Entertainment Center: TVs, Stereos, VCRs and DVDs - buying a new TV
Doityourself.com community forum was created to provide answers to all questions related to home improvement and home repair. Doityourself community can help you find information about how-to topics on small fixes to large remodeling projects. With comprehensive how-to content and expertly moderated community forums DoItYourself.com makes it easy to tackle even the most complex home improvement projects.View Full Version : buying a new TV
sergeyg
07-31-06, 09:15 PM
I am planning on buying a new television set for my basement. I am on a 1500 budget and im thinkin of gettin a plasma 42 inch set. Any advice about the different TV types? What brands are good and which ones should i stay away from? Can i get anything decent with my price range? Any other advice or suggestions? Thank you in advance!
nolimits007
07-31-06, 09:25 PM
I don't remember rather it's LCD or plasma, but one of those TV's are basically "throw away TV's" as you cannot ever repair them if you have a problem. Double check to find out which is which.
In regards to brands, everyone has their favorites. I always hear good things about Mitsubishi, Pioneer and Hitachi. I have an older Toshiba right now that has been great, but it's not usually in the "high end" of the spectrum. Many will also mention Sony is great. I think they are mediocore quality with top end pricing. IMO you definitely pay more for the name, but most the time Sony is decent quality.
I think for $1500 you will be in the low end range. Have you considered a DLP TV? I believe they are still a rear projection style TV like the old big screens but much more crisp. The cost is lower and I believe you can repair them if needed. I have a friend that bought one and loves it.
In regards to brands, everyone has their favorites. I always hear good things about Mitsubishi, Pioneer and Hitachi. I have an older Toshiba right now that has been great, but it's not usually in the "high end" of the spectrum. Many will also mention Sony is great. I think they are mediocore quality with top end pricing. IMO you definitely pay more for the name, but most the time Sony is decent quality.
I think for $1500 you will be in the low end range. Have you considered a DLP TV? I believe they are still a rear projection style TV like the old big screens but much more crisp. The cost is lower and I believe you can repair them if needed. I have a friend that bought one and loves it.
Death Touch
08-01-06, 02:51 PM
Make sure you get the extended warranty.
DIYaddict
08-01-06, 03:08 PM
You can do a quick google search for 42" plasma tv. You'll find all sorts of reviews and/or top 10 lists.
Once you find the brand you like, shop around...find discounts and rebates. :thumbup:
IMO...save up a couple hundred more and don't jump on a tv too quick until you are 100% completely sure of which one you want and will love. I'm sure you'll find something for your budget as well too.
Once you find the brand you like, shop around...find discounts and rebates. :thumbup:
IMO...save up a couple hundred more and don't jump on a tv too quick until you are 100% completely sure of which one you want and will love. I'm sure you'll find something for your budget as well too.
ironhead1230
08-03-06, 01:34 PM
There are alot of factors you should think about before buying a TV.
Do you need a flat panel that can be hung on a wall?
If not, how much space do you have for the TV?
What is the normal viewing distance?
What will you be connecting to the TV? (SD cable, HD cable, OTA HD, SD DVD, High Def DVD, video games, computer games)
What is the major use of the TV?
How much light is there in the room?
Do you have shades or something else to control the light?
What viewing angles do you need? (from the side, top and bottom)
Are you bothered by the Screen door effect?
Can you see rainbows on DLP sets?
Each different type of TV has strengths and weaknesses depending on your use and environment. If your going to be watching any high def sources, make sure you get an HD ready (not compatible) set and not ED. If your going HD try to get a 1080i or 1080p set. At a minimum get a 768p set. A lot of plasmas have a non standard resolution and are not true HD.
If you do not understand any of the above terminology or abbreviations you should start by researching basic HD techonology.
No matter what TV you get I would also suggest buying an AVIA or Videos Essentials DVD to calibrate the TV settings. Most factory settings have brightness and contrast turned up too high that can lead to a higher chance for burn in, shorter TV or lamp life and washed out details.
-Mike
"If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball."
Do you need a flat panel that can be hung on a wall?
If not, how much space do you have for the TV?
What is the normal viewing distance?
What will you be connecting to the TV? (SD cable, HD cable, OTA HD, SD DVD, High Def DVD, video games, computer games)
What is the major use of the TV?
How much light is there in the room?
Do you have shades or something else to control the light?
What viewing angles do you need? (from the side, top and bottom)
Are you bothered by the Screen door effect?
Can you see rainbows on DLP sets?
Each different type of TV has strengths and weaknesses depending on your use and environment. If your going to be watching any high def sources, make sure you get an HD ready (not compatible) set and not ED. If your going HD try to get a 1080i or 1080p set. At a minimum get a 768p set. A lot of plasmas have a non standard resolution and are not true HD.
If you do not understand any of the above terminology or abbreviations you should start by researching basic HD techonology.
No matter what TV you get I would also suggest buying an AVIA or Videos Essentials DVD to calibrate the TV settings. Most factory settings have brightness and contrast turned up too high that can lead to a higher chance for burn in, shorter TV or lamp life and washed out details.
-Mike
"If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball."