Flat Panel Buyers Guide For Noobs

z28rod · 05-14-2008, 11:26 PM

Oled

jackwaline · 05-18-2008, 02:36 PM

I kind researched but am an idiot to technology.
I want a flatscreen that I can hang on the wall
I am thinking of going with the 32" vizio, Its just
for my gym / basement while i do my daily workout.
I have basic cable line comming into this area
no digital nothing elce. Will i be ok with this?

Also considering buying reconditioned price way
better. Is this a good idea? or is it worth twice the price
for a brand new?

thanks to all in advacne who reply

crysisworm · 05-19-2008, 07:11 AM

To Jack:

Refurb or reconditioned can be a good purchase but they rarely give a very long warranty with the product. You may see if they will back the refurb with an extended warranty....your cable should connect and with a digital channel scan should give you some local channels in HD. Make certain the set you buy is equipped with a QAM tuner.....

bra1234 · 05-19-2008, 11:42 AM

The Vizio's do have the QAM tuner in them, or at least everyone I have seen and the one I purchased a while back.... I am waiting to see what they come out with in their new model line hopefully they get rid of that AWFUL speaker on the bottom of the larger sets......

Tal · 05-20-2008, 11:31 AM

I am looking for a TV like the Westinghouse LTV-37w1 for Computer/TV watching use. I like the PiP features that allows you to move the windows around the screen and dual PiP features. I have a Samsung 40" and the PiP is useless. I went to Best Buy and ask the sales guys but no one could help me. I am a noob so maybe I wasn't clear about what I wanted when I asked them. So, I'm hoping someone could help me out. Thanks.

Tal · 05-21-2008, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tal

I am looking for a TV like the Westinghouse LTV-37w1 for Computer/TV watching use. I like the PiP features that allows you to move the windows around the screen and dual PiP features. I have a Samsung 40" and the PiP is useless. I went to Best Buy and ask the sales guys but no one could help me. I am a noob so maybe I wasn't clear about what I wanted when I asked them. So, I'm hoping someone could help me out. Thanks.

The model number is LVM-37W1 NOT LVT-37W1

**rbinck** · 05-21-2008, 08:03 AM

I have the LVM-42w2 which is the 42" version and the versitile PIP functions is one of the main reasons I went with it. Combine the great computer monitor abilities (both 60 and 75 Hz support) with the fact that the Westys pass both the interlace and 3:2 cadence tests conducted by Home Theater Magazine, the Westy monitors are hard to beat.

Tal · 05-21-2008, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbinck

I have the LVM-42w2 which is the 42" version and the versitile PIP functions is one of the main reasons I went with it. Combine the great computer monitor abilities (both 60 and 75 Hz support) with the fact that the Westys pass both the interlace and 3:2 cadence tests conducted by Home Theater Magazine, the Westy monitors are hard to beat.

When did this become available? Any newer versions out or coming out soon?

**rbinck** · 05-22-2008, 04:02 PM

They have been available for some time. They also have a 47" and a 52".

oldarash · 05-24-2008, 03:41 AM

I want to buy a tv ,first i was confused between Lcd or Plasma .....
After a lot of reaserch dicided to buy a lcd ....
Now i just cant deside between Sony 46XBR4(46x350) and Toshiba 46xf550u .
Which of them is the best ?(quallity) . Would u please give me a quick comparsion? What do u suggest?
home User,watch a lot of HD Movie and HD Series .

wmcole2 · 07-01-2008, 08:56 AM

A true Noob here, Papaylap, reading everything I can find to assist with choice in next week or so between KDL-52XBR4 and LN52A750.

We're replacing an old 52" Curtis Mathes, a gorgeous machine slowly loosing brightness. Sixteen foot viewing distance in small family room with two skylights; ('though except for an occasional PGA afternoon, seldom watch during daytime, so Samsung screen reflectivity issue is not a strong deterrant.) I tend to like the Samsung picture better than the Sony's, but this could simply be how well the display units are adjusted. The Sony specs seem so impressive. I have beautiful 1972 SP-2500 Sansui speakers to augment the television's audio.

Screen menu friendliness is desirable. I am an EE Major, but not a technophile, so what we really want, after all is said and done, is the most enjoyable and consistent HDTV experience, Would like to be seated, turn it 'On" and watch something on cable or perhaps a rented DVD/ Blu-ray, (when I buy one). Very important is ability to display media from my Apple MacBookPro iPhoto, iMovie & iDVD sources and AppleTV as well.

Will one or two of you kind souls who can recall my predicament honor us with your experience and suggestions? Thanks so much, and also to all who keep this thread bumped up for the likes of me.

We're in our 70's, so this will likely 'see us oot' as the Scottish say.

**ImRizzo** · 07-01-2008, 09:19 AM

Duplicated Posting

**ImRizzo** · 07-01-2008, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wmcole2

A true Noob here, Papaylap, reading everything I can find to assist with choice in next week or so between KDL-52XBR4 and LN52A750.

We're replacing an old 52" Curtis Mathes, a gorgeous machine slowly loosing brightness. Sixteen foot viewing distance in small family room with two skylights; ('though except for an occasional PGA afternoon, seldom watch during daytime, so Samsung screen reflectivity issue is not a strong deterrant.) I tend to like the Samsung picture better than the Sony's, but this could simply be how well the display units are adjusted. The Sony specs seem so impressive. I have beautiful 1972 SP-2500 Sansui speakers to augment the television's audio.

Screen menu friendliness is desirable. I am an EE Major, but not a technophile, so what we really want, after all is said and done, is the most enjoyable and consistent HDTV experience, Would like to be seated, turn it 'On" and watch something on cable or perhaps a rented DVD/ Blu-ray, (when I buy one). Very important is ability to display media from my Apple MacBookPro iPhoto, iMovie & iDVD sources and AppleTV as well.

Will one or two of you kind souls who can recall my predicament honor us with your experience and suggestions? Thanks so much, and also to all who keep this thread bumped up for the likes of me.

We're in our 70's, so this will likely 'see us oot' as the Scottish say.

Both sets are excellent choices check Cnet.com for their reviews for acurate and unbiased reviews/info I hope this will help you with your choices

wmcole2 · 07-01-2008, 10:29 AM

Thank you, Sir. I shall do precisely as you recommended.

Your rig is truly lovely!!

07-01-2008, 11:02 AM

Hello Wmcole2, as far as PQ goes the sets are a dead heat as I believe the panel comes from the same manufacturing plant...I would recommend Sony over Samsung simply beause I see many more problem with Samsung threads here than with Sony....I f you latch onto a trouble free Samsung they are very impressive...just more of a risk than Sony, IMHO... good luck with your choice....

05-14-2008, 11:26 PM	#106
z28rod I love my plasma Join Date: Dec 2006 Age: 55 Posts: 1,699	Oled __________________ Panasonic TH-42PX60U 42" Plasma HDTV Klipsch Quintet™ II MicroSystem AudioSource SW-15 sub. Yamaha RX-V596 Oppo 971H dvd SA 8300 hd stb Olivia 332H lcd Magnavox Progressive DVD Player DP100MW8 Logitech Z-2300 2.1 THX Certified Spkr. Westinghouse LTV-27w2 lcd Magnavox Progressive DVD Player DP100MW8 Logitech Z4 Spkr.

05-18-2008, 02:36 PM	#107
jackwaline What is HD? Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 1	Im A Dummy I kind researched but am an idiot to technology. I want a flatscreen that I can hang on the wall I am thinking of going with the 32" vizio, Its just for my gym / basement while i do my daily workout. I have basic cable line comming into this area no digital nothing elce. Will i be ok with this? Also considering buying reconditioned price way better. Is this a good idea? or is it worth twice the price for a brand new? thanks to all in advacne who reply

05-19-2008, 07:11 AM	#108
crysisworm Sinister and Brooding Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: South of the Border Posts: 92	To Jack: Refurb or reconditioned can be a good purchase but they rarely give a very long warranty with the product. You may see if they will back the refurb with an extended warranty....your cable should connect and with a digital channel scan should give you some local channels in HD. Make certain the set you buy is equipped with a QAM tuner..... __________________ ..................... The Underlings are upon us

05-19-2008, 11:42 AM	#109
bra1234 High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 149	The Vizio's do have the QAM tuner in them, or at least everyone I have seen and the one I purchased a while back.... I am waiting to see what they come out with in their new model line hopefully they get rid of that AWFUL speaker on the bottom of the larger sets...... __________________ [size="1"]Vizio 32" LCD/HDTV (720P) Vizio 42" VS420LF (1080P) Toshiba A3 HD-DVD Player Playstation 3 Vizio VBR200W Onkyo 5.1 surround HTR500(very old LOL) 40 41 Newest Additions:Iron Man 2 Last Movie Watched:Iron Man 2, Advetureland As I tell my children often instructions are included for a reason

05-20-2008, 11:31 AM	#110
Tal What is HD? Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 3	TV like Westinghouse LTV-37w1 I am looking for a TV like the Westinghouse LTV-37w1 for Computer/TV watching use. I like the PiP features that allows you to move the windows around the screen and dual PiP features. I have a Samsung 40" and the PiP is useless. I went to Best Buy and ask the sales guys but no one could help me. I am a noob so maybe I wasn't clear about what I wanted when I asked them. So, I'm hoping someone could help me out. Thanks.

05-21-2008, 08:03 AM	#112
rbinck Administrator Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Katy, Texas Posts: 15,602	I have the LVM-42w2 which is the 42" version and the versitile PIP functions is one of the main reasons I went with it. Combine the great computer monitor abilities (both 60 and 75 Hz support) with the fact that the Westys pass both the interlace and 3:2 cadence tests conducted by Home Theater Magazine, the Westy monitors are hard to beat. __________________ www.highdefinitionblog.com www.BlogOfHawaii.com

05-22-2008, 04:02 PM	#114
rbinck Administrator Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Katy, Texas Posts: 15,602	They have been available for some time. They also have a 47" and a 52". __________________ www.highdefinitionblog.com www.BlogOfHawaii.com

05-24-2008, 03:41 AM	#115
oldarash What is HD? Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 1	I want to buy a tv ,first i was confused between Lcd or Plasma ..... After a lot of reaserch dicided to buy a lcd .... Now i just cant deside between Sony 46XBR4(46x350) and Toshiba 46xf550u . Which of them is the best ?(quallity) . Would u please give me a quick comparsion? What do u suggest? home User,watch a lot of HD Movie and HD Series .

07-01-2008, 08:56 AM	#116
wmcole2 applepie Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Virginia Beach Posts: 3	52" Sony vs. Samsung? A true Noob here, Papaylap, reading everything I can find to assist with choice in next week or so between KDL-52XBR4 and LN52A750. We're replacing an old 52" Curtis Mathes, a gorgeous machine slowly loosing brightness. Sixteen foot viewing distance in small family room with two skylights; ('though except for an occasional PGA afternoon, seldom watch during daytime, so Samsung screen reflectivity issue is not a strong deterrant.) I tend to like the Samsung picture better than the Sony's, but this could simply be how well the display units are adjusted. The Sony specs seem so impressive. I have beautiful 1972 SP-2500 Sansui speakers to augment the television's audio. Screen menu friendliness is desirable. I am an EE Major, but not a technophile, so what we really want, after all is said and done, is the most enjoyable and consistent HDTV experience, Would like to be seated, turn it 'On" and watch something on cable or perhaps a rented DVD/ Blu-ray, (when I buy one). Very important is ability to display media from my Apple MacBookPro iPhoto, iMovie & iDVD sources and AppleTV as well. Will one or two of you kind souls who can recall my predicament honor us with your experience and suggestions? Thanks so much, and also to all who keep this thread bumped up for the likes of me. We're in our 70's, so this will likely 'see us oot' as the Scottish say.

07-01-2008, 09:19 AM	#117
ImRizzo HDF SUPER MODERATOR Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Formerly: Brooklyn, New York .... It's not a place, it's an Attitude and a State of Mind !! Posts: 19,040	Duplicated Posting __________________ ..................................... PFC5 & Loves2Watch ~ RIP Last edited by ImRizzo; 07-01-2008 at 09:24 AM. Reason: DUPLICATED POSTING

07-01-2008, 10:29 AM	#119
wmcole2 applepie Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Virginia Beach Posts: 3	52" Sony vs. Samsung? Thank you, Sir. I shall do precisely as you recommended. Your rig is truly lovely!!

07-01-2008, 11:02 AM	#120
pappylap Guest Posts: n/a	Hello Wmcole2, as far as PQ goes the sets are a dead heat as I believe the panel comes from the same manufacturing plant...I would recommend Sony over Samsung simply beause I see many more problem with Samsung threads here than with Sony....I f you latch onto a trouble free Samsung they are very impressive...just more of a risk than Sony, IMHO... good luck with your choice.... Last edited by pappylap; 07-01-2008 at 11:05 AM.

Similar Threads to Flat Panel Buyers Guide For Noobs
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Sylvania 42" LCD HD 1080P by FUNAI	tipstir	Flat-Panel TVs	879	03-15-2011 06:47 PM
Has anyone heard this?	burnsalkire	Flat-Panel TVs	29	01-06-2010 09:19 AM
Buying my first HDTV	J619	Flat-Panel TVs	7	09-19-2009 10:09 PM
Panasonic TH-42PZ85U versus Sony Bravia S-Series KDL-40S4100 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV	HDTV_newbie	Flat-Panel TVs	9	09-13-2008 09:25 AM