First HDTV purchase, need advice please!?

Question

I am looking to purchase my first HDTV (I’m currently on a 36” SDTV, for over 8 years).

1) Has the general price of HDTV’s hit a plateau yet? Or is it still going to keep declining year after year.

2) Is 2008 a good time to switch to an HDTV or will there be more dramatic improvements soon and worth waiting for?

3) I want something that is future proof for atleast 5+ years without me having to replace it. I don’t want to spend over $1500. So I’ve decided to go with a good Sony 1080p LCD. These just came out in the market this month:

40" BRAVIA® V Series LCD Flat Panel HDTV $1500

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stor...

40" BRAVIA® S Series LCD Flat Panel HDTV $1200

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stor...

Are both these LCD TV’s good for the price? Or is there anything comparable and better? Price difference is about $200-300 between the V and S series. Is it worth getting the V series over the S series? Or should I just wait and not purchase anything now. Thx

Answer 1

** dead links.

Ever heard of 120Hz? If not look it up and expand your price range of a TV.

Answer 2

If you are getting a TV smaller than 50" 720p should be fine, although my over the air HD channels and DishHD are in 1080i. If you go above 50" 1080 is really needed to get a crisp picture. I had a 50" 720p and now a Sony 60" 1080p and I love my sony. But I also have blu ray movies and regular dvd's and there isn't a HUGE difference. But HD channels versus SD are a HUGE difference on a HD set.

Things to consider

How many different devices you are or will be hooking up to the TV. Make sure the model you get will handle these devices (HDMI), (Component), (Composite) Etc as needed.

Warranty, these new models can and will fail regardless of brand. I would check on cost of extended warranty from experience. Stores like Wal-mart offer it at a fraction of price over Stores like Best Buy etc... Also, do not expect these new TV 's to last as long as the old CRT models and if they fail, the repair cost can be as much as a new TV.

1080p is the top of the line and should be for many years since it is the same as 35mm film that movies are filmed with. HOWEVER, the higher quality will not be as noticeable on screens smaller than 50" versus 60+"

In short, these new TV's have a very short shelf life (9-12 months) and in alot of cases the parts are not reused in the new model versions, so the parts can be hard to find and very expensive unlike the old CRT models. I will say SOny has great Customer support unlike other brands, but all have their lemons. Just buy the one you feel most needed, but if you do not have any HD source, then there really isn't a reason to buy one if you get  the converter for your old one.

Answer 3

Dont let the bigger numbers always suck you in, since regular TV broadcasts in 480p, and HD currently in 720p, you dont really need to get 1080p unless you want bragging rights or have blu-ray or HDDVD. However, the 120hz TVs are the top of the line, but also cost more. I just bought a 42" Samsung 720p plasma for $1200 that I am more than pleased with. I would do some compare and contrast if you want to make sure you get the best deal possible.

Answer 4

There have been some articles on the tech sites predicting a shortage of LCD panels as demand ramps up with the coming DTV conversion. So now might be a good time to be looking.

A Sony LCD is a good choice. They have good video processing. Look for a unit with multiple HDMI input ports, at least 2, one for your set-top box and one for your DVD player. If you also play video games, you might want 3 HDMIs, otherwise you'll be swapping cables.

BTW, if you have tons of money, Sony's XBR TVs are their top of the line.