TV buying advice - Blu-ray Forum

Metalheadisme · 02-15-2008, 11:40 PM

Hi everyone!

I currently have an older sony rear projection 720p lcd HDTV (the kdf-e42a10) and I'm looking to upgrade, but to be honest I'm a little overwhelmed at the options and thinking of what is coming in the future.

The first TV I was looking at was the kds-60a3000 which is going out of production. I've found it online for about $1600 shipped, but I'm a little afraid of ordering from Broadway Photo and the likes. Anyone have advice on ordering TV's and such from these guys? Anyone have one of these TV's that can comment on how well it handles 24p and judder? It seems like an excellent value, with the one downside being the viewing angle of projection.

Well, I'm also thinking about the 52 in. xbr4 (kdl-52xbr4) which I've seen online for about $2400 shipped. Looks like a great TV, and to be honest, I think an LCD is a better fit for me than a plasma since I do enjoy video games and I've heard bad things about burn-in. Does the 120hz on this one completely eliminate judder? I've also heard some stuff about ghosting and clouding issues- is this a problem with these tv's? Anyone know when sony will probably introduce the next line of xbr's? I also have heard that the xbr5's are identical in PQ to the xbr4's, just with a different finish and more connections - is this true?

The panasonic and Pioneer plasmas look good as well, but the only Pioneer in my price range is probably the 720p version- how does this handle 24p content? Burn in issues? The panny looked awesome too, but the pioneer did look better.

Also, what is the best time of year to buy these tv's? I've heard summer is a good time (and when I got a good price on my kdf-e42a10).

Thanks for any help in advance!

Metalheadisme · 02-16-2008, 02:52 PM

Well, if anyone has any advice about the xbr vs. the plasmas, I'd definitely appreciate it.

Moefiz · 02-16-2008, 03:04 PM

Broadway Photo is based out of NYC.I know that back in the days they use to sell refurbish electronics I am not sure about them now you might want to get some reviews for them before you buy.

I have the Sony 40xbr2 and its a great Tv lots of connection and excellect value for the money.

Check around online you can probaly get it fot the same price that the one you are thinking about.

gearyt · 02-16-2008, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Metalheadisme

The first TV I was looking at was the kds-60a3000 which is going out of production. I've found it online for about $1600 shipped, but I'm a little afraid of ordering from Broadway Photo and the likes. .

Well, I'm also thinking about the 52 in. xbr4 (kdl-52xbr4) which I've seen online for about $2400 shipped. Looks like a great TV, and to be honest, I think an LCD is a better fit for me than a plasma since I do enjoy video games and I've heard bad things about burn-in. .

The panasonic and Pioneer plasmas look good as well, but the only Pioneer in my price range is probably the 720p version- The panny looked awesome too, but the pioneer did look better.

ok... lotsa questions, I'll try and help with a couple

Broadway Photo, been arround a long time... Probably not the best pricing

LCD vs Plasma - Plasma's are now in the 10th generation and vary greatly from mfg to mfg. The Pioneer and Panasonic are the leaders. You get what you pay for.... but I was not willing to go with the Pioneer for what my eyes saw for $1000 more... to each his own budget I understand LCD's have ghosting and Plasma's do burn in, but it depends on many variables. so no straight answer... sorry

720 ?..... unless money prevents it... in 42" and larger.... go 1080 !!

you have to decide , if you have a limited budget, what is more important

mine were

Picture qual
Size
Features

I went panasonic, 1080p and held off on the 120Hz, etc till there is less price difference. I also bought my kids a Sony you can compare models on their website, side by side... I also bought 2 models down, as I was not willing to purchase features they would never miss

hope this helps

Metalheadisme · 02-17-2008, 09:43 PM

Thanks a lot for the advice... I think as of right now it's between the sony kdl-52xbr4 and a panasonic plasma (not sure which one, but 120hz would be nice).

I'm still not sure if I should go with lcd or plasma... I watch more movies than I play video games, but I'm still weary of burn-in. The plasma picture is really nice though. I'd go pioneer if they weren't so expensive.

Oh well, maybe I'll just wait and see this summer what's out there. I'm waiting for Harman Kardan to put out their new receivers with all the new features, so maybe I'll see what's out there at that point instead. My tv now is great, albeit only 42in., 720p, but I really do have a hunkerin to upgrade the size and viewing angle, haha.

Thanks again.

ground chuck · 02-17-2008, 10:03 PM

do you really need a plasma or lcd? have you thought about going for a dlp tv and saving yourself some real money. plasma and lcd are more status symbols, and if you're not hanging it on the wall why even bother. my 56" 1080p dlp is perfect for my living room, but this may not be case for your room.

but if you really want a plasma or lcd, i'd forget about the sony tv's and go for the panny or pioneer's.

Blu-Dog · 02-18-2008, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Metalheadisme

Thanks a lot for the advice... I think as of right now it's between the sony kdl-52xbr4 and a panasonic plasma (not sure which one, but 120hz would be nice).

I'm still not sure if I should go with lcd or plasma... I watch more movies than I play video games, but I'm still weary of burn-in. The plasma picture is really nice though. I'd go pioneer if they weren't so expensive.

LCD is best until you get up into the Pioneer Kuro stuff.

I have the 52xbr4; so does one of my sons; and I know several people with the 46" version. You can't go wrong with that unit, and they're out there for well under $3,000 right now.

Plasma still has issues (they suck down more current than a microwave, I think) but that Pioneer is absolutely astounding. For over $6,000, it better be (that's for the 60" version).

BoneWSO · 02-18-2008, 12:33 AM

I just replaced my old 1080i projection TV with the Sony KDS-55A3000 and couldn't be any happier. The TV is awesome, better picture than what you will see in stores, trust me. And as far as viewing angle is concerned, you still get a great picture at about 70 degrees off, it just gets slightly darker, the best i've seen from a projection screen. I highly reccomend getting this TV before they all disappear as I see it as the best value around. Good luck.

02-15-2008, 11:40 PM	#1
Metalheadisme Active Member Member since:Jan 2008	TV buying advice Hi everyone! I currently have an older sony rear projection 720p lcd HDTV (the kdf-e42a10) and I'm looking to upgrade, but to be honest I'm a little overwhelmed at the options and thinking of what is coming in the future. The first TV I was looking at was the kds-60a3000 which is going out of production. I've found it online for about $1600 shipped, but I'm a little afraid of ordering from Broadway Photo and the likes. Anyone have advice on ordering TV's and such from these guys? Anyone have one of these TV's that can comment on how well it handles 24p and judder? It seems like an excellent value, with the one downside being the viewing angle of projection. Well, I'm also thinking about the 52 in. xbr4 (kdl-52xbr4) which I've seen online for about $2400 shipped. Looks like a great TV, and to be honest, I think an LCD is a better fit for me than a plasma since I do enjoy video games and I've heard bad things about burn-in. Does the 120hz on this one completely eliminate judder? I've also heard some stuff about ghosting and clouding issues- is this a problem with these tv's? Anyone know when sony will probably introduce the next line of xbr's? I also have heard that the xbr5's are identical in PQ to the xbr4's, just with a different finish and more connections - is this true? The panasonic and Pioneer plasmas look good as well, but the only Pioneer in my price range is probably the 720p version- how does this handle 24p content? Burn in issues? The panny looked awesome too, but the pioneer did look better. Also, what is the best time of year to buy these tv's? I've heard summer is a good time (and when I got a good price on my kdf-e42a10). Thanks for any help in advance!

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02-16-2008, 02:52 PM	#2
Metalheadisme Active Member Member since:Jan 2008	Well, if anyone has any advice about the xbr vs. the plasmas, I'd definitely appreciate it.

02-16-2008, 03:04 PM	#3
Moefiz Blu-ray Knight Member since:Jul 2007 Blu-ray collection:288 DVD collection:20 Blu-ray reviews: 15 Trading Score:70	Broadway Photo is based out of NYC.I know that back in the days they use to sell refurbish electronics I am not sure about them now you might want to get some reviews for them before you buy. I have the Sony 40xbr2 and its a great Tv lots of connection and excellect value for the money. Check around online you can probaly get it fot the same price that the one you are thinking about.

02-17-2008, 09:43 PM	#5
Metalheadisme Active Member Member since:Jan 2008	Thanks a lot for the advice... I think as of right now it's between the sony kdl-52xbr4 and a panasonic plasma (not sure which one, but 120hz would be nice). I'm still not sure if I should go with lcd or plasma... I watch more movies than I play video games, but I'm still weary of burn-in. The plasma picture is really nice though. I'd go pioneer if they weren't so expensive. Oh well, maybe I'll just wait and see this summer what's out there. I'm waiting for Harman Kardan to put out their new receivers with all the new features, so maybe I'll see what's out there at that point instead. My tv now is great, albeit only 42in., 720p, but I really do have a hunkerin to upgrade the size and viewing angle, haha. Thanks again.

02-17-2008, 10:03 PM	#6
ground chuck Power Member Member since:May 2007 Location:Charm City Blu-ray collection:75 Blu-ray reviews:48 Trading Score:18	do you really need a plasma or lcd? have you thought about going for a dlp tv and saving yourself some real money. plasma and lcd are more status symbols, and if you're not hanging it on the wall why even bother. my 56" 1080p dlp is perfect for my living room, but this may not be case for your room. but if you really want a plasma or lcd, i'd forget about the sony tv's and go for the panny or pioneer's.

02-18-2008, 12:33 AM	#8
BoneWSO Active Member Member since:Oct 2007 Location:United States of America Blu-ray collection:199 Trading Score:1	I just replaced my old 1080i projection TV with the Sony KDS-55A3000 and couldn't be any happier. The TV is awesome, better picture than what you will see in stores, trust me. And as far as viewing angle is concerned, you still get a great picture at about 70 degrees off, it just gets slightly darker, the best i've seen from a projection screen. I highly reccomend getting this TV before they all disappear as I see it as the best value around. Good luck.

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