96 replies to this topic

[Brad]

As always, we have several dedicated threads for the hotter items each Black Friday. Please try to keep all discussion related to these items in their official threads. Other threads posted will likely be merged into this main thread.

[Pnambic]

Come on, Luck be a Lady. Daddy want a 50" (+) Panasonic Plasma for under $500!!!

[Mursilis]

Come on, Luck be a Lady.

Daddy want a 50" (+) Panasonic Plasma for under $500!!!

You and me both! Well, I'd like LED, but a cheap-but-decent 50"+ HDTV is definitely on my target list. You could get your Panny for under $500, since 50" Panasonics are down to $599 already at Costco. 720p though, but still, they look pretty good!

[Pnambic]

You and me both! Well, I'd like LED, but a cheap-but-decent 50"+ HDTV is definitely on my target list. You could get your Panny for under $500, since 50" Panasonics are down to $599 already at Costco. 720p though, but still, they look pretty good!

Don't get me started on the 1080p stuff...

720p is just fine by me. Its certainly not worth paying extra for a format where the human eye can't tell the difference in most living rooms/family rooms in the nation, let alone the fact that pretty much nothing is broadcast in true 1080p...

[Mursilis]

Don't get me started on the 1080p stuff...

720p is just fine by me. Its certainly not worth paying extra for a format where the human eye can't tell the difference in most living rooms/family rooms in the nation, let alone the fact that pretty much nothing is broadcast in true 1080p...

I've read that starting at 50"+, you can start to see the difference between 720 and 1080 but they both look essentially the same to me at 50" when I see them on display, so I'd probably be happy with 720 as well. We currently have a 720 42" Panasonic plasma in the living room, and it looks fantastic.

Over Labor Day weekend, HH Gregg had a LG 50" plasma for $499, so keep your eye out - you may find a similar deal between now and Black Friday, and not have to wait in the BF lines! Good luck!

[mcwalker]

On the 720 versus 1080 question, I agree that people too often discount 720 for the higher resolution 1080, even though 1080 may not benefit them given their TV size and viewing distance. In fact, I have the cable box connected to my 1080p 40" LCD set to output only 720p because the TV "hickups" each time you change from a 720 input to a 1080 input while surfing channels. But my Blu-ray player is still set to output at 1080p. That said, the general advice is that 1080 may be beneficial for 40 inch TVs and larger (and certainly from the 50" range and up) as long as you are viewing at a distance that is optimal for your screen size. Also note that all Blu-ray disks are 1080i or p and that if you plan to use the TV also as a monitor for a computer or for surfing the web, then there is a definite advantage to 1080, which is actually lower resolution than your computer monitor.

[123abc]

Target had one on sale for $499 on clearance. Wouldn't hurt to go check and see. Also, as PP said, keep an eye on pre BF sales. We got a 46" Panasonic 1080 for $499. HHGregg had a deal with a blue ray player additiona for $99.

[Pnambic]

This is a GREAT article on what the human eye is capable of discerning and from what distance regarding the different HDTV resolutions. You can use the charts or enter your own info in the little boxes further down for suggestions on what would work best in your specific environment.

My setup will have the 50" plasma mounted above the fireplace approximately 11 feet from where my head is when I'm sitting on the couch. 1080p would make no discernible difference in my setup. So I'll happily keep that extra couple hundred dollars in my bank account. (Actually, I'm sure I'll spend it on something else, but I'll do it happily no doubt.)

Here's the chart:

[len_mullen]

Thanks for the chart Pnambic, but data tends not to influence this discussion. The good news for frugal shoppers is that 1080p hype has driven down the cost of amazing TVs. My 720p pn50a450 still blows me away, LCDs still disappoint, and 3D is still a gimmick. This year, like last, the sweet spot for big TVs is a 720p 50" plasma. Samsung, Panasonic, and Sony currently make the best plasmas, but Sony is commands premium price. You cannot go wront with Panasonic or Samsung.

[scrapwave]

Ok, I am in the market for a new TV......but don't really know the difference between plasma and LCD? is one really better than the other? is it just personal opinion? I am looking for probably between 37-42". (My max. viewing distance in my living room is about 16 feet with the furniture being closer to 11-12 feet from the TV). I was looking at 1080p LCD's but see from here now that at those distances a 720p looks the same? I'm not into the high tech stuff...just want a good tv that has a good picture. Probably not going to wait for BF sales as I'd like to replace my old tv pretty quickly. Just looking for good quality at the cheapest price. Thanks for this tread...it's been helpful!

[Pnambic]

Traditionally, Plasma's have offered better blacks and arguably better whites as well, which means richer color in general. LCD's are generally lighter in weight and use less energy. Early on, Plasma's had significantly faster refresh rates, which meant less blurring on fast moving scenes (especially evident when watching sports like soccer and hockey), and they still do, but LCD's have mostly gotten fast enough that the human eye won't be able to tell the difference. Again, these are generalizations and there are exceptions to any rule. I have had a 42 inch Panasonic Plasma for almost 5 years now - I love it. We moved into a new house about 18 mo ago with a MUCH larger master suite and I'm going to move it there and replace it in the living room with a 50 inch sometime between now and Black Friday.

Personally, I think Panasonic makes the best Plasma's out there right now (since Pioneer stopped making the Kuro's) and definitely the best Plasma's for the money. Plus, they gave me some really incredible service when the TV needed service 6mo after buying it. They went WAY above and beyond.

With your setup, I think you're right in that you don't need to waste your money on 1080p.

I think the entry model 42" Panasonic right now is the TC-P42X3 and it looks like the going rate is about $500.
Amazon has it for $501 w/ free shipping right now.
Best Buy has it for $499 plus tax and no shipping if you pick it up in store.

The key to ANY HDTV purchase is going to be in the calibration though. Get a calibration disk like the one reviewed here. Not only will it help you set your TV up properly, it will also educate you on why you're doing what you're doing. It's supposed to be superb.

Edited by Pnambic, Oct 10, 2011 - 10:27 am.

[scrapwave]

thanks for responding. I have been looking at a Vizio 42" 1080p refresh:60hz contrast:100,000:1. It's at Walmart for $478. Here's my question though...my current Dish sattelite receiver is the DVR 625 model which has a display resolution of 480i. Is that going to look blurry on a screen that large if I set it to widescreen? My receiver doesn't have HDMI connection...just AV connection.

[scrapwave]

It's LCD though..not plasma

[Pnambic]

Well, if you're not going to have a high def signal, there's no reason to have a high def TV. Aside from that, 60hz is where some people were complaining about blurred motion. Plasma's are at 600hz I think. Most decent LCD's have 120 - 240hz refresh rates. Also, don't even worry about contrast ratio's. It's not a standardized measurement. What that means is a Vizio contrast ratio of 100,000:1 might be the same as a Toshiba 10,000:1. Check with Dish. They may set you up with a free HD receiver if you sign up for HD service - I think its $10/mo for them, right?

[scrapwave]

Thanks for all your help! I am going to check on upgrading my receiver (I always just purchase my receivers, I don't lease from Dish--I have no contract Dish). I will check on that and I may just wait and see what the BF ads bring...TVs are on sale every year...so they are sure to be this year also.

[Mursilis]

Aside from that, 60hz is where some people were complaining about blurred motion. Plasma's are at 600hz I think. Most decent LCD's have 120 - 240hz refresh rates.

So what are your thoughts on the 120 vs. 240hz debate in LCDs/LEDs? I'm looking at possibly upgrading to 55", and do plan on watching lots of sports and action movies. Of course the sales people in stores are saying there's going to be motion stutter at 120hz, but I'd expect them to say that.

[Pnambic]

I believe the general consensus is that with regular 2D material, 120Hz is plenty good. But with 3D material, you need 240Hz or better.

[thaslick1]

http://gadgetbox.msn...dictions-are-in


This year continues to be slow for TV sales. Not only do economic conditions remain sour, but the roll-out of 3-D technology has been poor — lacking necessary programming — and so-called "smart TVs" have been marketed confusingly, or in some cases not demonstrated at all. This has led to high inventory levels. The holiday season is the last chance for retailers and set makers to improve their fiscal year.

HD Guru consulted industry contacts, surveyed the best current deals and analyzed pricing trends to come up with our Black Friday price predictions. Come Nov. 25, the biggest shopping day of the year, these are the costs of models — grouped by size, features and brand reputation — that you're likely to see.

If you're thinking about buy a TV anytime soon, consult this list first, so you don't unwittingly pay too much.

This year all sizes are affected. The glut of sets has already produced the lowest prices of the year and we know the holidays will mean "loss-leader" models that stores can offer in outstanding deals. In fact, the areas where we'll see the greatest price drops are in the category of TVs measuring 55 inches and above.

That segment is more competitive than ever, with more new models from brands you probably never heard of (what we're calling "no name"). The no-name models exert downward price pressure from the market leaders. Add in the competitively priced Vizio’s recent drop in market position, along with their own leftover 2010 models, and you have a perfect recipe for crazy closeouts.

As in recent years, the online e-tailers will be leading the charge with the hottest deals and will follow Black Friday TV deals with Cyber Monday specials.

For those of you considering a Vizio or a no-name TV, please read our disposable TV article, where we make the case for purchasing an extended warranty.

Now, on to our predictions:

Smallest LCDs

32-in. 720p no name LCD - $169
32-in. 720p brand name LCD - $249

Mid-size LCD and plasma

40-in. 720p no name LCD - $288
42-in. 720p brand name Plasma - $399
42-in. 720p brand name 3-D Plasma - $529
40-in. 1080p no name LCD - $339
40-in. 1080p brand name 3-D LED LCD - $689

46-in. to 47-in. 1080p no name LCD $399
46-in. to 47-in. 1080p brand name LCD - $499
46-in. to 47-in. 1080p brand name LED LCD - $599

50-in. 720p brand name plasma $539
50-in. 1080p brand name plasma $639

Large LCD and plasma

55-in. 1080p no name LCD - $639
55-in. 1080p brand name 3-D LCD - $799

60-in. 1080p brand name LED LCD - $1099
60-in. 1080p brand name plasma - $999
60-in. 1080p brand name 3-D plasma - $1099

70-in. 1080p brand name LED LCD - $2399

[len_mullen]

thanks for responding. I have been looking at a Vizio 42" 1080p refresh:60hz contrast:100,000:1. It's at Walmart for $478. Here's my question though...my current Dish sattelite receiver is the DVR 625 model which has a display resolution of 480i. Is that going to look blurry on a screen that large if I set it to widescreen? My receiver doesn't have HDMI connection...just AV connection.

I think that signal is going to look bad on most HD sets. They are the wrong shape and would have to scale the picture. If you are not willing to upgrade the box, wait to get the new set. If you REALLY want HD and cannot afford HD Satellite, consider OTA. It's free once you install an antenna and run cables and such.

[jmecherul]

Target had one on sale for $499 on clearance. Wouldn't hurt to go check and see. Also, as PP said, keep an eye on pre BF sales. We got a 46" Panasonic 1080 for $499. HHGregg had a deal with a blue ray player additiona for $99.

the target one dropped to $299 today. scored one in NE ohio brand new in box

[nirvana4all]

Last year got the 46" APEX target 1080p television for something like $499 on BF, they should be cheaper this year.... I am probably not getting another new TV until the 3D without glasses comes out at reasonable price...wonder what year that will be.

[Pnambic]

Looks like BJ's Black Friday ad has a 51 inch Samsung Plasma PN51D440 (I'm guessing on the model but its the only one on their website that fits the description and regular price) for $499.

Its the Sam's club/BJ's version of the PN51D450 which generally means it has all the same specs, except maybe one less HDMI port or something.
It was getting good reviews from AVS forums earlier this year. It's definitely on my short list.

Edited by Pnambic, Oct 25, 2011 - 1:36 pm.

[mrn8]

Just for reference on price, I picked 2 TV's last year on BF. 32" LG LCD 1080p - $329.99 55" LG Plasma 720p - $649.99

[SweetCanela]

Just for reference on price, I picked 2 TV's last year on BF.

32" LG LCD 1080p - $329.99
55" LG Plasma 720p - $649.99

Where at?

[mrn8]

Both on Newegg. For brand-name units, I couldn't find anything better locally, however, I would anticipate that you could this year.

[mrn8]

So, after reading through the comments on 720p vs 1080p, I'm thinking that for a 32-37" screen, there would really be no difference in viewing at a max distance of 18'. Can someone who knows TVs confirm or deny this? I'm looking to purchase an LED TV for the living room and it'll probably be 37", if I find the right TV and right deal this BF season. After standing in a few stores, I'm thinking 720 vs 1080 on those sizes doesn't make much difference, if any, but size and distance in a Wal-Mart or Best Buy is really deceptive when compared to my living room. I'm also leaning towards Sony or Samsung display, with LG and Vizio as runner ups, if the price is too good to pass up.

[diecastbeatdown]

So, after reading through the comments on 720p vs 1080p, I'm thinking that for a 32-37" screen, there would really be no difference in viewing at a max distance of 18'. Can someone who knows TVs confirm or deny this?

I'm looking to purchase an LED TV for the living room and it'll probably be 37", if I find the right TV and right deal this BF season. After standing in a few stores, I'm thinking 720 vs 1080 on those sizes doesn't make much difference, if any, but size and distance in a Wal-Mart or Best Buy is really deceptive when compared to my living room. I'm also leaning towards Sony or Samsung display, with LG and Vizio as runner ups, if the price is too good to pass up.

Correct, you'd want to go 720p on a 32-37 class model.

[Pnambic]

Yeah, according to the chart, you'd need to be closer than about 6 ft to be able to see any difference between 720p and 1080p on a 37 inch screen. The distance would be about 5 ft for a 32 inch screen.

[Pnambic]

Come on, Luck be a Lady.

Daddy wants a 50" (+) Panasonic Plasma for under $500!!!

Getting closer...
Target has the Panasonic TC-P502C online for $549 right now.

[stationchief]

Just to let everyone know, the 'Portable 7" LCD TV with DVD Player' in CVS Pharmacy's ad does come with an analog antenna. But remember, since over air stations went all digital a few years back it won't pick up anything at all. Unless ya enjoy the 'Snow' channel . Basically it's just a portable DVD player. And from the reviews I've read it's not a great one at that, either .