LCD TV - need recommendation

Posted by notaclue (575 days ago)

Our CRT TV is beyond repair, and the repairman has given a verdict that it will last another 3 months or so. We are now considering spending around $15-$20K for a new LCD TV. Hubby is too busy to look at what's available, and I did some checking, except that I found lots and lots of brands, models, specs, etc.

We don't need anything fancy (mind you, with that budget, we aren't going to get anything fancy), but would like HDTV capabilities and a relatively high response time. We really don't want to see too many pixels when we watch action scenes.

Can someone please give some recommendations?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

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Posted by twirly (575 days ago)

Fortress have a Sharp 42" 1080 HDTV on special right now for about 20K with a $1800 ParknRob shopping voucher thrown in!
I've been looking at Fortress and ecox.com.hk.
Call ecox for their cash prices. They have a Sony 40" 1080 HDTV for 21.9K with a free Sony 160GB DVD recorder!
To much choice!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by vantastic (574 days ago)

I agree with Twirly, Sony and Sharps Aquas are among the best. Cant go wrong with either, I'd lean toward the Sony, but I have always purchased a lot of their higher end ES range audio / video gear and always been happy with their reliability/performance.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by seal (573 days ago)

check out the trading post section under stock clearances - Samsung LCD's at very good prices.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by GL (569 days ago)

I would recommend people choose Plasma TV instead of LCD TV. The picture quality for dramma and movies from a Plasma TV is better than LCD TV. It looks real rather than LCD. If you just need it to watch cartoons or scenary videos, LCD is no doubt better than Plasma TV. Your budget is good enough for a 42" Panasonic Plasma TV.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by blackvirusss (569 days ago)

I not recommend to anyone Plasma TV as all big companies as SONY, Panasonic, LG, Samsung and others already stop making Plasma TV as they cannot make it good quality! All Plasma TV will work not more then 4 years and in this years picture will get worse and worse! LCD (TFT) TV is much better just see when TV off the screen must be BLACK not GRAY! This is important too!
Good Luck!!!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by notaclue (569 days ago)

Thanks all for the insights. I think I will go with the Sharp Aquos. Apparently they have one series with HD capability WXGA (1366x768), and another one called Full HD (1920x1080) that is 30% more expensive. For example, I can get a 42" HD for around $16K, and a 42" full HD will cost a bit over $20K.

Is it worth it? What will we miss if we go for the WXGA? Do the TV signals and DVDs that we watch (not bluray) need this high resolution?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by GL (568 days ago)

Blackvirusss - May I correct your comment .... Panasonic has never stopped making Plasma TV but instead they are going to increase their production of Plasma panel. Also, your comment that all Plasma TV will work not more than 4 years are definitely worng too. Plasma TV can last for 60,000 hours. It's life is about 20 years if you turn it on 8 hours everyday throughout the year.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by GL (568 days ago)

Notaclue - the resolution (1366 x 768) is enough for general use unless you are really able to distinquish slight difference of quality. The signals of digital HD TV and DVD do not require resolution of 1920x1080.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by car_lover (568 days ago)

All Full HD LCD are above 20k for now. Another thing to consider, u need to see if ur DVD player supports that high quality as well like perhaps getting a good DVD such as blue-ray? From what i heard thru LG Tech(just bought a LG 42" LCD), even tho the LCD is Full HD tat doesn't mean u get the full high quality picture, its based on the DVD player as well, so to me, no point spending tat amount of $$$ on Full HD just yet. And for a good set of DVD player which supports HDMI(best quality), its over 5k. Hope this info helps. Cheers!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by car_lover (568 days ago)

Btw, the tech did show me how to check on the quality of the dvd thru my new player, and it only shows 764p for 1 of my many original DVDs. So, even i have 1080p LCD, its pointless. Cheers again!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by GL (568 days ago)

car lover - I think the resolution of the DVDs you mentioned above should be 564p instead of 764P ... right. Cheer!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by blackvirusss (568 days ago)

GL - don't correct me better go to Google or some other internet search place and just type *LCD or Plasma* and u will get full information that Plasma just CRAB!!! For today TFT (LCD) monitors are really good just 1 month ago not sure about which day at the Time Square LG show their new TFT (LCD) TV's. They not show any Plasma there!
Before say something read about this more u not talk with your friends who will belive you without say anything!!!
Good Luck!!!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by GL (568 days ago)

blackvirusss - It is true that many maufacturers have stopped producing Plasma TV's because it is not easy to control the qulaity and cost. May I tell you the fact that Panasonic is the only manufacutrer who can maintain good quality Plasma panels and it is the only manufacturer in the world which is still increasing the monthly output volume of Plasma TV. Yes, you may be correct that useable life of LCD is longer than Plasma panel. But as I have told you the life of Plasma panel can last about 20 years ... is it good enough for normal consumer? So the factor of "life" for Plasma and LCD is not important anymore.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by car_lover (567 days ago)

GL - ur right. And only got 1 which is at tat resolution. Others is 4xxp.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by miklosc (556 days ago)

Well I wont get into some crazy resolutions but I have taken some LCD's to 4000x1000 ;). I will suggest Panasonic 37-42" that work at 1080i. Which is all you will need and yes DVD's currently don't usually get that high but computers and future DVD's will.

Also remember you will need high quality wires such as the HDMI or Gold Plated Components make sure they support up to 1080i.

Also your DVD must support these.

(I am based in Shanghai)

Posted by tigerbay (538 days ago)

I have seen 37" LCD TV for under 8000 rmb in Shanghai.
I assume similar prices in HK are available.
There are lots of 42" for 12k.
Me I like to spend less money for a TV with a 12 month onld spec (they are all obsolecent anyhow) and but other stuff with the change.

(I am based in Shanghai)

Posted by mark_palmer (537 days ago)

I bought a samsung lcd tv and very pleased with it! Looks fantastic and the quality is spot on! I do not have a blu ray dvd player, so did not opt for the FULL HD out put version, and even if HK becomes hi def, it still wont be able to produce 1080p quality, so i did not see the point in buying the top spec tv

(I am based in Hong Kong)