Recommendations For TVs $1000 and under?

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da5id

550 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#104430 18-Jun-2012 19:58

My folks are looking to upgrade their TV.

Currently they have a 32' Sony Bravia KDL32W5500 which is too small for the living room they are in, although the quality seems quite good. There seemed to be a lot of specials on at the moment, including the Samsung ua40eh5006 at Noel Leeming for $849; however, I read that this is only 60 Hz, and you should now buy TVs with 120 - 200 Hz? The Noel Leeming guy tried to talk us into a Sony Bravia a model up, which is not sold any more I think - the KDL 40EX520, also for $849, but we didn't get it.

I don't really know. I've tried to do some research on the subject, but am not getting very far. My folks, being in their 70s, don't want to pay too much (anywhere from $700 - $900 I guess, not over $1000 anyway), but since I have to view it as well, I'd like something with fairly good quality you can plug a bluray into.

Any suggestions for something in the 40' - 43' range?

Dunnersfella

4086 posts

Uber Geek

#642774 18-Jun-2012 20:12

The Samsung is a 50Hz model (60Hz / 120Hz are American specs)... and you're right, it's not a good TV.
It is, however - cheap.
But I can't honestly say I'd ever recommend it.

Normally, it's best to approach these situations with a bunch of questions.
1: How bright is the room? When will it be watched? Can you close the curtains in the room to cut down on screen glare?
2: What will be plugged into the TV? A UHF aerial? Sky? BluRay player? An old stereo? XBox? PC? etc...
3: Will the TV be watched from directly in front, or will people be viewing it from off-axis.
4: Will the TV be mounted up on the wall, or on a cabinet?
5: How is everyones hearing?

mattwnz

20141 posts

Uber Geek

#642788 18-Jun-2012 20:31

da5id: My folks are looking to upgrade their TV.

Currently they have a 32' Sony Bravia KDL32W5500 which is too small for the living?room?they are in, although the quality seems quite good. There seemed to be a lot of specials on at the moment, including the Samsung?ua40eh5006 at Noel Leeming for $849; however, I read that this is only 60 Hz, and you should now buy TVs with 120 - 200 Hz? The Noel Leeming guy tried to talk us into a Sony Bravia a model up, which is not sold any more I think - the KDL 40EX520, also for $849, but we didn't get it.

I don't really know. I've tried to do some research on the subject, but am not getting very far. My folks, being in their 70s, don't want to pay too much (anywhere from $700 - $900 I guess, not over $1000 anyway), but since I have to view it as well, I'd like something with fairly good quality you can plug a bluray into.

Any suggestions for something in the 40' - 43' range?

People I know who have these motionflow systems, tend to turn them off anyway, as you get the 'soap opera' effect. So I don't know if it is worth the money. If there wasn't much price difference in it, you would obviously get it. I personally have it, but it is off.

StimpsonJCat

17 posts

Geek

#642828 18-Jun-2012 21:27

Not to be too rude, but at their age I don't imagine they're into all the bells and whistles (which are not always worth having anyway) so just get something reliable and useful. Check the menu and "stuff". Some of the content and organisation of things makes it hard to use. Its this kind of little thing which is more important to the satisfaction of TV for the basic user. As well as remote etc.

My (limited) experience over the past few years is with 40" Sony Bravias and I been fairly satisfied with what you get for the money in that price range. My parents have one, I have one and I just got a friend to buy one - that same ex520 model I think you refer to, which is the LED backlit one with the X-reality engine. Perfectly fine. And the newer models seem to have less connectivity.

My thoughts are to stick with the name brands. Pick one based on your subjective feelings. Can't see to find much significant objective differences between brands. And that goes for Plasma v LCD v LED/LCD etc... You also have to like the look of the thing - at 40"+ this is fairly important. (I like the Sony bezels as they are small and not overly shiny or plasticy looking.)

My search through the catalogues indicate that JB and DSE have far and away the better deals of the big boxes and seem to have the same things (regularly) cheaper then HN, NL/B+B. Of course check for spot deals elsewhere...

Your mileage may differ... :)

Dunnersfella

4086 posts

Uber Geek

#642856 18-Jun-2012 22:10

Pricing is just a sticker on a TV...
Every store will match / beat the opposition - the market is just plain cut throat.
Go with the sales person who fills you with the most confidence / the store you like dealing with the most.

da5id

550 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#643953 20-Jun-2012 18:27

Thanks guys.
I see a new round of sales brochures in the mail this morning...ugh.
Starting all over again.