26" HDTV Options???

Spops

Ok, so I need some help. I had purchased a 22" Samsung LN22A650, but was very dissatisfied with it. The sound from the speakers were terrible. You would hear a vibration effect all of the time with them. So since there really are no other good 22" options for a HDTV, I am looking to step up to a 26".

From what I can gather here are my options for a good HDTV:

Sony Bravia M-Series KDL-26M4000

Samsung LN26A450

I know there are some other HDTV's out there from Panasonic, and Vizio. But I am planning on spending what I consider a decent amount of money. Because of that I really want to get a TV that is going to last.

Out of the 2 HDTV's that I posted I think I am leaning towards the Sony. The only reason why I am leaning towards Sony is because of my negative experience with the Samsung set that I had purchased.

Can anyone help me please decide which set to purchase? I will be using this HDTV for Cable TV (via coaxial input), Playstation 3 games, and Blu Ray movies (via HDMI input).

Thanks in advance.

s70driver

Are you stuck on space limits or price limits here?

Honestly a HDTV that small I doubt you'd notice that big of a difference between brands.

I own a 46" Sony and love it. Others will tell you horror stories with Sony.

Spops

Kind of both. I live in a condo with my brother and a room mate. We have already have a HDTV in the living room. But I am looking for a HDTV for my bedroom. The 22" fit perfectly where I wanted it to. And going up to a 26" will not. But at this point I am willing to just go ahead and go with the 26".

The HDTV is going to be sitting on a desk. But the desk has a hutch that is only 25.5" wide. So essentially I will have to place the HDTV towards the edge of the desk to get it to fit.

I will post pictures later tonight when I get home from work.

Bigloww

I am assuming there is, but is there a major reason why you need to stay at 26''? I only ask because you will have more and better options if you step up to a 32'' at least. And the price difference between a decent 26'' and a 32'' will probably be less than $100 in most cases. The Sony you listed is a very good TV. But at $530, you can almost get a comperable 32''.. The Toshiba Regza 32'' is a great choice and can be had for around $550-$600..

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Toshi...oductDetail.do

If 26'' is what you want/need, the Sony is a great choice. CC/BB has it onsale for $549 so you can go and take a look in person.

__________________
Commit to the Indian..

In Loving Memory of Junkie, The Rizz, Eagle and the Boys.. They are gone (wasted in fact) but not forgotten..

s70driver

Where he is putting it he said will barely fit the 26", so going to a 32" would be a big no.

Spops

This is what the desk looked like with the 22" Samsung on it:





If you guys want, I can take a small Youtube video of exactly how the room looks. Maybe it can help you guys better help me. Because at this point I am all out of ideas. The Samsung HDTV is on its way back to Amazon, so that means no TV in my room

Thanks in advance.

BGrutter

Just a shot in the dark, but does the hutch portion of the desk come off? I can see that the grain of the wood does not appear to line up. If it does, I would also suggest removing it and going up to 32"(I'm sure you can find somewhere else for whatever you have in the cubbards). To be honest, as you described, a 26" HDTV is not going to fit but you have decided to overlook that. If you're going to overlook it, does it really matter what size you get? I assume you sit rather close when you game. 32" would be perfect. Not so big that you would have to turn your head while close and still big enough to see clearly when in bed. For model number, I would recommend the Vizio VO32LF. I know that you said you like to stay away from Vizio, but this TV might have everything you are looking for (including 1080p for up close viewing) for $550 from Sam's or Costco. You could also get the Java version (brown) at Sears for another $10. Just my thoughts on the situation. Hope it all works out.

Spops

I think 32" is just going to be to big. My bed is literally about 4' away from the desk. And when I game I usually sit on a chair in between the desk and the bed. I will go ahead and take a small video of the whole room to show you guys. I am sure it will give you more insight to the rooms configuration.

Bigloww

We hear ya..Now that you stated your situation, it looks like a 26'' would be the biggest you can go and the best fit for you gig/viewing distance. Just letting you know that the price difference between a 26' and 32'' is very slim for the most part. And that extra 6 inches will go a long way in the bedroom (that's what she said )...


As stated before both TV's you selected are good choices. The Sony is a bit too pricey for me, but it you like the overall PQ and features, then it is well worth it. As also mentioned above, you will not find much PQ difference in HD with a 22-26'' set for the most part. Sets from Toshiba and the 3 S's will all be in the same ballpark. And as far as sound goes... Allthough it sound like the speakers in your current TV are defective or lame, you are not going to find a 26'' TV that will have great or even good sounding speakers. Especially if turned up at all. But from the specs, I would say the Sony will offer the best overall sound (relatively speaking). If you like you sound experience for your PS3 for games and BD's to be much better I would invest in something like this......

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-THX-C...1009212&sr=1-4

The Z5500 is an great little 5.1 speaker package that sounds great. It has 2 digital inputs so you can connect your PS3 and cable box and be all set DD 5.1 and DTS. Makes gaming a whole new experience.. And at only $230, not a kick to the groin. Just an option if you want to just keep your current TV or disatisfied with your new TV's sound performance.. Doesn't take up much space either as I can see space will be tight..

__________________
Commit to the Indian..

In Loving Memory of Junkie, The Rizz, Eagle and the Boys.. They are gone (wasted in fact) but not forgotten..

Spops

Ok, here is a short video that I took of my bedroom. Hopefully it will give you guys a better understanding of my setup.

+ YouTube Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhdDbJaSsjg

The video just finished uploading so it may take a few before you are able to view it.

Spops

Can anyone else give me some further input. I had posted a video of my room layout for all to see.

Since it looks like I will be going with a 26" HDTV is that Sony the best HDTV to get?

BGrutter

If you want us to stop mentioning the 32", please just say so, I don't want to beat a dead dog. However, after watching your video, you said that you will be blocking your hutch doors with a 26" HDTV. If you are fine with that, wouldn't you be fine blocking another 2" on either side with a 32" HDTV. At your viewing distance, while seated for gaming, I think you'd be very happy. Anyway, I probably sound like a real jerk for repeating myself (I only do so because I recently bought a 32" for my bedroom and ended up returning it for a 37").

Anyway, good luck with your final choice, unfortunately, I don't know much about 26". The only model I know and like is the Vizio VMM26. 1080p with lots of extras.
http://www.vizio.com/productDetails....=2466&pid=1508.

Spops

Honestly, I am now starting to think of a 32" as a viable option. For one reason only. I went to Target today and was going to just go ahead and purchase the Sony 26" tv. But the 26" was $599, and the 32" on sale for $549. So now I am at a crossroads and not sure of what to do.

My big concern with the 32" is that it is just going to be to big for my viewing distance. The television is essentially going to end up at the edge of the desk. The distance from the edge of the desk to the edge of the bed is just shy of 4 feet. Now in my head 4 feet is a decent viewing distance for 32" tv. However when I game I sit on a chair in between the desk and the bed. So essentially that would give me like a 2 foot viewing distance.

Maybe someone here can help calm my concerns and help to guide me.

PFC5

Why not just sit on the (edge of) bed when gaming and then you will be about 5' away which would be perfect with a 32" IMO. Also consider where you might be living in 1-2 years and whether a 26" is big enough for the future space.

Getting the 32" model for less than the 26" model would be the tipping point for me. You could always return it if you cannot get use to it within 30 days.

__________________
Denon AVR-887
Klipsch RP-5 Pwred Towers (mains) (525 watts peak each 12"Subs)
All Klipsch RC-25(ctr),(2)SS1(surr),(2)SS1(rearSurr)
Toshiba (2)HD-A20,PS3,BD35
For SACD/DVD-A Samsung HD-841
Panny 50pz80u plasma SETTINGS
RCA HD50LPW162 50"DLP w/HD2+
SA 3250HD
47" LCD+Yamaha5790+HD-A1(bedroom)
Harmony 680 + (2) 670s (amazing remote/support)
Game room with Onkyo receiver & B&W Speakers
The_Cable_Game
Take the high ground and be happier

rph105

With the SONY KDL's you can't go wrong, had a 26"er for a year, worked like a charm!