TV Advice

[Midnite8]

Hey guys, I am looking for a TV around 37-40 inches. This will serve as a regular TV and a TV for my main rig to watch things on XBMC. I do not plan to game on this nor do I watch much sports or anything so I don't need anything higher than 60hz. My budget is around 300-400.

I have been looking and have found these, any input/recommendations?
Samsung UN39FH5000

LG 42LN5300

Seiki SE39UY04

VIZIO E390i-A1

 

[Midnite8]

bump

 

[Church]

Wait for next seiki's with HDMI2 & DP1.3 supposedly out in Q1 2015.

 

[Lateralus]

I've heard really good things about the LN5300 when used as a monitor...don't know anything about the others, sorry. The LG or Sammy would likely be my pick if you don't care about the Seiki's 4K capabilities (which it doesn't sound like you'll use anyway, but it's coming).

 

[Enilder]

I'd probably go with either Seiki or VIZIO.

 

[Armenius]

I bought the Samsung UN40FH6030 a few months ago, and I am quite happy with it for viewing TV and movie content. It uses an S-PVA panel with great contrast and black levels, with no panel lottery involved. Only complaint is that it has higher than average input lag, so it is not as suitable for gaming. It's a true 120 Hz panel, so it handles 24 Hz content with no issues. This TV is listed for $850, but is usually being sold for around $400. I bought mine for $389.99.

The LG you linked is a great TV, but there is a panel lottery involved when ordering online. If you can get it at a B&M store you can look for the specific product code (BUSY) to ensure you're getting the best panel. Uses an S-IPS panel, so has great colours but poor blacks. In my opinion, black levels are more important to me with TV/movie content than colour reproduction.

The Seiki is a cheap panel, so you should read some of the threads here to know what you're getting with this TV.

Out of all the televisions you listed, though, I would go with the LG and try my best to get one with the BUSY code.

 

[Midnite8]

Thank you guys for the advice.

@Armenius, I see that it is available at Best Buy, so when I ask them for it, should I ask the representative to get me one that says BUSY?

 

[Armenius]

Thank you guys for the advice.

@Armenius, I see that it is available at Best Buy, so when I ask them for it, should I ask the representative to get me one that says BUSY?

Yes, just ask the sales person to look for the code in their stock. Depending on the store they might give you a hard time about it, though...

The exact code is 42LN5300-UB.BUSYLJR

 

[Midnite8]

Does the 39 inch model have the BUSY product code as well?

 

[Armenius]

Does the 39 inch model have the BUSY product code as well?

The 39" version only uses the MVA panel IIRC. The 42" is with the BUSY code is S-IPS (the 'Y' in the code signifying the type of panel it is). All others use the MVA panel in the 39". By all accounts the MVA panel in these isn't bad, but it is using an older type of VA technology. Most people prefer the S-IPS panel to the MVA, though.

Just checked Best Buy's site and the 42" is $319.99 there right now (cheaper than Amazon, even after tax if purchasing in person). Best Buy will price match their own website if it's on the shelf at a higher price.

There is a discussion thread on these TVs with a lot of info in the [H]ot Deals section here.

 

[Midnite8]

Best buy stores near me aren't in stock, I see Target has it. Will go and check it out

 

[SixFootDuo]

can't go wrong with the LG 42" LN especially if your lucky to get the s-ips panel.

Movies, games, web all look incredible.

Super thin bezel, people think you have an actual monitor and you do as it performs just as good and looks even better

 

[Midnite8]

Went to 3 Targets and found the last one they had and got the IPS one woo