Ok, so I have a problem. I'm trying to surprise my husband with a new tv from our tax return money and I'm sort of on a budget, know nothing about tvs and the only resource I have to go by is the site I saw him looking at the other day.

I've got about 1200 to spend, I know he wants something over 55 inches cause the tv he has now is 43 and he's always mentioning how he wants a 55 or 60 inch big screen. If possible could one of you savvy folks suggest a tv to me from secondact.biz (that's the site he was on for like an hour the other day, talking about their refurbished prices being really good.) I'd like the absolute best tv I can get from there for my budget (and I can stretch it to about 1400-1500 if needed)

Please please please help, otherwise I'll have to go deal with those college jerks at best buy.

Those Tv's are a rip off. With the shipping costs you could buy a barnd new one from a B&M store.

I've already compared prices as best I could and several models on there are quite a bit less than what I've seen so far, even after shipping costs. The problem is that I know nothing about the technology itself so I need help finding one on that site....

Before you get too many more replies recommending specific models and/or places to purchase I think you should perhaps consider the possibility that since he's already looking and researching a new tv he might already have a preference for a few specific models.

I'm sure that if you were considering purchasing some item for yourself and had pretty much narrowed down your selection to a few items you would be somewhat wary of your husband picking out an item for you that was not one of the selections you'd made.

If you already know which specific models he's considering it would probably be safe for you to go ahead and order one from an internet retailer, but if you don't and pick the wrong one there would be little or no possibility of returning to an internet retailer for another model.

If I were married and my wife was considering a new car I wouldn't purchase her one as a gift without knowing what model or color she wanted. For some guys the choice of a tv is just as personal a decision.

If you want to surprise him perhaps it would be best to buy locally so the set can be returned or better yet buy him a gift card from CC, BB, or Sears for enough to purchase the tv so he can make the choice himself.

If you want to surprise him perhaps it would be best to buy locally so the set can be returned or better yet buy him a gift card from CC, BB, or Sears for enough to purchase the tv so he can make the choice himself.

;)

If you are seriously thinking of buying on line be sure to check the reseller at http://www.resellerratings.com.
secondact.biz have only 8 feedbacks (though they are all "Very Satisfied") so not much of a track record really. Their web site title is "Second Act Refurbished HDTVs, Closeout HDTVs, Overstock HDTVs, Refurbished Electronics" so how would your hubby feel about getting a refurb TV?
Just my 2c.

I've already compared prices as best I could and several models on there are quite a bit less than what I've seen so far, even after shipping costs. The problem is that I know nothing about the technology itself so I need help finding one on that site....

Some places like HHGregg have 51-57" Hitachi HD sets for a grand and under. New. Shop around; they exist.

Also check your Sam's club, Costco etc if you are a member. You may get more Tv for your buck.

Just a fyi at Sams there is a 61" DLP but about $200 more then you want to spend.
Wally World has a 56 RP CRT for $200 less.

You want want to just casually ask what hes been thinking about, and then purchase it. Then you at least know what he was thinking about getting vs the gift card if thats to impersonal.


Either way good luck!
PS check your local paper or Craigs list but then that maybe a shot in the dark.

Before you get too many more replies recommending specific models and/or places to purchase I think you should perhaps consider the possibility that since he's already looking and researching a new tv he might already have a preference for a few specific models.

I'm sure that if you were considering purchasing some item for yourself and had pretty much narrowed down your selection to a few items you would be somewhat wary of your husband picking out an item for you that was not one of the selections you'd made.

If you already know which specific models he's considering it would probably be safe for you to go ahead and order one from an internet retailer, but if you don't and pick the wrong one there would be little or no possibility of returning to an internet retailer for another model.

If I were married and my wife was considering a new car I wouldn't purchase her one as a gift without knowing what model or color she wanted. For some guys the choice of a tv is just as personal a decision.

If you want to surprise him perhaps it would be best to buy locally so the set can be returned or better yet buy him a gift card from CC, BB, or Sears for enough to purchase the tv so he can make the choice himself.

These are all things I've considered and I know my husband well. As far as he's concerned he just wants to replace the current tv we have, and I've poked and prodded enough out of him to know he doesn't care about refurbisehd or otherwise and would just like the best tv for the budget we have. His reaction to "which tv do you want" is "i don't care to be honest, just something to replace that pos we've got." I've been with the man for 10 years and we do this type of thing for each other regularly, in fact I'm quite certain he already knows what I have planned and if he had any admonitions he would've already spoken up about it. No offense, but I know him well enough not to have made any of the 19 year old girlfriend mistakes you listed above.

If anyone has any suggestions from secondact or would like to point me in the right direction for a best bang for my buck tv I'd appreciate it. As for Sams I've already looked and the only tvs they had in stock at the two sams in my area were well out of my price range.

http://www.uecweb.com/index.php?p=catalog&parent=1&pg=1

Great people to deal with. Got my 65" from them. And you can get a 4 year EW if you like

Edit to add..................Free Shipping :)

check out one call dot com they have good prices right now..

sony's samsungs' toshibas are all really good

http://www.uecweb.com/index.php?p=catalog&parent=1&pg=1

Great people to deal with. Got my 65" from them. And you can get a 4 year EW if you like

Edit to add..................Free Shipping :)

I find it funny the older 710s are more then the newer F59's :o

Their better units. More features and a "real" HD OTA and cable tuners

At Second Act, I would go for the Samsung HLS5687W or Toshiba 56MX195. An extended warranty is recommended for DLPs, especially refurbished. (Some Samsungs have had light engine problems; some Toshibas have had lamp problems.) More refurbs at refurbElectronics.com.

Thanks koan. Now, what's the difference between the Toshiba 56HM195 56 and the Toshiba 56MX195 56, I can't tell by looking at the details and there is no comparison button like there are on some sites.

The MX "cinema series" set have some extra adjustability in the user menu for color and perhaps a few other extra bells/whistles, both of the 195 series Toshiba 1080p dlp sets were excellent but had some problems with premature lamp failure. Toshiba recognized the problem and revised the lamps, refurb sets would probably have the improved lamps.

Thanks Steve, that might be my choice then.

Thanks Steve, that might be my choice then.You seem to be heading toward an Internet refurbished set. Keep in mind that the possibility that you will wind up with a $1,200 door stop increases down that path.

An Internet dealer with eight positive reports probably posted them all in one lunch hour.

Good luck.

Okay, final question. Which is the best tv from the page below. I was decided on the MX someone mentioned above, but I've read some reviews on multiple models and now I'm undecided.

http://www.secondact.biz/category/03_other.shop_by_price.2/

What is your viewing distance to the TV?

The viewing distance doesn't matter; we have a great room and can move and adjust our furniture for comfortable viewing. Quite honestly I just want the best tv on that page (from a technology, longevity standpoint), not the one that is the "right size for my viewing" or the one that will "best fit my living area." Just the highest quality tv that that page shows, nothing else.

Of the sets on that page avoid the HL-R series Samsungs--inferior video processing compared to the other sets on the page will result in more macroblocking, video noise, and picture smear during fast action than the others. The 61" HLS model is a 1080p set and is very highly regarded but there are a number of reports of collapsing light engines and/or mirrors in the light engine dislodging and causing dark bands on one edge of the screen.

Of the Toshibas, the 62HM195 is the only 1080p model. The only problem reported in significant numbers for it and the other Toshibas on that page has been premature bulb failure as mentionned earlier in this thread.

You seem to be heading toward an Internet refurbished set. Keep in mind that the possibility that you will wind up with a $1,200 door stop increases down that path.

An Internet dealer with eight positive reports probably posted them all in one lunch hour.

Good luck.


Refurbished products have been shown to be just as reliable, if not more so, than new, PROVIDED it's a reputable dealer and if they offer the standard manufacturer's warranty. If they don't, run away. Does second act have feedback on other electronics?

The viewing distance doesn't matter; we have a great room and can move and adjust our furniture for comfortable viewing. Quite honestly I just want the best tv on that page (from a technology, longevity standpoint), not the one that is the "right size for my viewing" or the one that will "best fit my living area." Just the highest quality tv that that page shows, nothing else.


Out of those TVs I would say the Samsung HLS. They are arguably one of the best RPTV DLPs on the market. Plus they are 1080p so your husband would be "future proofed" for a while. However, I would definitely look into an extended warranty if you're planning on having the set for a while since I believe you only get a 90 warranty from Samsung on refurbs. Good luck!

I would also like to add that I like her answer in the above post. I don't think viewing distance should be such a huge factor that everyone makes it out to be unless you are stuck with a very specific distance and cannot change it. Most of us can always adjust our rooms to better suit us if needed. I should have an HLS6187W at my door Monday and I will be sitting 7 1/2" away. If that is too close, I'll just move my crap around. It's that simple. Just my two cents. :)

Of those, the only one I would buy (if it were new, since I would not buy refurbished) is the Samsung HL-S5687W. Of the displays on that page, it is the only one with decent video processing that can also accept a 1080p input.

If you are really going to buy a refurbished TV, I hope you opt for an extended warranty.

I do plan on buying the warranty, as I normally do with any electronics. I learned long ago the extra cash is worth the cost; my husband told me to hush when I complained about buying the warranty with our first big screen, a Hitachi from ages ago, and then I told him to hush when he had it replaced 2 years later for nothing and gave me a great big "I told you so!"

If you are looking at a rear projection set (DLP) then you need to know that the expected lamp usage is 6,000 to 8,000 hours. If you average 6.5 hours a day then your lamp should last around three years on average. The lamp could go sooner. Moving the set (vibration) can make the lamp go out early. A new lamp costs around $200.00.

The 61" HLS model is a 1080p set and is very highly regarded but there are a number of reports of collapsing light engines and/or mirrors in the light engine dislodging and causing dark bands on one edge of the screen.You are referring to the "shadow" problem.

Shadow on left of Samsung DLP screen (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=758625&page=1&pp=30)

There have been about 60 reported cases in that thread involving HLR(2005) and HLS(2006) models. Samsung probably sold several hundred thousand 1080p sets over that two year span. The problem is a collapsing light tunnel that is a small component in the light engine. It is being fixed by replacing the light engine, or repairing the light tunnels. When customers live too far from a Samsung authorized service center some of them have receive new sets.

It seems that Samsung has modified the light tunnel which should solve the problem. It's important that any warranty provides for new factory (not secondary market) parts.

The HLS set in your list is the only one that accepts 1080p input through HDMI, component, and VGA. The Toshiba sets don't accept 1080p.

The most important issue for me is the dealer and it's reputation. From what I've read here that is an unanswered question. Another important issue is who is standing behind the initial warranty, what are it's provisions, and how long does it last. Also, if you add an extended warranty, is the coverage limited in any way because the set is refurbished.

If these sets have been refurbished by someone other than Samsung, that's an added risk.

Some people report seeing rainbows when looking at DLP's so before buying one, I'd want to make sure I wasn't one of those people.

Some people report seeing rainbows when looking at DLP's so before buying one, I'd want to make sure I wasn't one of those people.Very true. It can be hard to find out in a show room that has much brighter lighting and possibly different program material that you would watch at home. Some people buy DLP sets from local dealers that will take them back during the fist thirty days for that reason.

Here is some information that I've saved.

What causes the rainbow effect? (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7883413&&#post7883413)

What can I do about Rainbows? (http://archive.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=333188)

The second link is from the 2003 HLN model year but if you see rainbow effect then it applys to any color wheel based microchip display.

This link (http://www.dietforum.net/balagee/projected/rainbow.html) has a simulation of what rainbows look like to some people.

Thanks a lot for the info. Neither of us have an issue with the Rainbow effect, we've owned a DLP and another couple we've been friends with for years have had 2, and we've never experienced any headaches or been able to see them on the screen.

Ok, one last stupid question. I feel like a total nag, but is there any screen door with the Samsung, that is something he doesn't like. We had a Hitachi rear-projection LCD before we bought the 43 flat panel we have now, and he used to always complain about it. I only ever noticed it when he was pointing it out, something about the pixels being further apart or whatever. I won't feign to have any clue what I'm talking about, but my memory is pretty solid and I do remember him telling me how much he disliked the screen door on our old LCD tv.

Ok, one last stupid question. I feel like a total nag, but is there any screen door with the Samsung, that is something he doesn't like. We had a Hitachi rear-projection LCD before we bought the 43 flat panel we have now, and he used to always complain about it. I only ever noticed it when he was pointing it out, something about the pixels being further apart or whatever. I won't feign to have any clue what I'm talking about, but my memory is pretty solid and I do remember him telling me how much he disliked the screen door on our old LCD tv.Kinda.,You have to look very hard for it from a few inches away so it is negligible and effectively non-existent. So don't worry about screen door on DLPs like the Samsungs, Mits and Toshibas.

Please wait until you have a few hundred more dollars and then make your purchase this way you won't have to *settle* for a lesser model. You will have this TV likely for years to come so why not get one you'll be totally satisfied with?

If one owned a DLP before and didn't notice SDE, should be no problem. Personally, this is a lot of money to me and it took me about a year of research before buying a CRT RPTV. It's gonna be about 2 yrs. of research before buying my next TV, whatever it is.

Just be careful that he doesn't buy one, too. It's hard to tell how close he is to pulling the trigger on a purchase. You may want to surprise him with the purchase info and not the actual TV on site.

Just be careful that he doesn't buy one, too. It's hard to tell how close he is to pulling the trigger on a purchase. You may want to surprise him with the purchase info and not the actual TV on site.

It may be hard to tell for you, not so much for me. ;)

My husband is a stay at home dad; I handle all the finances and he gladly leaves them in my hands, if he were about to make a purchase I would have already gotten word of it.

Thanks again to everyone. And to another poster who suggested I wait until I had a couple hundred more dollars, I very well could, but I've decided not to; though I appreciate the advice. If I waited around to get a few hundred more dollars I could very well wait for a few more, and a few more on top of that, until I was saving up to buy the most expensive tv on the market. The budget I listed is what I chose to spend based on what I (and my husband) are willing to spend at the moment.

is there any screen door with the Samsung, that is something he doesn't like. We had a Hitachi rear-projection LCD before we bought the 43 flat panel we have now, and he used to always complain about it.
Screen door effects are much more of a problem with LCD and plasma technology (I personally can't stand plasma because of it). It is not generally a problem with DLP since there is a lot less space between the pixels than with LCD or plasma. You have to be pretty much inches away from the screen to see it with DLP.

The preceding post is being inserted in several threads this evening by and individual who always has to use a new user name. His newest user name and this this current version of his rant will disappear as soon as it's detected by the moderators. Ignore it.