Making an informed LCD TV purchase

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Seeyou

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So I've caved, and decided get myself an LCD TV. I've done some reading online, but the sheer volume of information available is rather overwhelming to say the least. As if that wasn't enough, everyone and their aunt is making LCD's in every shape, color, size and spec you could think of.

So, I'm hoping you guys could give me some advice.

I'm looking for an entry-level LCD TV that will last me a few years. Something around the 32" to 37" bracket - I'm not too fussed about full HD support, 720p should probably be fine. It should ideally also have an S-video input for plugging in my media player/laptop, and whatever component input is necessary for plugging in a DSTV decoder, as I plan on subscribing around the same time.

I was told by a relative that they were recommended the Samsung 32" LCD, something about an M model vs an R model but I didn't quite catch the whole thing. The Samsung does look quite impressive from what I've read of the spces though.

I'm willing to spend around R10k, maybe slightly more (hopefully LESS) if something worth the extra bucks comes up. I'm not looking to buy anything out of that price range though, as I said, this is an entry-level purchase, but I don't want to buy a piece of crap.

Thanks in advance for the help, looking forward to your replies and recommendations.
 
1.)Test by eye - if it looks good it looks good, no?
2.)Forget about using s-video for your laptop, make sure you get a set with a VGA input
3.)If you're not bugged about full HD then go for HD ready - this WILL bring your total cost under R10k for a 32"

...you seem to have a very good idea of what you want, take your laptop along and a VGA cable and test out a few sets. If you like the way one looks and the price is right go for it.

720p is still good for a year or two at which stage the blu ray / HD DVD war should be more or less done with and the cost of HD gaming consoles will have dropped considerably.
 
You should be able to find a Sony or Samsung entry model 32" for around R7000 - R8000.

I'd check out the step-up models tho'... may still be in your price range of <10K
 
What would you consider step-up that would make it worth the extra cash? Larger screen size or features/quality?
 
We got the Mecer 32" recently for under 6000

No s-video but it does have rgb and hdmi input.

Although its not full hd but hd ready the picture quality isn't really to complain about.

Works great to switch between the dstv decoder and pc.

Hope it helps
 
I've also recently been looking at LCD TV's. From what I've gathered, the makes to look out for are Sony, Samsung and Panasonic. From those three makes, the following products caught my eye. All have a resolution of 1366 x 768 which means native 720p support.

Sony 32" KLV-32S310A/B
http://www.sony.co.za/product/klv-32s310a/sku/klv-32s310a%2Be32?site=hp_en_ZA_i
http://www.nivo.co.za/product/6013
PC input
1080p support (not native)

Panasonic 32" TX-32LX70MS
http://www.nivo.co.za/product/6159
http://www.panasonic.co.za/ProductDetail.aspx?CatID=87&ProdID=727
6ms Response time
3000:1 contrast ratio

Samsung 32" LA32S81
http://www.nivo.co.za/product/5718
http://www.samsung.com/za/products/television/lcdtv/la32s81b.asp?page=Specifications
This is just a cheaper version of the Sony one in my view

Another one I found which would definitely give you good value for money (if you're willing to fork out the extra cash) with its Full HD 1080p support (1920x1080 resolution) is a Philips:

Philips 37" 37PFL7422/98
http://www.nivo.co.za/#product/7008
http://www.consumer.philips.com/consumer/en/za/consumer/cc/_language_za/_productid_37PFL7422_98_ZA_CONSUMER
In terms of investment, this TV will last you a couple of years with its 37" panel size and its 1080p native support, making it ready for Blu-Ray and HD-DVD.

I think to choose between the four above, I'd have to go into a shop and physically compare the picture and build quality between each LCD TV I'm interested in. My gut feeling is that the Panasonic would look the best if the advertised response time and contrast ratio are true and not just marketing icing. Then again the Philips has true HD support, so if they can play you a real BluRay or HD clip on it, you might find this one to have a crisper picture.

If you happen to do that, it would be interesting to let us know of your findings and what you opted for in the end!
 
Why dont you consider a 720p projector. They have come down in price and deliver bang for buck like you wont believe.
 
Wynsam said:
Why dont you consider a 720p projector. They have come down in price and deliver bang for buck like you wont believe.
Click to expand...

I briefly considered a projector, but the fact that you need a pretty dark room, enough wall space and the relatively short lamp life put me off it.

Madg, thanks for the links, much appreciated. I don't think I'm prepared to fork out R15k for the Philips, but the others are the same TV's I came across in my search.

A friend also recently purchased this:
http://www.makro.co.za/ProductDetail.aspx?cat=6273&prod=35895&SKU=000000000000120263|EA

Which is on special at Makro. Anyone heard anything good/bad about it?
 
madg said:
I've also recently been looking at LCD TV's. From what I've gathered, the makes to look out for are Sony, Samsung and Panasonic. From those three makes, the following products caught my eye. All have a resolution of 1366 x 768 which means native 720p support.

Sony 32" KLV-32S310A/B
http://www.sony.co.za/product/klv-32s310a/sku/klv-32s310a%2Be32?site=hp_en_ZA_i
http://www.nivo.co.za/product/6013
PC input
1080p support (not native)

Panasonic 32" TX-32LX70MS
http://www.nivo.co.za/product/6159
http://www.panasonic.co.za/ProductDetail.aspx?CatID=87&ProdID=727
6ms Response time
3000:1 contrast ratio

Samsung 32" LA32S81
http://www.nivo.co.za/product/5718
http://www.samsung.com/za/products/television/lcdtv/la32s81b.asp?page=Specifications
This is just a cheaper version of the Sony one in my view

Another one I found which would definitely give you good value for money (if you're willing to fork out the extra cash) with its Full HD 1080p support (1920x1080 resolution) is a Philips:

Philips 37" 37PFL7422/98
http://www.nivo.co.za/#product/7008
http://www.consumer.philips.com/consumer/en/za/consumer/cc/_language_za/_productid_37PFL7422_98_ZA_CONSUMER
In terms of investment, this TV will last you a couple of years with its 37" panel size and its 1080p native support, making it ready for Blu-Ray and HD-DVD.

I think to choose between the four above, I'd have to go into a shop and physically compare the picture and build quality between each LCD TV I'm interested in. My gut feeling is that the Panasonic would look the best if the advertised response time and contrast ratio are true and not just marketing icing. Then again the Philips has true HD support, so if they can play you a real BluRay or HD clip on it, you might find this one to have a crisper picture.

If you happen to do that, it would be interesting to let us know of your findings and what you opted for in the end!
Click to expand...
Good advice.

The Sony and the Samsung use the same panel, but the BRAVIA Engine in the Sony is the better video decoder IMO.

I'd be a bit careful of contrast ratio claims and refresh rates as they are often not measured in the same way...

I haven't seen that Philips model, but at tha price it is likely not a Philips/LG panel but a Taiwanese OEM version... have you seen it? how's the quality? (In real world TV viewing, Full HD on a 37" Screen is not likely to look much better than 720p because of the viewing distance and pixel size - But might be great for PC gaming)
 
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Don't get the wrong impression of store brands. I bought a 48" Logik from Game and it is a great LCD. They have 42" models as well that are very competitively priced. Maybe check out the weekly specials from them on their website. I have bought a Logik before (86cm CRT) and it is still going strong, so you should perhaps give them some attention.
 
Frag said:
Just get a Sinotec, nice 5 year warranty, Full HD, 40" used to be like R7k a couple of months ago..
Click to expand...

+1
I've only heard good things about these. And a 32" should cost close to 5k. Saw a promotion at Makro a few months ago for a 47" for R9'999.
I agree with SlinkyMike, go with what looks best.
 
Shop around a lot because you get some great deals out there if you look carefully. I've just been offered a 40" Sony V series full HD LCD for R9000 but I'm looking to pay about R14000 for a new LED TV from either Sony or Samsung.
 
Rouxenator said:
Don't get the wrong impression of store brands. I bought a 48" Logik from Game and it is a great LCD. They have 42" models as well that are very competitively priced. Maybe check out the weekly specials from them on their website. I have bought a Logik before (86cm CRT) and it is still going strong, so you should perhaps give them some attention.
Click to expand...

Not sure about the other house brands but don't ever get a Sansui under any circumstances. You will regret it. They are just a load of crud.
 
Hi

For R12999 I know its more than you want to spend you can get a 40" Full HD Sony + a HD PVR Decoder its really worth the extra cash and its a really great TV

you better hurrey though the special runs out today apparently if you can them they will keep one for you at the same price

http://www.makro.co.za/live/content...t=1182&ProdId=24360&Sku=000000000000171733|EA

you don't even have to activate the HD PVR for now just buy it its adeal that TV goes for about 14k by itself and its one of Sony's Latest models
 
Well, Sansui & Daimond & Singer & Wharfdale are all house brands of a house I never buy from anyways :p
 
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