Gadgety people...I need HDTV advice! :)

TamTastic
TamTastic Posts: 19,224 Member
in Chit-Chat
I am not very tech addicted....I have been fine with my boxy TV to serve the purpose of watching TV....I have a hard time getting rid of a perfectly good item in place of something else. And I often wait until the hype dies down because everything becomes more affordable. :)

BUT I think it's about time to treat myself to an HDTV..I'm looking at 40 to 42 inches. Any particular brand I should focus on? Bad experiences?? Focus on a "Smart" TV or not? I'm pretty "eh" when it comes to this stuff but my boys will enjoy playing their new Xbox that Santa is bringing them on it! ;)

Tank ya!!!

Replies

  • ansonrinesmith
    ansonrinesmith Posts: 741 Member
    I've got both a Sharp Aquos and a Vizio. I've been happy with both as an HDTV but the Vizio has been MUCH better about updating the "smart" software.

    Example. Both TVs offer Netflix. The Sharp, which I would consider a more name brand still has the same Netflix programming since the day I bought it. The Visio (the Wal-Mart brand), started with basic Netflix, but has since updated in include profiles, so that my Wife's programming and favorites, don't change what appears in mine. This is particularly helpful in what Netflix shows as recommended programming.

    The Vizio also seems to get an IP address quicker, so I can go right into the smart TV options. The Sharp, I have to wait almost 5 minutes before I can use those features.
  • eric_sg61
    eric_sg61 Posts: 2,925 Member
    Samsung is good, have an LG that is still kickin after a few years. Not to add a headache..but some hdtv do have an input lag when it comes to games. If they are not competive gamers, then you may not have to worry about it, but input lag does exist.
  • mccindy72
    mccindy72 Posts: 7,001 Member
    We have a Vizio 50" LED Smart TV, 1080p. It has a fabulous picture, is very easy to use and the smart functions work perfectly. I can access Netflix and my Amazon account with it, no problem. I did a lot of research before I bought it and am very happy.
  • chivalryder
    chivalryder Posts: 4,391 Member
    http://www.consumersearch.com/lcd-tv
  • SapiensPisces
    SapiensPisces Posts: 992 Member
    We have a 46" Samsung LED TV, and it is wonderful. It was light enough for me to carry by myself and setup as well. It's held up nicely over the last two years. The picture quality is outstanding.

    We also have a Sharp Aquos I've had for 6 years without any issues.
  • billsica
    billsica Posts: 4,741 Member
    my boys will enjoy playing their new Xbox

    Since I am a 30 some year old boy. I'd get a Samsung if it was me. I'm a samsung fanboy.
    Make sure you have a few HDMI inputs (like 4)

    I have an older LCD screen, my dad has a newer LED.
    I hung mine up on the wall with a big bolt on bracket.
    my dad's LED came with basically a picture hook to hang it up with.
  • ironanimal
    ironanimal Posts: 5,922 Member
    Got a Samsung and an LG. Never had an issue with either.
  • TamTastic
    TamTastic Posts: 19,224 Member
    Thanks guys! This is exactly what I needed! I hate making a purchase without having some good input. Maybe I should focus on a bit bigger. If I'm going to pay for 42..perhaps going up to 50 is a better idea. These things have just never been a priority to me so I feel weird getting bigger bigger...but might as well!! I do like the sleek look of them. And the picture quality! :)
  • TamTastic
    TamTastic Posts: 19,224 Member
    I was looking at a smaller version of this at Target. I read through and look at the specs and it's like reading Chinese!! I have no clue what to look for! :laugh:

    What do you think??
    http://www.target.com/p/samsung-50-1080p-60hz-led-hdtv-black-un50eh5000fxza/-/A-14004263
  • tedrickp
    tedrickp Posts: 1,229 Member
    If you want to go bigger - consider Plasma. Some incredible deals on large plasmas these days since the tech seems to be less and less popular. I.E Panasonic is getting out of Plasma market.

    It is too bad because the value Plasma provides will be missed in the market.

    My brother is in the Audio/Video field and he always recommends the Panasonic plasmas first - depending on where the TV will be placed. Not a great choice for high glare areas.

    The current line of Panasonic Plasmas is it's last :( This year's CNETs best TV list includes 4 at the top. The ST60 is the only TV they have ever given a 5 star rating.

    RIP Panasonic Plasma :(
  • Lesa_Sass
    Lesa_Sass Posts: 2,213 Member
    I think the most important issue when buying a tv is where you buy it.

    Costco has an excellent return policy plus they will replace it if something goes wrong with it, not fix it, replace it. So if you have a Costco membership, I would highly recommend getting it there.
  • ansonrinesmith
    ansonrinesmith Posts: 741 Member
    Definitely go bigger! Find one that fits your budget, living environment, has all the features you want, and then get the biggest one of those. (In that order)
  • TamTastic
    TamTastic Posts: 19,224 Member
    Thanks so much! I definitely don't want to make a purchase like this without getting some great input! :)
  • contingencyplan
    contingencyplan Posts: 3,639 Member
    Sony Vizio has unparalleled picture quality but they are full of bugs/manufacturer defects and don't last. My mom paid nearly $1000 for a high end Sony 42" and it's less than 2 years old but having all kinds of problems which are apparently common among the line.
  • headofphat
    headofphat Posts: 1,597 Member
    If you're going from a boob tube to an HDTV, it really doesn't matter what you get. It's going to be like going from looking like Rosie O'Donnell to Jessica Alba overnight. The difference is going to blow your mind.
  • toddis
    toddis Posts: 941 Member
    Most brands have TVs that run the gamut from really basic/terrible to pretty darn good.
    Don't believe any of the manufacturer claims, they are usually just made up.
  • TamTastic
    TamTastic Posts: 19,224 Member
    If you're going from a boob tube to an HDTV, it really doesn't matter what you get. It's going to be like going from looking like Rosie O'Donnell to Jessica Alba overnight. The difference is going to blow your mind.
    :laugh: That's what I'm thinking. I see the picture quality when at friends and I'm like "ohhhh, ahhhh it's pretty!!" lol!

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