Help Me Help My Dad Pick A Big Screen TV

BrewMaster · 01-16-2005, 08:54 AM

So I can't let my dad buy a big screen TV without checking here first. And since I don't know much about LCD or plasma TVs, I need your help. The criteria is simple, he wants to spend no more than $3000 and wants a TV around 43". It doesn't have to be exactly that size but not much smaller. They are upgrading from a 30" TV I think. I'm not sure if LCD or plasma is the way to go, but I assume plasma given his price range. They will not be mounting it on the wall, just putting it on a stand. Also, logevity will be a good thing to consider. My dad does not want to buy a new TV in another 5 years, he wants to keep it for a while. So can anyone recommend a model and/or a place that has a good deal on that model? Thanks.

verve247 · 01-16-2005, 10:47 AM

do you want HDTV? Does the TV need multi. component outputs or DVI?

I recommend the RPTVs. I like my toshiba 46hm94 yet it is slow for changing channels. I have alwys heard good things about the Samsungs.

ski · 01-16-2005, 11:55 AM

My dad was in the same boat as yours 1 month ago.
http://www.gotapex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=81598 (HDTV (DLP) Recommendation)

He was looking at about 45" HDTV for under $3000. He ended up getting the Sony 55" Grand WEGA LCD Projection HDTV for $2800 at Best Buy. He loves it, I love it

We had gone to Circuit City and were going to get a 50" for $2700, but the 55" was $100 more at Best Buy. Make sure he gets a TV when BB/CC have 10% off, and at Best Buy, get Rewards Zone points to get another $100 in GC's back.

You can get a 45" RPTV (LCD or DLP projection) for $2400 or so.

Stay away from Plasmas.

BrewMaster · 01-16-2005, 12:05 PM

component would be enough but if it had both that would be good. i think RPTV LCD would be best now that you mention it. mmm...55 inches...

thanks for the deal tips ski.

any other suggestions?

bachviet · 01-16-2005, 09:14 PM

Costco has the Pioneer 43" HD plasma TV for $3000.

BrewMaster · 01-17-2005, 03:25 PM

i can't find that pioneer on their website. i'll keep looking for other deals though.

what do y'all think of the Toshiba 52HM84 52" HDTV-Ready Projection DLP TV?

and does "HDTV-ready" mean that my dad will have to buy a seperate HDTV tuner to use the HDTV signal?

hapoo · 01-17-2005, 03:42 PM

Do you realize your dad could buy a farm with that money!!!!!!!!

LegendKiller · 01-17-2005, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrewMaster

i can't find that pioneer on their website. i'll keep looking for other deals though.

what do y'all think of the Toshiba 52HM84 52" HDTV-Ready Projection DLP TV?

and does "HDTV-ready" mean that my dad will have to buy a seperate HDTV tuner to use the HDTV signal?

I love the TV. Bought mine a while a go and I haven't had a second of buyers remorse. You need a cable set top box to tune in the HD signals or DTV HD tuner.

LK

bachviet · 01-17-2005, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrewMaster

i can't find that pioneer on their website. i'll keep looking for other deals though.

what do y'all think of the Toshiba 52HM84 52" HDTV-Ready Projection DLP TV?

and does "HDTV-ready" mean that my dad will have to buy a seperate HDTV tuner to use the HDTV signal?

It's available at the Fountain Valley B&M not online. You could check at Costco B&M stores and see what available. The FV store also carries the Samsung 50" DLP projection TV for $2500.

Yes you need a seperate HDTV tuner or receiver to get HD signal.

nate el bueno · 01-17-2005, 08:00 PM

hehe if he can wait a while, he should get this 102 inch display
http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1040_22-5514076.html

Merlin · 01-18-2005, 06:18 AM

I'm in the market myself and spent most of the weekend looking around. From what I can see DLPs are the way to go. Good picture quality, good size, and it still looks good even if you are not directly in front of it. Also it gives you the best size/price mix. I'm leaning towards the 46 inch Samsung that Best Buy has for about $2,000. Personally I'd like to keep it in that range. Sony's are quite nice but you do pay a bit of a premium for them. The Mitsubishi models have a great picture but seemed to have a lot of glare. Panasonic had a couple of nce ones as well.

I should be getting a decent bonus from work in about a month or so and will probably purchase then. Don't need to spend the money before it is in hand but okay to start looking.

verve247 · 01-18-2005, 11:47 AM

Awesome TV. Very bright screen. I have the 42 inch hdtv verison. Yes, you will need to buy a HDTV tuner for it. it is the HM94 series that have built-in hdtv.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrewMaster

i can't find that pioneer on their website. i'll keep looking for other deals though.

what do y'all think of the Toshiba 52HM84 52" HDTV-Ready Projection DLP TV?

and does "HDTV-ready" mean that my dad will have to buy a seperate HDTV tuner to use the HDTV signal?

BrewMaster · 01-18-2005, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by verve247

Awesome TV. Very bright screen. I have the 42 inch hdtv verison. Yes, you will need to buy a HDTV tuner for it. it is the HM94 series that have built-in hdtv.

how much do HDTV tuners run? should I just recommend my dad buy the Toshiba 52HM94 52" DLP? Any other differences between the h2HM94 and the 52HM84? how about Toshiba 62HM94 62"?

Quote:

Originally Posted by hapoo

Do you realize your dad could buy a farm with that money!!!!!!!!

i do realize that, but my dad will be buying this TV whether or not I help him. I would just rather he get a good TV he is happy with rather than throw his money into a crap TV. me, I will just be taking his hand-me-down 27" Sony analog TV.

verve247 · 01-18-2005, 05:10 PM

http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_a...dtv+tuner&rd=1

So I would say yes, the 94 would be a good choice. It is also nice to have less componenets to deal with.

I believe the differences are additional firewire ports and a hdmi port. I know for a fact that the picture quality is the same between the 84 and 94.

BrewMaster · 01-18-2005, 05:26 PM

Apex or anyone else care to weigh in on this? I'm going to email my pops tonight.

Apex · 01-19-2005, 01:45 AM

I'd pick up the 42" Visio P42HDe from Costco for $1999.99 right now. 5000:1 contrast, 1000 cd/m2 brightness (LG panel). It's a great deal, and Costco has an awesome return policy, just in case.

BrewMaster · 01-19-2005, 09:56 AM

hrrmmm... that complicates things. Got any reviews on that Visio? I've never heard of that brand.

Apex · 01-19-2005, 10:07 PM

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...hreadid=491625

verve247 · 01-20-2005, 10:35 AM

avsforum's Toshiba DLP thread

The major con is that it is a major hassle to get your pc to work on these tv's.

LegendKiller · 01-20-2005, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by verve247

avsforum's Toshiba DLP thread

The major con is that it is a major hassle to get your pc to work on these tv's.

I was able to do it pretty easily. You might have to deal with a bit of overscan, but it's not a huge deal.

LK

verve247 · 01-20-2005, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LegendKiller

I was able to do it pretty easily. You might have to deal with a bit of overscan, but it's not a huge deal.

LK

What resolution did you go to? And what version catalyst drivers are you using?

BrewMaster · 01-20-2005, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by verve247

avsforum's Toshiba DLP thread

The major con is that it is a major hassle to get your pc to work on these tv's.

my dad has no plans of hooking up his comp to his tv so that won't be an issue. thanks for the heads up.

verve247 · 01-23-2005, 11:54 AM

Any updates Brew?

BrewMaster · 01-23-2005, 04:18 PM

i sent my dad the info. it's up to him to decide what he wants. so far he has not decided. i think he went this weekend to check out some of the TVs in person.

cheapie · 03-09-2005, 03:17 PM

so what did he get?

BrewMaster · 03-09-2005, 03:27 PM

he actually ended up buying the Dell 42" HD plasma set. I helped him set it up last Friday. It is really nice and fits the room perfectly. Not the mention viewing angle is not a problem. I watched some college hoops on it and a few movies and all around I think he made a good buy. The free shipping is what really sold him on it I think. Now he just needs to buy a stand. But the stand falls under the category of furniture, so he couldn't do that without consulting my mom, so for the moment it is sitting on top of an old coffee table.

verve247 · 03-09-2005, 03:50 PM

not going to mount it on the wall? Is he in Ca, because you'll need to earthquake proof it.

BrewMaster · 03-10-2005, 11:33 AM

yeah, he lives up in the Bay Area. Not to mention that they just completely remodeled their house so there will be no mounting on the wall. He will quake proof it somehow so it doesn't tumble off the stand.

Army619 · 03-29-2005, 06:46 PM

I just bought a 65 inch Toshiba with which i use my Sony Surround sound. Excellant i might add for both Football and Baseball.

Go "Chargers and "Padres"

01-16-2005, 08:54 AM	#1
BrewMaster Ruler-Of-All-Things-Beer Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Pasadena, CA Posts: 10,249	Help Me Help My Dad Pick A Big Screen TV So I can't let my dad buy a big screen TV without checking here first. And since I don't know much about LCD or plasma TVs, I need your help. The criteria is simple, he wants to spend no more than $3000 and wants a TV around 43". It doesn't have to be exactly that size but not much smaller. They are upgrading from a 30" TV I think. I'm not sure if LCD or plasma is the way to go, but I assume plasma given his price range. They will not be mounting it on the wall, just putting it on a stand. Also, logevity will be a good thing to consider. My dad does not want to buy a new TV in another 5 years, he wants to keep it for a while. So can anyone recommend a model and/or a place that has a good deal on that model? Thanks. __________________ respect beer.

01-16-2005, 10:47 AM	#2
verve247 Commander Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: San Francisco Posts: 1,486	do you want HDTV? Does the TV need multi. component outputs or DVI? I recommend the RPTVs. I like my toshiba 46hm94 yet it is slow for changing channels. I have alwys heard good things about the Samsungs. __________________ Vegetarian - Old indian word meaning poor hunter.

01-16-2005, 11:55 AM	#3
ski Admiral Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Utah Posts: 5,420	My dad was in the same boat as yours 1 month ago. http://www.gotapex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=81598 (HDTV (DLP) Recommendation) He was looking at about 45" HDTV for under $3000. He ended up getting the Sony 55" Grand WEGA LCD Projection HDTV for $2800 at Best Buy. He loves it, I love it We had gone to Circuit City and were going to get a 50" for $2700, but the 55" was $100 more at Best Buy. Make sure he gets a TV when BB/CC have 10% off, and at Best Buy, get Rewards Zone points to get another $100 in GC's back. You can get a 45" RPTV (LCD or DLP projection) for $2400 or so. Stay away from Plasmas. __________________ And closer...

01-16-2005, 09:14 PM	#5
bachviet What's Da Pho*? Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SoCal (714) Posts: 13,296	Costco has the Pioneer 43" HD plasma TV for $3000. __________________ Dell Dimension 9200 \| Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 (2.4GHz) \| 4x1GB DDR2 \| 256MB nVidia GeForce 8800GT Dell Studio 17 \| Intel Core i7-720QM (1.6GHz) \| 2x2GB DDR3 1066MHz \| 1GHz ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4650 Intel P4-C 3.0GHz \| ECS 865PE-A \| 3x512MB PC3200 \| 128MB PNY GeForce 6600GT

01-17-2005, 03:25 PM	#6
BrewMaster Ruler-Of-All-Things-Beer Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Pasadena, CA Posts: 10,249	i can't find that pioneer on their website. i'll keep looking for other deals though. what do y'all think of the Toshiba 52HM84 52" HDTV-Ready Projection DLP TV? and does "HDTV-ready" mean that my dad will have to buy a seperate HDTV tuner to use the HDTV signal? Last edited by BrewMaster : 01-17-2005 at 03:31 PM.

01-16-2005, 12:05 PM	#4
BrewMaster Ruler-Of-All-Things-Beer Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Pasadena, CA Posts: 10,249	component would be enough but if it had both that would be good. i think RPTV LCD would be best now that you mention it. mmm...55 inches... thanks for the deal tips ski. any other suggestions?

01-17-2005, 03:42 PM	#7
hapoo Fleet Admiral Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: 742 Evergreen Terrace, Springfield USA Posts: 9,276	Do you realize your dad could buy a farm with that money!!!!!!!!

01-17-2005, 08:00 PM	#10
nate el bueno Spawn of Markel Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: IL Posts: 1,246	hehe if he can wait a while, he should get this 102 inch display http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1040_22-5514076.html

01-18-2005, 06:18 AM	#11
Merlin Admiral Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Square On My Arse Posts: 7,410	I'm in the market myself and spent most of the weekend looking around. From what I can see DLPs are the way to go. Good picture quality, good size, and it still looks good even if you are not directly in front of it. Also it gives you the best size/price mix. I'm leaning towards the 46 inch Samsung that Best Buy has for about $2,000. Personally I'd like to keep it in that range. Sony's are quite nice but you do pay a bit of a premium for them. The Mitsubishi models have a great picture but seemed to have a lot of glare. Panasonic had a couple of nce ones as well. I should be getting a decent bonus from work in about a month or so and will probably purchase then. Don't need to spend the money before it is in hand but okay to start looking. __________________

01-18-2005, 05:10 PM	#14
verve247 Commander Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: San Francisco Posts: 1,486	http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_a...dtv+tuner&rd=1 So I would say yes, the 94 would be a good choice. It is also nice to have less componenets to deal with. I believe the differences are additional firewire ports and a hdmi port. I know for a fact that the picture quality is the same between the 84 and 94. Last edited by verve247 : 01-18-2005 at 06:04 PM.

01-18-2005, 05:26 PM	#15
BrewMaster Ruler-Of-All-Things-Beer Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Pasadena, CA Posts: 10,249	Apex or anyone else care to weigh in on this? I'm going to email my pops tonight.

01-19-2005, 01:45 AM	#16
Apex Can you hear me now? Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Here Posts: 5,506	I'd pick up the 42" Visio P42HDe from Costco for $1999.99 right now. 5000:1 contrast, 1000 cd/m2 brightness (LG panel). It's a great deal, and Costco has an awesome return policy, just in case. __________________ The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance - it is the illusion of knowledge. Daniel J. Boorstin (1914 - )

01-19-2005, 09:56 AM	#17
BrewMaster Ruler-Of-All-Things-Beer Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Pasadena, CA Posts: 10,249	hrrmmm... that complicates things. Got any reviews on that Visio? I've never heard of that brand.

01-19-2005, 10:07 PM	#18
Apex Can you hear me now? Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Here Posts: 5,506	http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...hreadid=491625

01-20-2005, 10:35 AM	#19
verve247 Commander Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: San Francisco Posts: 1,486	avsforum's Toshiba DLP thread The major con is that it is a major hassle to get your pc to work on these tv's.

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01-23-2005, 11:54 AM	#23
verve247 Commander Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: San Francisco Posts: 1,486	Any updates Brew?

01-23-2005, 04:18 PM	#24
BrewMaster Ruler-Of-All-Things-Beer Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Pasadena, CA Posts: 10,249	i sent my dad the info. it's up to him to decide what he wants. so far he has not decided. i think he went this weekend to check out some of the TVs in person.

03-09-2005, 03:17 PM	#25
cheapie Chief of Naval Operations Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: raising my pimp hand strong Posts: 13,038	so what did he get? __________________ 70% of the world is covered by water. The rest is covered by Bob Sanders

03-09-2005, 03:27 PM	#26
BrewMaster Ruler-Of-All-Things-Beer Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Pasadena, CA Posts: 10,249	he actually ended up buying the Dell 42" HD plasma set. I helped him set it up last Friday. It is really nice and fits the room perfectly. Not the mention viewing angle is not a problem. I watched some college hoops on it and a few movies and all around I think he made a good buy. The free shipping is what really sold him on it I think. Now he just needs to buy a stand. But the stand falls under the category of furniture, so he couldn't do that without consulting my mom, so for the moment it is sitting on top of an old coffee table.

03-09-2005, 03:50 PM	#27
verve247 Commander Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: San Francisco Posts: 1,486	not going to mount it on the wall? Is he in Ca, because you'll need to earthquake proof it.

03-10-2005, 11:33 AM	#28
BrewMaster Ruler-Of-All-Things-Beer Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Pasadena, CA Posts: 10,249	yeah, he lives up in the Bay Area. Not to mention that they just completely remodeled their house so there will be no mounting on the wall. He will quake proof it somehow so it doesn't tumble off the stand.

03-29-2005, 06:46 PM	#29
Army619 Plebe Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 4	I just bought a 65 inch Toshiba with which i use my Sony Surround sound. Excellant i might add for both Football and Baseball. Go "Chargers and "Padres"

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