HDTV Shopping Question

[Kattie E]

My husband has finally decided that the prices have come down to his liking on the hdtv's so he is looking. We have been reading reviews on different brands and models and it seems that so many have volume control problems.

Have you run into this problem with yours and is there a brand you would recommend?

 

[Guard Dad]

Samsung and Sony tend to be the best.

LED is the latest and greatest.

LCD is still a very good type and can be had a bit cheaper.

Plasma is being phased out and they don't do well in brightly lit rooms.

Almost all of the flat panel TV's have lame speakers. They have the same problem laptops have; no thickness there to put real speakers in. I recommend an external surround sound system or at least one of the sound bars that have become popular. That way you can play the audio through real speakers. Best is to get an HDMI capable surround sound system that can become the switching hub for all your inputs. Plug the cable box, DVD player, anything else you have into it, and it will decide which input to play. You can send the video to the TV and your audio through the sound system. Viola! Home theater.

Note: If you get a 3-D TV, you must have an audio receiver with 3-D pass through.

 

[ShoeDiva]

I received an LED Samsung for Christmas last year. The sound was better than our other LCD tv, but still a bit "canny" sounding to me. We purchased the sound bar to go with it right after Christmas and it is awesome. I will say as someone that does not really care about the "best" picture, the LED one in our bedroom is a phenomenal picture compared to the LCD. You can see a difference.

 

[Guard Dad]

If quality sound is important, a flat panel TV should really only be used as a video monitor. Run the sound through a separate system. Being the sound system freak I am, I care more about the audio than the video.

I suspect manufacturers will eventually stop putting an audio system in TV's. It wouldn't surprise me if they stop putting tuners in them too. It seems most people are using either satellite or cable now anyway; you don't need an internal tuner for that. At that point a TV would be nothing more than a monitor.

 

[MacDaddy]

I think I'm going to pull the trigger on a system the end of this year. Probably go with an LED system, I've started eyeing a couple. Need to get a good surround sound myself.

FYI, Newegg has some pretty decent Black Friday deals. As does Best Buy.

And GD, you are correct. From what I've been seeing at work, the trend is going towards the "tv" being nothing more than a large monitor. The newer units include 'net surfing capabilities, wireless, etc. They are still trying to decide whether to put the digital tuners in them or not.

 

[unionmom]

Big LG fans here in this house.

No problems to report.

 

[Grey Colson]

Big LG fans here in this house.

No problems to report.

Me Likey our LG! I have a large plasma with surround sound in the Man Cave, but only because there are NO windows. The color is excellent. All others are LCD to prevent glare.

 

[Kattie E]

Wow! Great replies! This won't be a black friday deal but hopefully in the next couple of weeks. I want to have it in time for the rose parade. :

He is looking at the led tv 1080p probably around a 40". Also good to know about the sound systems, we were talking about doing that too.

Anymore replies are welcome!

 

[unionmom]

We practically stole our latest LG acquisition ... guessing somebody took it home and had their spouse wig out and make them return it or it was too big for the space. (Original purchase date and return date were the same.) No box and technically used ... got it for 45% off. That was a happy day. Hubby got his big screen and my uber cheap self didn't have an anxiety attack over the price. ) )

(Got it at Best Buy in Hiram.)

 

[Guard Dad]

Wow! Great replies! This won't be a black friday deal but hopefully in the next couple of weeks. I want to have it in time for the rose parade. :

He is looking at the led tv 1080p probably around a 40". Also good to know about the sound systems, we were talking about doing that too.

Anymore replies are welcome!

Feel free to holler if I can help. I'm kind of....OK, I'm seriously an electronics fanatic.

 

[Kattie E]

Will the SMART tv's become outdated in a yr or 2 like computers are?

 

[Kattie E]

Wow! Great replies! This won't be a black friday deal but hopefully in the next couple of weeks. I want to have it in time for the rose parade. :

He is looking at the led tv 1080p probably around a 40". Also good to know about the sound systems, we were talking about doing that too.

Anymore replies are welcome!

Feel free to holler if I can help. I'm kind of....OK, I'm seriously an electronics fanatic.

Any brand names for a surround sound system you would like to recommend? And any features that are must haves?

 

[Guard Dad]

Wow! Great replies! This won't be a black friday deal but hopefully in the next couple of weeks. I want to have it in time for the rose parade. :

He is looking at the led tv 1080p probably around a 40". Also good to know about the sound systems, we were talking about doing that too.

Anymore replies are welcome!

Feel free to holler if I can help. I'm kind of....OK, I'm seriously an electronics fanatic.

Any brand names for a surround sound system you would like to recommend? And any features that are must haves?

The smart TV's are basically internet capable, so they should have a few years.

With Surround Sound, just stay with the major brands and you should be OK. You pretty much get what you pay for. The entry level systems are garbage; go at least with a mid-priced system. I prefer to build a system with components, but if you aren't as tech savvy you might consider one of the "systems in a box". Wireless rear speakers are popular right now, but hardwired ones are better if you have the means of running wires. That's one of the reasons I like a house with a basement.

Do you have a Sam's membership? They have a couple of systems that are pretty decent,

 

[Kattie E]

Wow! Great replies! This won't be a black friday deal but hopefully in the next couple of weeks. I want to have it in time for the rose parade. :

He is looking at the led tv 1080p probably around a 40". Also good to know about the sound systems, we were talking about doing that too.

Anymore replies are welcome!

Feel free to holler if I can help. I'm kind of....OK, I'm seriously an electronics fanatic.

Any brand names for a surround sound system you would like to recommend? And any features that are must haves?

The smart TV's are basically internet capable, so they should have a few years.

With Surround Sound, just stay with the major brands and you should be OK. You pretty much get what you pay for. The entry level systems are garbage; go at least with a mid-priced system. I prefer to build a system with components, but if you aren't as tech savvy you might consider one of the "systems in a box". Wireless rear speakers are popular right now, but hardwired ones are better if you have the means of running wires. That's one of the reasons I like a house with a basement.

Do you have a Sam's membership? They have a couple of systems that are pretty decent,

No, we go to costco. Here is a link to their surround sound systems:
http://www.costco.com/Common/Search.aspx?whse=BC&topnav=&search=surround%20sound%20system&N=0&Ntt=surround%20sound%20system&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-US

 

[Guard Dad]

Wow! Great replies! This won't be a black friday deal but hopefully in the next couple of weeks. I want to have it in time for the rose parade. :

He is looking at the led tv 1080p probably around a 40". Also good to know about the sound systems, we were talking about doing that too.

Anymore replies are welcome!

Feel free to holler if I can help. I'm kind of....OK, I'm seriously an electronics fanatic.

Any brand names for a surround sound system you would like to recommend? And any features that are must haves?

The smart TV's are basically internet capable, so they should have a few years.

With Surround Sound, just stay with the major brands and you should be OK. You pretty much get what you pay for. The entry level systems are garbage; go at least with a mid-priced system. I prefer to build a system with components, but if you aren't as tech savvy you might consider one of the "systems in a box". Wireless rear speakers are popular right now, but hardwired ones are better if you have the means of running wires. That's one of the reasons I like a house with a basement.

Do you have a Sam's membership? They have a couple of systems that are pretty decent,

No, we go to costco. Here is a link to their surround sound systems:
http://www.costco.com/Common/Search.aspx?whse=BC&topnav=&search=surround%20sound%20system&N=0&Ntt=surround%20sound%20system&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-US

Not sure how much you're wanting to pay. I like this one pretty well.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11683658&search=surround+sound+system&Mo=20&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-US&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Sp=S&N=5000043&whse=BC&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=Text_Search&Dr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ne=4000000&D=surround+sound+system&Ntt=surround+sound+system&No=17&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1

But you'd have to add your own Blu Ray player.

A few notes on the TV. Be sure to get 1080p and 120 hz.

 

[ShoeDiva]

Wow! Great replies! This won't be a black friday deal but hopefully in the next couple of weeks. I want to have it in time for the rose parade. :

He is looking at the led tv 1080p probably around a 40". Also good to know about the sound systems, we were talking about doing that too.

Anymore replies are welcome!

Feel free to holler if I can help. I'm kind of....OK, I'm seriously an electronics fanatic.

Any brand names for a surround sound system you would like to recommend? And any features that are must haves?

The smart TV's are basically internet capable, so they should have a few years.

With Surround Sound, just stay with the major brands and you should be OK. You pretty much get what you pay for. The entry level systems are garbage; go at least with a mid-priced system. I prefer to build a system with components, but if you aren't as tech savvy you might consider one of the "systems in a box". Wireless rear speakers are popular right now, but hardwired ones are better if you have the means of running wires. That's one of the reasons I like a house with a basement.

Do you have a Sam's membership? They have a couple of systems that are pretty decent,

No, we go to costco. Here is a link to their surround sound systems:
http://www.costco.com/Common/Search.aspx?whse=BC&topnav=&search=surround%20sound%20system&N=0&Ntt=surround%20sound%20system&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-US

Not sure how much you're wanting to pay. I like this one pretty well.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11683658&search=surround+sound+system&Mo=20&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-US&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Sp=S&N=5000043&whse=BC&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=Text_Search&Dr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ne=4000000&D=surround+sound+system&Ntt=surround+sound+system&No=17&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1

But you'd have to add your own Blu Ray player.

A few notes on the TV. Be sure to get 1080p and 120 hz.

Kattie unless you are planning on a home theater that is a bit much.

 

[Guard Dad]

Wow! Great replies! This won't be a black friday deal but hopefully in the next couple of weeks. I want to have it in time for the rose parade. :

He is looking at the led tv 1080p probably around a 40". Also good to know about the sound systems, we were talking about doing that too.

Anymore replies are welcome!

Feel free to holler if I can help. I'm kind of....OK, I'm seriously an electronics fanatic.

Any brand names for a surround sound system you would like to recommend? And any features that are must haves?

The smart TV's are basically internet capable, so they should have a few years.

With Surround Sound, just stay with the major brands and you should be OK. You pretty much get what you pay for. The entry level systems are garbage; go at least with a mid-priced system. I prefer to build a system with components, but if you aren't as tech savvy you might consider one of the "systems in a box". Wireless rear speakers are popular right now, but hardwired ones are better if you have the means of running wires. That's one of the reasons I like a house with a basement.

Do you have a Sam's membership? They have a couple of systems that are pretty decent,

No, we go to costco. Here is a link to their surround sound systems:
http://www.costco.com/Common/Search.aspx?whse=BC&topnav=&search=surround%20sound%20system&N=0&Ntt=surround%20sound%20system&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-US

Not sure how much you're wanting to pay. I like this one pretty well.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11683658&search=surround+sound+system&Mo=20&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-US&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Sp=S&N=5000043&whse=BC&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=Text_Search&Dr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ne=4000000&D=surround+sound+system&Ntt=surround+sound+system&No=17&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1

But you'd have to add your own Blu Ray player.

A few notes on the TV. Be sure to get 1080p and 120 hz.

Kattie unless you are planning on a home theater that is a bit much.

Blasphemy!

 

[ShoeDiva]

Wow! Great replies! This won't be a black friday deal but hopefully in the next couple of weeks. I want to have it in time for the rose parade. :

He is looking at the led tv 1080p probably around a 40". Also good to know about the sound systems, we were talking about doing that too.

Anymore replies are welcome!

Feel free to holler if I can help. I'm kind of....OK, I'm seriously an electronics fanatic.

Any brand names for a surround sound system you would like to recommend? And any features that are must haves?

The smart TV's are basically internet capable, so they should have a few years.

With Surround Sound, just stay with the major brands and you should be OK. You pretty much get what you pay for. The entry level systems are garbage; go at least with a mid-priced system. I prefer to build a system with components, but if you aren't as tech savvy you might consider one of the "systems in a box". Wireless rear speakers are popular right now, but hardwired ones are better if you have the means of running wires. That's one of the reasons I like a house with a basement.

Do you have a Sam's membership? They have a couple of systems that are pretty decent,

No, we go to costco. Here is a link to their surround sound systems:
http://www.costco.com/Common/Search.aspx?whse=BC&topnav=&search=surround%20sound%20system&N=0&Ntt=surround%20sound%20system&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-US

Not sure how much you're wanting to pay. I like this one pretty well.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11683658&search=surround+sound+system&Mo=20&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-US&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Sp=S&N=5000043&whse=BC&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=Text_Search&Dr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ne=4000000&D=surround+sound+system&Ntt=surround+sound+system&No=17&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1

But you'd have to add your own Blu Ray player.

A few notes on the TV. Be sure to get 1080p and 120 hz.

Kattie unless you are planning on a home theater that is a bit much.

Blasphemy!

LOL. My husband does have a pioneer set up, separate everything, and it cost a ton, but I can't tell a difference between that and the Samsung or Sony ones that run hundreds less with very similar specs. Unless I was building a home theater I would not go with that system. (and I unfortunately do not have a home theater, just a couple of geeks that had to have a dang million components to mess with, yes, I know you understand GD. LOL)

 

[Guard Dad]

Wow! Great replies! This won't be a black friday deal but hopefully in the next couple of weeks. I want to have it in time for the rose parade. :

He is looking at the led tv 1080p probably around a 40". Also good to know about the sound systems, we were talking about doing that too.

Anymore replies are welcome!

Feel free to holler if I can help. I'm kind of....OK, I'm seriously an electronics fanatic.

Any brand names for a surround sound system you would like to recommend? And any features that are must haves?

The smart TV's are basically internet capable, so they should have a few years.

With Surround Sound, just stay with the major brands and you should be OK. You pretty much get what you pay for. The entry level systems are garbage; go at least with a mid-priced system. I prefer to build a system with components, but if you aren't as tech savvy you might consider one of the "systems in a box". Wireless rear speakers are popular right now, but hardwired ones are better if you have the means of running wires. That's one of the reasons I like a house with a basement.

Do you have a Sam's membership? They have a couple of systems that are pretty decent,

No, we go to costco. Here is a link to their surround sound systems:
http://www.costco.com/Common/Search.aspx?whse=BC&topnav=&search=surround%20sound%20system&N=0&Ntt=surround%20sound%20system&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-US

Not sure how much you're wanting to pay. I like this one pretty well.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11683658&search=surround+sound+system&Mo=20&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-US&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Sp=S&N=5000043&whse=BC&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=Text_Search&Dr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ne=4000000&D=surround+sound+system&Ntt=surround+sound+system&No=17&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1

But you'd have to add your own Blu Ray player.

A few notes on the TV. Be sure to get 1080p and 120 hz.

Kattie unless you are planning on a home theater that is a bit much.

Blasphemy!

LOL. My husband does have a pioneer set up, separate everything, and it cost a ton, but I can't tell a difference between that and the Samsung or Sony ones that run hundreds less with very similar specs. Unless I was building a home theater I would not go with that system. (and I unfortunately do not have a home theater, just a couple of geeks that had to have a dang million components to mess with, yes, I know you understand GD. LOL)

It just depends on what is important to you. I have 3-4 thousand invested in my surround sound system; but I realize that not everyone places the importance on audio equipment that I do.

The one I posted a link to is just a good mid-priced system. Go too much cheaper and you start getting into junk.

 

[Kattie E]

Thanks ever so much Guard Dad for taking a look at those and for your suggestion. Thank you Shoe Diva for your input. Both very helpful and we will be considering the info.