Quote:
Originally Posted by
sjetski71 
- Westinghouse
LD-3280 &
VR-3730 &
VR-3225 models (VR-3225 uses samsung S-PVA and
looks nicer than the LD-3280 model). Cheap budget choices but the VR series works very well with PC.
Do you happen to know if the LD-3280 has any LED bleed around the edges? I tried a LD-2240 out Sunday and was incredibly disappointed with the LED bleed which included a dark blue colour, extremely narrow viewing angles, flimsy base, and terrible PQ. I was unable to access any information on the firmware but, I would venture to guess it was a TN panel which really shouldn't have surprised me given that it was a 22". What did surprise me was that everything looked bad on it even after investing a great deal of time in the adjustments. 420p and 1080p DVDs (via a 420p player and a 1080p player) looked bad with a HDMI connection and a Component connection as did the VGA signal. There was a fuzziness that refused to go away and, it was impossible to remove enough contrast via just the the TV's settings.
The reason I am asking about the LD-3280 is because I am willing to give Westinghouse another chance but, this has left a negative impression when it comes to LED sets. Unfortunately, "affordable" LCD sets are hard to find right now given they were apparently clearanced out in November/December of last year.
Note: If my post from this point on needs to be split off into it's own thread, I am fine with that as this thread is really about lag on various units rather than a selection thread. I'm only bringing up the following information though because it's relevant to why I was asking about the LD-3280 and someone is bound to ask me at least some of the following information. I also would like to apologize for the length of this post but, I am trying to be as thorough as possible.
For some background,
What I am replacing and why:
I am replacing an Orion/Toshiba 34HF85 that I have had since 2006. I spent a good amount of time in the service menu for it last year but, it still requires the PC to run in at least a 1600x900 resolution with a DPI of 150% and to have a very bland/washed out/foggy look to it via a DVI>HDMI in order to be able to clearly read text. Obviously that is just unacceptable so, I am looking to replace it with something that can serve as both an actual TV and a monitor.
What I am looking for:
34" is really to large for the bedroom anyway so, I am looking for anything in the 24"-32" size range that is less than $300.00 and can pass 4:4:4 tests and that lacks image deterioration from a minimal point of view shift. Ideally, I don't think I want to go past a 27" since the pixel density is already going to be rather spread on it compared to something like a 22" to 24" set. I know several of you use a 32" set or larger for the PC but I just don't think it would work in my current application. Delay/lag is an issue as I intend to use it as a primary monitor, play PC and console games on the set, as well as watch movies. All of those things are about equal in priority so, I know it's going to be tough to accomplish at this budget if not flat out impossible. I would also like to avoid the typical pitfalls of TVs like black crush, image processing features that have no way of being turned off, etc.
Available viewing distance(s):
The minimum distance from the bezel to my eyes is between 2.5' and 3'. This is sort of a traditional location of sitting at your desk and at the keyboard. There is a maximum distance of 7' from the bezel to my eyes if I roll my chair back to where it is touching the futon in it's upright position. It would be roughly 9' of distance from the bezel to my eyes if I were sitting on the futon. The average viewing distance with the futon splayed out into a bed would be between 8' to 9' if I were laying down. In other words, I have a huge range of viewing distance I can work with but, I would prefer to sit in my chair when I am using the PC or console gaming rather than sitting on the futon as the chair is far more supportive and comfortable. The distances involving the futon should be factored in though as I will often lay down to watch TV to take a nap or late at night if I can't get to sleep. However, the distances involving the futon are really only relevant to watching movies.
Lighting:
There is no lighting in the room at night if I am using the TV as I despise the impact it has on the screen as well as the glare as I am used to a glass screen. There is also no bias lighting at night. There is however some level of bias lighting during the day from the ambient light that seeps in through the window shades and curtains from the windows behind where the TV is located. That lighting qualifies as far more of an orange/copper/beige than white though due to the colour of the curtains. I wouldn't say the room is dark during the day but, I wouldn't call it well lit either if the lights are off.
What I have seen:
Westinghouse VR-3730 (37")
I saw it in person Monday but, it's obviously a bit large for my needs as well as being over my budget. I was thrilled by the fact that the picture didn't change as I looked it at from angles that I wouldn't be able to mimic in my bedroom. The video playing didn't look the best but, I'm fairly positive most of the issues could be taken care of in the TV's settings given that what stood out most of all on the showroom floor was the oversaturated colour.
LG 32LK450 (32")
I saw it in person Monday but, it's out of my price range since the current price is $375ish. I didn't look at in depth due to the pricing. I just took a passing glance at it as I was looking at how much the PQ fell apart on surrounding sets as I lowered my field of vision.
What I am considering:
Westinghouse VR-3225 (32")
I know that Newegg has the VR-3225 for around $270.00 (currently $245) but, their return policy and the fact I have never seen one in person makes me incredibly hesitant on making the purchase with them. I am also concerned about the pixel density for a 1080p 32" set when it comes to PC usage.
Westinghouse LD-2680 (26")
Wal*mart has a 26" Westinghouse LD-2680 online for $207.00 but, looking over the manual at the manufacturer's site indicates that it uses an external A/C adapter. That could be an unwarranted concern though. The manual also points out that you can access the serial number and the firmware number via the TV's menu which gives me some hope that this isn't just another TN panel masquerading as a TV. However, it's entirely possible they used the LD-3280's manual and only changed the few pages that they needed to. I would feel a lot more comfortable selecting this model if it were actually on display somewhere locally but, it isn't.
What i don't want to do:
I really don't want to keep purchasing sets and returning them especially since the returns stem from the fact I am unable to do any research on certain models because, they are either not on display or there is absolutely no information available online about them other than at the manufacture's website. It's rather difficult to make an informed purchase when there is no information to go off of. I really want to draw the line right now when it comes to returns and not make anymore of them barring some horrible manufacturer's defect or warranty issue. I don't ever want to be one of those customers that just keeps purchasing a set and then returning them.