Buying a TV, advice plz

[Jand3rson]

Josh what do you use to calibrate displays? I have mine very nicely tweaked using Digital Video Essentials HD Basics Blu-Ray, and it looks awesome but I can't help thinking it could look better

I have the same thing, but on standard DVD. But I'm probably not going to do a full-scale calibration until I get a new DVD that I can run over component. My current DVD player is about 6 years old, and the component outputs on it aren't working right, I've tried it on 3 different TV's, so I need to get a new one. Right now, I just have it running over S-Video, which isn't awful, but it's not the best method to use to calibrate the TV.

[Hon2BMW]

I'm really happy with my 37" Sony XBR. It was $400. 1080i capable, an even at a 480i HD signal it has a better picture than any of the LCD's I've ever seen.

[parkerbink]

Thanks, Josh. Missed your response. Do Aquos have service menus? If they do do you know how to access them?

[StereoInstaller1]

I would totally agree that the average CRT is still better than the best LCD/Plasma.

But shit, I am running a 12 year old 36" POS CRT with SV/composite inputs, so I have no room to talk.

Luke

[parkerbink]

Nevermind, found it. I love Google!

1) Unplug the TV set
2) Press and hold the Volume Down and Input buttons on the TV set itself..
3) While pressing those buttons, plug the set back in
4) The TV will turn itself on.. release the buttons
5) When a circle with a K on it appears on the left side of the screen, press the Volume Down and Channel Down buttons on the TV set at the same time
6) You will have now accessed the service menu
7) Press 1-5 on the remote to display gray screens.. Don't do anything else unless you know what you're doing!!
8) Turn off the set and turn it back on to exit the service menu

[elguapo84]

The only really crappy thing about Panasonics is that they don't have a return policy on defective sets. They have to be serviced in the field.

Sony is also usually a good bet, but I have seen a lot of the newer Bravias that even calibrated, looked like ass.

Actually...this is no longer the case, at least for their plasmas. They have what is called the Panasonic Plasma Concierge service. They will take your defective TV, and give you a temporary replacement TV until they finish fixing it. This concierge service is included in the retail price and comes at no extra charge. Not sure if they have the same service for their LCDs.

The biggest specs you'll want to base a purchase decision on are contrast ratio, colors, and viewing angles. If I have any recommendation for you, it is to stick with LCD as plasmas still have issues with burn-in and ghost images if not properly used (i.e., no 4:3 aspect ratios for extended periods or still images/still video game menus, etc.). If maintained and respected, plasmas are awesome, but LCDs are just easier.

Frys electronics will likely have the lowest prices on new TVs, but then yuo pay shipping...there's always craigslist...don't eliminate it as an option completely. I have sold nearly brand new HDTVs via craigslist at incredible deals. Not everyone is a trustworthy seller, so obviously use your best judgment. One final recommendation...check out Costco. I work there, and they always have very competitive pricing on their electronics. They should have a coupon book going out soon, so check with the membership desk to see if they have any coupons when you go into the store. A few months ago they had a 400 dollar off coupon on a 60" LCD.

[parkerbink]

check out Costco. I work there, and they always have very competitive pricing on their electronics. They should have a coupon book going out soon, so check with the membership desk to see if they have any coupons when you go into the store. A few months ago they had a 400 dollar off coupon on a 60" LCD.

Excellent point. My 46" Aquos is in my possession courtesy of a 300.00 off Costco promotion. Plus they doubled the year warranty further saving me money buying an extended warranty

[JGood]

Well, I finally got a TV. LG 42LB5D (42", 1080p, 10,0000:1). Picked it up at circuit city as an open box deal, within my original budget. The addition of the 3 year warranty quickly put it over budget, but I'm happy, and think it was worth it.

[AndrewBird]

That's exactly what I did - I have optical running back to the amp - sut sometimes I get a delay.

You want to run sound from the CABLE BOX to the receiver, not from the TV. The reason you are getting a delay is because the sound goes through the receiver to the TV, then back out of the TV to the receiver. Just run separate audio from the cable box to the receiver. Most cable boxes have optical and/or digital coax outputs, so you should be good to go.

[VANOS714]

Go big or go home...

[Thizzelle]

nothing beats a plasma for picture quality especially for sports and fast motion shit

[JGood]

Go big or go home...

Thank you for the detailed advice. I already bought the TV though.

3 years ago.

[Hawk]

Thank you for the detailed advice. I already bought the TV though.

3 years ago.

Epic lol!

[InuFaye]

OLED Bitches.