Discussion Forums > Technology

Need new HDTV under 500$, any recommendations?

(1/4) > >>

WIRLYWIRLY:
My Vizio 50 inch plasma just suddenly went to shit, and im too lazy/uneducated enough to try and fix it... In case its an easy fix, ill tell you guys whats wrong with it...I heard a loud spark noise (like a firework) coming from Top left corner of TV, then image started going black, and now it wont even show black [No Signal] screen -.- It turns on, but the screen looks as if its off (not even a black background)... thinking it needs a new bulb... don't know model BTW

P.S
Found this TV on Walmart (I hate Walmart too, but its cheap as hell here)

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sceptre-42-X425BV-FHD/16878627

Thinking of giving it a go...heard only thing that sucks about it is Audio, but i got a home theater...

This looks good too...

http://www.walmart.com/ip/RCA-46-46LA45RQ/15685177?findingMethod=rr

Anyone else recommend a good HDTV tv under 500$? :3 (Preferably 1080p, but will settle with 720p...and decent size for both...MUST HAVE AT LEAST 1 HDMI INPUT... VGA would be nice, but not required)

halfelite:
The pop of death does sound can be any easy fix as replacing a bunch of caps or up to needing a new x and y board which will run you like 400$  but before you throw the tv put it on craiglists or ebay people will buy it

FlyinPenguin:
Don't buy a Vizio again or any bargain brand set if you want it to last. I'd look into some of the more reputable companies such as Toshiba, Sony, Samsung, etc even if you will be getting one of their low end models.

Are you looking for a LCD or plasma? You mentioned wanting a VGA so I'm assuming you will be looking this up to a PC? I'd go with LCD then. LED is coming down is price but I would stick with LCD to get the most bang for your buck.

The best advice I can give you is to use the filtering system on Wal-Mart's website to find one within your price and that meets your requirements. Then go onto CNET and Google professional reviews. Don't just go off the customer reviews as most people don't even know what they are talking about and don't have an eye for quality. I just did a quick search on Best Buy and there are several TVs under $500 that are worth looking into. Compare them all and decide what features and visual quality you are willing to sacrifice. It's a somewhat time consuming process so I can't really help you out too much especially since I don't know your exact criteria and what is most important to you in a TV.

Just curious, can you live without a HDTV for awhile? The best time of year to buy a TV is around Black Friday and the holidays. That would allow your money to go even farther and save up some extra green to throw at it as well. Right now, it looks like there are some decent sets for under $500 but nothing from a reputable company that offers 120HZ.

Wal-Mart really doesn't have that much. What about Best-Buy or Amazon?

The only sets I noticed on Wal-Mart's site within your price range that I would look into are:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Toshiba-40-40FT2U/17201554
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Philips-40-40PFL3706-F7/16874083
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Philips-40-40PFL7705D-F7B/20565700

The last one may really be worth looking into. Not only is it 120HZ but it is $100 under your budget. Unfortunately, it is refurbished. I'm not sure if I personally would buy a refurbished TV but it is certainly something for you to consider especially since it is going for almost $1,200 on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Philips-40PFL7705D-F7-40-Inch-1080p/dp/B003ICXD0G Actually, the cheapest I see it for online is $734.80 from some random places online. It could potentially be the best bang for your buck.

You really need to read some professional reviews on these sets though. I've just provided you with a few sets that may be worth investigating.

GoGeTa006:
I would recommend Vizio LCD/LEDs, I used to sell them at Sears and they are underrated,
cheaper brands that still have good quality are:

Sharp
Panasonic
Toshiba

for under 500 tho, you will only get 40" at the most (LCD)

if you get another plasma I would highly advice for Panasonic (they are top-of-the-notch Plasma)
why Panasonic?
well from what I've read and (workshops) and stuff, most of the "new" things for plasmas (pixel shifting among them) was developed by panasonic, since most other brands switched over to LCD/LED they buried plasmas on a graveyard but panasonic took it back
Plasmas have a higher color range, they have better contrast ratio, they have real (full electromagnetic) light (not polarized like LCD/LED)
however Plasmas get hotter and use more energy (Im sure you should know this already but just setting grounds)

now compared to Samsung Plasmas, Panasonics consume a little less energy, and IIRC they usually have pretty sweet deals
 

Freedom Kira:
One interesting tidbit of info I heard from a guy working at Future Shop when I was talking to him was that Sony actually gets its screens from Sharp. Either that or they get their screens from the same manufacturer.

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page