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Looking for a 40" HDTV

X

X85A

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Apr 25, 2006
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Hello all, this is my first post here so be nice :p I just graduated from college and my parents are giving me a HDTV as a graduation gift. My budget is around $1,200 and any more than that will come out of my pocket.

I've always liked Samsung and they come highly recommended from my friends and brother-in-laws so I got my eye on these B-series:

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-LN40B...?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1243703288&sr=1-20

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-LN40B...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1243714656&sr=1-1

The only major difference I can see between the two: contrast ratio (100,000 vs 70,000), 120HZ refresh rate vs 60 HZ (unless the B550 has 120HZ as well?), and the internet connectivity of the B650 (widgits, firmware updates, etc). The price for the B650 is ~$500 more than the B550.

I plan to use the HDTV for watching sports (mainly basketball with some football), movies, gaming (XBox 360), and as a computer monitor every once in a while.

Basically, which TV would you recommend? Is 120HZ / extra contrast / widgets really worth the extra 500 dollars?

I also don't want to restrict myself to just Samsungs, so if you can recommend a better HDTV for a similar price, feel free to share. :)
 
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120hz is useless for the "good" stuff, like PC/xbox/movies so it wouldnt be my reason to take the 6series. The biggest difference that you have not mentioned is that the 6 series has an Ultra clear panel whereas the 5series has a Clear panel. What this means, is basically that the 5series is matte to semi-glossy, and the 6series is as glossy as it gets. To my eyes this gives the 6series a much more appealing picture, but this is a matter of taste (and lighting on your room, because if you got any lights heading to the TV then glossy is a no-go). Go to a store and check them out to see which screen surface you like the most...

PS: Also, if this year's B models use the same strategy as last year's A ones, then the 6series has a latest crop SPVA samsung panel (as good as it gets) and the 5series has a cheaper AU Optronics sourced MVA panel (stil not bad but not the best).
 
While I agree that 120hz is useless for PC/Xbox, I disagree that it is useless for movies. If you get a 120hz HDTV and have a source that is capable of sending a 24fps signal (like a bluray player, for example) you get choice 5:5 pulldown (120hz / 24fps = 5 perfect frames) versus say 3:2 pulldown (60hz / 24 = 5/2, so is sent 3 frames 2 frames 3 frames 2frames, etc). It makes for a smoother picture.

Some people can't tell the difference, some people are bothered by the stuttering of 60hz TVs, so it completely depends. Is it worth $500? Probably depends if you're one of the latter people.

Also, definitely try and look at the TVs in person (and adjust the sets so their not scorching) as specs tend to be deceptive when it comes to picture quality.
 
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Thanks for the quick replies!

I did further research and reading (on this and AVS forum) and I started researching plasmas and found one that I liked:

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-VIERA-TC-P42G10-42-Inch-Plasma/dp/B001UAEWSU

Your thoughts?

The key thing for me is I need a versatile display -- I am living at home for the time being and my room has two windows on the right and one behind me that could be opposing the TV; but will be moving out within the year to my own apartment so lighting / room size won't be consistent. I do want to wall-mount my TV so weight and thinness would be a factor.

Right now, I am leaning toward the plasma because I am still unsure about 120HZ technology and how it helps in sports but kills the look of movies/tv shows (unless I have a blueray player, which I don't), while the plasma should have no motion blur at all while offering better PQ (theoretically), all while being nearly $400 cheaper than the B650.
 
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You're pretty much doing the exact same thing I did about a week ago...started looking at displays, liked the LN40B550/650, then saw the G10...

Gotta say I'm leaning towards the G10, even though I'll be using it a decent amount as a computer monitor. After doing a ton of reading, I found out the Samsung has a decent bit of input lag, even in 'game' mode. Here's why I like the G10:

  • MUCH better colors
  • No/little input lag
  • better viewing angles
  • Motion
  • very similar power comsumption to LCD (new for plasmas)
  • better for movies

Now obviously the problem with plasmas is Image Retention/Burn In. I personally don't think this will be a problem (maybe others can give some input here). From what I've read/experienced, burn has substantially improved since the early days of plasma to where it's not much of an issue (as long as you're careful). Most burn in occurs during the first 100-150 hours of the plasmas life, so give it a good break-in before displaying many static images. I also would not keep a static image (your desktop) up for extended periods of time. As long as you're changing windows, moving around, etc, I think you'll be fine (and you might want to autohide the taskbar).

I found this thread VERY helpful. Long read, but at least skim it.
 
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