Suggestions on LCD TV?

[JohnT]

I'm looking at getting a LCD HDTV, up to 40" screen, sub-$1000. Looking at Costco's offerings, they have several meeting my criteria. Any suggestions as to brand would be appreciated to help narrow the field. Of course I will compare the displays in store.

http://www.costco.com/Common/Categor...C10605-Cat2341

[Debbi]

I don't know if this will help you but we have 2 Sharp Aquos (42+) tv's and we LOVE them!

[brianmcho]

oh ditto.

i'm basically looking for 40 or 42 inch LCD (around $1000).

curious to see what ppl say.

[RightAngle]

I have bought personally 2 Olevia TVs so far. Both have been excellent. I honestly feel that their picture is way better than most panels I have scene. They aren't as fancy looking and dont have cool menus and that type of thing but for the price they are amazing. I have also convinced family members to buy one and they consequently ended up buying another one they liked theirs so much.

I have a 37" 720p and a 42" 1080p. Both have 2 HDMI, 2 Composite, 2 Component, VGA, and Antenna.

*also visit a few stores to look at the same selection. Rarely to the TVs all get the same signal. You would be amazed how different one TV can look from store to store.

[brianmcho]

Thanks Andy.

I've seen a few Olevia TV's (liked what I saw) but I'm not as familiar with the brand.

Some other ones I've seen but don't know much about include Vizio and Westinghouse.

How do these stack against each other and some of the other "big players" such as Panasonic, Philips, Sony, Samsung, LG, Sharp? (and any I may have missed)

I know each line has their "best" and also a "budget" but perhaps just a general overall ranking for each brand.

[AndrewCCM]

I am a real fan of the newer Samsung 120hz models... I haven't looked at the sub $1k 40" ones but be sure to check out Amazon for deals as well. They typically have no shipping and really good prices compared to the B&M Costco's and such... Not sure if full HD is a requirement or not, but a lot of these on Costco's site are not 1920pixels across and/or EDTV..

I am waiting on the next series to be released which is 1080P with a LED based screen. I am going to grab a 46" once they are available.

BTW: I used to like Toshiba TVs, but after my last go around with them, I cannot recommend them any longer. Both me and my father both had the same model HDTV in the shop multiple times. Lemon model IMO.

[RightAngle]

Originally Posted by brianmcho

Thanks Andy.

I've seen a few Olevia TV's (liked what I saw) but I'm not as familiar with the brand.

Some other ones I've seen but don't know much about include Vizio and Westinghouse.

How do these stack against each other and some of the other "big players" such as Panasonic, Philips, Sony, Samsung, LG, Sharp? (and any I may have missed)

I know each line has their "best" and also a "budget" but perhaps just a general overall ranking for each brand.

I can't say anything about Vizio but before I bought my Olevia I went through 3 of the same Westinghouse TV. Thats right 3. All the same problem. I don't think I will ever buy another Westinghouse again. great picture but not dependable.

Personally I prefer the cheaper pannels. I would rather have a nice TV and a lens than a perfect TV . But honestly I just haven't been super impressed with a lot of the super expensive TVs. Not enough to justify the extra money. Yeah they have great benefits but its just not enough to justify the cost to me.

For what its worth I do Audio/Video production (concerts,corporate, installs etc) so I stare at all sorts of panels all day long. That might help validate my opinions a little more.

[mattman]

John - here's my 2 cents, I work for a major electronics retailer and when it comes to electronics, you get what you pay for. Walmart, Costco, Sam's club - their prices are so low because they buy the bottom of the barrel units. I'm not trying to downgrade anyone who has bought an LCD from there but their models they carry are the very basic units. I know people who have Samsung and LG units and they have a fantastic picture and all the inputs and outputs you can think of. I've heard that the Olevia brand is a really decent LCD but if I had to look for one again, I would buy a Samsung or LG. Just my opinion - good luck!

mattman

[mmcmurr]

Sharp has been the industry leader for a few years when it comes to their LCD picture quality.

I have a couple of Aquos teles, and they are fantastic! Much better looking than most of my friend's HD monitors.

[photonewb]

sub 1k you can't beat a Vizio

they are in the same price range as the Westinghouse models and such, but much better quality. You're not looking at big 3 (Pioneer, Samsung, Sony) but you'll be fairly happy with it.

[darktiger]

Samsung or Vizio...

[boxofrocks]

We bought the 42" 1080p Vizio last year from Costco, and LOVE it (Price with coupon was $1049). I was expecting less, but it's very well built, has decent speakers, and the picture is better than our 55" Mitsubushi projection.

We are very satisfied.

[toverman]

Just chiming in to get in on the information train.

We have a 12-year-old Sony Trinitron 27-inch, and the picture looks as good as the day I bought it. I don't know if the Sony LCDs are as reliable, but I hope we don't have to find out for awhile.

[r6isnum1]

Originally Posted by AndrewCCM

I am a real fan of the newer Samsung 120hz models...

BTW: I used to like Toshiba TVs, but after my last go around with them, I cannot recommend them any longer. Both me and my father both had the same model HDTV in the shop multiple times. Lemon model IMO.

the samsung 120hz are fricking awesome. my bro just bought his 40" for $1350, he got it one day internet deal from frys.. a buddy of mine has a sony 120hz that's just as good if not better.. i really wanted one for myself but actually settled on getting a 52" toshiba.. hope mine doesnt turn out to be a "lemon" but so far so good.. i got a great deal on it so i cant complain.

[jrolinc]

Another 2cents...

Vizio is a US company as well...

Interesting article about them here....

It appears they are going to be doing a bit more of a push come this years football season.