Buying FIRST HD TV - Tips?

[arf9999]

I compared the Sony and Samsung and they were identical. The only thing I didn't check (will return to check) is the 100hz compared both TV's, as I hear the Sony is generally better the Samsung.

Also reading through, I see Samsung and Sony are pretty much the leaders in the field and both have TVs better than the comparable other. It all comes down to the individual TV.

Both the Sony 46W550 and Samsung 46B650 retail at similar prices (roughly R26,000) - but with the discount on the Samsung and the 3 year warranty, it's pretty much a no brainer

the Sony also has a 3 year warranty.

Makro still has some stock of the Sony 46X450 model. It has LED matrix backlight and 100Hz( with black frame interpolation). I'd see if I could bargain them down as they're in the process of clearing the sets. The X series (even the 2008 version) is far better than the W series.

 

[JK8]

the Sony also has a 3 year warranty.

I never knew that, all Sonys?

 

[arf9999]

Limited offer from Oct - Jan on Bravia. Warranty registration via web required.

 

[Dolby]

Limited offer from Oct - Jan on Bravia. Warranty registration via web required.

Same limited offer on the Samsungs actually ... hmmm

 

[Naks]

see http://www.demostock.co.za for specials on stuff.

I bought a Sony LCD Bravia 40" from them, very happy with it.

 

[arf9999]

Samsung followed Sony...

 

[GouKi]

see http://www.demostock.co.za for specials on stuff.

I bought a Sony LCD Bravia 40" from them, very happy with it.

hmm only 5 month warranty. no thanks.

 

[Dolby]

Samsung followed Sony...

Ok

Well if they're both the same warranty. I'm not if the difference is worth the R4,500.00 extra for the Sony ...

*whispers* Sony fanboi ...

 

[arf9999]

I wouldn't pay R4500 extra either if the sets were identical.

 

[GP1]

Its really interesting that you guys keep comparing the same two brands, from what I have been able to find SS and Sony use the same panel the only real diff. is the extras. and I believe that LG are now offering a 3 year on all LCD and PDP and LED from 1st Oct to 31st Dec as well... and they make their own panels.

 

[Dolby]

They are the same panels - but alot has to do with processing of the image and engine each manufacturer uses (ie Bravia vs XD vs Dnie).

 

[GP1]

SS and sony both use a "VA" panel which cannot reproduce super fast response times, however the LG uses a "IPS" panel that can offer a far more superior performing screen. unfortunately most people dont realize that the most important part is the actual "LCD module" so no matter the processor if your panel cant keep up it doesn't make a difference...

If you have a 200hz processor in a poor module (VA) a better option is a 100hz with a better module (IPS)

do the test...

go into any store and wipe your finger across any and you will get a "Mura" effect, this is a "VA" panel - this is the one and only test for a good panel.

happy finger swiping... ; )

 

[Dolby]

I think they may get a little peeved if I swipe my finger over their R25,000 screen

I have read quite bit about the B650 panel (as that's the one I'm interested in), and have seen there are 3 versions. However it seems that the better one is a little rare to get :/

http://www.avforums.com/forums/lcd-televisions/965150-samsung-b650-owners-thread-58.html

 

[arf9999]

S-PVA vs S-IPS is a good discussion. In some ways PVA is superior, in others IPS. Viewing angle on IPS panels is better, colour saturation is generally higher on PVA (not always more accurate tho'), contrast and blacks are better on S-PVA, response rate on IPS is generally better.
Thus for Television & movies S-PVA is probably better and for desktop graphics and PC gaming IPS is superior.

As for your test :I personally don't touch my LCD... but whatever makes you happy I thinbk black levels and contrast are a much more important measurement. If you check an LCD and it exhibits a violet hue in the blacks... it's likely a S-IPS panel.

The Sony and Samsung use S-PVA panels produced at S-LCD (Joint venture between Samsung & Sony)

 

[GP1]

or the other option is:

IPS with 200hz processor

see: http://whathifi.com/Review/LG-42LH5000/

SA model is 42LH50 - R5`000 - R8`000 cheaper than Sony and is better.

 

[GouKi]

Its really interesting that you guys keep comparing the same two brands, from what I have been able to find SS and Sony use the same panel the only real diff. is the extras. and I believe that LG are now offering a 3 year on all LCD and PDP and LED from 1st Oct to 31st Dec as well... and they make their own panels.

competition is hotting up for the christmas sales i love it

 

[Dolby]

Some of you guys seem to know what you're speaking about ... the panel on the Samsung is AA01 (from AUO).

I've heard these are inferior from those made by Samsung. My question - how inferior? Looks great to me!

 

[Anony-mousse]

if you wanna watch standard dstv on an lcd i must WARN you it looks shocking.
i can deal with the tearing and blockies but i know it will annoy most ppl.

It really is shocking. When I connected the standard 1010 DSTV decoder first to my 50" Pioneer Plasma I was so pissed off because this ridiculous decoder doesn't even have S-VHS or Scart connector so you are forced to use video cinch which delivers pathetic picture quality.

 

[PeterCH]

It really is shocking. When I connected the standard 1010 DSTV decoder first to my 50" Pioneer Plasma I was so pissed off because this ridiculous decoder doesn't even have S-VHS or Scart connector so you are forced to use video cinch which delivers pathetic picture quality.

At 50 inches SD PAL will look bad. It still looks good at 42 inches but above that, it will suck.

 

[marco79]

Its really interesting that you guys keep comparing the same two brands, from what I have been able to find SS and Sony use the same panel the only real diff. is the extras. and I believe that LG are now offering a 3 year on all LCD and PDP and LED from 1st Oct to 31st Dec as well... and they make their own panels.

Where can I find out more about the 3 year warrentees that LG and Samsung has to offer?