[LTParis]

I am coming into crunch time to get a new TV for our bedroom. I am moving into our new apartment on Monday and the FIOS installer shows up on Wednesday. We have decided to replace both of our old CRT 4:3 TVs so now I am considering a new TV that will go in our bedroom.


While it looks like we will be going for the coveted Panasonic 50" G10 for the living room, our bedroom budget we are looking to be more economical. That means we are likely to go to LCD over plasma. We may go with a lesser brand if the price is right.


Viewing distance looks like it will be 10'-11'. Content like the living room TV is likely to be 60% TV Shows / 40% Movies. I plan to have a XBMC boxed hooked up via HDMI and a FIOS HD Box connected to HDMI as well.


Right now it looks like the sweet spot is sub $350 unless we can find a very good deal on a better set. I am also wondering if 1080p is worth the added cost over 720p.


The Panny Viera X1 26" 720p is a good deal but I am thinking 26" will be way too small.

The S1 32" 1080p sounds descent but the price is slightly higher than I desired.

Vizio 32" 320E 720p sounds like a good bargain but is the quality sub par?


Thoughts?

 

[PhillMan17]

I would go 32" - 26" is pretty small at that distance. At this size of screen, no need for 1080P, 720P is fine. For an off brand, you can be at $350.

 

[Ice Cold]

I would go with the 32" Panasonic S1 mainly because, its an IPS Pro 10-bit panel, and in a bedroom you will be watching TV from many angles positions if you are sleeping or just resting, or laying sideways etc.


and for $430 on amazon with free 2 day shipping an no tax

 

[PhillMan17]

Where do you see the S1 on Amazon at $430? Maybe the X1.

 

[edsox15]

just purchased the Samsung 32" model # LN32B360C5D at BestBuy for $379. I couldn't be more impressed with the picture quality. Slight downside is only 2 HDMI connections but the picture quality is top notch. The TV is only 720 but at that size and distance it absolutely won't matter. Great TV for a bedroom.

 

[MechanicalMan]

1080p on a 26 - 32" TV at 10 - 11' will provide no benefit. Since price seems to be a major factor for you, I'd just look for good deals on brands that I trust. I'm not sure what's real hot right now, but in the past month or two, I've seen some very low prices on entry-level LCDs from Panasonic, Sony, and LG in the 26 - 37" range. I'd just keep an eye on deal sites and stick to a reliable brand. FWIW, MSRP on the 2010 42" 720p Panasonic and Samsung plasmas is $600, which should put street price around $500 when they're released.

 

[Servicetech571]



Quote:
Originally Posted by MechanicalMan /forum/post/18164744

1080p on a 26 - 32" TV at 10 - 11' will provide no benefit. Since price seems to be a major factor for you, I'd just look for good deals on brands that I trust. I'm not sure what's real hot right now, but in the past month or two, I've seen some very low prices on entry-level LCDs from Panasonic, Sony, and LG in the 26 - 37" range. I'd just keep an eye on deal sites and stick to a reliable brand. FWIW, MSRP on the 2010 42" 720p Panasonic and Samsung plasmas is $600, which should put street price around $500 when they're released.

Last November I picked up a 42LH20 for $450 @ Newegg. Although it was slightly above our $400 "limit" we couldn't pass it up for the price. See if you can find a similar deal on a large set. You may have to use your CRT set for awhile until the right deal comes along, I waited 2yrs for my deal. Ours is also a bedroom TV with about the same viewing distance. We were watching a 27" CRT. LOVE the larger screen, couldn't go down to a 32".


If you can find a 42" for $500 I'd do it. The extra $150 over your $350 budget will be SO worth it...

 

[LTParis]

As tempting as that is, I need to try to get close to a good budget on the bedroom TV, especially since I am shooting for the biggest TV I can get for the Living Room (50" or larger Panny).


So now a choice dilemma. I was getting ready to pull the trigger on the Samsung 32" 720p that edsox15 recommended, and I can get one at Best Buy (very limited supplies, I found on in MD a few miles away from the new place) for $379.

But Amazon has a deal on the LG LH30 1080p for $379 as well. Is the LG a "bump up" from the Samsung in this case? I heard good things about the LG, although it seems they now have two panels now with the newer one not being IPS.

And over at Newegg and Amazon I can get a Viera X1 32" 720p for $418.72 if I break the budget more.

And if I were to go with a lesser name for larger size there is a Sceptre 37" for under $430 shipped.


Decisions! Thoughts?

 

[scottacus]



Quote:
Originally Posted by LTParis /forum/post/18164587


I am coming into crunch time to get a new TV for our bedroom. I am moving into our new apartment on Monday and the FIOS installer shows up on Wednesday. We have decided to replace both of our old CRT 4:3 TVs so now I am considering a new TV that will go in our bedroom.


While it looks like we will be going for the coveted Panasonic 50" G10 for the living room, our bedroom budget we are looking to be more economical. That means we are likely to go to LCD over plasma. We may go with a lesser brand if the price is right.


Viewing distance looks like it will be 10'-11'. Content like the living room TV is likely to be 60% TV Shows / 40% Movies. I plan to have a XBMC boxed hooked up via HDMI and a FIOS HD Box connected to HDMI as well.


Right now it looks like the sweet spot is sub $350 unless we can find a very good deal on a better set. I am also wondering if 1080p is worth the added cost over 720p.


The Panny Viera X1 26" 720p is a good deal but I am thinking 26" will be way too small.

The S1 32" 1080p sounds descent but the price is slightly higher than I desired.

Vizio 32" 320E 720p sounds like a good bargain but is the quality sub par?


Thoughts?

Don't mean to change the subject, but before you lock in on the G10 just make sure you look at the threads about rising black levels in some units over on the plasma forum. May not be a dealbreaker but since it's a known issue that Panasonic has no intention of fixing you should make sure you're okay with it before you purchase.

 

[LTParis]

Yeah I had heard about that and it's still probably going to be a few weeks before I make the final purchase for the Living Room TV. Right now the overall quality of plasma is trumping my concerns about the possibility of the black levels issue, which seems to be sporadic right now. But since my bedroom TV I am going for a less expensive solution I don't have to worry about that with LCD.

 

[Ice Cold]



Quote:
Originally Posted by edsox15 /forum/post/18164735


just purchased the Samsung 32" model # LN32B360C5D at BestBuy for $379. I couldn't be more impressed with the picture quality. Slight downside is only 2 HDMI connections but the picture quality is top notch. The TV is only 720 but at that size and distance it absolutely won't matter. Great TV for a bedroom.

Mee too same one same Price at Best Buy, Great PQ deep blacks.


But look on the side what does it says for Model Number. ?



heres a very detailed review of our new 32" Samsung

http://www.televisioninfo.com/conten...Review-995.htm



However.


- 1080i processing is not good

- any type of motion has a bad blur.

- Xbox 360 PS3 Gaming is good for everything Except First Person Shooters.

 

[Ice Cold]



Quote:
Originally Posted by LTParis /forum/post/18166369


Yeah I had heard about that and it's still probably going to be a few weeks before I make the final purchase for the Living Room TV. Right now the overall quality of plasma is trumping my concerns about the possibility of the black levels issue, which seems to be sporadic right now. But since my bedroom TV I am going for a less expensive solution I don't have to worry about that with LCD.

ALERT before you buy that 32" Samsung You Must know this.


Samusung uses 3 types of panels from 3 places.


S panel Samsung Best

A panel AU Optronics (some say 2nd place I say worst)

C Panel Made by Chi Mei this is what I have its ok deep blacks. Very poor view angles.



Anyways. How do you know what you are buying.


On the Outside of the box Theres a white sticker on the thin side, Under the Model Number LN32B360C5D


theres a set of 4 characters CN02, AA01, SS01, SQ02, CN01


If it Starts with a C, or an A don't buy it. Look for one that has an S.


Thats made by Samsung, and you just won the panel lottery.


pics of what you need. good luck if you can find one they have been $379 for weeks and its discontinued so no more coming. Unless a BB has one close or you can order online.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e336/MikeL1/panny.jpg




Thats how you know before you open the box.

 

[marlin29311]

 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...9KWZ5XMPE10F89


32" LG on sale on Amazon today.

 

[LTParis]

So things being equal, if I play the Amazon / LG "spin the wheel" what are my chances of hitting the IPS panel? 1:3? Less? More? Is it worth to go to the store, find a Samsung and see if it has the S Panel?


Side note, Manufacturers should be forced to separate model numbers when major parts (e.g. the panel) are not the same.

 

[LTParis]



Quote:
Originally Posted by PhillMan17 /forum/post/18164713


Where do you see the S1 on Amazon at $430? Maybe the X1.

Panny S1 32" - . So $50 more than I wanted to pay if I go with that model, but is it a higher quality set?

Panny X1 32" - . Lose 1080, but is it a better panel?


Then of course we have the Samsung that I would buy at BB (local does not have it, gotta get it in MD on Monday, if they still have it), and the special today on the LG on Amazon. Both units are a crap shoot on the panels.


And lastly is off brand worth it? A Sceptre 37" puts me at 720p, but

UPDATE: To hell with it. I am rolling the dice and getting the LG.

 

[Ice Cold]



Quote:
Originally Posted by LTParis /forum/post/18166787

Panny S1 32" - . So $50 more than I wanted to pay if I go with that model, but is it a higher quality set?

Panny X1 32" - . Lose 1080, but is it a better panel?


Then of course we have the Samsung that I would buy at BB (local does not have it, gotta get it in MD on Monday, if they still have it), and the special today on the LG on Amazon. Both units are a crap shoot on the panels.


And lastly is off brand worth it? A Sceptre 37" puts me at 720p, but

UPDATE: To hell with it. I am rolling the dice and getting the LG.

No the S1 line has a better panels and assured to be IPS Pro

 

[LTParis]

I still have to think budget conscious and the Panny is $75 over where I wanted to be ($350) plush shipping since Amazon is not carrying it directly so make that $100 over budget.

 

[edge273]

Google this set and the price will amaze the budget conscious!