32' LCD HDTV advice needed

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ajobbins

5052 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#132793 23-May-2008 14:09

gehenna:
Staz:
adamj: I have a 32" U Series BRAVIA and love it to bits.

Problem is that while you can certainly tell the difference between SD and HD, 32" inches isnt really big enough to fully apprecaite the difference. The difference between SD and HD on a larger screen (Say 40 inch plus) is much more contrasting.

SD on the Bravia will still look better than on my current 21" CRT that I bought from DSE years and years ago though right?

Cheers

Definitely, while adamj makes the point that the screen size isn't really large enough to see differences between SD and HD, the difference between a CRT and LCD displaying SD is huge imo

I notice the artifacts and low bitrate of Sky channels alot more on the LCD, however DVDs over component look 500% better on the LCD than the 29" CRT it replaced.

Staz

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

#132881 23-May-2008 20:31

I have spent 4pm to 7pm visiting every electronics store in Hamilton.

I started off at Harvey Norman in Te Rapa. They had two of the models I was interested in: Sony KLV32V300A and Samsung LA32R81BX. Unfortunately the Sony model also came with a DVD Recorder and was way outside of my budget. I had no luck in trying to get just the TV either. I then saw the Samsung which was priced $1300.00. Unfortunately it was displaying a standard definition feed so I couldn't tell if I liked it or not. After a few minutes of bartering I was able to bring the price down to $1200.00. I was quite pleased with my effort and that model was quickly shifted to the top of my priority list. The guy in charge of the TV section was helpful but very pushy and even attempted to sell me a PS3 HDMI cable for over $300. I quickly made it clear to him that I was not interested in the least!

Next stop was Heathcotes. The first thing that caught my eye was the Panasonic TX32LX75. It was only $1000.00. Hang on a minute.. Aren't Panasonic's supposed to be out of my price range? I thought Panasonic was a very reputable (and expensive) brand? What do the GZers think of Panasonic LCD TVs? I then saw the Samsung LA32R81BX. This time it was displaying a high definition movie. I was very impressed and spent a few minutes standing mesmerised beside it. Unfortunately it had a $1300.00 price tag and I failed miserably in my bartering attempt!

The Samsung LA32R81BX was all I could think about as I then walked on to Harvey Norman. I quickly spotted the LA32R81BX at the back of the store and after a good 15 minutes convinced the guy to bring the price down from $1300.00 to $1200.00. This was within my latest budget (which now that I think about it seems to be exponentially increasing

). It is becoming more and more likely that I will purchase this TV!

I then decided it was time to visit my favourite shop in Hamilton -- The DSE Powerhouse! First I would like to say that the staff at DSE are incredible. I had three different people come and talk to me during my stay and each of them were immensely helpful and friendly. They were not at all pushy and were just happy to help. I spent a good 90 minutes darting back and forth between all of the 32" models. I think the staff found it quite amusing. They had the Samsung LA32R81BX, and the Sony KLV32V300A/KLV32U300A. The KLV32V300A was swiftly knocked out simply because I had to get the DVD recorder (making it more expensive). To be honest I couldn't see one hell of a lot of difference quality wise between the KLV32U300A and the LA32R81BX (and believe me - I spent a long time looking!). I was about to give up and call it a draw when I stumbled onto the "Movie Plus" mode on the LA32R81BX. I really hope I didn't imagine it but after having switched to this mode I really noticed a quality difference. Occasionally I would go back to the KLV32V300A but it was never for long - the LA32R81BX kept drawing me in!

So right now I have narrowed my final choice down to two models: Sony KLV32V300A ($1000) and Samsung LA32R81BX ($1200). I will quickly summarise the good/bad points of each one.

Sony KLV32V300A - I absolutely love the price tag and the picture quality still looked pretty good to me. One downside is that it only has a single HDMI input and it is also the worst Sony 32" LCD model (Both the KLV32D300A and KLV32V300A are superior). The other downside is that DSE only offers a 1 year warranty on the Bravias.

Samsung LA32R81BX - The picture quality is brilliant and I am willing to pay $1200.00 for a TV (but no more!). I especially liked the movie plus mode and the nice blue light that shines underneath it is very pretty (and not too bright at all)

This TV also comes with a 2 year warranty. From what I can gather it is one of the top (or top?) Samsung 32" LCD HDTV models.

So GZ'ers - if you were in my shoes which one would you choose? I am tending towards the Samsung but any comment I receive certainly has the power to change my mind! I really appreciate your advice. Thanks again.

stuzzo

534 posts

Ultimate Geek

#132906 23-May-2008 21:53

You mentioned the Panasonic and I bought a 32" Panasonic Viera TX-32LX60A LCD about 2 years ago. Been very happy with it. Good build quality and reliable. Went into the shop expecting to buy another brand and came out with the Panny as the picture appeared as good or better than any but was significantly cheaper.

mf26

32 posts

Geek

#132918 23-May-2008 22:46

Staz,
I will stick with Samsung LA32R81BX, if you love the movie plus effect believe me with a moderate reception on your aerial you will notice a difference in quality. DVDs and Blu Rays would look the same if you play Blu Ray on non Movie plus mode. As I told you before a friend of mine though I had a special box from Sky as the images was much clearer than his samsung S series. for $200 I think the movie plus is worth it. That's why I postponed buying a Blu Ray player.

Rgds,
MF

Staz

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

#132928 23-May-2008 23:52

mf26: Staz,
I will stick with Samsung LA32R81BX, if you love the movie plus effect believe me with a moderate reception on your aerial you will notice a difference in quality. DVDs and Blu Rays would look the same if you play Blu Ray on non Movie plus mode. As I told you before a friend of mine though I had a special box from Sky as the images was much clearer than his samsung S series. for $200 I think the movie plus is worth it. That's why I postponed buying a Blu Ray player.MF

In my last post I talked about the Samsung LA32R81BHX. It turns out I was mistaken and the TV that was mesmerising me all this time was indeed the Samsung LA32R81BX. I edited my post to show the correct model. The Samsung LA32R81BX definitely has a pretty blue light underneath the screen right?

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