Hi.
I'm looking for the best HDTV I can find around the 40" mark. I've narrowed it down to a Samsung brand and Sony brand, but I'd like to hear more from experts before investing. What brand seems to offer the best picture quality and longevity for the price?

I truly appreciate any information you can give me during my research.

I have both a 60" DTS and a 27" flat panel from Samsung. The picture quality is excellent on both. The 27" is new but the 60" is around 5 years old and we haven't had any problems.

Welcome to AVS, Eliot.

This section of the forum is for HDTV reception equipment. Set top boxes from satellite and cable companies as well as OTA reception. We do discuss televisions but that is usually limited to tuner capabilities. There's a summary under each sub-section that explain what it covers. This one reads "For the talk about HDTV hardware for reception. For OTA receivers, Sat receivers and HD Cable. NOTE...Information regarding HDTV displays should be posted in the proper displays area." Please note the read portion.

You also cross-posted the same thing in a couple of Local HDTV threads. Again, cross-posting is not the best way to get a question answered. Those threads are for details specific to a location. Antenna selection by neighborhood is a good example of discussion in those sections.

I suggest that you find the Displays section and start reading. Almost everything about HDTV is covered here in its appropriate location. If you are wanting quick answers, this is not the place. If you want to take the time to research your purchase, then stick around.

-Robert

"Almost everything about HDTV is covered here in its appropriate location. If you are wanting quick answers, this is not the place. If you want to take the time to research your purchase, then stick around."

That would make a great header at the top of the forums. :D

I apologize. My wife is desperate for a new TV to replace our 12-year old Standard TV, and I've hit a roadblock - I need to go places and test the picture in person. I was getting a bit desperate, but I'll do my best to convince her to wait just a little while longer while I get my answers.

Not the best introduction of myself, I know, but I'll keep myself in check.

I apologize. My wife is desperate for a new TV to replace our 12-year old Standard TV, and I've hit a roadblock - I need to go places and test the picture in person. That really doesn't help if you are going to the big box retail stores. What you see under those lights will not be what you see when you get home. Read up on calibration. Both DIY calibration via an appropriate DVD and professional calibration. Second thing is the video source. Most of the time it's a regular DVD player playing a 4x3 aspect ratio DVD and the TV in stretch or zoom mode (I saw this last Saturday at Wal-Mart). Some will have an HD feed from a dedicated DVR. Try and find one with an HD DVD player as a source.

-Robert