New TV Sounding Board

[Silenka]

Well, I'm finally jumping into the HD age by buying a TV my PS3 can actually utilize and I don't even know where to start. When I started my job a couple years ago I passed up the HDTVs in favor of an old-type flatscreen which I'm kind of regretting now, but I guess that means I'm free to pick up new technology at this later date. Problem is, as far as brands, places to buy a TV at the best price and this technology vs that technology, I have sort of an idea of what's good on paper, but in actuality I know nothing. I'm mainly looking for advice on specifics, and especially testimonies on the specific TVs people themselves own. So I'm hoping the folks here who know what they're doing when it comes to today's generation of display will be able to help me out. <3

So here's what I know so far: TV will be going in a somewhat dimly lit bedroom, but any type should be good. Although I'm set on LCD just because I have an irrational fear of plasma (I've heard they die sooner or have drawbacks vs LCD/LED). I know I want 1080p rather than 720/1080i. As for refresh, I prefer 120hz, gaming should benefit more from the faster refresh rate or so I understand. As for size, 46 or 47" is my preference, I wouldn't go lower but I would go higher if the price was good.

3D TVs - after doing some research, I don't think they will be viably affordable for another few years at least? I really don't want to wait a couple years to move up to HD just for 3D. The glasses seem expensive and annoying, and as for the display of regular movies, it looks like it tries to upscale all movies to 3D, which seems like it could cause some problems. Then again, I've only heard of 3D TVs and never seen one myself. =/ A lot of good movies (Avatar, Alice in Wonderland etc) will be coming out with 3D capability, while I can live without it... This is what I'm most worried about really, that I'll be stuck regretting (AGAIN) getting the wrong kind of TV for what I want.

Brand-wise, I know Samsung is top of the heap, but I've heard that Sony and Vizio are good as well. I've never owned a TV from any of these manufacturers, I suppose for each TV I would look at the consumer reviews but as far as individual experience, I was hoping you guys had some. I worry about brand simply because many top brands are supposed to last longer/have fewer dead pixels/better customer service and warranties/better picture overall than lesser brands, but I'd be open to any brand's TV that does what I want it to and displays beautifully.

I am not sure that there is even a noticeable difference in plain LCD vs LED technology, I have heard not to worry about it and that there is not much difference but I really don't know. I would spring for LED technology if it was a possibility in a good and affordable TV but I worry about whether I should buy a normal LCD over one with LED technology.

Lastly, good places to buy TVs. Once I know what I want, in theory, it should be simple to find a good TV, but of course I don't have a million dollars to spend for my own entertainment enjoyment, at most probably $1,200 or so (but we'll see how my tax return goes >.>). Amazon seems like a good place, but then you're stuck with shipping. Woot often has good deals on TVs, but most of them are refurb and generally not up to my specifications. Best Buy seems overpriced, as usual. Sam's Club is a possibility for me since my dad has a membership there. I know there are also a lot of smaller websites (such as Butterfly Photo), places I wouldn't even think of that have good deals on televisions, so I'm sort of trying to root out knowledge of any good little hidden places like that...

So what does BG tech think? Sorry if there's a similar thread like this, I looked, but didn't see one that covered all my questions. I know there was a thread a while back about going to the store and actually looking at the TVs vs buying one blind. I plan to go look at the ones I'm considering, if possible, but a lot of the stores around here don't carry a lot of the TVs... even my local Best Buy didn't have a big selection of what I might want. Plus the TVs in stores are calibrated so badly that I'm afraid what looks like a bad TV might actually be the best one when set up properly, etc. Choosing a TV is just a tough thing overall for me, what with the rapidly changing technology, high prices, amount of choices and worries about heating, lifespan and display. But I can't sit around thinking about it forever and not do anything, either, I just want to make sure I make the right choice if I'm going to spend a lot of money on something like this.

Thanks in advance for the help!

[izembo]

you basically said everything, i think you just need to find a good deal on a tv, heh