auto

I'm in the market to buy a new television. A friend recommended this one.

Honestly, I know nothing about televisions. LCD, plasma, 780, 1080....all foreign to me. What I do know is I'd like to spend under $2000 and I'd like to use it as a computer monitor. Also, I'm thinking ~52" sounds just about right - we sit about 12-13 ft back from the tv.

Anyone care to school me? I'm not in the habit of spening 2k on something I know so little about.

Sdallnct

There is nothing wrong with the set in the link you set.

At this point, you really just need to decide if you want plasma or LCD. If you want the ultimate in picture quality, grab a Pioneer or Panasonic Plasma. They make 50" or 55" models which would be fine.

Either LCD or Plasma are pretty much only 720p or 1080p native. Which you get is up to you. Marketing will have you believe the only "true" HD is 1080p, but that is not true. Depending on size and sitting distance, you just won't be able to see the difference. For as small of a set as you are looking and sitting at that distance, I think 720p would be fine. However since you will be using as a computer monitor, you probably should go to 1080p. The 1080p would help with text and such.

Personally I prefer Plasma. More natural, better black, better contrast, IMO nothing comes close. Some see plasma as "old technology". Some still fear burn in (not an issue with a modern plasma) or life of the set (again, not an issue). There is some who make a stink about power consumption, but at the end of the day you are usually talking pennies difference.

auto

Thanks for the info...would you mind posting some links to sets you would recommend?

ATX

that set is nice

well, except for the rediculous "Touch of Color"

Sonic

I just don't understand why Samsung is putting red color on such sets. Why? That's tacky.

dick_grayson

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-VIER...9234329&sr=8-1

auto

Aw crap, plasma vs. LCD. Anyone else care to sound off?

Brian Shannon

Try to find a local video store, not a big box retailer. Go and view some demo material you are familiar with and decide based on how the tv looks to your eyes.

auto

By the way, I didn't realize there were 50 "help me buy a tv" threads in this forum. I know better than to not search.

Thanks for your help though.

emoxley

I recently bought a 61" Samsung LED DLP set from Best Buy for $1499. It's beautiful! The distance you stated is perfect for 61" also. That's the same distance we are from ours. Once the tv was home, and setup, my wife says, "it doesn't look as big here in the house!" It has a pc input too, but don't have mine hooked up to it. My pc is in another room. May eventually do it though.

These LED DLPs don't have a bulb to change every 2-3 yrs., and don't have the color wheel, like the older sets had. The Samsung also does a very good job with SD channels, which I like.

auto

link?

emoxley

It's not on their site anymore. They must have sold out.
Amazon.com still has it listed. Says it's sold by and ships from 6th Ave. It's only about $50 more than I paid.
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-HL61A7...1091653&sr=1-1