| Author |
Message |
    
viva
Citizen
Username: Viva
Post Number: 268
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, July 26, 2003 - 9:20 am: |     |
Does anyone have opinions or suggestions regarding the purchase of a wide screen TV? Do you just buy one and plug it in or would it be a procedure to install? Brands? Where to buy? Are you satisfied with the picture? |
duncanrogers
Citizen
Username: Duncanrogers
Post Number: 624
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, July 26, 2003 - 2:44 pm: | |
This just makes me drool
http://www.bestbuyplasma.com/Plasma/Product.asp?Sku=PDP5030HD
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Maplewoody
Citizen
Username: Maplewoody
Post Number: 255
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, July 26, 2003 - 3:08 pm: | |
We purchased ours at the now closed WIZ on rt. 22. We have a finished basement, and I wanted a nice BIG tv down there to go with the 2 swivel leather recliners we got. We bought a 50" one, brought it home to find it wouldn't fit down our cellar steps, it couldn't make the hard turn 1/2 way down. We had to take it back, and settle on a 2 pc., stand and tv, which is 43". It's a SONY and I love it! No problem to set up, just had to take a few minutes to put the glass doors on the base. We have DirecTv satelite and get ALOT of choices of programming!
Good LUCK! |
us2innj
Citizen
Username: Us2innj
Post Number: 790
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, July 26, 2003 - 3:42 pm: | |
If you want to see an eye popping SONY, check out this "Grand Wega." All yours for the low, low price of $12,999.99. Why don't they just say $13,000? Oh, and the stand is additional.
I have seen this set in person, and it's truly breathtaking. There is also a new Sony out that appears as a framed picture. Their styling is unmatched.
Grand Wega |
viva
Citizen
Username: Viva
Post Number: 269
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, July 26, 2003 - 6:03 pm: | |
okay
under 2K please! |
viva
Citizen
Username: Viva
Post Number: 270
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, July 26, 2003 - 6:04 pm: | |
maplewoody
do you happen to know the model #?
thanks. |
notehead
Citizen
Username: Notehead
Post Number: 628
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 2:11 pm: | |
When I was researching big tv's about 4 years ago, it seemed that Toshiba, Sony, and Pioneer really had the best video quality for the dollar, but it's a fast-changing market, so take that with a large grain of salt. Also, bear in mind that many of the salespeople (not to mention the customers) in the big stores have NO idea how to properly set the video controls - they crank the brightness or sharpness up all the way, for example. If possible, bring a DVD with you that has really outstanding video quality and make note of scenes for close-ups, dark shots, "busy" shots, and white titles on black backgrounds. Put the tv's video settings to their default positions before assessing the unit. One movie I like for this purpose is "The Fifth Element" (which is also available in a SuperBit extra-high video quality edition.) Whatever unit can show the nicest skin tones, the best detail in dark areas, the steadiest white titles on black backgrounds, and busy shots without any breakup should be considered a contender for your living room.
If attached speakers are optional, skip 'em. It's silly to spend $2K or more on a video monitor and not have a proper 5.1 (or better) surround sound speaker system. You don't have to buy the audio stuff at the same time, of course, you can just use whatever stereo system you might have at home until you are ready to buy some good audio gear. |
Maplewoody
Citizen
Username: Maplewoody
Post Number: 256
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 11:00 pm: | |
Here's the one I bought, tho' it's about 2 yrs old now... KP-43T75
and a link to see it and the specs:
http://www.bestphotovideo.com/store/sony_kp43t75.html
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Maplewoody
Citizen
Username: Maplewoody
Post Number: 257
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 11:03 pm: | |
PS, I also bought and installed a SONY home theatre system with the surround sound speakers. It's awsome with a DVD/movie that has surround sound! It doesn't work on a regular TV broadcast. |
viva
Citizen
Username: Viva
Post Number: 271
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 7:04 am: | |
i'm thinking about the sony 43" and 46". i'm going to go over to circuit city. they have a very informative website. thanks for your help! |
microgem
Citizen
Username: Microgem
Post Number: 22
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 4:39 pm: | |
Just wanted to say we recently upgraded from a regular screen 43" to the Sony Widescreen 46". We purchased it at Circuit City. We couldn't decide whether to go with the 43" or 46" widescreen, but thought going a little bigger would be better. So far we have been extremely happy with out choice.
Our previous TV was an Hitachi, but the Sony is much better. We also purchased the stand that goes with it. It's worth the extra money, since it looks nice with the TV and holds all our componets. The Sony also doesn't have that few second delay when changing channels that we had with the Hitachi. We also had a problem with our Hitachi, but luckily had bought the service contract through Circuit City. They couldn't fix the problem after waiting for parts and a few visits. They allowed us to replace the TV, but they no longer carried our exact model (2 yrs old), so we were able to get a full credit for our purchase price and pick any TV we wanted. After doing much research, we decided on the Sony Widescreen 46". Not only do I recommend the TV, I also recommend Circuit City and getting a service contract from them. We always pass on the service contract for other items, but since we were spending so much we thought it was a good idea this time. They also will come to your house to fix the TV vs. having to take the TV to a sevice center yourself.
No, I don't have any connection to Circuit City, I'm just extremely happy with my purchase from them.
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pizzaz
Citizen
Username: Pizzaz
Post Number: 10
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 5:21 pm: | |
Microgem: I looked at a Hitachi 43" Widescreen at Sears and found the picture quality excellent compared to the other TV's. Should I discount Hitachi entirely? |
viva
Citizen
Username: Viva
Post Number: 272
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 5:30 pm: | |
I was told at Circuit City that Hitachis are the best selling and best rated wide screen tvs.
The Circuit City website has consumer product reviews. I am now thinking about the Hitachi 51".
http://www.circuitcity.com/detail.jsp?c=1&b=g&qp=0&bookmark=bookmark_0&oid=69934 &catoid=-8041 |
microgem
Citizen
Username: Microgem
Post Number: 23
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 5:52 pm: | |
I did love the picture quality on my Hitachi, that's why we originally bought it. They are supposed to be the best in rear projection.
The 51" Hitachi reviews on the Circuit City website do look good. We didn't consider that size, too big for our den. Some of the reviews for the smaller Hitachi TVs weren't as good and since we had one Hitachi that went bad we didn't want to take that chance again.
I wouldn't totally rule out Hitachi, but make sure you know the return policy for the particular store and consider getting the service contract just in case. |
sportsnut
Citizen
Username: Sportsnut
Post Number: 478
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 9:57 pm: | |
To those of you that have purchased large screen tvs for your finished basements how do you ever get to see the full quality of the set. Realistically for larger sets you need a minimum number of feet between you and the TV. I have a 36 inch Sony Wega which was their top model from three years ago. It sits in my basement and I think it is actually a little too large. My basement is not huge by any stretch but it always feels like we're sitting right on top of the set.
Also, we are now in the process of revamping our basement and would like any suggestions on speaker wire/home theater etc. while the walls are open. Currently we have a home theater in a box due to the lack of desire to tear open the walls.
Any help would be appreciated. |
sportsnut
Citizen
Username: Sportsnut
Post Number: 479
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 10:04 pm: | |
To those of you that have purchased large screen tvs for your finished basements how do you ever get to see the full quality of the set. Realistically for larger sets you need a minimum number of feet between you and the TV. I have a 36 inch Sony Wega which was their top model from three years ago. It sits in my basement and I think it is actually a little too large. My basement is not huge by any stretch but it always feels like we're sitting right on top of the set.
Also, we are now in the process of revamping our basement and would like any suggestions on speaker wire/home theater etc. while the walls are open. Currently we have a home theater in a box due to the lack of desire to tear open the walls.
Any help would be appreciated. |
bobk
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 3249
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - 8:32 am: | |
Check out Gateway (yeah, the computer people). They have moved into plasma televisions and the TVs were included in the last catalogue they sent us.
Also, Costco sells plasma, wide screen TVs.
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viva
Citizen
Username: Viva
Post Number: 273
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - 9:24 am: | |
funny thing about size...
being naive about this purchase, i thought i would be looking at what i now know to be the outdated, big, square sets. Shifting now to the 16:9 format, the screens look so much smaller, which is why i am thinking about the 51" rather than the 43" or 46".
now sportsnut has me thinking. The room in my basement is fairly large but no amphitheather. while viewing the sets at circuit city, i did not sense that distance would be a problem. hmm. |
Maplewoody
Citizen
Username: Maplewoody
Post Number: 260
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - 11:26 am: | |
sportsnut...
I have a long rectangular basement, so it's OK down there with a 43" TV...
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David Lackey
Citizen
Username: Davidlackey
Post Number: 38
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - 1:22 pm: | |
Before deciding which wide-screen tv to buy, you should really decide which TYPE of wide-screen tv will best suit your room and wallet. Plasma, Rear-Projection, Front-Projection, and Tube sets all have their pros and cons. Start shopping and note the dimensions of the unit itself (in addition to the screen size). Can your room handle a big rear-projection unit, or do you need the slimness of the plasma unit? Etc? |
jet
Citizen
Username: Jet
Post Number: 227
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - 1:56 pm: | |
Costco 42" plasma AWIA $2600.00 with coupon |
sportsnut
Citizen
Username: Sportsnut
Post Number: 481
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - 3:47 pm: | |
FYI here's an article on "sizing your room"
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6463_7-1016109-2.html?tag=cnetfd.ld
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newone
Citizen
Username: Newone
Post Number: 85
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 31, 2003 - 10:15 am: | |
If my memory is correct, the Costco plasma is not a "true" HDTV. It will not show programming in 1080i (the resolution that most HDTV is shown - except for ESPN HD which airs 720p). Take that into consideration. I've also heard that plasma televisions will have to have the plasma gas replaced after 5 or so years...haven't researched this part yet. |
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