Looking for a 26" Inch LCD to play our blus! Any recommendations? - Blu-ray Forum

paul_66 · 12-23-2009, 08:26 PM

Me and my brother are tired of using our parents' LCD (not being able to use it as we please) in the living room and they are probably tired of us using it above all (besides we have no right, basically

). So we've been planning on getting a 26" inch that will suit our bedroom as soon as we have the money to do so. We've had our eyes on a Samsung and a Sanyo at Walmart. There is a Sears nearby which we haven't gone to yet, so I just thought I'd come on here and ask if anybody could give any input on either those particular brands and sets or something else that's not more than about $400 with the best quality picture and sound that is available. We'll greatly appreciate it.

Paul

kpkelley · 12-23-2009, 08:30 PM

Is there any possibility of an online purchase?

paul_66 · 12-23-2009, 08:33 PM

Maybe. Is there something you recommend?

kpkelley · 12-23-2009, 08:41 PM

Besides the samsung(probably the B460) I would suggest the following:

Sony KDL-26L5000 369.99 from Sears
Panasonic TC-L26X1 380ish from Vanns or Beach Camera

The cheapest TV from a reputable manufacturer would be:

Toshiba 26AV502R for 329 from Butterfly Photo.

paul_66 · 12-23-2009, 08:49 PM

Thanks, I'll look into them. Could Sears have that Sony in their stores, not just online?

kpkelley · 12-23-2009, 08:52 PM

Yeah, that Sony may be available in-store. I was surprised to see that it was the lowest price.

Sears can surprise at times with their pricing. I remember last year they had the lowest prices on Panasonic plasma televisions for the months of october and november.

paul_66 · 12-23-2009, 09:15 PM

Nice. We may just pay a visit to Sears one day. Is there a particular brand you might recommend the most? At Walmart the best looking display we thought was the Samsung with the Sanyo being the second. They didn't have a Sony or Panasonic, or even Toshiba. Mostly I think they had Vizios and such.

HiDefRev · 12-24-2009, 02:01 PM

Stay FAR away from the Sanyo brand. It is a 3rd tier brand that has a reputation of poor reliability and customer service. In fact, I would just stay away from Walmart PERIOD. They also have a reputation of poor customer service past their 30 day return period.

sham · 12-24-2009, 03:05 PM

you should be able to get a sony or toshiba 32" from best buy for $399.

reb2 · 12-24-2009, 07:46 PM

Paul,
I have the KDL-26L5000 which I got at BestBuy back in November and with their 30-Day price match...I bought it at 425.00 and during the 30-Day period it went as low as 369.00...Right now it is selling for 399.00.

tootall82103 · 12-24-2009, 08:09 PM

Yeah you can get a nice 32" for $400. I'd go with a Sony or Panasonic. Just looking at Best Buys website they have the following Sony.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Sony+-+B...&skuId=9533837

here is the Panny also
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Panasoni...&skuId=9235133

HAMP · 12-25-2009, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tootall82103

Yeah you can get a nice 32" for $400. I'd go with a Sony or Panasonic. Just looking at Best Buys website they have the following Sony.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Sony+-+B...&skuId=9533837

here is the Panny also
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Panasoni...&skuId=9235133

I really like the option that tootall82103 gave, those were some good finds.

If you are considering online purchase, have a look at ecost.com

I found this 32" Panasonic Viera X1 for $397.99

Don't forget, there is no taxes for internet buying(if the company is not in your state)

paul_66 · 12-26-2009, 10:39 AM

Does anybody know much about the Samsung 26" inch? 'Cause that's what we're leaning toward the most. In the meantime I will try and consider all your other suggestions. Thanks for your response.

Btw: We're going toward 26" inches because our viewing distance is like six feet. Our bedroom is kinda small, so I dunno if 32" inches will suit.

MikeDaWiz · 12-26-2009, 11:25 AM

I am not familiar with this TV but maybe the guys can confirm if it is a good one. On sale for just today though.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/goldbox?ref_=pe_36900_13944220

paul_66 · 12-26-2009, 11:38 AM

Thanks. That does look like a good deal. Good price. Looks like it's definitely going to be between Panasonic, Sony and Samsung.

Does anybody know much about the dynamic contrast ratio? Seams like the Samsung has the most.

Johnny Vinyl · 12-26-2009, 11:46 AM

Saw this Toshiba 32" for $349.99 at Costco.com

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product...ang=en-US&Sp=C

John

PS~ All Costco TV's comes with a 2-year warranty. Something to consider and its free.

paul_66 · 12-28-2009, 08:38 PM

All right everyone, let's forget about the price for a second. I really wanna know about the quality of the products. We would like ot get the best quality for the best price as long as it's around the $400 dollar range or lower. We're now looking at the Panasonic that kpkelley mentioned and it's around the $300 dollar range. We're just not sure of the quality of the product... We've read reviews and they seem pretty positive. But there are like two different listings of the dynamic contrast ratio. One is 8,000:1 and the other is 12,000:1. But the Samsung however is 30,000:1. We don't know what that means, so we would like some kind of explanation if anybody would do that. We'll, again, greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

kpkelley · 12-28-2009, 08:46 PM

Of the four listed Sony has the best PQ, IMO, while the Pansonics ability to integrate with an Ipod may provide additional value for some customers. The Samsung and Panasonic are compareable in terms of picture quality.

The Panasonic is listed at 12000:1 in terms of dynamic contrast, but I don't recommend paying much attention to a panels dynamic contrast rating as different companies calculate this number differently. If you want to compare contrast you can try to ANSI contrast ratings, which would be more accurate.

The Toshiba would be the lowest quality of the four mentioned.

paul_66 · 12-30-2009, 02:00 AM

All right, thanks for your reply. Anything on the sound quality though? I think audio is about as important as picture...

tootall82103 · 12-30-2009, 02:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul_66

All right, thanks for your reply. Anything on the sound quality though? I think audio is about as important as picture...

TV speakers cannot bring you the audio greatness that Bluray movies provide.
I'd go with a Sony LCD. Best LCD picture quality IMO. Best overall quality too, I believe. Samsung and Panasonic aren't far behind though and would be fantastic choices also. If you want the better sound quality you should start saving up for a receiver and 2 speakers to start you off on a decent 2.0 setup. That will improve your movie experience right there. When you get more money you can add more speakers.

12-23-2009, 08:26 PM	#1
paul_66 Active Member Member since:Oct 2009 Location:USA 4K collection:325 Blu-ray collection:2324	Looking for the best 26" Inch LCD to play our blus! Any recommendations? Me and my brother are tired of using our parents' LCD (not being able to use it as we please) in the living room and they are probably tired of us using it above all (besides we have no right, basically ). So we've been planning on getting a 26" inch that will suit our bedroom as soon as we have the money to do so. We've had our eyes on a Samsung and a Sanyo at Walmart. There is a Sears nearby which we haven't gone to yet, so I just thought I'd come on here and ask if anybody could give any input on either those particular brands and sets or something else that's not more than about $400 with the best quality picture and sound that is available. We'll greatly appreciate it. Paul Last edited by paul_66; 12-30-2009 at 04:05 AM.

12-24-2009, 02:01 PM	#8
HiDefRev Active Member Member since:Sep 2009 Location:State of Relativity Blu-ray collection:35	Sanyo Stay FAR away from the Sanyo brand. It is a 3rd tier brand that has a reputation of poor reliability and customer service. In fact, I would just stay away from Walmart PERIOD. They also have a reputation of poor customer service past their 30 day return period.

12-24-2009, 08:09 PM	#11
tootall82103 Active Member Member since:Jul 2009 Blu-ray collection:15	Yeah you can get a nice 32" for $400. I'd go with a Sony or Panasonic. Just looking at Best Buys website they have the following Sony. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Sony+-+B...&skuId=9533837 here is the Panny also http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Panasoni...&skuId=9235133 Last edited by tootall82103; 12-24-2009 at 08:14 PM.

12-26-2009, 10:39 AM	#13
paul_66 Active Member Member since:Oct 2009 Location:USA 4K collection:325 Blu-ray collection:2324	Does anybody know much about the Samsung 26" inch? 'Cause that's what we're leaning toward the most. In the meantime I will try and consider all your other suggestions. Thanks for your response. Btw: We're going toward 26" inches because our viewing distance is like six feet. Our bedroom is kinda small, so I dunno if 32" inches will suit. Last edited by paul_66; 12-26-2009 at 10:46 AM.

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12-23-2009, 08:30 PM	#2
kpkelley Blu-ray Ninja Top contributor Member since:Aug 2007 Location:Framingham, MA 4K collection:385 Blu-ray collection:2478 Digital collection:113 Blu-ray reviews: 152	Is there any possibility of an online purchase?

12-23-2009, 08:33 PM	#3
paul_66 Active Member Member since:Oct 2009 Location:USA 4K collection:325 Blu-ray collection:2324	Maybe. Is there something you recommend?

12-23-2009, 08:41 PM	#4
kpkelley Blu-ray Ninja Top contributor Member since:Aug 2007 Location:Framingham, MA 4K collection:385 Blu-ray collection:2478 Digital collection:113 Blu-ray reviews: 152	Besides the samsung(probably the B460) I would suggest the following: Sony KDL-26L5000 369.99 from Sears Panasonic TC-L26X1 380ish from Vanns or Beach Camera The cheapest TV from a reputable manufacturer would be: Toshiba 26AV502R for 329 from Butterfly Photo.

12-23-2009, 08:49 PM	#5
paul_66 Active Member Member since:Oct 2009 Location:USA 4K collection:325 Blu-ray collection:2324	Thanks, I'll look into them. Could Sears have that Sony in their stores, not just online?

12-23-2009, 08:52 PM	#6
kpkelley Blu-ray Ninja Top contributor Member since:Aug 2007 Location:Framingham, MA 4K collection:385 Blu-ray collection:2478 Digital collection:113 Blu-ray reviews: 152	Yeah, that Sony may be available in-store. I was surprised to see that it was the lowest price. Sears can surprise at times with their pricing. I remember last year they had the lowest prices on Panasonic plasma televisions for the months of october and november.

12-23-2009, 09:15 PM	#7
paul_66 Active Member Member since:Oct 2009 Location:USA 4K collection:325 Blu-ray collection:2324	Nice. We may just pay a visit to Sears one day. Is there a particular brand you might recommend the most? At Walmart the best looking display we thought was the Samsung with the Sanyo being the second. They didn't have a Sony or Panasonic, or even Toshiba. Mostly I think they had Vizios and such.

12-24-2009, 03:05 PM	#9
sham Member Member since:Dec 2009 Location:Indiana, USA Blu-ray collection:68	you should be able to get a sony or toshiba 32" from best buy for $399.

12-24-2009, 07:46 PM	#10
reb2 Active Member Top contributor Member since:Dec 2009 Location:Texas Blu-ray collection:124 DVD collection:2 Trading Score:1	Paul, I have the KDL-26L5000 which I got at BestBuy back in November and with their 30-Day price match...I bought it at 425.00 and during the 30-Day period it went as low as 369.00...Right now it is selling for 399.00.

12-26-2009, 11:25 AM	#14
MikeDaWiz Blu-ray Knight Member since:Aug 2009 Location:Corpus Christi, TX Home Theater Gallery:25 Blu-ray collection:368 Blu-ray reviews: 2 Trading Score:4	I am not familiar with this TV but maybe the guys can confirm if it is a good one. On sale for just today though. http://www.amazon.com/gp/goldbox?ref_=pe_36900_13944220

12-26-2009, 11:38 AM	#15
paul_66 Active Member Member since:Oct 2009 Location:USA 4K collection:325 Blu-ray collection:2324	Thanks. That does look like a good deal. Good price. Looks like it's definitely going to be between Panasonic, Sony and Samsung. Does anybody know much about the dynamic contrast ratio? Seams like the Samsung has the most.

12-26-2009, 11:46 AM	#16
Johnny Vinyl Moderator Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Jul 2007 Location:At the crossroad of Analogue Dr & 2CH Ave Home Theater Gallery:19 Blu-ray collection:205 DVD collection:7 Blu-ray reviews:3 Trading Score:8	Saw this Toshiba 32" for $349.99 at Costco.com http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product...ang=en-US&Sp=C John PS~ All Costco TV's comes with a 2-year warranty. Something to consider and its free.

12-28-2009, 08:38 PM	#17
paul_66 Active Member Member since:Oct 2009 Location:USA 4K collection:325 Blu-ray collection:2324	All right everyone, let's forget about the price for a second. I really wanna know about the quality of the products. We would like ot get the best quality for the best price as long as it's around the $400 dollar range or lower. We're now looking at the Panasonic that kpkelley mentioned and it's around the $300 dollar range. We're just not sure of the quality of the product... We've read reviews and they seem pretty positive. But there are like two different listings of the dynamic contrast ratio. One is 8,000:1 and the other is 12,000:1. But the Samsung however is 30,000:1. We don't know what that means, so we would like some kind of explanation if anybody would do that. We'll, again, greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

12-28-2009, 08:46 PM	#18
kpkelley Blu-ray Ninja Top contributor Member since:Aug 2007 Location:Framingham, MA 4K collection:385 Blu-ray collection:2478 Digital collection:113 Blu-ray reviews: 152	Of the four listed Sony has the best PQ, IMO, while the Pansonics ability to integrate with an Ipod may provide additional value for some customers. The Samsung and Panasonic are compareable in terms of picture quality. The Panasonic is listed at 12000:1 in terms of dynamic contrast, but I don't recommend paying much attention to a panels dynamic contrast rating as different companies calculate this number differently. If you want to compare contrast you can try to ANSI contrast ratings, which would be more accurate. The Toshiba would be the lowest quality of the four mentioned.

12-30-2009, 02:00 AM	#19
paul_66 Active Member Member since:Oct 2009 Location:USA 4K collection:325 Blu-ray collection:2324	All right, thanks for your reply. Anything on the sound quality though? I think audio is about as important as picture...

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