Another 40' TV topic: what is the best deal?

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FKM

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#89420 1-Sep-2011 21:29

Hello all, first time posting here.

I am in the market for a TV between 37-43". I am mostly looking for big brands so Samsung, Sony and Panasonic are my top pick. The absolutely top price I can pay is $2000, but of course cheaper the better. :). I have no preference on LED or plasma, but at my size range choices of plasmc is limited (only panasonic). To me, 3D is something that it is nice to have, but not absolutely essential. I would like full HD and a TV that plays as many computer video encode format as possible.

After some research, it seems that Samsung is cheaper than the other two when comparing the equivalent model. Samsung LED 5 series is cheaper than Sony EX520 or Panasonic U series, Samsung LED 6 series is cheaper than Sony EX720 or Panasonic ST

Samsung 5000 is currently selling at dicksmith at only $999, but I know that is only 50Hz.

Samsung 6000 is currently selling at farmers at $1399. which is 100Hz and fit most of my basic requirement

Samsung 6600 is sold at $1999, but you got a 5" tablet because of samsung's promotion and 6600 had all the bells and whistle that I dream of.

Will 50Hz really hurt my enjoyment when watching TV? I watch sports occasionally and currently I don't have a gaming console. Does it worth an extra $400 to get from 50Hz to 100 Hz?

What is the Samsung 5" tablet like? Are they any good? Normally I wouldn't pay an extra $600 for the bells and whistles going from 6000 to 6600. But if the tablet is good then maybe I will go for the 6600?

So in short, what should I get?

Thanks very much.

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#515372 1-Sep-2011 21:36

Just got a sony cx520 LCD for $888 at NL. Has heaps of inputs, but only plays certain types of .avi. Its a low end 40" but is full HD and no obvious downsides. LED seems to have negligible power savings for the premium paid.

You seem to be looking at some higher end models, but arent dead set that you need their features (LED, 3D). From what youve said, I would recommend to go with a cheaper one and pocket the difference.

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0verdose05

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#515403 1-Sep-2011 22:31

20% off TV's this week at Noel Leeming I'd be looking at the 6600 Samsung

Dunnersfella

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#515418 1-Sep-2011 23:13

Hey FKM, what devices will you be plugging into your new TV, do you have an audio system> Also, what is your room like (light wise)?

FKM

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#515428 1-Sep-2011 23:29

Thanks for the reply.

At first I consider the lowest end full HD (Samsung LCD 550/ Sony CX520), but I think I will go with LED for just $100 more.

The RRP for Samsung 6600 is $2500 so 20% off at noel leeming will be around $2000. I doubt any place will have a marked price of 6600 less than $2k.

It is a new house so I am buying everything from scratch. If I go 3D then obviously I will need a 3D blue ray player. Otherwise a standard blue ray player will do (Samsung BDD5300 or its equivalent). I haven't decide on whether I will get a home theater system or not, depends if I can stand the TV speaker. But even if I get a home theater system, it will be a lower end one.

Dunnersfella

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#515438 2-Sep-2011 00:04

As an aside...
The Samsung UA40D6600 NEEDS a home theatre system, the speakers are tiny - and even when you wind it up to 100, it's still barely adequate, much less engaging.
Have a listen to one in store.
If you do go for a home theatre system, you'll want a bare minimum of a BluRay 3D unit, which will cost you a decent amount.

However, pretty much everyone here will recommend you get a proper component home theatre system, especially as a new home would allow you to mount speakers in the wall / ceiling if needed.

For my money, I'd get a 42VT30. You should be able to pick one up for under 2k at HNormal, or any of the places who routinely stock slightly higher end plasmas.

timmmay

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#515572 2-Sep-2011 10:48

I got a midrange Samsung 50", which I really like. Not sure what model, but maybe C650? Not really sure.

As well as more Hz you get features like internet or youtube or something on some of the higher models, not that I use it.

bfginger

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#515771 2-Sep-2011 15:21

3D Blu-ray players have come down alot in price recently. The Panasonic BDT110 is only $249. Go see the reviews on Amazon first before choosing a BD player model as some of them are very dysfunctional.

Dunnersfella: As an aside...
For my money, I'd get a 42VT30. You should be able to pick one up for under 2k at HNormal, or any of the places who routinely stock slightly higher end plasmas.

Are you sure about that price? That's great if it is, but I don't see it listed on their website and it is much more expensive elsewhere. The P42ST30 is available for $1800.

FKM: I would find a large 50Hz LCD unwatchable.

robjg63

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#515783 2-Sep-2011 15:35

How about this 55" sony LCD for $1747?
http://www.jbhifi.co.nz/tv-lcd-led-plasma/sony/bravia-55-inch-full-hd-lcd-tv-sku-31299/

Has an RRP on the sony site of $2499.

Its a lot of TV for the money.
PS its 100Hz - and doesnt have all those gimmicky bells and whistles

Think DSE had it for $1999.

Nothing is impossible for the man who doesn't have to do it himself - A. H. Weiler

timmmay

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#515785 2-Sep-2011 15:37

That looks like a lot of TV for the money. About 6-8 months ago I paid about $2800 for the equivalent Samsung.

FKM

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#515875 2-Sep-2011 18:25

Is 40" too big for 50Hz? 40" is like the smallest big screen TV, if that makes any sense.

Is there anyone know about anything about the samsung tablet? Any info would deeply appreciated as that would be a key factor on my choice between 6000 or 6600.

My living room can only fit a 40", so 50+" would be out of the question.

I don't think a panasonic VT30 can be sold less than $2800. Isn't VT the flagship for panasonic?

robjg63

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#515890 2-Sep-2011 19:13

FKM: Is 40" too big for 50Hz? 40" is like the smallest big screen TV, if that makes any sense.

Is there anyone know about anything about the samsung tablet? Any info would deeply appreciated as that would be a key factor on my choice between 6000 or 6600.

My living room can only fit a 40", so 50+" would be out of the question.

Sorry - I have posted this comment before, so sorry to anyone that has already read this, but....

Our lounge is tiny and we got a 50" plasma 2 years ago (Paid $3200just for the record).
First night my wife and I were like "What the hell have we done!".
By the third night my wife was the first to say "We could have gone bigger!"
Unless it blocks a whole wall or or the door or something - trust me - go as large as you can afford!!!

You will also want some kind of home theatre - even basic is ok - all panels have puny speakers.

Also - the tablet will be out in the rubbish in a year or so and you will still have the same TV - dont get distracted!
FOCUS!!!

Nothing is impossible for the man who doesn't have to do it himself - A. H. Weiler

mattwnz

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#515902 2-Sep-2011 19:36

FKM: Hello all, first time posting here.

I am in the market for a TV between 37-43". I am mostly looking for big brands so Samsung, Sony and Panasonic are my top pick. The absolutely top price I can pay is $2000, but of course cheaper the better. :). I have no preference on LED or plasma, but at my size range choices of plasmc is limited (only panasonic). To me, 3D is something that it is nice to have, but not absolutely essential. I would like full HD and a TV that plays as many computer video encode format as possible.?

After some research, it seems that Samsung is cheaper than the other two when comparing the equivalent model. Samsung LED 5 series is cheaper than Sony EX520 or Panasonic U series, Samsung LED 6 series is cheaper than Sony EX720 or Panasonic ST

Samsung 5000 is currently selling at dicksmith at only $999, but I know that is only 50Hz.

Samsung 6000 is currently selling at farmers at $1399. which is 100Hz and fit most of my basic requirement

Samsung 6600 is sold at $1999, but you got a 5" tablet because of samsung's promotion and 6600 had all the bells and whistle that I dream of.

Will 50Hz really hurt my enjoyment when watching TV? I watch sports?occasionally and currently I don't have a gaming console. Does it worth an extra $400 to get from 50Hz to 100 Hz??

What is the Samsung 5" tablet like? Are they any good? Normally I wouldn't pay an extra $600 for the bells and whistles going from 6000 to 6600. But if the tablet is good then maybe I will go for the 6600?

So in short, what should I get? ?

Thanks very much.

Consumer has some reviews. Go for led BL. They recommend sony and panasonic, and sony is rated at the top for reliability. I like the look of the samsungs, but the cheaper models do look cheap and plasticy, and several people I know who have had samsungs have had problems with them out of warrenty.

Dunnersfella

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#515975 2-Sep-2011 22:46

The 55" Sony is a truly poo TV... a lot of screen real estate for the cash, sure. But it's not a particularly watchable picture, plays stuff all video formats (as requested by the OP) and has a cheap-ass panel (8-bit with poor viewing angles).
The 42VT30 would still be my pick, or if you can, grab a 46" GT30. Either would serve you well.

bfginger

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#515977 2-Sep-2011 22:47

Panasonic have models above the VT but I think the VT30 is the best retailed in NZ. The P42VT30 to the best of my knowledge hasn't sold for under $2600 so you'll have to discount that unless you want to raid the piggy bank ;)

I've watched 50Hz on a 40" LCD and it was jerk. jerk. jerk. jerk. throughout. I've found motionflow almost as bad but that's a matter of personal preference and the quality of implementation.

Blu-rays are one thing but SD material on a 50" or larger TV I wouldn't want to think about.

FKM

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#516004 3-Sep-2011 00:13

Thank you, it seems I can eliminate the samsung 5000 and its equivalent. So the final question, samsung 6000 or 6600? The panasonic equivalent would be the ST30 and sony's equivalent would be EX720, right? The VT is way above my budget, unfortunately. The ST30 and the EX720 is on special at $1599. Just check the price around again and samsung 6000 is selling at $1279 and the 6600 at $1839. On a side note the VT30 is on special at $2639.

Also how is the panasonic LED D series? It is panasonic's top LED model but I never heard of anyone putting panasonic and LED on the same sentence.

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