New LCD, need some guidence

[J_WILL_GV]

Ok, so I have decided to go out and purchase a new full 1080p HDTV. But I am a little lost. I have done some pretty deep searching and investigating to find a good tv, that offers me a good contrast ratio, and a 120 hz processing. The only problem is I am hearing so much about how I should stick with the 3 "S''s--Samsung, Sony and Sharp. Is there any truth to this? Because I thought I found the perfect tv, a LG, but I cant find any reviews or ratings on their tv's (specifically this model, which has great spec's). Is there anyone here who can put me on the straight and narrow about the brands and the companies that push out the best quality LCD's.

Heres a link to the TV I like:

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...0121811&catid=

[callas01]

Well, Yes Sony and Samsung are considered the best of the LCD market. I think a lot a people put Sharp, Toshiba, LG & Panasonic(37" and below) up there near the top too, but prolly not as the best in class.... Don't be fooled by Dynamic Contrast specs, it is pretty much useless information.

What I like to do is change the settings on LCDs to the Standard picture setting and then lower the backlight until I can get the black on the screen to match the black bars(or as close to matching as possible) then I judge which on looks better. I also try to pick them up to see what the weight is like, and if it feels like its a solid build.

[Grumpz]

Originally Posted by J_WILL_GV

Ok, so I have decided to go out and purchase a new full 1080p HDTV. But I am a little lost. I have done some pretty deep searching and investigating to find a good tv, that offers me a good contrast ratio, and a 120 hz processing. The only problem is I am hearing so much about how I should stick with the 3 "S''s--Samsung, Sony and Sharp. Is there any truth to this? Because I thought I found the perfect tv, a LG, but I cant find any reviews or ratings on their tv's (specifically this model, which has great spec's). Is there anyone here who can put me on the straight and narrow about the brands and the companies that push out the best quality LCD's.

Heres a link to the TV I like:

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...0121811&catid=

I can only give you my opinion. Take it for what it's worth. Everything is 100% accurate.

Jan 2008 - Purchased LG 47lbx (their highest rated LCD)
Jan 2008 - Reported problems
Mar 2008 - Repaired
Mar 2008 - Reported worse problems
May 2008 - Repaired...again
May 2008 - Problems still occuring
June 2008 - Fight for exchange
July 2008 - Fight for exchange
Aug 2008 - Fight for exchange
Sep 2008 - Exchange approved, replacement model IMO garbage compared to what I had. I opt for a 50" plasma, can't remember model #. (supposed to be there best Plasma)
Nov 2008 - Receive TV
Nov 2008 - report problems
Nov 2008 - After an LCD that's malfunctioning out of the box and 2 repairs, and 11 months to resolve, they try and repair a malfuntioning plasma.
Nov 2008 - Fight for a refund
Dec 2008 - Fight for a refund
Jan 2009 - Get refund
Jan 2009 - Purchase Sony KDL52W4100
Jan 2009 - Pixel "stays open"
Jan 2009 - TV picked up, repaired and returned same day.
April 2009 - Love the TV, touch wood, no problems

Of course this is the Coles notes version. Everybody makes lemons, but it's how they are dealt with.

Sony's customer service beats the heck out of LG's. Keep in mind, I'm not listing the countless calls I had to make to LG. I only made 2 to Sony.

I strongly suggest you DO NOT BUY LG. Just my opinion though.

[crazyBLUE]

This Sammy is A much better choice than the LG , Same size & all most $100.00 less !!


http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-LN37B6...132986&sr=1-71

[connect42]

I have the 52LG70. That is LG's 52 inch 1080p 120Hz LCD. I love it. It is a beautiful TV and has not given me one single problem. I bought it in December 2008. At the purchase time - after I got it home - the stand had a scratch on it. HHGregg swapped it out without question.

[PS3+HDDVD OWNER]

It seems like you've done your research, and at least know what you want. 1080P, and 120 hz. It's smart of you to look up reviews, and its definately something you should do before making a big purchase.

However, i think you can do better for the price. $1200 for a 37" 1080P 120HZ LCD seems pretty high to me. This is just my opinion. I'd take a harder look at Samsung and Sony before making this purchase. Go in and take a hard look at the sets before buying anything. Maybe ask the sales associate to play a blu ray for you or something like that. If i was in your seat, i'd definately go Samsung but again that is just my opinion. You've done your research it seems, so buy the set you're comfortable with

[Grumpz]

Originally Posted by connect42

I have the 52LG70. That is LG's 52 inch 1080p 120Hz LCD. I love it. It is a beautiful TV and has not given me one single problem. I bought it in December 2008. At the purchase time - after I got it home - the stand had a scratch on it. HHGregg swapped it out without question.

My initial error report date is was wrong, It was in Feb, after 30 days so exchanging the TV was no option.

Like I said, anyone can make a bad product. There a lot of things than can go wrong. It's the customer service that's scared me away from dealing with LG.

Truthfully...I won't buy another LG product of any kind. Being treated the way I was treated isn't going to keep me coming back for more. Ya know...

[J_WILL_GV]

Thanks for all the great replies everyone, I really appreciate this.From what I hear from you guys, it sounds like LG is not bad TV, but their customer service could be a problem. That is definitely something I dont want to deal with if I were to have a problem. Maybe I will take a look again and see if I can find something comparable in a Samsung or Sony unit. Again, thanks for all the great feedback

[Grumpz]

Originally Posted by J_WILL_GV

Thanks for all the great replies everyone, I really appreciate this.From what I hear from you guys, it sounds like LG is not bad TV, but their customer service could be a problem. That is definitely something I dont want to deal with if I were to have a problem. Maybe I will take a look again and see if I can find something comparable in a Samsung or Sony unit. Again, thanks for all the great feedback

Not only was LG's customer service suspect, Sony's was fantastic. In Winnipeg, they've got 1 approved repair shop. They showed up 2 days after I called, had to order a new panel, called me 6 days later, picked up the tv and returned it the same day.

Some of the issues I had with LG could easily be blamed on the repair shop, but LG backs them.

I noticed your futureshop link so I guess it's safe to assume you're in Canada. I found Costo can be very competitve, but they don't carry a million different models. Have you checked them out?

[J_WILL_GV]

Hey Grumpz. Yes, I am from Canada. I have not been to Costco to check out any televisions in person, but did check their website and was not to impressed with their selection. But I assume they carry more than whats posted online. I may go over and take a look since so far I have only been to Bestbuy and Futureshop.

[lojack1976]

I have an LG that I purchased over a year and a half ago, and its a great set. I haven't had one single problem with it, so I couldn't tell you how their customer service is, but someone else has already told you his not so good experience. You should also be aware that Samsung doesn't have a good track record with their customer service either. Both companies make good TV's so basically I would go with whichever is cheaper. Of course comparing them side by side in the store is something you should do to be sure you're getting the best for your money. If you are concerned about customer service then you may want to spend a little more on a Sony since they have a very good track record in taking care of their customers.

[Anti-SD]

I think you should check out Sony and Samsung instead; I believe they have better TV's for around the same price or lower. Like a poster above me said, $1200 is rather steep for a 37".

Since we're talking about LCD's, I had to replace my Panny Plasma the other day and decided to jump into the LCD pool. I ended up getting the Sony BRAVIA KDL-46S5100. Now it hasn't come yet - it's being delivered on Tuesday. I have been looking around and I see the KDL-46Z4100 is on sale for $1600 on the site. I also see this TV has the 120Hz feature.

So, would it worth changing to this TV instead? Is the extra $300 worth it? Or is the KDL-46S5100 good enough?

Oh, and when it says its on sale for $1600 online, is that the same price as it is in store? Thanks for the help.

[lojack1976]

Originally Posted by Anti-SD

I think you should check out Sony and Samsung instead; I believe they have better TV's for around the same price or lower. Like a poster above me said, $1200 is rather steep for a 37".

Since we're talking about LCD's, I had to replace my Panny Plasma the other day and decided to jump into the LCD pool. I ended up getting the Sony BRAVIA KDL-46S5100. Now it hasn't come yet - it's being delivered on Tuesday. I have been looking around and I see the KDL-46Z4100 is on sale for $1600 on the site. I also see this TV has the 120Hz feature.

So, would it worth changing to this TV instead? Is the extra $300 worth it? Or is the KDL-46S5100 good enough?

Oh, and when it says its on sale for $1600 online, is that the same price as it is in store? Thanks for the help.

Keep in mind that the OP is in Canada so prices may be higher than they are here in the States. As for the Sony you have to ask yourself whether 120hz is worth it to you. That feature is a personal choice as some people love it some people hate it. I think either TV is a good choice.

[Anti-SD]

Thanks...I think I won't bother changing it.