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3D TV Suggestions: What to Buy, When and Where?
Professor Snugglesworth
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
I currently own the following TV set: http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-LN-S4095D-40-Inch-1080p-HDTV/dp/B000GDEZLQ
It's served me well for the last few years, but this new age of thinner, better, 3D-er TVs is tempting me to trade up.
I know there are debates about the longevity of 3D and such, but since these televisions appear to be no more expensive than brands without it, and possess all the top features of 3D-less TVs regardless, a 3D TV is what I'm aiming for.
So I was looking for opinions on which models are currently the best of the best. I'm real stingy with picture quality, and obsess over even the most minute details.
But I'm not too picky over the extra stuff they've added, like WiFi or Netflix support and so on. I have my PC hooked up to my TV through an HDMI cable, so that's all I really need.
So here's some bottom line stuff I would want out of the TV:
1. No clouding/backlight issues: When I first got that Samsung, I traded it in three times since the backlight had clouding during the black parts (ie when the TV is starting up); I eventually learned that the majority of Samsungs have this, and doesn't actually effect the picture itself, but I want to avoid any similar issues regardless.
2. Gaming: Naturally, I will be playing every known console on this thing: Xbox, PS3, Wii, etc. I've never experienced the "lag" some people complain about, but if a particular TV is gamer-certified, I'd like to know about it.
3. PC Connectivity: Again, I plan to display my PC on the TV from time to time, either for movies or gaming. I want to make sure it's not a headache to get going.
4. Monthly payments: If I were to get the TV this year, I wouldn't be able to afford paying it all off at once, so I'd preferably like to buy it from a store or vendor that offers a no-interest finance plan.
5. Free calibration: When my parents bought their Samsung from Best Buy, a free calibration was included. I managed to sweet-talk the guy to calibrate my TV as well, and the results are certainly noticeable. I'm not sure if 3D TVs feature a do-it-yourself calibration or whatnot, but I want to have that option either way.
6. Free glasses: Only need one pair, two at the most as I never have more than one person watching the TV in my room.
7. Size: Anywhere from 45 to 55 inches is fine with me. 50 would probably be the best middle ground.
I'm also waiting for the best time to buy one. I'm assuming that will be Black Friday this year, so I want to get a list of recommended models beforehand so I can keep a watch for any of them going on sale. Based on some Google searches, Panasonic seems to be getting the most critical votes, though I admit a certain bias to Samsung, as the majority of TVs and monitors at my house happen to be Samsung. Still, there's the backlight/clouding issue I mentioned earlier, so if they're less prevalent on Panasonic or other brands, I'd be willing to go there.
P.S. I also have a Costco membership, FYI. I never bought a TV there, but if they accommodate you the same way Best Buy does, then that's an option available to me.
It's served me well for the last few years, but this new age of thinner, better, 3D-er TVs is tempting me to trade up.
I know there are debates about the longevity of 3D and such, but since these televisions appear to be no more expensive than brands without it, and possess all the top features of 3D-less TVs regardless, a 3D TV is what I'm aiming for.
So I was looking for opinions on which models are currently the best of the best. I'm real stingy with picture quality, and obsess over even the most minute details.
But I'm not too picky over the extra stuff they've added, like WiFi or Netflix support and so on. I have my PC hooked up to my TV through an HDMI cable, so that's all I really need.
So here's some bottom line stuff I would want out of the TV:
1. No clouding/backlight issues: When I first got that Samsung, I traded it in three times since the backlight had clouding during the black parts (ie when the TV is starting up); I eventually learned that the majority of Samsungs have this, and doesn't actually effect the picture itself, but I want to avoid any similar issues regardless.
2. Gaming: Naturally, I will be playing every known console on this thing: Xbox, PS3, Wii, etc. I've never experienced the "lag" some people complain about, but if a particular TV is gamer-certified, I'd like to know about it.
3. PC Connectivity: Again, I plan to display my PC on the TV from time to time, either for movies or gaming. I want to make sure it's not a headache to get going.
4. Monthly payments: If I were to get the TV this year, I wouldn't be able to afford paying it all off at once, so I'd preferably like to buy it from a store or vendor that offers a no-interest finance plan.
5. Free calibration: When my parents bought their Samsung from Best Buy, a free calibration was included. I managed to sweet-talk the guy to calibrate my TV as well, and the results are certainly noticeable. I'm not sure if 3D TVs feature a do-it-yourself calibration or whatnot, but I want to have that option either way.
6. Free glasses: Only need one pair, two at the most as I never have more than one person watching the TV in my room.
7. Size: Anywhere from 45 to 55 inches is fine with me. 50 would probably be the best middle ground.
I'm also waiting for the best time to buy one. I'm assuming that will be Black Friday this year, so I want to get a list of recommended models beforehand so I can keep a watch for any of them going on sale. Based on some Google searches, Panasonic seems to be getting the most critical votes, though I admit a certain bias to Samsung, as the majority of TVs and monitors at my house happen to be Samsung. Still, there's the backlight/clouding issue I mentioned earlier, so if they're less prevalent on Panasonic or other brands, I'd be willing to go there.
P.S. I also have a Costco membership, FYI. I never bought a TV there, but if they accommodate you the same way Best Buy does, then that's an option available to me.
Professor Snugglesworth on
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It's Samsung's top of the range in 55 inches.
And while I'm also wondering if Amazon has a no-finance plan, I still would hate to miss out on a free professional calibration (if it needs one); nonetheless, it will be one of the TVs I'll watch for come BF.
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I know you are looking at a 3D TV, but have you seriously considered a projector setup? I know Acer and a few other cheaper brands do a full 3D compatible setup pretty cheap now and one of the biggest issues people have with 3D TV's is its screen size usually breaks immersion. Something a projector won't have.
Anyway I would personally look at Panasonic setups, They seem to have the most consistent quality 3D image and will have loads of package deals with lots of glasses/ 3D blu-ray player and movies.
Parents just got a 3D tv (LG55LW5600). It comes with 4 pairs of passive (lots cheaper than active) glasses. It came with some kind of remote wand that I don't know what the hell is for, and a wifi dongle. Didn't really have eye-relief problems (as I did watching Avatar in the movie hall). 3D effect was pretty nice on 3D source content. Haven't got to try the 2D to 3D translation stuff, nor have I gotten to game on it. My understanding is you really need large screen sizes to get the 3D effect. One thing to consider is there isn't a lot of native 3D source content for movie watching (like single digit percentage of bluray releases) and most hollywood movie 3D blurays start around $35-40 (cause you get 3D bluray, standard bluray, dvd, and digital copy in the box).
I looked at all the options this past spring while building my home theater and decided 3D isn't really my thing, so I just went with an Epson 8350 on 120" screen. I may get a little Vizio 3DTV for under 300 bucks someday just to goof around with and try some games out on.
The remote wand included is basically a Wiimote. I usually just use the LG TV app on my Android phones to control it, though. I also managed to get mine for $1199 before shipping right when it was released thanks to Fry's usually awesome loss-leader sales.
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Just wanted to note that you cannot achieve the 1080p 3D from a PC over hdmi with those projectors since the HDMI format does not support 1080p at 120 hz.
Wikipedia lists HDMI 1.4 with a maximum speed of 340
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I've done some research on the Optoma HD33 and found several instances of people not being able to play games in 3d at 1080p due to these limitations. It only supports up to 24 Hz. Or you can do 720p at 120 Hz.
XBL : lJesse Custerl | MWO: Jesse Custer | Best vid ever. | 2nd best vid ever.