LCD Advice

[kcbass]

I have decided to finally purchase my first LCD for Gaming/Home Theater/Computer/TV use. I have been looking between 32" and 42", but am leaning mostly towards a 37". I do not want to spend over a grand, but I would like a decent screen with inputs for dvi (through HDMI or composite, most likely), component for backwards compatibility with misc stuff, and a built-in cable tuner (doesn't have to be HD, but might as well be).

Can anyone provide me with suggestions on manufacturers/models I should be looking for?

Any and all input is as always appreciated.

Thanks

 

[kcbass]

bump

 

[kcbass]

bump

 

[kcbass]

No one has anything to say on the subject? Is it not possible to get what I want for that price? Surely someone has a brand/model lcd tv that they like and could recommend, unless the 50 or so people that have looked at my thread just want to know the same things I do?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

I really haven't been looking at LCDs too much or I'd have some advice.

I think the 3 "S's" are usually a good place to start...
Sony
Sharp
Samsung

Did I get those right? (I'm really not an LCD guy )

FYI in your original post you mixed up composite and component

A lot of people have Westinghouse LCDs for computer use in this area due to the lower price giving you the opportunity to get better resolution for any given amount you're spending. I think last time I was looking there were 1080p models from Westinghouse that would meet your requirements.

At the same time, I understand that you give up some picture quality vs. some of the better LCDs out there going the Westinghouse route.

Have you checked out AVSforum?

 

[kcbass]

I have not. What's their web address?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: kcbass
I have not. What's their web address?

http://www.avsforum.com/

 

[kcbass]

Thanks. You mentioned lower priced LCD's like Westinghouse, which I've not heard of. We have a lot of Vizios in my area. Know anything about them?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: kcbass
Thanks. You mentioned lower priced LCD's like Westinghouse, which I've not heard of. We have a lot of Vizios in my area. Know anything about them?

I think with just about everything out there for displays, it varies a lot from model to model. I've heard some very good things about particular Visio sets though. I haven't been interested enough to keep up with current models and if any of them have any particular bugs.

If you look up particular models on AVSforum, you should be able to get an idea about them.

 

[SlickSnake]

I like the SHARPs, personally.

One of the things you buy when you get any brand is customer service, and Sharps have this in spades over other brands.

And when you register for the Sharp advantage program online, you get 3 free extra months of warranty service, too.

The most important features to look for, are the speed of the panel, 8 ms or less is good, and the native contrast level. Both of these features the Sharps excel at.

You will also most likely want a 1080p LCD, for future upgrade ability.

Hope this helps!

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

I don't know if things have changed, but in the past it was very difficult to get an accurate idea of how different sets compared just going off manufacturer specifications due to inconsistencies in how things were measured etc.

 

[kcbass]

Well, I found some info at AVSforums, and now, based on the LCD vs. Plasma thread, it looks like I could also use a plasma. They say the burn-in issue is virtually nonexistent now after the 100ish hour initial run. They also say that the panasonic line is among the best in consumer reports....only problem is that the smallest plasma they offer is 42" and is 1500 dollars (model TH-42PZ77U if anyone's interested). Not really sure which way to go now, so I guess it's back to the initial planning phase.