Okay

[kierthos]

I'm planning on getting a new TV soon. My current one, which I got used, is starting to crap out on me, as when I turn it on, there's a big fuzzy band like it's still trying to warm up that part of the set.

Now, it used to be that this would last a minute or two after turning on the TV, and it wasn't a major pain in the ass. Now? It lasts for a couple of hours, at least. It's not doing it all the time, mind you, but often enough that... well, I want to replace the damn thing.

Considering that I got this TV used, several years ago, for $50, I don't feel too bad about having to replace it.

Here's the thing, though. I know somewhere between jack and shit about TV options, models, and so forth. I'm going to be using this for TV and XBox, and that's it. Are there things I should look for? Are there options I should avoid?

LCD? LED? HD?

Comments

[jdack]

I vote LCD. I like my Visio, it's been good to me.

[thedeadcat]

At this point? Get HD, even if you won't be using it for much. It's just becoming a standard, really. LCD is cheaper than LED.

Don't get a 3D t.v., even if you find a good deal. Aside from the fact that we don't yet know if the tech will stick or fade, as fads do.... well, some people's eyes don't like 3D.


Just grab yourself an HD LCD and you'll be good. Plus there are some good deals floating around. Try Newegg, Wal-Mart, and Sears, since it's Cyber Monday...

[thedeadcat]

Visio is indeed a good brand. That's what we've got.

[nicoli_dominn]

If you're into gaming, get plasma. It has by far the best response rate for action at 600 Hz, whereas the best LCD or LED will get you is 240 Hz. With those you'll always have delay between actions you take with your controllers and what happens on the screen. Having a plasma TV is the closest to using a computer monitor. Plasma can also have better pictures than LCD most of the time; the only time LED might top it is when you're talking about a Samsung or Sony 3D TV, but that's only if you want to shell out the big bucks.

My advice: Plasma starts at 42 inches for most brands. It then jumps to 50, 55, 60, 65 and sometimes 70 inches. Some of the older floor models at local electronics stores will be 46 inches and many of those are just as good as the new ones, even if they are clunkier in the build. The prices for those screen sizes will usually be much lower than comparable sizes in LCD and LED (LED especially, because that back lighting costs a lot).

With plasma, you can go for a very basic model feature wise (like skipping the internet capabilities or 3D capabilities), but still get full 1080p resolution and guaranteed 600 Hz response and end up spending a lot less than with other types of TVs. They will last you just as long and probably give you a better experience with every type of media you use: games, blu-ray, cable/satellite, computer usage, you name it. I would recommend springing for a Panasonic...having worked in an electronics store and watched several TVs at once in my downtime all playing the same stuff, I think the Panasonics have the clearest picture and best colors no matter what you're watching.

Now, if you were going to go LED instead, I'd go for one of the newer Sharp AQUOS TVs with the quad-color spectrum (instead of RGB, they use RGBY, which makes for more accurate colors in things like skin tone). Samsungs look nice at first, until you realize that they're just adding a lot of red to make the colors look brighter. The Sonys are always going to look awesome, but they're always going to cost way more than everything else.

[mithras]

Same here. Got a 42 inch Visio a couple years ago... when my $50 TV died.