I have narrowed my search to the following and need the wisdom of the group. I will be purchasing from my governments free paycheck of $1800.

Both Phillips LCD's

2008 - 47PFL3603D/27 (found that is an April 2008 Mod) at Wally World

2007? - 47PFL7422D/37 (not sure of the year, found at Sam's Club)

Which is the newest and which would you reccomend?

I understand 60hz vs 120hz and 5ms vs 8ms refresh rates which is the only difference I see geek wise. Please help.

I wouldn't recommend buying a Philips TV.

For $1800 you can get much better.

You can find a 46" Samsung A550 for about $1600 online.

Why? I like the Samsung Lt4665F but its 2K out the door at Circuit City

I've read several that like philips and the have good specs next to samsung. Vizio and LG - I won't spend that much for them as off brand Korean products.

Need to keep the budget to $1500 so I can spend the rest on a Blu Ray

WallyWorld $1507 out the door, $300 left over for a Sony BR at Sam's $337

Really need my Q answered as to which is the 08/07 and stat differences to avoid tangent, these fit my needs

I'll also feel better as a Republican spending my free $ the government has given me for paying all these years into socialist programs.

Bump
:)

I can't understand the appeal of 120hz, I've watched them and the movement is so unnatural that it makes it unwatchable for me.

It's "smoother" yes, but not natural at all.

I own the LN-T4065F. It is a great TV, however the A550 is this year's model of the 65F, basically. I already told you that you can find it online at a certain very, very popular retailer for about $1600 (and of course no tax).

I think Fez from That '70s Show said it best: "I give and I give." Do you want me to buy you the TV too? Would that make things easier to understand? :)

Buying a Philips TV for $1800 is like buying a Geo Metro for $10,000 more than you could have purchased a BMW for, but do what you want. Good luck!

Why? I like the Samsung Lt4665F but its 2K out the door at Circuit City

I've read several that like philips and the have good specs next to samsung. Vizio and LG - I won't spend that much for them as off brand Korean products.

Need to keep the budget to $1500 so I can spend the rest on a Blu Ray

WallyWorld $1507 out the door, $300 left over for a Sony BR at Sam's $337

Really need my Q answered as to which is the 08/07 and stat differences to avoid tangent, these fit my needs

I'll also feel better as a Republican spending my free $ the government has given me for paying all these years into socialist programs.

I'm not spending the entire $1800 if you actually would read the post. It's $1570 with tax and a 2 year coverage plan. Base price is $1300 from Walmarts website. The cheapest I could find. Thanks for your sarcasim, I understand you don't like Philips.

Can someone else maybe answer my Q of the differences between the two versions I posted.

one big difference

that right there is enough to go with the Philips 47PFL3603D/27 model.

Philips 47PFL3603D/27
29,000:1 Contrast Ratio

Philips 42PFL7422D/37:
8,000:1 Contrast Ratio

My recommendation is to buy the best TV you can for your money and leave the add ons for later purchase. You have to keep in mind that you will be looking at this thing for at least the next couple of years, so you should get the best TV for your money and worry about bluray later.

JMO
Mosh~~

Thanks so much. Since my post I've narrowed it to the 5000 series 47FPL5603 due to a few factors over the 3603.

I just looked at Samsungs page again and they don't have anything to compare numbers wise (contrast, refresh rate, screen size, all parameters really) to this model for $1500. The closest was over $2200. I don't see why they are rated so high by CNET and others.

Only availability is Egg and Amazon right now and others I don't trust to purchase from now. I heard Sams may start carrying the 2008 3-7 series soon. The PFL7422 they have now for $1495 has been "discontinued" in speaking with the stocking rep.

One of the big box electronic stores has the LN46A550 for way less then 2K. Add it to your cart and check the price.

Thanks so much. Since my post I've narrowed it to the 5000 series 47FPL5603 due to a few factors over the 3603.

I just looked at Samsungs page again and they don't have anything to compare numbers wise (contrast, refresh rate, screen size, all parameters really) to this model for $1500. The closest was over $2200. I don't see why they are rated so high by CNET and others.

Only availability is Egg and Amazon right now and others I don't trust to purchase from now. I heard Sams may start carrying the 2008 3-7 series soon. The PFL7422 they have now for $1495 has been "discontinued" in speaking with the stocking rep.

They're rated high by CNET because they're some of the best tv's on the market. If you're stuck on Phillips than go with that because it's obviously what you want. I just think you can buy other brands at close to same prices with more quality. The only thing that I would highly disagree with you about is not trusting to buy from Amazon. No tax and usually free delivery. What more could you ask for?? They are reliable, dependable, and have an amazing return policy. If you want to get a Phillips get a Phillips but if you want to get the best price, shop Amazon.

Can you post some of the other brands you mention that are close in stats and price, which would help. I just can't seem to find them. (Samsung/Sony) that are 47"?

Here's the problem I see with your logic, no disrespect meant. If you're operating under a budget, like I am, then you're likely not the kind of person who upgrades every couple of years. So, like me, you're probably looking for something that you can keep for awhile, and be happy with.

Trust me on this one, if you're expecting to get a quality 46in HDTV + BR player for $1800 or less, you're going to be disappointed in the long run. I agree with some of the above comments, consider getting an excellent TV now, and the BR player somewhat down the road.

If you're dead set on a low quality set, by all means, go for it. But if you want something high quality, and will last awhile, I highly recommend spending your gov't check and change on either of these;

Samsung LN46A650 - $1924 at Amazon, free delivery, no tax
Samsung LN46A550 - $1599 at Amazon, free delivery, no tax

I'd post link, but can't do that until after 3 posts. Either way, if you spend $1500+ on that Pioneer, that leaves you less than $300 for a BR player. That's barely enough to get a VERY low quality BR player, and no movies. I'd recommend getting the TV now, and when you have another lump sum saved up, get a nice BR player and several movies all at once. The new TV + HD programming should keep you plenty busy until then :)

I've looked at these two and don't see much of any difference but would like opinions as to why Samsung?

The Philips owners link people seem to be happy. Philips 47PFL5603D/27 at amazon is $1529. you guys tell me on these two comparisons why Samsung?

http://reviews.cnet.com/4516-4_7-0.html?tag=boxcoco&id=32815315&id=32887572

Here's a link to the full PFL5603D/27 specs
http://www.consumer.philips.com/consumer/en/us/consumer/cc/_productid_47PFL5603D_27_US_CONSUMER/Flat-TV+47PFL5603D-27

I've looked at these two and don't see much of any difference but would like opinions as to why Samsung?

The Philips owners link people seem to be happy. Philips 47PFL5603D/27 at amazon is $1529. you guys tell me on these two comparisons why Samsung?

Do yourself a favor. Call ahead to a local BestBuy or CircuitCity. Ask if they have two sets for you to compare, one from the same line as that Phillips you're looking at, and a Samsung 550 or 650 set. Have them hooked up to the same source so that you can compare (preferably a BR movie of your choice). Walk in and look at the difference.

Numerous posts in this thread have explained why Samsung is better than Philips in the LCD department. Yes, you're still asking for an explanation. So the only thing left is for you to compare them directly.

I would go to Circuit City to compare as opposed to Best Buy. Best Buy will butcher your Phillips set.

But having said that, you seem pretty intent on getting the Phillips, so I would just pull the trigger and go get one.

abaco24: Definitely go with the Philips TV. For a gentlemen who already knows what he wants even though he posted a new thread looking for advice, I would highly recommend it.

actually think I'll buy the LN46A650 at amazon.

but thanks for your input. I didn't get much objective advice from my post actually if you just compare the numbers of the two sets.

I do still think just looking at the stats of the two vs Samsung bias there is not any difference.

I do still think just looking at the stats of the two vs Samsung bias there is not any difference.

LCD manufacturers tend to "lie" about specs. A perfect example of this is response time. Two separate manufacturers can both claim 8ms on their sets. However, one can use the GTG (grey to grey) method, and another can use the BWB (black to white to black) method. The difference? One is truly 8ms, and the other is closer to 20ms.

LCD specs can be measured in different ways, and there are few standardized ways to measure them, so while the manufacturer isn't really "lying", some companies are less stringent than others. That's why with an LCD, more than any other display, you should always compare side by side.

Right now, Sony and Samsung are considered the best in overall PQ with LCD sets. Oh, btw, Samsung makes most of Sony's LCDs :)

Good to know and thanks for your reply. As a nube it took me some time in research to lean towards the Samsung but isn't that what this forum is for...great information to make informed decisions.

I'll spend a little more but plan on using the tv for a while. Getting a 3 yr service agreement also since my Sharp 32" Aquos lasted all of 2 years before getting white lines all over the screen. Took it in for repair and after 3 weeks the guy couldn't fix it.

Did however get half the cost replaced by insurance for "lightning damage".

I'll also feel better as a Republican spending my free $ the government has given me for paying all these years into socialist programs.

There are lots of veterans in need. Just a thought...

Why? I like the Samsung Lt4665F but its 2K out the door at Circuit City

I've read several that like philips and the have good specs next to samsung. Vizio and LG - I won't spend that much for them as off brand Korean products.

Need to keep the budget to $1500 so I can spend the rest on a Blu Ray

WallyWorld $1507 out the door, $300 left over for a Sony BR at Sam's $337

Really need my Q answered as to which is the 08/07 and stat differences to avoid tangent, these fit my needs

I'll also feel better as a Republican spending my free $ the government has given me for paying all these years into socialist programs.

LG, Philips and Vizio are Korean...:rolleyes:

Samsung is much better in terms of everything. LG and Philips have a partnership to use almost same products in their sets. Vizio buys LG panels for their sets. One thing LG, Philips, and Vizio are known for is terrible viewing angles, washed out colors, and horrible black levels. Plus that A550 is gonna destroy that Philips in every aspect.

My wife is very critical of HDTVs. She's practical (in this regard, not when shoe shopping). We walked into the BX today, and they had a 65in Sharp LCD playing National Treasure 2 in Blu-Ray on an Aquos BR player. There was a Sharp rep there trying to sell these.

She walks up, and the guy asks if she's impressed. No lie, she says "It looks like ****." He says "No, it's HD." She points to the Samsung down the aisle and say "No, that is HD, this is ****."

Specs mean nothing.

Karrsic, I'm an ex USAF NATO Intelligence Officer -worked with F-16 fighter pilots getting them to the target and out safely and watched the Warsaw pack when they were still bad guys for 3 years. I've paid my dues and will remember the fallen this weekend trust me, I've paid my dues and plenty of taxes in the higher brackets. If the government wants me to stimulate the economy, I'm doing it.

I saw the 46 and 52 a650's today at CC. All I can say is "WOW", thanks for all the info and great advice, it will be ordered soon. (52 or 46, I haven't decided yet)

I saw the 46 and 52 a650's today at CC. All I can say is "WOW", thanks for all the info and great advice, it will be ordered soon. (52 or 46, I haven't decided yet)

Yea, I was the same way when I saw the 650. My budget went out the window and I made room. Getting the 46in :)

If, after you get it, the auto motion plus (AMP) gets annoying, turn it off, and you'll still get the 5:5 pulldown benefit from the 120 hz. AMP is a love it or hate it kind of deal, and I haven't decided yet which side of the fence I'm on.

I did eventually get the 46in 650, about a month ago. I paid $1650 off Amazon, but they're fluctuating between $1550-$1600 daily now. It's a downright steal.

I did eventually get the 46in 650, about a month ago. I paid $1650 off Amazon, but they're fluctuating between $1550-$1600 daily now. It's a downright steal.

Congrats, me and a friend are in waiting mode on the 46650 for him and 40650 for me. Just waiting to see what prices are going to do, I feel like I'm watching the stock market waiting for it to bottom out :). We both have crt's right now so no hurry, it's getting harder and harder not to pull the trigger though.

I wouldn't recommend buying a Philips TV.

For $1800 you can get much better.

You can find a 46" Samsung A550 for about $1600 online.

I agree.. good advice.