Is LCD for me? Too much to read..

Most edge-lit LED-LCDs are inferior to CCFL-LCDs of recent years, specifically in the areas of screen uniformity and viewing angles. They are also far more expensive on average. However, there aren't many CCFL models available this year, especially in the larger screen sizes (and only entry-level models are left at this point).

For Samsung this year, I'd go with the UN55EH6000, which sells for about $1,200. The lower EH series models are all under 55", the largest ones being 50".

For LG this year, I don't think they make any non edge-lit sets in your price range (not sure if they make any in ANY price range either).

For Sony this year, the KDL-55BX520 appears to be a CCFL model for about $1,200.


At this point, it should be clear I don't recommend edge-lit LED-LCDs of any kind, simply because they are designed for thinness/style (thin panel thickness and bezels) over PQ and value. It seems you feel the same way about this backlight technology/layout.
Edited by PlasmaPZ80U - 8/9/12 at 1:57pm

I agree about "too much reading". . . and the results you get are, unfortunately and usually, more confusion. For the price range your are considering, I think you already narrowed it down but I would give the edge to the 55EH6000. I've looked at several and compared them to both Panasonic and Sony. The 55E6000 is a limited Full Array Direct Lit LED TV. Unlike even more expensive edge lit Samsungs, it isn't plagued with micro dimming and some other issues. Samsung essentially took their CCFL TVs and converted them to a limited Direct Lit LED Array behind the LCD panel and also used a diffusion layer to get a pretty even light distribution. The EH series is limited in inputs, but if 2 aren't enough there ARE HDMI switches or you can always ad an AVR with more HDMI capability.

All in all I was impressed with the EH series which are much better than some reviewers make them out to be. To be sure, color saturation and blacklevel could be better, but with the right settings and ambient room lighitng ( use a bias light behind the TV) I think you will be well pleased. Especially coming from a 32" older tech TV.

EDIT: Seriously consider try using a small light source behind the TV and limit ambient light from entering the sides of your eyes from room or ceiling lamps. By using a small 13 watt CCFL lamp behind the TV, perceived black level will be increased and the "black bars" will not be a problem in 4:3 movies. Also, keep the back light level of the LEDs down to 25% to 30% of whatever the maximum setting is. Lower back light will give optimum black level for any TV. But you probably know all this.


Here's a link at Crutchfield. Look under "Details" and then, "Video Features" for a description of the LED back lighting.

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_30555E6000/Samsung-UN55EH6000.html?search=55EH6000&skipvs=T#details-tab
Edited by Phase700B - 8/9/12 at 4:49pm

personally you said 95% movies key word there plasma is a superior movie experience compared to lcd anything unless you getting a over priced elite i would revisit plasma technology again. when i want to watch movies i go straight to my new lg plasma and put it on and folks that come over are stunned try watcing a james bond film on a new school plasma you will be blown away Gaming is a toss up pending alot of factors pc use does not matter as you just want a bigger screen

If the OP does go that route, the Panasonic 50" ST50 can be had for about $1,200 and is a vastly superior choice to the 55" UT50.

Just curious. Would a 46" TV be large enough for your room size and viewing distance? Generally, a 46" LED would have better screen uniformity and perhaps a bit better crispness. Also easier to move when needed. Also, I tend to like a the thicker bezels on TVs for better panel support which usually results in more even back lighting for LED/LCD. A 46EH600 can be purchased for well under $1,000.

Oh, I didn't see that you also wanted 3D. There are pro's and cons there. First, not sure where the current 3D technology will end up. Still not a lot of 3D program material. But if 3D is what you want then the plasma may be better, or maybe a Samsung ES series. I feel LG has slipped this year in almost all areas. Perhaps with the room size and distance a 50" PDP might be best then? As always. . . trade off with everything. But if you are looking at Best Buy you can ask and make SURE you can return a TV if not satisfied. Maybe try a Panasonic plasma and if not your cup of tea then an Samsung LED. But then you start to push $2,000+ becsuse they seem to like to load on "smart TV" features.

Dim room, movies, square room. That's a no brainer for plasma. Better blacks, better motion, better detail in shadowns, better viewing angle, better screen unformity. Plasma will blow you and your guest away in that situation.

Michael

The dark screen filter is one important difference as it overcomes a common issue with plasmas screens: glare and washout of blacks/contrast ratio under direct ambient light. With the dark screen filter, the ST50 holds CR and black levels as well as any glossy LED/LCD on the market today. Only matte screen LEDs/LCDs will be more suited for bright room viewing. Furthermore, the ST50 is a mid-range set with PQ very close to the GT50 and VT50. The UT50 is an entry-level 1080p set, which provides lesser picture quality across the board.

from CNET's review of the UT50:

The good: In pure dollar/performance terms the Panasonic TC-P50UT50 is one of the best TVs we've seen, with astounding picture quality for the money. Black levels are the equal of Panasonic's ST50 series in a darkened room, shadow detail is very good, and colors are accurate. Unlike an LCD, as a plasma TV it has superb off-angle and uniformity characteristics. Despite the low price, the UT50 is still studded with the latest features, including 3D and Smart TV.

The bad: The UT50 series doesn't perform very well in a lit room, with blacks becoming muddy and indistinct. The performance of 3D is only passable, with quite distinct ghosting effects. The TV lacks advanced setup controls, which makes tweaking a better picture almost impossible. With only three video inputs it's not suited to users with lots of gear.

The bottom line: The Panasonic TC-P50UT50 plasma TV nearly matches the world-beating picture quality of the ST50 series, at an even lower price.
from CNET's review of the ST50:

The good: The affordable Panasonic TC-PST50 series exhibited outstanding overall picture quality, characterized by exceedingly deep black levels with great shadow detail, accurate colors, and solid bright-room performance. Unlike LCDs, as a plasma it has superb off-angle and uniformity characteristics. The styling is attractive and the feature set well-chosen, including excellent onscreen help options.

The bad: The ST50 uses more power than competing LCD TVs, and doesn't perform as well in bright rooms as those with matte screens. It doesn't come with 3D glasses, and it showed more crosstalk in 3D than some competing TVs. The ST50 is only available in 50-inch and larger sizes. Three HDMI inputs is one fewer than most midrange TVs offer.

The bottom line: With flagship-level picture quality for a midlevel price, the Panasonic ST50 series sets the value standard among videophile-grade TVs.