Choosing a LCD HDTV?

Question

The wife and I are looking to purchase a HDTV for the first time. The last time we purchased a tv was well over 7 years ago. With the changing times we are not well versed in what kind of specs we should be looking for, frankly most of them are confusing. Other than going to the stores and going "well that one looks nice" I would rather make a smart choice by getting myself up to date on these terms and specs.

From some of the info I have been reading we are looking to go the 720p or 1080p route. One of the tv's we have looked at was the Magnavox 32" from Target http://www.target.com/Magnavox-32-1080i-LCD-HD/dp/B001262W9S/sr=1-3/qid=1210868843/ref=sr_1_3/602-8911461-4361447?ie=UTF8&index=target&rh=k%3Amagnavox&page=1

How do the specs from this one really differ from say this one from Nebraska Furniture Mart http://www.nfm.com/DetailsPage.aspx?LVL1=Electronics&LVL2=Televisions&LVL4=Flat%20Panel%20-%20Plasma%20and%20LCD&Screen%20Size=32%20in&ProductID=28213833

all advice welcome

Answer 1

I have a 50" Panasonic HD TV and it is really good

Answer 2

I bought a new 32" here in the UK very recently, and I was totally at sea with all the different definitions - didn't even know what 1080 was, though I knew that having an HD ready tv would be useful when the digital switchover comes in over here (though still only if you pay extra for HD).  Anyhow - the Magnavox looks pretty good value to me, though I'm not familiar with the make - I don't think you'd be disappointed with the quality on this one.

I found an LG 32" for £200 less than a Samsung - yet the spec was identical - so going for a well known brand is not necessarily the best idea - particularly if you get comprehensive warranties with the product.  Good luck - and enjoy your new tv!!

Answer 3

Well assuming you get an LCD (Which I reccomend)

Il'l try to help you out...

This is a list of the top ten best LCD HDTV brands (in decending order):

Sony, Samsung, Sharp, Toshiba, LG, Philips, Mitsubishi JVC, Panasonic and Hitachi

Samsung and Sony are the best by far!

I wouldn't recommend getting an: Sanyo, Insignia,Element, Olevia, Magnavox, Polaroid, Westinghouse or Vizio

ANYWAY...

Currently the best LCD out there is the LN-40A650 by Samsung.... it looks incredible with the 360/PS3! I HIGHLY reccommend it!

Cnet.com just gave the 52 inch version an 8.0 ratingmaking it their best rated LCD tv!!

I've seen this tv myself... and trust me.... this tv is NO JOKE!

The picture quality is STUNNING!

It has 1080p, 120hz, 50:000:1 Contrast ratio, 4ms Response time, Game/movie/sports modes, pretty much all the latest goodies to look for in an LCD.... plus it looks cool too (it has a red bezel) The only drawback is its hefty price

Currently Beachcamera.com has the lowest price for the 40 inch model at around 1500.

Samsung LN-40A650:

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-LN40A650-4...

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/I...

For an all around excellent LCD at a good price, I suggest you pick one out of Sony's new 2008 Bravia lineup.....

2008 Sony Bravia lineup:

http://www.hdtvlounge.net/sony/2008-hdtv...

(check out sony's: V4100, W4100, Z4100, and XBR6,7, and 8 series)

Sony KDL-40V4100:

(Great budget set)

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/I...

Sony KDL-40W4100:

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/I...

Sony KDL-40Z4100:

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/I...

I HIGHLY suggest Samsung or Sony!