First HDTV Purchase Upcoming (Budget $1700)

[bdavid81]

Alright, I've got a PS3 amongst other systems, and I have a handful of Blu-ray movies already. But, I don't have an HDTV as of yet.

First off, need some help in selecting a model and understanding the basics of what I should look at. I'll be using the built-in sound, or Logitech Z-5500's that I currently have for my PC. I've already got HDMI cables as well.

Secondly, I live in Canada, and I prefer to buy it in-store as its easier to deal with and do returns if needed. I have all the major retailers nearby as I live in Ottawa, ON.

One particular model I'm looking at, is the Samsung 1080p 46" LCD HDTV** (LN46A550), which is apparently a Future Shop exclusive, but the reviews seem mostly positive. I'm looking for about the $1700 range after tax. How is this set, assuming someone here may have it?

I need at least 2 HDMI ports, and I want Blu-ray discs to look stunning (and I'm on a WAL-MART brand 27" SDTV right now, so I think ANY 1080p TV will open my eyes).

Any help and opinions are welcome. And, if you think the above model I mentioned is worth it for my entry into HD, and you know of a cheaper price (CANADIAN retailer), please let me know and I could attempt a pricematch.

Thank You.

[arush5268d]

Do you have Best Buys in Canada?

They normally have some sort of special promotion going on with the Panasonic Plasmas - which would fit your budget nicely.

[bdavid81]

Yes, Best Buy, Future Shop, Leons, The Brick, etc.

I might mention that Future Shop is my preference due to the fact that I can get a 1 year no interest/payment plan there, as Christmas is going to hurt the wallet and that extra couple months would be nice to not worry about.

Best Buy & Future Shop are sister stores, so really either of them are great. I'd always heard LCD was better for not dealing with burn-in (I have a bad habit of forgetting the TV on and going to work, paused in a game)

http://www.futureshop.ca/

[ixlegitballinxl]

the samsung Touch of Color is pretty popular here in the states, not sure what kind of price you can grab in Canada, but a 46 inch usually runs right around 1600ish.

includes 120 hz, 1080p/24fps, and 4 hdmi inputs

[Blu-ray Fanatic]

I'd go with the Panny. Good buck for the bang.

[burdenbrother]

I've owned a Sony 40" 1080p TV for the past year and I must say that I have been impressed, but by no means blown away by the quality. I've been doing some research on TV's for my father and I just helped him purchase a Panasonic plasma, and I must say that the difference is huge. First of all, the black levels are spot on. Color looks way more naturalistic and deep, especially if you are watching regular television and DVD's, which in my opinion, look terrible on an LCD. Secondly, you will never have to worry about motion blur. My Sony is very flawed when it comes to watching sports; it is quite distracting when viewing. Now I know a lot of LCD manufacturer's out there have 120hz capabilities, but to me they appear unnatural, especially for movies. Lastly, if you are worried about picture burn-in, fear not as there is no such thing s burin-in on plasmas, only image retention. Basically an image can get temporarily "burned-in", if you were to say leave a video game on pause for 24 hours, but after watching for a little bit, the image will go away. The new plasmas even have programs that make these retained images go away within a matter of seconds. You should at least go see for yourself the Panasonic plasmas as they are about the same in terms of price, and the picture and motion is way better than any LCD out there. I hope this helps.

[bdavid81]

If you are recommending certain models, I'd very much appreciate the exact model numbers. With the Samsung ToC model, I believe that's the 750 series, correct? In that case... its about $2500+tax for the 46" model. Ridiculous price, and I can't afford that at all.

[ixlegitballinxl]

samsung 650*****

[bdavid81]

Okay, here's a compiled list I've thought up of what I need, or will be doing

TV Purpose
Blu-ray Playback w/PS3
DVD Playback w/PS3
Gaming with PS3/360/Wii (2 HDMI Ports Required)
Possibly TV somewhere down the road...

TV Location
Medium Sized Room
Often Bright w/Sunlight

Budget: $1700-ish after tax. I do NOT want to break $2000. Whether I'm buying this in the next 30 days, versus Canada's Boxing Day sales (December 26th), I am unsure.

I've heard LCD is better for gaming, and whether that's still true, I have clue. If it is, I'd love to know why.

In the meantime, I'm going to read some of the stickies on this forum and try to learn more.

Again, the 1 model in question so far is here: Samsung LN46A550

[callas01]

You are on the right track, I have found gaming on an LCD is better, so does my co-worker who has both LCD & plasma at his parents. Plus, although rare, burn-in is still possible, however unlikely if you wait 2 months and break-in your TV properly. If you are more concerned with best PQ, then Plasma, but if you set the settings properly your PQ on an LCD will be really close to what you will get with a Plasma, but not equal. With a bright setting LCD is better too. Make sure whatever you do, get a calibration disc. Also, if you have kids, I prefer LCD cause they will tend to watch TV without concern. IMO. You could prolly spend less and get a 46" Panasonic plasma or about the same and get a 50" Plasma. Just a thought.

[Bullseye]

If you plan on doing alot of gaming then maybe an LCD would be better although I personally prefer Plasma for movie playback.

[yyyiiikes]

Either way you go, I would recommend waiting a few weeks before purchasing. Current economic conditions should force retailers to cut prices so that they can move inventory. Also, Sony just released the XBR models in the US, that should drive down prices of other Sony models and the competition.

Holding off on the purchase for a little bit will leave you some some bucks in the pocket, or larger size for about the same price.