Shiniest games to show off a new TV

Stigma

I'm about to pick up a new HDTV today and have a choice between a few brands of 32" 720p TVs. Namely LG, Samsung, Panasonic, Sony ect...

So what would you guys recommend from a gaming standpoint? Has any model or brand impressed you?
I'd like to know as much as I can about how important contrast ratio and 'game mode' is. The range on the TVs available is about 4000:1 up to 30000:1 which seems like a big gap.

Any input would be appreciated, thanks PA.

Madpanda

http://forums.penny-arcade.com/showthread.php?t=86179

Stigma

Madpanda wrote: »

http://forums.penny-arcade.com/showthread.php?t=86179

Holy shit thank you very much.

UnbreakableVow

Do you have a PS3?

If you're going for a Sony Bravia, the 3.0 firmware update for the PS3 will allow you to use your Bravia remote on the PS3, which is kinda neat.

Stigma

I'm using a 360 but the possibility of a PS3 in the future is open...

That thread is full of good information, but off hand what are your thoughts on "Game Mode"?

Madpanda

I have a Samsung 46 LCD. I use game mode on the 360 and I play online fps just fine. Some people complain about the extra input lag in game mode VS having no postprocessing enabled, but I think a good percentage of those are just whining because input lag is a buzzword nowadays. I am sure some people are actually sensitive to it and can see the difference. It's one of those things you have to try out for yourself.

For example in Halo 3, there is a map where people are flying across the zone on teleporters. I have successfully headshotted people with a sniper rifle that were rocketing through the air.

I find turning off game mode on the 360 makes it look kinda crappy and void of color. I turn it off on the PC and just handle all the settings via my video card. To clarify
*warning, numbers may not be exact, look up a guide for input lag on hdtv's for the exact #'s" This also varies by tv.
TV without game mode - 5-6ms input lag
TV with game mode - 2-3ms input lag
TV that supports turning off all postprocessing, for example renaming one of the HDMI ports as PC - 0-1ms input lag.

UnbreakableVow

What the hell is Game Mode?

Madpanda

Game mode is a postprocessing setting on certain HDTV's that is designed to still look good but provide less input lag.

UnbreakableVow

Hmm. Guess mine doesn't have it.

That or I've never come across it.

taliosfalcon

on my 46 sammy (ln46a550) game mode actually increases input lag =/

HyperAquaBlast

I didn't know about the lag ffeature but I just use gamemode on my Samsung cause it has a nice mix of vibrant colors and deep blacks.

I also have a cinema and sports mode due to the set coloring. I switch to those real people movies and cartoons respectively. Is there something special about those too?

HyperAquaBlast

taliosfalcon wrote: »

on my 46 sammy (ln46a550) game mode actually increases input lag =/

Hmm have I have the same tv...

I'll have to do some testing.

Sir Carcass

I think the Samsung Game Mode is for saving your tv, ie moving the picture around. At least on their plasmas.

TheUnsane1

I'm pretty sure modern plasmas are immune to burn in.

Rohan

Anything LG or Samsung is perfect.

Stigma

I think I'll end up getting the LG.
It's the most expensive model, and I'll be getting it at about $420 no matter what.
It has a 'game mode' and is 120hz.
The contrast is 12000:1 or close to it.

Seems good.
Thanks for all the help, I might post a final update once the deed is done.

Stigma

Well I ended up getting a Samsung.
I'll have to check out it's more detailed stats and features later (this was a gift so final decision wasn't made in my presence).

I'm sure it'll be fuckawesome compared to the refurbished SDTV I've used for so many years now.

At this point all I can think about is what to play on it for maximum eye candy.

List so far includes:
Cod MW2
Assassins Creed 2
Gears of War 2

Left for dead and borderlands need a run so I can appreciate the vertical split screen vs horizontal.
Any tips for really pretty games?

Steev

UnbreakableVow wrote: »

Do you have a PS3?

If you're going for a Sony Bravia, the 3.0 firmware update for the PS3 will allow you to use your Bravia remote on the PS3, which is kinda neat.

Hm, how does this work? I happen to have a Bravia and a PS3. Does it only work with Slim PS3s, or all of them?

elliotw2

I'd guess that the remote uses bluetooth, and PS3 firmware 3.0 adds support for it

The_Scarab

Stigma wrote: »

Well I ended up getting a Samsung.
I'll have to check out it's more detailed stats and features later (this was a gift so final decision wasn't made in my presence).

I'm sure it'll be fuckawesome compared to the refurbished SDTV I've used for so many years now.

At this point all I can think about is what to play on it for maximum eye candy.

List so far includes:
Cod MW2
Assassins Creed 2
Gears of War 2

Left for dead and borderlands need a run so I can appreciate the vertical split screen vs horizontal.
Any tips for really pretty games?

Gears of War 2 is going to blow your mind in HD.

pyromaniac221

If you have a PS3 then get Uncharted 2. The graphics are staggering, and the game's not so bad either

Xenogears of Bore

Megaman 9. You ain't ready.

RainbowDespair

Geometry Wars 2 looks really nice in HD.

Stigma

Xenogears of Bore wrote: »

Megaman 9. You ain't ready.

Oh ho ho!