Flat Screen

[easy rider]

I am looking to buy a new TV. What is the best 50" and larger?

[d]

Best is relative. What is your price range.

[thoughtless]

I've got to agree with 'd'.

We have Sony's, and I really can't think of anything I don't like about them.

However, in this day an age, quality seems to be model specific. Before I buy anything like this, I read reviews at amazon.com, on a specific model that seems like a good choice.

The last TV I bought was about a year ago. I had gone to a retail store, and when I asked the salesman if he had any more information on a model of interest, he told me I would have to go online. I did so, but bought the TV online instead and saved a couple hundred bucks.

[d]

Generally the Sharp Aquos and Sony Bravia are considered among the best in overall picture quality. They are also among the most expensive.

Do you want 60Hz, 120Hz, or 240Hz or Plasma?

The price on a 50 inch class TV can range from $500 or 60Hz LCD to over $3000 for 240Hz LED with 3D.

So here are some general things you should consider. Above 50" you probably want 120Hz. You are not so big that you have to have 240Hz but you probably don't want 60Hz in an LCD. If you go below 50" say down to 42 or 46" then 60Hz might be serviceable.

Do you want 3D? Me personally I am not in love with 3D. I've only seen one movie that really blew me away with the 3D and that was Avatar in an IMAX theater. On a TV screen it is not the same experience.

There are still Plasma TV's out there and because the technology is getting eclipsed they are very reasonable price wise. If you don't mind 720P high def (which is actually equal to 1080I) I've seen new 50" plasma TV's as low as $499. This is a phenomenal price for a very good TV (the one I'm talking about was a LG).

So it all depends on what you want to spend. Come up with a budget and I will be happy to give you some examples of the best of what you can get in that price range.

[easy rider]

Generally the Sharp Aquos and Sony Bravia are considered among the best in overall picture quality. They are also among the most expensive.

Do you want 60Hz, 120Hz, or 240Hz or Plasma?

The price on a 50 inch class TV can range from $500 or 60Hz LCD to over $3000 for 240Hz LED with 3D.

So here are some general things you should consider. Above 50" you probably want 120Hz. You are not so big that you have to have 240Hz but you probably don't want 60Hz in an LCD. If you go below 50" say down to 42 or 46" then 60Hz might be serviceable.

Do you want 3D? Me personally I am not in love with 3D. I've only seen one movie that really blew me away with the 3D and that was Avatar in an IMAX theater. On a TV screen it is not the same experience.

There are still Plasma TV's out there and because the technology is getting eclipsed they are very reasonable price wise. If you don't mind 720P high def (which is actually equal to 1080I) I've seen new 50" plasma TV's as low as $499. This is a phenomenal price for a very good TV (the one I'm talking about was a LG).

So it all depends on what you want to spend. Come up with a budget and I will be happy to give you some examples of the best of what you can get in that price range.

I was strongly considering the Sharp 80" until I looked at the Sharp 70" for $2000 less. For the price difference the 70" was by far a better value. What say you. I am prepared to spend up to $5000 if justified.
Thanks for your help....I am electronically challeged.

[d]

I was strongly considering the Sharp 80" until I looked at the Sharp 70" for $2000 less. For the price difference the 70" was by far a better value. What say you. I am prepared to spend up to $5000 if justified.
Thanks for your help....I am electronically challeged.

How far away will you be sitting from the television? The distance is critical if you wish to truly view the images in what your eyes will perceive as high definition.

For example , with a 70 inch TV the farthest distance at which someone with 20/20 vision will perceive 1080i is 9.2 feet. The recommended viewing distance for a THX experience with that size television is 7.5 feet but anything between 7.5 feet to 14 feet will look good. The SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers) max distance is 9.5 feet.

With an 80 inch screen

1080 = 10.5 feet max
THX = 8.9 recommended and 12.6 feet max
SMPTE max distance = 10.8 feet.

Basically, you will notice that the sweet spot for the 70" TV is between 7.5 feet and 9 feet. For an 80" set it is 9 feet to 10.5 feet.

Of course none of this matters if you don't have a really good high definition signal. You will want to purchase whatever the best product offered by your cable or satellite provider is.

Bottom line IMHO, if you don't absolutely need the extra foot or so of distance that you will gain by going with an 80 inch TV then I would go 70 inch. The eyes can resolve a 720P high definition image out to 20 feet on a 70 inch TV so the distance, while critical, may not be worth $2000.

With the 2 grand you save on the price of the TV you can pick up a good surround sound and have the TV and sound installed professionally.

Trust me on this, 70 Sharp TV + Mid Quality 5.1 (or 7.1 if you go all out) surround sound = Incredible viewing experience.

Here are a couple links on the information above.

http://myhometheater.homestead.com/view ... lator.html

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-rtzHUipX0i ... ement.html

Once you get it all hooked up find a copy of the 2005 movie Sahara and watch the opening sequence of the movie as the CSS Texas escapes. I love the surround sound in that portion of that movie. It makes a great test of your system.

[d]

For the record, the largest Sony Bravia is 65 inches and costs more than the 70" sharp.

[easy rider]

I was strongly considering the Sharp 80" until I looked at the Sharp 70" for $2000 less. For the price difference the 70" was by far a better value. What say you. I am prepared to spend up to $5000 if justified.
Thanks for your help....I am electronically challeged.

How far away will you be sitting from the television? The distance is critical if you wish to truly view the images in what your eyes will perceive as high definition.

For example , with a 70 inch TV the farthest distance at which someone with 20/20 vision will perceive 1080i is 9.2 feet. The recommended viewing distance for a THX experience with that size television is 7.5 feet but anything between 7.5 feet to 14 feet will look good. The SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers) max distance is 9.5 feet.

With an 80 inch screen

1080 = 10.5 feet max
THX = 8.9 recommended and 12.6 feet max
SMPTE max distance = 10.8 feet.

Basically, you will notice that the sweet spot for the 70" TV is between 7.5 feet and 9 feet. For an 80" set it is 9 feet to 10.5 feet.

Of course none of this matters if you don't have a really good high definition signal. You will want to purchase whatever the best product offered by your cable or satellite provider is.

Bottom line IMHO, if you don't absolutely need the extra foot or so of distance that you will gain by going with an 80 inch TV then I would go 70 inch. The eyes can resolve a 720P high definition image out to 20 feet on a 70 inch TV so the distance, while critical, may not be worth $2000.

With the 2 grand you save on the price of the TV you can pick up a good surround sound and have the TV and sound installed professionally.

Trust me on this, 70 Sharp TV + Mid Quality 5.1 (or 7.1 if you go all out) surround sound = Incredible viewing experience.

Here are a couple links on the information above.

http://myhometheater.homestead.com/view ... lator.html

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-rtzHUipX0i ... ement.html

Once you get it all hooked up find a copy of the 2005 movie Sahara and watch the opening sequence of the movie as the CSS Texas escapes. I love the surround sound in that portion of that movie. It makes a great test of your system.

Viewing distance is 15 -18ft and AT&T is network provider. You have been great help. I appreciate your input very much. The only remote I can operate with any confidence is the garage door openner.

[d]

At 15 to 18 feet you might want to consider the 80 or an even bigger projection system. I would go to best buy or hhgregg and have a look at them in person.

That is at the upper range for the eyes to be able to resolve 720p resolution on a 70 inch screen. I guess it all depends on on if you are looking for theater quality or just very good home quality viewing experience .

[WilmyWood8455]

I'm biased, since I've had them exclusively for 30 years now, but I'd have a tough time getting anything but a Sony. I've never had one fail in any way.

[d]

I'm biased, since I've had them exclusively for 30 years now, but I'd have a tough time getting anything but a Sony. I've never had one fail in any way.

Sony builds a great product but he max out at 65 inches.

[easy rider]

I'm biased, since I've had them exclusively for 30 years now, but I'd have a tough time getting anything but a Sony. I've never had one fail in any way.

Sony builds a great product but he max out at 65 inches.

At one time Sony was #1 by far. There have been some brands exceed their quality Samsung being one.

[easy rider]

At 15 to 18 feet you might want to consider the 80 or an even bigger projection system. I would go to best buy or hhgregg and have a look at them in person.

That is at the upper range for the eyes to be able to resolve 720p resolution on a 70 inch screen. I guess it all depends on on if you are looking for theater quality or just very good home quality viewing experience .

I am a college football nut and watch a lot of movies. As long as I can enjoy this type viewing I am happy

[WilmyWood8455]

I'm biased, since I've had them exclusively for 30 years now, but I'd have a tough time getting anything but a Sony. I've never had one fail in any way.

Sony builds a great product but he max out at 65 inches.

At one time Sony was #1 by far. There have been some brands exceed their quality Samsung being one.

I'm sure, but I'm talking about longevity, not initial picture quality. For that, they can't be beat, IMO.

[d]

At 15 to 18 feet you might want to consider the 80 or an even bigger projection system. I would go to best buy or hhgregg and have a look at them in person.

That is at the upper range for the eyes to be able to resolve 720p resolution on a 70 inch screen. I guess it all depends on on if you are looking for theater quality or just very good home quality viewing experience .

I am a college football nut and watch a lot of movies. As long as I can enjoy this type viewing I am happy

I guess the question is what are you viewing these things on now? I have stuck with only the best of the best and only flat screens in my suggestions. If you don't need to hang the TV on a wall or in a mounting arm of some sort then you could go DLP and save some money. In addition DLP is generally better than LCD technology for sports but the newest LCD's like the Sharp you are looking at are considered equal to the DLP in response times.

An 82" DLP can be had for around $1800 and a 92" DLP is available for around $3000.

http://www.compusa.com/applications/Sea ... CatId=1830

http://www.compusa.com/applications/Sea ... CatId=1830

My Big TV is a DLP 73", I have several smaller (50" class) LCD type TV's.

The upside to DLP is the responsiveness of the screen and lower cost. Downside is you can't hang it on the wall and every 3 years or so you will have to buy a $100 lamp. I replaced my lamp myself, it is not that big a deal.

Still, there is no doubt that the Sharp 70 and 80" TV's are among the very best out there and either would be a very solid choice. I just figured I would toss out the DLP option because if you are buying a really big screen it can save you some money if you don't need to hang it on a wall.

[easy rider]

At 15 to 18 feet you might want to consider the 80 or an even bigger projection system. I would go to best buy or hhgregg and have a look at them in person.

That is at the upper range for the eyes to be able to resolve 720p resolution on a 70 inch screen. I guess it all depends on on if you are looking for theater quality or just very good home quality viewing experience .

I am a college football nut and watch a lot of movies. As long as I can enjoy this type viewing I am happy

I guess the question is what are you viewing these things on now? I have stuck with only the best of the best and only flat screens in my suggestions. If you don't need to hang the TV on a wall or in a mounting arm of some sort then you could go DLP and save some money. In addition DLP is generally better than LCD technology for sports but the newest LCD's like the Sharp you are looking at are considered equal to the DLP in response times.

An 82" DLP can be had for around $1800 and a 92" DLP is available for around $3000.

http://www.compusa.com/applications/Sea ... CatId=1830

http://www.compusa.com/applications/Sea ... CatId=1830

My Big TV is a DLP 73", I have several smaller (50" class) LCD type TV's.

The upside to DLP is the responsiveness of the screen and lower cost. Downside is you can't hang it on the wall and every 3 years or so you will have to buy a $100 lamp. I replaced my lamp myself, it is not that big a deal.

Still, there is no doubt that the Sharp 70 and 80" TV's are among the very best out there and either would be a very solid choice. I just figured I would toss out the DLP option because if you are buying a really big screen it can save you some money if you don't need to hang it on a wall.

Due to your help I have decided on a 70"Sharp wall mount. Thanks I am currntly watching a 46" mitsabitsy in a smaller room

[d]

At 15 to 18 feet you might want to consider the 80 or an even bigger projection system. I would go to best buy or hhgregg and have a look at them in person.

That is at the upper range for the eyes to be able to resolve 720p resolution on a 70 inch screen. I guess it all depends on on if you are looking for theater quality or just very good home quality viewing experience .

I am a college football nut and watch a lot of movies. As long as I can enjoy this type viewing I am happy

I guess the question is what are you viewing these things on now? I have stuck with only the best of the best and only flat screens in my suggestions. If you don't need to hang the TV on a wall or in a mounting arm of some sort then you could go DLP and save some money. In addition DLP is generally better than LCD technology for sports but the newest LCD's like the Sharp you are looking at are considered equal to the DLP in response times.

An 82" DLP can be had for around $1800 and a 92" DLP is available for around $3000.

http://www.compusa.com/applications/Sea ... CatId=1830

http://www.compusa.com/applications/Sea ... CatId=1830

My Big TV is a DLP 73", I have several smaller (50" class) LCD type TV's.

The upside to DLP is the responsiveness of the screen and lower cost. Downside is you can't hang it on the wall and every 3 years or so you will have to buy a $100 lamp. I replaced my lamp myself, it is not that big a deal.

Still, there is no doubt that the Sharp 70 and 80" TV's are among the very best out there and either would be a very solid choice. I just figured I would toss out the DLP option because if you are buying a really big screen it can save you some money if you don't need to hang it on a wall.

Due to your help I have decided on a 70"Sharp wall mount. Thanks I am currntly watching a 46" mitsabitsy in a smaller room

I was at HHGregg last night ordering a bed. I went over to the TV section and I must say, you are getting a very nice set. I like the picture on the Sharp better than on my 73" and while technically mine is 3" bigger than the 70", the sharp product seemed clearer.

You do have one big problem though...

Now you have to wait a month and a half until you can watch live college football in high definition glory.

[easy rider]

At 15 to 18 feet you might want to consider the 80 or an even bigger projection system. I would go to best buy or hhgregg and have a look at them in person.

That is at the upper range for the eyes to be able to resolve 720p resolution on a 70 inch screen. I guess it all depends on on if you are looking for theater quality or just very good home quality viewing experience .

I am a college football nut and watch a lot of movies. As long as I can enjoy this type viewing I am happy

I guess the question is what are you viewing these things on now? I have stuck with only the best of the best and only flat screens in my suggestions. If you don't need to hang the TV on a wall or in a mounting arm of some sort then you could go DLP and save some money. In addition DLP is generally better than LCD technology for sports but the newest LCD's like the Sharp you are looking at are considered equal to the DLP in response times.

An 82" DLP can be had for around $1800 and a 92" DLP is available for around $3000.

http://www.compusa.com/applications/Sea ... CatId=1830

http://www.compusa.com/applications/Sea ... CatId=1830

My Big TV is a DLP 73", I have several smaller (50" class) LCD type TV's.

The upside to DLP is the responsiveness of the screen and lower cost. Downside is you can't hang it on the wall and every 3 years or so you will have to buy a $100 lamp. I replaced my lamp myself, it is not that big a deal.

Still, there is no doubt that the Sharp 70 and 80" TV's are among the very best out there and either would be a very solid choice. I just figured I would toss out the DLP option because if you are buying a really big screen it can save you some money if you don't need to hang it on a wall.

Due to your help I have decided on a 70"Sharp wall mount. Thanks I am currntly watching a 46" mitsabitsy in a smaller room

I was at HHGregg last night ordering a bed. I went over to the TV section and I must say, you are getting a very nice set. I like the picture on the Sharp better than on my 73" and while technically mine is 3" bigger than the 70", the sharp product seemed clearer.

You do have one big problem though...

Now you have to wait a month and a half until you can watch live college football in high definition glory.

My current TV is HD just not as big. Just something else to look forward to. We sold our home and are now living in a over priced 750 sq ft Condo. Going from 3000 sq ft to 750 is an adjustment within its self, but this too will pass

[juice]

You should go with a "picture frame" wall mount for your TV. It gets the TV as close to the wall as possible with no visible bracket & is the easiest type of wall mount to install (imo)



Also DLP tv sets take up lots of room and make a picture that looks soft (not to mention most DLP have or develop "hot spots" which have a negative impact on picture quality

[easy rider]

You should go with a "picture frame" wall mount for your TV. It gets the TV as close to the wall as possible with no visible bracket & is the easiest type of wall mount to install (imo)



Also DLP tv sets take up lots of room and make a picture that looks soft (not to mention most DLP have or develop "hot spots" which have a negative impact on picture quality

Never heard of a "picture frame" wall mount. Who sells them?

[juice]

You should go with a "picture frame" wall mount for your TV. It gets the TV as close to the wall as possible with no visible bracket & is the easiest type of wall mount to install (imo)



Also DLP tv sets take up lots of room and make a picture that looks soft (not to mention most DLP have or develop "hot spots" which have a negative impact on picture quality

Never heard of a "picture frame" wall mount. Who sells them?

Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004VST27 ... 941&sr=8-2

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/s/ref=is_r_ ... 20lcd%20tv

[easy rider]

You should go with a "picture frame" wall mount for your TV. It gets the TV as close to the wall as possible with no visible bracket & is the easiest type of wall mount to install (imo)



Also DLP tv sets take up lots of room and make a picture that looks soft (not to mention most DLP have or develop "hot spots" which have a negative impact on picture quality

Never heard of a "picture frame" wall mount. Who sells them?

Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004VST27 ... 941&sr=8-2

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/s/ref=is_r_ ... 20lcd%20tv

Thanks

[juice]

No problem

[samhouston]

look into Smart tv's

Sammy