Xonid

I usually go to avsforum.com to check out consumer reviews on audio video stuff. Some post include current deals from various stores or how you can get better deals with online coupons.

Just like DTR there's a lot of information. Good luck with it.

duddin10

I didn't explain well enough. The surround sound system comes with the tv in a package deal. It is not a part of the tv itself but it is bundled with the tv.

crobtex

We actually did that at Texas Instruments when we released the first DLP TV chip set. Probably close to 40 TV's lined against the walls of a big room with no brand names showing. And I must admit, the DLP was easy to pick out.

hotdram

Charlie,
I got a good deal on a Sharp Aquos at Bestbuy before Christmas
1080p. There were 2 models almost identical, one had an extra HDMI input. The extra HDMI input has 120 HZ refresh rate and I use it for video gaming. If you aren't going to hook up an Xbox or Playstation 3 to it, don't pay extra for something you won't use.


~Rob

mikmaze

if I could only find one with a usb input, maybe then I could figure out how to load some crazy tunes off a smarty onto the set and watch my movies in half the time

crobtex

Thanks Rob,

No gaming in this house.........at least not on TV.

chipmonk

if you're going to buy an 'off' brand (westinghouse, polaroid, olevia, etc.), be aware that these companies buy their parts from other companies, then assemble the t.v.'s themselves. sometimes that can lead to repair issues, because first they have to find out what part is broken, then they have to find out what company made the part and how available it is.

crobtex

Thanks chipmonk, that's good info.

sled4fun

Been told by a guy that has been working on TVs for many many years. He was telling us that we should buy nothing but LCD or DLP. Plasma TV are mostly made in Japan or China and once they get to any alititude (during shipping to a local site in U.S.A.) they off gas as the Plasma TV's are under a pressure. This causes them to prematurlly fail. He sends back $10,000.00's of Plasma TV's for warranty monthly from his company. He said if you must have the best picture for sports and want to pay the dollars and don't mind it only lasting 2-5 years buy it.

He also said Visio is just the new JVC electronics name. They were not selling as good as other brands using their JVC name so they made a new Brand name and are doing very well with it.

The best picture = Plasma..........low - moderate life, High power consumption. Ok for gaming, but can get screen burn in.

LCD very good picture, Low power consumption (get the newer fast refresh rate for best fast action picture quality) best for gaming...no screen burn in problems.

The best value and life is still the old CRT.......moderate power consumption. Good picture and long life.

DLP is also a very good.

My choice would be a high refresh rate LCD.

staarma

LG has altitude rated plasmas now. I have one.

sled4fun

Thats good to know that the industry is addressing the problem. Like all new things it takes a while for all the bugs to get worked out.........if they ever get worked out. Can you say 6.0L Powerstroke

74dart

I got a 42" Toshiba Regza 1080p LCD for christmass and have been very happy with the picture. It has 3 HDMI inputs and PC input that allows us to play computer board games on the tv.

crobtex

This is the one I'm leaning toward. What's the difference betweew 1080p and 1080i?

mikmaze

that one takes a 1080 signal, but only displays 768........... difference between 1080 P and I has to do with how the screen displays the picture, P refreshes the entire screen every time the I only does half the screen at a time...... IIRC

crobtex

Thanks..........

Great....now another variable thrown in there. Sometimes I wish I'd just go buy something and not get into so much detail.