New TV in my future.

[Chunk-O-Funk]

Unfortunately, my five year old Sony Wega is showing signs of failing due to a know issue of the optical block. It's an expensive repair I don't intend paying for. Hopefully the class action lawsuit works in my favor and I intend to press the issue a little further with Sony. The old Wega still has some life in her because it really hasn't logged in as many hours as most people, so for now, my research begins!

Now, I know buying a TV for some people is as easy as going down to the store and picking one out. Not for me. I totally geek out with all the newer technologies and advancements. Also, I'm totally expecting a post from hbarcat and his disdain for TV, and how life is better without it. I have no problem staying away from local programming and the so called "real world", but I have to have my movies and geek TV (Discovery, History channel, etc..) I'm sure you understand. Please, don't judge. I'm fragile. Well, between posting here and over at AVS I'm sure I'll make an informed yet over my budget purchase. Thanks in advance for that.

Looking for a 46" or so LCD. Plasma is out of the question due to the fact that I have windows right across from the TV that reflect the mid-day sun right on the screen, plus I have my PC connected to my TV. The two top contenders are Samsung and Sony. Really haven't settled on a price yet as I'm not buying right away and depending if I buy into the latest technologies.

The biggest question now-a-days is the newer backlighting LED-LCD vs CCFL LCD. Is it worth the extra cash? From what I understand the contrast and colors are better, but it introduces a newer con in the LCD world referred to as "blooming". I understand LED-LCD has only been out for a year or two, but I'd love to hear from owners as well as anyone who decided not to get one and why.

One other question that comes to mind with Samsung. I've read some of their screens are known to be shinny or reflective. Some have a matte finish to them as well. Not sure which models, but I've seen one in a local store that had kind of a grainy look to it. It could have been the programing. Any Samsung owners notice this or know which models to stay away from.


Thanks!
Any suggestion with brands and models welcome. I'm sure I'll be back with more questions.

[DigMe]

My Samsung is the matte finish and there is no graininess. The picture looks great. I think that's just going to depend on the source. My parents' Samsung has the gloss finish and to me that kind of defeats one of the advantages of LCD. I'm anti-glossy...too much glare.

bc

[Chunk-O-Funk]

Originally Posted by DigMe

My Samsung is the matte finish and there is no graininess. The picture looks great.

Which model did you get?

My parents' Samsung has the gloss finish and to me that kind of defeats one of the advantages of LCD. I'm anti-glossy...too much glare.

bc

That's what I've read about some Samsung models. One member over at AVS commented it's like looking into a mirror when a scene in a movie fades to black. Plus, that wouldn't be good for my ambient situation.


Thanks!

[Brick Top]

Originally Posted by Chunk-O-Funk

Looking for a 46" or so LCD. Plasma is out of the question due to the fact that I have windows right across from the TV that reflect the mid-day sun right on the screen, plus I have my PC connected to my TV.

First of all...happy hunting. Secondly....your assumption that LCD is better than plasma in a room with light reflecting is somewhat misguided. LCD does not display as nice of a picture in bright rooms as plasma. That's a fact. LCD also has an off axis issue that plasma does not. I'm not knocking LCD...as I think it is a great technology....just different strengths weaknesses than plasma.

If I was you...I would seriously consider getting window treatments...and then the point becomes moot.

I have no experience with the new LED models...but it is something I intend to check out soon.

Cheers,
BT