's 1080i, has HDMI, Component, S-Video and Composite inputs, as well as audio outputs. I've had it for about nine months now with no problems. I use it as my monitor and TV, so it's on almost non-stop, and I love it. Just to give you some ideas about price and brand names.

I would highly recommend www.newegg.com if you are looking for a deal. However, there is something to be said for actually viewing the TV in person before you buy.

[crazyD]

I would highly recommend www.newegg.com if you are looking for a deal. However, there is something to be said for actually viewing the TV in person before you buy.

Also, you should note Newegg's return policy. I believe they do not take TVs back unless they have more then 8 dead pixels. Personally, I would rather pay the extra to go brick and mortar for their return policy.

[biosc1]

Don't forget, when you purchase a tv, you can bring it home, set it up and run it for a bit, if you're not completely happy, take it back.

Sometimes you don't know what size is best for you until you take it home. One thing I've learned is that the smaller tv's look really small compared to the behemoths in the stores, but once taken home look bigger than you expected.

[cawblen]

Samsungs are nice. Reasonable pricing, high quality. I'm running a Samsung LN32A330 32-Inch, and it is pretty good. One thing to note is that you shouldn't really go for 1080p, as it will tack on a lot of cost, and is not really noticeable at that size.

I second the Samsung recommendation. I'd also recommend that you go into the store and look for yourself...its always better that way...don't be afraid to ask the store rep for the remotes to the tvs of interest so you can play around with the settings. I've a 50" Samsung and a 26" Samsung and i'm very happy with both of them. That said, i picked them out using the method mentioned above...and it just so happens that they both ended up being Samsungs.

[Harv]

I'd actually like to get something in the 26" range for my office upstairs. Obviously LCD. I might be able to fit a 32" in there, but that is probably pushing it.

[AniAko]

The screen viewing guidelines are just that, guidelines. Unless you're sitting 15ft, or 3ft away, go as big as you prefer. I sit about 6ft from my 46 inch and it's wonderful. Samsung is hands down one of the best I researched at the turn of going into 2008. They were on the next gen technology I think with only Sony as competition, but Sony is a name you pay dearly for. The only complaint is it takes a little time to tweak in the samsung settings you want (especially the motion blur), but most of the auto settings are good.

[Stmfuller]

if you're looking cheaper, I'd recommend a vizio. they have a great TV that works really well.
Actually the wife and I bought a 42" insignia last year for $800 and IMO it looks as good as any TV I've seen on the market.
So, that's something to keep in mind with.

[fitbabits]

Samsung gets my vote, as does Vizio and Olevia.

[Bone]

Samsung in my office (24" LCD) and living room (50" DLP) and I'm really happy with both.

[KingGorilla]

I think that most people are surprised with just how small a Widescreen monitor looks relative to a CRT. Even in a "small room" I would suggest looking in the 40 inch range. If this is a set right on your nightstand, that is one thing. But at a distance, you will be displeased with the size.

Also, HD-TV prices are getting insanely cheap. 48 Inch LCDs can be had for 600 dollars if you shop around. Black Friday, when I plan on getting a new TV, it is not crazy to think you could get a big screen LCD of Plasma for 500 bucks, or less.

[Grifter]

Keep in mind that while the brand names have good TV's it's very important to check the models as well because not all Samsung's, Sony's, Toshiba's etc...etc... are created equal. Stores like Walmart, Office Depot etc... may carry cheaper brand name TV's as well but if you look at the model numbers they are not the same as what you would get at a Best Buy or Circuit City. If you have a sensitive eye and can easily pick out subtle differences in video quality I highly recommend spending the extra money for a higher quality TV but if that's not the case then just head down to Walmart and grab what you like the most. Just remember that while you may find some good deals 9 times out of 10 you get what you pay for.

If you want to dig a little deeper for a higher quality TV I recommend checking out the AVS forums. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=166)

EDIT - Like was posted earlier if you are buying 36inches or smaller don't waist your money on a 1080p TV because the difference is negligible at best. If you decide to go bigger than 32 inch but want to keep the price reasonable I recommend the 42 inch 1080p Toshiba REGZA (42RV530U). I payed $1100 for it at the beginning of the summer and I love it so far.

EDIT 2 - WOOT! 100 biotches!

[KingGorilla]

One thing to keep in mind when you look at the less expensive screens is that most of them are only missing one component, relative to the more expensive models-quality scaling hardware. In truth having a device like a DVD player or HTPC with quality scaling, and a TV with it, is highly redundant and not necessary. Something like say the PS3, or a quality DVD player, HTPC, does all of the hard work for you.

I caution that your Satellite or Cable Company probably is not sending you a cable box or DVR with good scaling hardware in it. These factors combining are why many peeople suffer from horribly artifacted HD television. If you have good devices, you can skimp a bit on the screen. But if not you may hate the results, and correcting them may be more expensive that the money you save on the set.

In action, and not oddly, a DVD off of my PS3 or scaled from my parents Progressive Scan DVD player, can often look as good or better than 720p from the cable company-no scaling in the set or the Satellite box.