Please help a first time HD TV buyer

[AranhaHunter]

I finally gave in and this holiday season I'll buy my first HD TV. Here are my considerations:

-I've heard that the best brands are Sony, Samsung and Sharp Aquos, so I'd like to buy one of those brands
-I enjoy playing games as well as watching movies, want good quality for both
-Will be set up in my room, so nothing bigger than 42', ideally I'd like something like 32'' - 37 ''
-My budget is rather limited since this will be a TV for my room, 800-1000 at the most, though cheaper models are always welcome, I saw a 599 and 699 Sharp and Sony at Circuit City the other day, though I don't know how good the models are.
-Again because the TV is only for my room (and ideally only 32''), 720p/1080i would suffice

Any suggestions out there?

Thanks

[gvortex7]

Well, that budget pretty much excludes all 3 brands you mentioned. I'd go with a Philips LCD TV if I were you. I've bought one for my parents, I'm gonna get one for myself soon, and I've recommended them to many people here over the months.

BTW, right now you can get a this 42" 720p Philips LCD for less then a grand at Best Buy. Click the link:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1169512521273

It's a very solid TV and it is as elegant as it is functional.

[AranhaHunter]

Thanks for the reply, I'm sure that's a good TV and if I can't find anything from those 3 brands, I'd go with 2nd tier brands (Phillips, LG, etc).

I saw a couple of deals that interested me
32'' Samsung $699
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1169512289094

32'' Sony $789
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1186005983963

32'' Samsung $799
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1181832388132

[quest88]

go with the sony although you could save a hundred bucks with the samsung the response time is well worth it. I would shop around who knows you might be able to pick up cheaper somewhere else.

[mastertang]

Originally Posted by quest88

go with the sony although you could save a hundred bucks with the samsung the response time is well worth it. I would shop around who knows you might be able to pick up cheaper somewhere else.

I agree with quest88. Plus avoid Sharp Aquos, just my opinion. The great thing about Samsung and Sony is they have different levels of each size of TV. Price varies for each model, and the differences are usually minor. My Samsung 32" has been a purchase I have no regrets about. I would venture to say that Sony and Samsung come out of the same factory (figuratively), Sony is better, but they are both quality products.

P.S. They say any HDTV can look good if you spend time working the settings with a setup program (like the THX one on the Incredibles DVD). They often take the ones in the store and set them up without adjusting anything.

[bootman]

Originally Posted by mastertang

I agree with quest88. Plus avoid Sharp Aquos, just my opinion. The great thing about Samsung and Sony is they have different levels of each size of TV. Price varies for each model, and the differences are usually minor. My Samsung 32" has been a purchase I have no regrets about. I would venture to say that Sony and Samsung come out of the same factory (figuratively), Sony is better, but they are both quality products.

P.S. They say any HDTV can look good if you spend time working the settings with a setup program (like the THX one on the Incredibles DVD). They often take the ones in the store and set them up without adjusting anything.

Sharp and Sony share the same LCD plant.
Both bravia and aquos panels are the same.
The electronics that drive them are different.

Samsung and LG make their own panels.
If I'm not mistaken LG is one of the largest in the world and makes most of the OEM panels used for many brands.

If you need to determine if a 720p or 1080p set will do, take a peak at the distance calculator in my sig.

[gvortex7]

Originally Posted by AranhaHunter

Thanks for the reply, I'm sure that's a good TV and if I can't find anything from those 3 brands, I'd go with 2nd tier brands (Phillips, LG, etc).

I saw a couple of deals that interested me
32'' Samsung $699
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1169512289094

32'' Sony $789
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1186005983963

32'' Samsung $799
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1181832388132

Philips is not a second tier brand. Also, I don't think a 32" TV is large enough, even if you're using it is your room.

[JJ]

I agree fully with my Hollywood compatriot above. Philips is not a second tier brand.

Magnavox, Olevia, LG, Westinghouse are.

But, let it be up to me to recommend a Vizio from Costco - you cant beat that price, refund policy, and the image quality is quite allright. Vizio owners praise them, those who dont own one, berate them.

Sony or Samsung are out of your price range, but you can get a good Vizio 37 1080i or Philips 37 1080i for your price range.

[thePope666]

Don't forget "you can Never go TOO BIG"!!!

I love my Samsung DLP! i'll purchase another Samsung TV anytime!!! i'm going to buy a Samsung 32in LCD for my bedroom after christmas

[hienesey]

A 37" or 40" would be a good size for a bedroom I think. I used to have a 32" Vizio but upgraded to a 40" Sony. If you want to stick with the 32", get that Samsung for $699.

[AranhaHunter]

Originally Posted by JJxiv1215

I agree fully with my Hollywood compatriot above. Philips is not a second tier brand.

Magnavox, Olevia, LG, Westinghouse are.

But, let it be up to me to recommend a Vizio from Costco - you cant beat that price, refund policy, and the image quality is quite allright. Vizio owners praise them, those who dont own one, berate them.

Sony or Samsung are out of your price range, but you can get a good Vizio 37 1080i or Philips 37 1080i for your price range.

I thought those brands you mentioned were 3rd tier brands, except for LG which is 2nd tier along with Phillips and Panasonic etc??

[gvortex7]

Originally Posted by AranhaHunter

I thought those brands you mentioned were 3rd tier brands, except for LG which is 2nd tier along with Phillips and Panasonic etc??

Ahh, you confused soul, you.

[JJ]

Third tier, fine, lol.

I dont like to think of Philips and Panasonic as second-tier. More like 1B to Sony/Samsungs 1A.

And I cant get a feel for LG.